About a year ago, the Boston business community was beginning to think about who might be the next mayor. They never really landed on one candidate, and even then-candidate Marty Walsh would acknowledge he had a long way to go with the pro-business crowd at that point.
Last week, Mayor Walsh addressed the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce for the first time since his election. He seized the opportunity and came across as informed and committed to a climate in which business can thrive. He let them know he wants to make it easier to do business here. Most agree that he nailed it at pretty much every level.
But one moment seemed to stand out. A business leader brought up the issue of youth violence in the neighborhoods. Walsh paused, then talked about how difficult it was to get a phone call so early in his term about a 9-year old being shot. He talked about his strategies to address the problem. Then something happened. He shifted gears, turned the question around and talked directly to those business leaders in very plain terms. He told them that he needs and expects their help. It was spot-on. There was a silence in the room and it was one of complete concurrence.
Walsh said he needs summer jobs for kids. Companies have a role in cutting violence and it’s a critical one. The city’s business community has the power to decrease how much idle time young people have on their hands at that time of year when violent crime usually spikes. City Hall wants the business community’s help in getting kids off the street this summer. Walsh is so serious about it, he’s been locking himself in a room with a phone to his ear, making personal pitches to executives.
If you grew up in a low- or moderate-income neighborhood, you know how important a summer job is. During high school and college growing up in East Boston, we spent every summer cleaning up beaches, emptying barrels or serving the elderly lunches. It kept us busy and taught us about the real world of work. It gave us a sense of responsibility. It gave us a sense of worth. Walsh wants that for more Boston kids. And he’s absolutely right — the byproduct will be less crime.
Boston’s business community now knows it has a friend in Walsh. But it’s a two-way street. He’ll help them, but he’ll also be calling them to step up with summer jobs. And you can’t find a fairer deal than that. For the business community. And the city of Boston.