Election roundup: Wu calls for rent stabilization, more affordable-housing construction; Essaibi George calls for better Madison Park

Michelle Wu today unwrapped her housing agenda, which focuses on making Boston more affordable for the middle class, and which includes a return of rent stabilization, a commitment to use $200 million of incoming federal relief aid on affordable-housing construction and eliminating parking requirements for new all affordable buildings. She would also use municipal funds for mortgage support and savings matching to help people who are not in the market for a condo at One Dalton.

Annissa Essaibi George writes it's time to make Madison Park High School, the city's only vocational school, shine, and says she would do that in part through "strong partnerships with employers across the city" to create internships and co-ops for Madison Park students.

At-large Councilor Michael Flaherty, who unlike Wu and Essaibi George was content to simply run for re-election, reports endorsements from several unions: The Boston Teachers Union, Boston Firefighters Local 718, Teamsters Local 25, SEIU NAGE, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589, Boston Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 534 and Boston Ironworkers Local 7.

Flaherty, who usually has a spring fundraising event, couldn't have one in person because of Covid-19, but he's sick of Zoom, so he's asking people to send him money for "an Event to be Named Later." Send him money now and when he finally does get a date, you'll be invited.

The Massachusetts Nurses Association has endorsed Julia Mejia, also running for re-election as an at-large councilor (she's hoping to win her seat by more than one vote this time). "Councilor Mejia’s commitment to supporting nurses, healthcare professionals and their patients has been evident during her first term. From co-sponsoring a resolution in support of the nurses at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital to her vote in favor of a resolution calling on state leaders to act on occupational presumption for frontline workers," the union says.

The union is also backing Erin Murphy, who is also running for one of the four at-large seats. "Erin has stood with nurses and healthcare professionals on picket lines and throughout the COVID-19 crisis," the union says. "Now nurses and healthcare professionals are ready to stand with her as she works to improve the health and well-being of Boston residents."

Another at-large candidate, Alex Gray, reports he was endorsed by former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jay Gonzalez and former Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, both of whom worked with Gray in the Patrick administration. Gonzalez is now a JP resident, although Murray is from Worcester.