We are a group of concerned residents from Quincy, MA, committed to holding our local government accountable and ensuring transparency by leveraging the power of our votes.
We started with repealing the mayor's and city councillors' raises. We will continue as Quincy's watchdog. Our local government affects our lives everyday, whether it be our streets and sidewalks or our ever-increasing property taxes. Our activism must continue.
Good Morning!
The snow really has melted. Whatever we get now will be short-lived. Even better, the snowdrops are up and ready to blossom. Spring is on the way.
And—there will be another City Council meeting with a packed agenda (full agenda link at the end of this message).
There will also be a March 18th neighborhood workshop at 6:30 PM at Central Middle School about the future of the Eastern Nazarene College campus. It would be wonderful to incorporate this beautiful campus into community space. Unfortunately, Quincy’s fiscal reality may make that difficult. We can’t even afford to buy our firefighters safe gear without taking out a $2.6 million loan, and the city is already carrying about $1.6 billion in debt with very little in reserve funds.
The March 16th City Council meeting will be at City Hall on the 2nd floor.
6:00 PM — Public Hearings Six hearings concern granting locations for Mass Electric and Verizon utilities on: Coddington St., Sea St., Independence Ave., Taylor St., Willard St., and Sagamore St., These are usually perfunctory approvals, but residents may speak if they have concerns or questions.
6:30 PM — Ordinance Committee. The City Solicitor (James Timmins, Esq) has been asked to answer questions regarding deferring the Mayor’s and City Councillors’ raises enacted by the previous City Council in 2024.
7:00 PM — Finance Committee. City Councillors will discuss information regarding new firefighter turnout gear (aka. Personal Protective Equipment – PPE). A large number of guests have reportedly been invited, so we should get some real answers.
Questions residents may want to raise:
Have the turnout gear materials been tested for PFAS and BFR by an accredited laboratory? What are the results?
Have the materials been fully tested to ensure firefighters are protected from heat, toxic combustion chemicals, water, and other hazards?
Is buying two sets of gear right now prudent, considering safer materials may be available in the near future?We all want our first responders properly protected from the hazards they face.
7:30 PM — City Council Meeting.
Residents Open Forum / Public Comment. New rules governing these forums were approved at the last City Council meeting. The new Rule 24 establishing Public Comment can be found at:. https://www.quincyma.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council/city_council_rules/council_procedure.php#collapse6240b0
Many thanks to our City Council for letting our voices be heard.
2026-047 — Ordinance Synthetic Drugs / Kratom. Kratom is an herbal extract from a Southeast Asian evergreen tree that can produce stimulant effects at low doses and opioid-like effects at higher doses. Synthetic cannabinoids (often called synthetic marijuana) are laboratory-created substances that may be 10–100 times more potent than natural cannabis, with unpredictable and sometimes severe health effects.
The ordinance proposes a ban, penalties, enforcement provisions, and seizure authority.
2026-048 — Resolve Requesting a Comprehensive Financial and Debt Overview Prior to FY27 Budget Deliberations. City Councillors are requesting detailed information about the financial condition of Quincy before the FY27 budget process begins.
This is an important step.
Our city currently carries about $1.6 billion in debt, our bond rating has been lowered, debt repayment is our second-largest expense, and reserve funds have been drained. We have bought real estate high and sold low, funds have been stolen from both the Retirement Fund and the Elder Services Department, and deals have been made with developers to pay lower property taxes. New debt for a DPW garage ($4.4 million) and for renovating Della Chiesa ($5 million) are now being considered.
At this point, we can’t even purchase firefighter gear without borrowing money.
Residents should watch, listen, and learn. We need to stop the bleeding.
2026-049 — Resolution Urging the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to Withdraw or Revise the Interim Final Rule on the Impact of Medication in Evaluating Disability Ratings. The Department of Veterans Affairs has proposed a rule that may reduce disability benefits for veterans who are complying with prescribed medical treatment.
Our veterans deserve better. Any reduction of benefits under these circumstances is unacceptable.
Other Items
Acceptance of gifts from ECO Mueller
Acceptance of gifts from State Street BankWhat You Can Do
1. Watch or attend the meeting.
Pay particular attention to the Finance Committee discussion on firefighter gear and the fiscal overview resolution. You can watch live on Channels 9 or 1072.
2. Contact your City Councillor.
Ask questions about debt levels, reserve funds, and the safety of firefighter turnout gear materials.
3. Stay engaged as budget season approaches.
The FY27 budgetd hearings begin in a few months, and the decisions made now will shape that process.
March 16, 2026 Agenda: https://www.quincyma.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council/council_agendas___minutes/city_council.php#docaccess-698f5c084ab43516019fc4f4c521cda11b
We have another full agenda for the next City Council meeting on Monday, 2/23, starting at starting with public hearings at 6:00 PM and committee and council meetings starting at 6:30PM. There are six public hearings granting various locations for utilities; these are usually perfunctory. There are also two Committee meetings where the following items will be discussed and likely voted on:
Rules Committee Meeting
2026-008 – Order Amending Council Rules – Establishing Public Participation Procedures for City Council Meetings
Ordinance Committee Meeting
2026-009 – Ordinance – Amending Municipal Code, Chapter 66, Article III (City Auditor) – Strengthening the Power of the Auditor
Some Comments on the Committee Meetings
Formalizing rules concerning public input helps to ensure that public input is protected — not only during this new City Council’s tenure, but into the future as well.
With Budget hearings right around the corner (usually in May), having input from our City Auditor will help with the review of the FY2027 budget and should improve overall decision-making.
The Council meeting opens with a public forum. It is well worth reviewing the agenda carefully to see if you have questions or comments.
City Council Meeting Agenda Highlights
Some Comments on the City Council Agenda
We hope to hear what lessons were learned during this year’s snow operations.
Good financial management is front and center at this meeting. The appropriation requests are significant. Given the amounts involved, it would be reassuring to know that proper procurement and competitive bidding processes are being followed. Protecting our firefighters and maintaining our historic assets are worth every penny — but protecting taxpayer dollars is equally important.
Quincy Housing has had its ups and downs over the years. Let’s listen carefully to the qualifications and experience of each of the nominees.
The money from the American Rescue Plan (aka Covid) is also taxpayer money. The acquisition of the Munroe Building does not appear to clearly fall within the primary ARPA categories — public health response, economic aid, infrastructure (water/sewer/broadband), or premium pay for essential workers. If expenditures fall outside approved federal categories, could the federal government require repayment? Transparency in ARPA spending is essential, so residents understand how these funds were allocated and whether they comply with federal guidelines.
WeVoters
Important Links:
2/23/2026 Agenda and Calendar
The ordinances being discussed on the 23rd were actually given in the February 2nd Agenda:
Come One! Come All!
Our City Councillors will be introducing nine (9) ordinances, orders and resolves that address-fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability -specifically:
· Safeguarding Transparency, Public Access to Information, and Democratic Participation in City Council Proceedings-Ordinance
· Establishing Fiscal Safeguards, Reserve Protections, and Financial Transparency-Ordinance
· Establishing Public Participation Procedures for City Council Meetings-Order
· Amending Municipal Code-Chapter 66 Article III City Auditor Strengthening the Powers of the Auditor-Ordinance
· Repeal of Mayors Raise-Order
· Repeal of Council’s Raise-Order
· Repeal Annual Raises for Elected Officials-Order
· Order to have City Solicitor Answer Questions Regarding Raise Deferments
· Resolve-Adoption M.G.L. Chapter 59 Section 5C Establishing Residential Property Tax Exemption
You may be wondering—what is the differences among ordinances, resolves, and orders. Below is what we believe it is, but it is worth calling or emailing your City Councillors for any further explanation of the differences.
Ordinance=Codified Law, Has the force of law. The typical process usually includes: introduction, referral to committee, public hearing, committee review, council vote, mayoral action, codification
Order=Action. This is a binding directive or authorizes a specific action. Has a legal effect. The typical process includes: introduction, sometimes a committee referral and action, council vote, mayoral action, execution.
Resolve/Resolution=Statement. Expresses policy position, intent, or opinion. Non-binding with no legal force. The typical process includes: introduction, optional committee referral, council vote, no mayoral approval required, transmission.
Come to the meeting—it represents a brand new City Council.
WeVoters
Agenda available at the link below:
The Quincy City Hall in the Great Hall was packed and for the first time that we have seen--it evolved to standing room only. Nine City Councillors swore to uphold the Constitution and perform all the duties of a City Councillor.
Seven of 9 city councillors were new! Five of the 9 are women-a first in Quincy. (Some may remember how it was remarkable when even a single woman was elected to the council.) Abigail Adams would be dancing in the streets with all the joyous Quincy people.
News Articles: https://www.patriotledger.com/picture-gallery/news/politics/2026/01/06/quincy-ma-new-city-council-photos/88046021007/
Hello WeVoters:
Hello to all WeVoters out there in Quincy Land. The weather is getting nicer by the day and more sun will be along the way. We are approaching June very quickly so enjoy the summer!
A few items of interest along the way: Borrowing more money
On June 2, 2025 Monday there will be a council meeting starting at 6:30 PM. At that time, they will be approving 8,250,000 appropriated for the following purposes: Public Building Department improvements, Department of Natural Resources improvements and equipment, Fire Department vehicles and equipment, Police Department vehicles and equipment, Education department vehicles, and associated costs thereunto. To meet this appropriation the Treasurer-Collector, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to borrow this amount under G.L. c. 44 s
Possible Approval of Budget for 2026 on Monday Night
We are looking for Quincy activists to attend the meeting. The more people that show up the better. The Council may be approving the budget for 2026 along with the above matter. If you are interested in going let us know.
Now for the latest news in Quincy
We are providing an overview and update from the Patriot Ledger on some very troubling issues in the city regarding the Clasby Affair and the Public Safety Building Bronze Statues Lawsuit.
See you Monday!
Three of the Founders campaigned for Ward 3 City Councillor, Ward 4 City Councillor, and City Councillor at large. They walked the talk and spent 6 months campaigning (a truly exhausting effort). Two of the three won and, most definitely our message about fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability was heard loud and clear.
We have another full agenda for the next City Council meeting on Monday, 2/23, starting at starting with public hearings at 6:00 PM and committee and council meetings starting at 6:30PM. There are six public hearings granting various locations for utilities; these are usually perfunctory. There are also two Committee meetings where the following items will be discussed and likely voted on:
Rules Committee Meeting
2026-008 – Order Amending Council Rules – Establishing Public Participation Procedures for City Council Meetings
Ordinance Committee Meeting
2026-009 – Ordinance – Amending Municipal Code, Chapter 66, Article III (City Auditor) – Strengthening the Power of the Auditor
Some Comments on the Committee Meetings
Formalizing rules concerning public input helps to ensure that public input is protected — not only during this new City Council’s tenure, but into the future as well.
With Budget hearings right around the corner (usually in May), having input from our City Auditor will help with the review of the FY2027 budget and should improve overall decision-making.
The Council meeting opens with a public forum. It is well worth reviewing the agenda carefully to see if you have questions or comments.
City Council Meeting Agenda Highlights
Some Comments on the City Council Agenda
We hope to hear what lessons were learned during this year’s snow operations.
Good financial management is front and center at this meeting. The appropriation requests are significant. Given the amounts involved, it would be reassuring to know that proper procurement and competitive bidding processes are being followed. Protecting our firefighters and maintaining our historic assets are worth every penny — but protecting taxpayer dollars is equally important.
Quincy Housing has had its ups and downs over the years. Let’s listen carefully to the qualifications and experience of each of the nominees.
The money from the American Rescue Plan (aka Covid) is also taxpayer money. The acquisition of the Munroe Building does not appear to clearly fall within the primary ARPA categories — public health response, economic aid, infrastructure (water/sewer/broadband), or premium pay for essential workers. If expenditures fall outside approved federal categories, could the federal government require repayment? Transparency in ARPA spending is essential, so residents understand how these funds were allocated and whether they comply with federal guidelines.
WeVoters
Important Links:
2/23/2026 Agenda and Calendar
The ordinances being discussed on the 23rd were actually given in the February 2nd Agenda:
Come One! Come All!
Our City Councillors will be introducing nine (9) ordinances, orders and resolves that address-fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability -specifically:
· Safeguarding Transparency, Public Access to Information, and Democratic Participation in City Council Proceedings-Ordinance
· Establishing Fiscal Safeguards, Reserve Protections, and Financial Transparency-Ordinance
· Establishing Public Participation Procedures for City Council Meetings-Order
· Amending Municipal Code-Chapter 66 Article III City Auditor Strengthening the Powers of the Auditor-Ordinance
· Repeal of Mayors Raise-Order
· Repeal of Council’s Raise-Order
· Repeal Annual Raises for Elected Officials-Order
· Order to have City Solicitor Answer Questions Regarding Raise Deferments
· Resolve-Adoption M.G.L. Chapter 59 Section 5C Establishing Residential Property Tax Exemption
You may be wondering—what is the differences among ordinances, resolves, and orders. Below is what we believe it is, but it is worth calling or emailing your City Councillors for any further explanation of the differences.
Ordinance=Codified Law, Has the force of law. The typical process usually includes: introduction, referral to committee, public hearing, committee review, council vote, mayoral action, codification
Order=Action. This is a binding directive or authorizes a specific action. Has a legal effect. The typical process includes: introduction, sometimes a committee referral and action, council vote, mayoral action, execution.
Resolve/Resolution=Statement. Expresses policy position, intent, or opinion. Non-binding with no legal force. The typical process includes: introduction, optional committee referral, council vote, no mayoral approval required, transmission.
Come to the meeting—it represents a brand new City Council.
WeVoters
Agenda available at the link below:
The Quincy City Hall in the Great Hall was packed and for the first time that we have seen--it evolved to standing room only. Nine City Councillors swore to uphold the Constitution and perform all the duties of a City Councillor.
Seven of 9 city councillors were new! Five of the 9 are women-a first in Quincy. (Some may remember how it was remarkable when even a single woman was elected to the council.) Abigail Adams would be dancing in the streets with all the joyous Quincy people.
News Articles: https://www.patriotledger.com/picture-gallery/news/politics/2026/01/06/quincy-ma-new-city-council-photos/88046021007/
Hello WeVoters:
Hello to all WeVoters out there in Quincy Land. The weather is getting nicer by the day and more sun will be along the way. We are approaching June very quickly so enjoy the summer!
A few items of interest along the way: Borrowing more money
On June 2, 2025 Monday there will be a council meeting starting at 6:30 PM. At that time, they will be approving 8,250,000 appropriated for the following purposes: Public Building Department improvements, Department of Natural Resources improvements and equipment, Fire Department vehicles and equipment, Police Department vehicles and equipment, Education department vehicles, and associated costs thereunto. To meet this appropriation the Treasurer-Collector, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to borrow this amount under G.L. c. 44 s
Possible Approval of Budget for 2026 on Monday Night
We are looking for Quincy activists to attend the meeting. The more people that show up the better. The Council may be approving the budget for 2026 along with the above matter. If you are interested in going let us know.
Now for the latest news in Quincy
We are providing an overview and update from the Patriot Ledger on some very troubling issues in the city regarding the Clasby Affair and the Public Safety Building Bronze Statues Lawsuit.
See you Monday!
Three of the Founders campaigned for Ward 3 City Councillor, Ward 4 City Councillor, and City Councillor at large. They walked the talk and spent 6 months campaigning (a truly exhausting effort). Two of the three won and, most definitely our message about fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability was heard loud and clear.
Patriot Ledger 1/6/2026
Learn where your money is going
Dear All,
Next Monday, May 12, there will be a budget hearing on the proposed 2026 city budget at 6:30 PM in the Great Hall of City Hall.
Quarry Hills Citizen Associates is organizing a rally at 5:30 PM, just before the hearing. Please see the attached flyer for details.
Also attached is the proposed 2026 budget for your review.
See you Monday!
Kathy Thrun, Virginia Ryan and Ziqiang "Susan" Yuan
Dear All,
The city of Quincy has grown in leaps and bounds for quite a few years now. This expansion has brought new developments, necessary roadwork, increased infrastructure across the entire city. But with any household, you plan and budget to ensure not spending beyond your means. This is not the case with the city of Quincy. We, Quincy taxpayers, are in a bad situation because of unchecked spending. The financial health of our city is declining. Quincy is in debt, serious debt, which has huge property tax and rent implications. Quincy has an enormous amount of debt (over a billion dollars) and undisciplined politicians, who do not know how to say no to another statue or a copper and slate roof or even a 79% raise.
The Mayor is presenting the city budget to the City Council at 7:05 PM, Monday, May 5th. It is important to listen and to delve as deep as possible into the budget. Our politicians don’t seem to have the will to question the mayor----so we need to at least have a presence at this meeting to let them know we are watching and we are listening. And this year---the city councillors are facing an election. https://cms7files1.revize.com/quincyma2024/Agendas%20&%20Minutes/City%20Council/City%20Council/Agendas/Council_2025_05_05.pdf Vote on November 4, 2025 for change!!!!
The Patriot Ledger reviewed the unprecedented level of debt in Quincy. We are second only to Boston in all of Massachusetts. https://www.patriotledger.com/ At least in Boston, you can go to the theater, listen to the symphony, or take a ride in a Swan boat. We have great restaurants in Quincy---but what else is there?
See you Monday at the city council meeting!
Over the past two months, WeVoters asked Quincy residents a simple question:
“What do you want to see from Quincy?”
We heard from 186 residents across all six wards. Respondents closely reflected Quincy’s demographics and were overwhelmingly registered voters who actively participate in local elections.
Most people like living in Quincy and want to stay—but many are increasingly concerned about the direction of city government. Residents want a city that listens, communicates clearly, and makes decisions transparently.
Residents consistently identified the following as their most pressing concerns:
Residents said the city services that affect them most are:
Yet when asked what should improve, people prioritized how decisions are made over service delivery—underscoring the demand for better governance.
People want timely, accessible information—especially about:
Preferred ways to receive information:
Notably, the city website and text alerts ranked very low, suggesting current communication tools are not meeting residents’ needs.
Quincy residents are not disengaged. They are informed, motivated, and eager to participate—but they want:
WeVoters will use these results to:
If you want to be part of this effort, we invite you to get involved.
Quincy--so where is your money going? Bad enough that the headquarters is costing us $175 million ($320 million with interest). The building already has an overly expensive copper roof. Now we have two 10-foot statues going up in front of the building. The statues cost $850,000 (and will likely go over a million with site preparation). Is this the right use of taxpayer money? Is the separation of church and state dead? This is a diverse city--bringing in what appears to be religious symbolism is not appropriate.
What next? We have a mayoral 79% raise and a federal indictment of the head of the Elder Services department for stealing from the elderly. We are over a billion dollars in debt. So, what will your property taxes be? Higher, much higher….. And once again, only one City Councilor has stood up, Dan Minton - retired from the Quincy Police Department.
Please consider signing the petition (prepared by Claire Fitzmaurice) demanding that Mayor Koch withdraw the artist's commission for the new statues in front of the Public Safety Headquarters on Sea Street. Thank you. https://chng.it/JWp8BvDTzn
There will be a public hearing on the tax rate at 6:45 PM. Do you want your voice heard about your property taxes and your costs of renting???? Let City Councillors know what you think. We pay for Quincy acquiring property and losing property taxes, e.g. Acapulco, DCR property. We pay for leasing property without benefits for the city’s citizens, e.g. Granite Links golf course.
City Council Meeting Agenda 12/2/2024
City Council Meeting and Public Hearing Recording 12/2/2024
Come to stop another bad deal for Quincy, namely the 50 year lease extension for the Granite Links Golf Course.
· December 3rd, Community Meeting conducted by QHA and Councillor Campbell. (5:30pm, Granite Links Golf Club 100 Quarry Hills Drive)
Community Meeting Recording 12/3/2024
· December 9th,Public Hearing through Ordinance Committee (6:35 PM in in the Great Hall at Historic City Hall 1305 Hancock Street) (Potential deliberation and vote out of Committee)
Ordinance Committee and Public Hearing Recording 12/9/2024
· December 16th, City Council Meeting, (Potential Final Vote)
City Council Meeting Recording 12/16/2024
The Quincy City Council is meeting on Monday, 11/18. During that meeting they have included two items that have negative consequences for Quincy-costly, unwanted land grabs. One item is to provide a 99 year lease for the Quarry Hills Golf Course to one of the mayor’s favored developers. The golf course is public land, but Quincy has seen little to no benefit from private management. The other is to purchase the Acapulco Restaurant to build another park. Yet again, loss of a taxpayer and a park and a golf course that we will pay for.
Please come with signs!
City Council Meeting Agenda 11/18/24
Join us this Council meeting! Stay informed with what the City Councilors are deciding on next for Quincy.
City Council Meeting Agenda 11/12/24
Halloween Gathering! We’ll be dressing up ourselves and our pets, carrying signs to celebrate our first victory—the mayor’s and city councilors’ massive raises being deferred until after the next election. We’ll also be demanding accountability and transparency from our local government. During the event, we’ll do a short parade around the plaza area and then return to the plaza to give out prizes. We will have prizes for best costumes (humans and pets). And the grand prize will go to Best Sign!
Hosted by WeVoters
Check out the event pictures in the Blog.
Since we weren’t allowed to bring signs into the City Council chamber at both the 9/9 and 9/16 meetings, we’ve decided to wear our messages instead! Join us by wearing a white T-shirt and/or a white mask with your message written on it.
Come to City Hall Plaza at 5:30 PM to write your own signs on the provided white T-shirts and masks using markers (we’ll supply everything). Afterward, we’ll march into the City Council chambers together. The length of our sit-in will depend on the meeting agenda.
Hosted by WeVoters
Check out the event report and pictures in the Blog.
Tomorrow, 9/16, the city council will meet—but they’re still not discussing the raises issue. This is the last meeting in September, and the next one isn’t until October 7th. We don’t want to wait that long to take action, so here’s the plan for tomorrow. It’s super short notice, but we’re ready to act!
Please bring your beach or folding chairs and your signs to City Hall Plaza tomorrow, 9/16, at 6 p.m. We’ll sit in a circle in the middle of the plaza, hold our signs, and discuss strategies and next steps. We’re combining a protest and a meeting—two birds, one stone! Afterward, we’ll go inside to hold signs in the council chambers. If this format works well, we’ll plan another sit-in/sit-out protest on October 15th, again with a meeting. City Hall Plaza is our meeting space, with fresh air and open skies! And the City Hall council chambers is where we’ll continue to make our stand.
Please join us for our first sit-in/sit-out protest tomorrow! If you can’t bring a chair, we’ll have extra. Most importantly, bring your signs! If needed, you can make your signs there, just like at last week’s rally on 9/9—we’ll have supplies.
Hosted by WeVoters
Recap of the 9/9 Rally and 9/16 Sit-In
See the result of our actions in our Letter Submitted to the Quincy Sun