Description: Profile of Robert Spillane, superintendent of Boston Public Schools as he prepares to leave Boston for a post in Virginia. Vaillancourt reports on Spillane's accomplishments in improving the Boston Public School System and cutting the school budget deficit. Interview with Spillane where he compliments the teaching staff in the Boston Public Schools and talks about his opinion of Arthur Garrity. He says that Garrity's stewardship of the school system was a disaster. Interview with Peter McCormick, the President of the Bank of New England, about Spillane's good relationship with the business community. Vaillancourt speculates about whether Spillane will one day pursue a career in politics.
1:00:21: Visual: Footage of Robert Spillane (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) speaking to an audience. Spillane says that the quality of every school must be improved in order for school desegregation to be considered a success. Meg Vaillancourt reports that Spillane took over as Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools four years ago; that Boston was undergoing school desegregation. V: Shot of a young African American boy watching an anti-busing march. White protesters chant, "Here we go, Southie." Shot of a police officer pushing an angry white man against a car. Vaillancourt reports that the quality of education was very low. Vaillancourt notes that school officials admitted that more than one-third of the graduates from Boston Public Schools could not read. V: Shots of students descending an elevator at English High School. Shot of an African American male student reading at a his desk; of two white male students sitting together in a classroom; of students in a classroom. Shots of a group of students sitting together in a study hall; of a teacher in the study hall. Vaillancourt reports that there were six superintendents during the first seven years of school desegregation in Boston. Vaillancourt reports that Spillane was committed to changing the schools in Boston. V: Shot of Spillane seating himself as he prepares to speak to an audience. The audience applauds. Vaillancourt reports that Spillane instituted the first changes to the school curriculum in fifteen years; that promotion standards were established; that students' test scores began to improve. V: Shot of two elementary school students seated in front of computers. A teacher looks over the shoulder of one of the students. Vaillancourt reports that Spillane shares credit for success with his staff. V: Footage of Spillane being interviewed. Spillane says that there is an excellent teaching staff in the Boston Public Schools. Spillane says that the rising levels of student achievement reflect the dedication of the teaching staff. Spillane says that he provided help and direction. Spillane says that he challenged the teachers by publishing the test scores of each school. Shots of Spillane in his office. Vaillancourt reports that Spillane is known as the "velvet hammer." V: Shot of a hammer with a velvet grip on display in Spillane's office. Vaillancourt reports that Spillane is credited with pushing Arthur Garrity (federal judge) aside; that Spillane allowed the Boston School Department to take charge of the schools once again. Vaillancourt notes that Garrity is slowly handing over his control of the Boston Public Schools. V: Shot of Garrity at a community meeting in January of 1976. Vaillancourt reports that Spillane has few kind words for Garrity. V: Footage of Spillane being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Spillane says that Garrity was a "disaster"; that Garrity was not a good manager of the schools. Spillane says that Garrity did what was necessary to desegregate the schools; that Garrity tried to manage the schools as well. Spillane says that a federal judge has no qualifications to manage a school system. Vaillancourt reports that Spillane considers his ability to manage the school system as his strength. Vaillancourt reports that the school budget had tripled in the decade before Spillane's arrival. Vaillancourt reports that Spillane cut the school deficit from $30 million to $3 million within one year. Vaillancourt notes that Spillane got Boston businesses involved in the schools; that Boston businesses have given over $5 million in additional funds to the schools. Vaillancourt adds that the Boston Public Schools have the largest private endowment in the nation. V: Footage of a woman introducing Spillane to an audience. Spillane rises from his seat, shakes the woman's hand and prepares to address the audience. The audience applauds. Shots of audience members. Footage of Spillane receiving an award in front of an audience. Footage of Peter McCormick (President, Bank of New England) being interviewed. McCormick says that Spillane is highly respected by the business community. McCormick says that Spillane understands the problems of the business community; that Spillane has been willing to be flexible. McCormick says that the business community responded in kind to Spillane. Vaillancourt reports that Spillane is leaving Boston for Virginia; that Spillane will make an additional $30,000 per year in his new job. Vaillancourt reports that Spillane made $70,000 per year in Boston; that his salary is considered low. V: Footage of Spillane talking with a small group of people. Spillane shakes hands with an Asian American woman. Footage of Spillane being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Spillane says that superintendents are like athletes in that they have a short span of time in which to perform well and make money. Spillane says that there is a good market for superintendents. Vaillancourt reports that some are speculating that Spillane is looking for a political appointment in Washington DC. in the future. Vaillancourt notes that Spillane is a former Deputy Commissioner of Education in New York. V: Shot of Spillane socializing with a group of people at a gathering. Footage of Spillane being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Spillane says that public service is a great opportunity; that he loves public service. Spillane says that he may enter politics in the future; that he might like to be a city councillor or school committee member someday.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 06/28/1985
Description: Gail Harris and Meg Vaillancourt host a Ten O'Clock News broadcast. Harris reads the headlines. Eileen Jones reports that Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) has announced to the Boston School Committee that $1.2 million must be cut from the school budget. Jones notes that school administrators and staff will be affected by the cuts. Jones adds that the Boston School Committee has voted in favor of appointing a school official to oversee negotiations with the school bus drivers' union, with the goal of signing a contract before the beginning of school. Jones' report includes footage of Jim Barrett (President, Bus Drivers Union) and footage of Wilson and school committee members at a school committee meeting. Harris reports that Grace Romero (Boston School Committee) has been indicted for violating state election laws. The report includes footage of Romero speaking to the media. Vaillancourt reports on opposition by the Boston Police Detectives Union to a decision by Francis "Mickey" Roache (Commissioner, Boston Police Department) to reassign thirty detectives to street patrol duty. Vaillancourt's report includes footage from interviews with Michael Muse (attorney, Boston Police Detectives Union) and Dan Mahoney (President, Boston Police Detectives Union). James Robbins reports that the Reverend Allan Boesak (South African anti-apartheid leader) was detained by South African security forces after giving a speech at Capetown University. Robbins notes that Boesak had planned to lead a march on Pollsmoor Prison the next day. Vaillancourt reports that the US State Department has lodged a protest concerning the arrest of Boesak. Vaillancourt's report is accompanied by footage of Charles Redman (Spokesman for the US State Department) at a press conference. Tug Yourgrau interviews Janet Levine (South African journalist) about Nelson Mandela (jailed ANC leader). Levine talks about Mandela's arrest, his leadership, his opposition to apartheid and his wife, Winnie Mandela. The interview is accompanied by still photographs and footage of Nelson and Winnie Mandela. Vaillancourt reports on an army coup in Nigeria. Her report is accompanied by footage of Muhammadu Buhari (leader of Nigeria) delivering a speech. Harris reports that British Airways has grounded several jets due to possible engine problems. Her report is accompanied by footage of an exploded jet on a runway in Manchester, England. Vaillancourt reports that the Pentagon has canceled the production of an airgun designed to hit Soviet helicopters because it did not work properly. Her report is accompanied by shots of military weaponry and footage of Casper Weinberger (US Secretary of Defense) at a press conference. Harris reports on a decline in the US poverty rate and on a fine imposed on Crocker National Bank in San Francisco for a failure to report currency transactions. Vaillancourt reports on the racketeering trial of Gennaro Angiulo (alleged Mafia boss). The report is accompanied by court drawings of the trial. Harris reports on the ground-breaking ceremony for Roxbury Community College. The report includes footage of Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council) speaking at the ceremony. Harris interviews in-studio guest Brunetta Wolfman (President, Roxbury Community College) about the college. Wolfman talks about the new campus and the need to provide education and training to urban populations. Wolfman talks about a divide between the educated and uneducated populations in Massachusetts
1:00:06: Meg Vaillancourt introduces The Ten O'Clock News. 1:02:11: WGBH promotion for the evening newscast. The logos of The Ten O'Clock News underwriters Shawmut Bank, New England Telephone, and The Nimrod Press are displayed. Gail Harris introduces the show. Harris talks about an upcoming story about the groundbreaking for Roxbury Community College. 1:03:20: Meg Vaillancourt reads the headlines. Vaillancourt reports that the Reverend Allan Boesak (black South African leader) has been placed under house arrest by the South African government. Vaillancourt reports that Casper Weinberger (US Secretary of Defense) has canceled a new air defense gun because the weapon is not worth the cost of development. 1:03:38: Harris reads the headlines. Harris reports that the US poverty rate declined last year for the first time in ten years; that the auto insurance industry in Massachusetts wants to increase rates next year by at least 12%. Harris reports that the Boston School Committee has been forced to cut its budget by $1 million; that the Committee has cut two dozen administrative jobs; that the Committee has not cut any teaching jobs. Harris introduces a report by Eileen Jones. 1:04:06: Eileen Jones reports that tenured teachers and programs were spared by the Boston School Committee; that administrators and staff were subject to budget cuts by the committee. Visual: Shot of a white female teacher in a classroom with elementary school students. Jones reports that Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) announced that $1.2 million must be cut from the school budget; that that school administrators and staff will be hit hard by the cuts. V: Shots of Wilson, and School Committee members Kevin McCluskey and John Nucci at a Boston School Committee meeting; of a cameraman at the meeting; of the members of the School Committee at the front of the School Committee chambers. Jones reports that the jobs of thirteen administrators and seven members of the technical support staff will be eliminated. Jones reports that administration will be cut by 20% on the School Site Management Project; that the jobs of two members of the support staff for the School Site Management Project will be cut; that consultants will be eliminated from the School Site Management Project. V: On-screen text details the specific budget cuts. Jones reports that the mayor and the Boston City Council have forced the school budget cuts; that the Boston School Department will receive $5 to $7 million dollars less than they asked for in their initial budget. V: Shots of audience members at a School Committee meeting; of an audience member taking notes; of a stenographer's hands as she transcribes the meeting; of School Committee members Jean McGuire and John O'Bryant at the meeting; of Wilson at the meeting; of the members of the media at the meeting. Jones reports that Wilson and Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) made an agreement; that Wilson has agreed to eliminate $1.2 million from the budget; that Flynn has agreed to ask for $2.5 million in additional money for the schools. V: Shots of Shirley Owens Hicks (Boston School Committee); of Joseph Casper (Boston School Committee). Footage of John Grady (Boston School Committee) speaking at the meeting. Grady says that Flynn may not fight hard for additional money for the schools; that the City Council may not grant additional money. Grady says that Flynn should not determine the school budget. Footage of Wilson speaking at the meeting. Wilson says that he and Flynn made an agreement; that they will both do their best to stand by the agreement. Jones reports that the School Committee must also sign a contract with their bus drivers; that the contract needs to be signed before school begins in eight days. V: Shots of yellow school buses lined up on a street. Footage of Jim Barrett (President, Bus Drivers Union) speaking at a meeting. Barrett says that Wilson needs to appoint an overseer to negotiations with the bus company. Footage of Casper speaking at a meeting. Casper says that someone needs to take the lead on this issue. Casper says that Wilson should appoint a top official in the School Department to oversee contract negotiations with National Bus Service, Transcom, the Bus Drivers Union, and the Boston School Department. Casper says that an agreement must be reached before school starts. Jones reports that the School Committee voted in favor of cutting $1.2 million from the budget; that the Committee voted in favor of appointing a school official to oversee negotiations with the bus drivers. V: Shot of School Committee members at a meeting. Jones stands in front of the Boston School Committee headquarters. Jones reports that some administrators and staff may be bumped down to teaching positions instead of losing their jobs; that previsionary teachers will lose their jobs instead. Jones reports that the bus drivers are pleased to have a school official involved in negotiations; that the bus drivers want the school official to be able to give immediate approval of an agreement. 1:07:19: Harris reports that Grace Romero (Boston School Committee) has been indicted on four counts of violating state election laws; that Romero has been accused of perjury and filing false nomination papers; that Romero will appear in Suffolk Superior Court on Thursday. V: Footage of Romero speaking to the media. Romero says that she did not ask for a birth certificate or drivers license when asking voters to sign her nomination papers; that her volunteers only ask people if they are registered voters. She says that she filed the papers properly. Harris says that Romero could be sentenced to a year in prison or a $1,000 fine if found guilty of filing false nomination papers; that Romero could be sentenced to up to twenty years in prison and a $1,000 fine if found guilty of perjury. Harris notes that Romero's name will remain on the ballot in September. 1:08:18: Vaillancourt reports that Francis "Mickey" Roache (Commissioner, Boston Police Department) has recently decided to reassign city detectives to neighborhood patrol work; that members of the Boston Police Detectives Union have called the decision unfair and illegal. V: Shots of members of the Boston Police Detectives Union outside of their headquarters. Vaillancourt reports that the members of the union oppose the reassignment of thirty detectives. V: Footage of Michael Muse (attorney, Boston Police Detectives Union) being interviewed outside of the union headquarters. Muse says that the union will ask the State Labor Relations Commission to rule on the issue. Muse says that the city has violated the state's collective bargaining law by refusing to meet and confer with the union before transferring the detectives. Vaillancourt reports that 30 plainclothes investigators have been assigned to uniformed patrol duty. V: Shots of detective union members entering their headquarters; of a uniformed police officer walking down a street. Footage of Dan Mahoney (President, Boston Police Detectives Union) being interviewed. Mahoney says that the union was not consulted before the detectives were transferred. Vaillancourt reports that the union believes that the transfer is an unfair labor practice. V: Shot of union members outside of union headquarters. Footage of Mahoney saying that morale has never been worse. Vaillancourt reports that Roache transferred the detectives in order to increase police visibility and to decrease crime. V: Shot of Roache standing at a podium. Vaillancourt reports that the union believes that the transfers will have the opposite effect. V: Footage of Muse being interviewed. Muse says that visibility does not reduce crime; that successful investigations deter crime. Muse says that patrolling officers cannot deter crime. Shots of union members outside of union headquarters. Vaillancourt reports that Roache says that he is willing to discuss the issue. Vaillancourt reports that the State Labor Relations Board is expected to rule on the case within a few days. 1:10:23: Winning lottery numbers for Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island are displayed. 1:10:39: Harris reports that the South African government announced that it will suspend trade in krugerrands for a month; that the South African government is trying to stop the flight of capital from the country. Harris notes that the value of one krugerrand has decreased to thirty-five cents; that one krugerrand was valued at one dollar a three years ago. Harris reports that a march to Pollsmoor Prison is planned for tomorrow by apartheid opponents in South Africa. Harris notes that Nelson Mandela (black South African leader) has been held at the prison for over twenty years. Harris notes that Reverend Allan Boesak (black South African leader) will not lead the march as planned. Harris reports that Boesak was detained by South African Security Forces after giving a speech today. 1:11:30: James Robbins reports that Boesak was arrested after giving a speech to students at the University of Capetown. V: Shots of students outside of a building at the University of Capetown; of a sign advertising a mass meeting with Boesak as speaker. Shot of a banner reading, "Stop the call-up." Shot of Boesak walking on a campus. Robbins reports that Boesak is involved in an effort to mobilize 20,000 people; that Boesak had planned to lead the people in a march on Pollsmoor prison tomorrow. Robbins notes that the march is a plea for the release of Mandela. V: Footage of Boesak addressing an audience. Boesak talks about his vision for the future. Shot of Boesak leaving a mass meeting. Robbins reports that Boesak's car was stopped at a roadblock after leaving the university. Robbins notes that Boesak had time to tell a companion that he had been arrested under Section 29 of the Internal Security Act. V: Shots of Boesak walking with members of the media. Shot of Boesak speaking to another man as he walks. Robbins notes that the act allows for indefinite detention without trial; that Boesak's wife does not know where he is being held. V: Shot of Dorothy Boesak (wife of Allan Boesak). Robbins reports that South African police raided another university where Boesak was due to speak; that twenty-one students were arrested. Robbins notes that these arrests are an attempt to thwart the march on Pollsmoor Prison. V: Shots of a group of black South Africans watching police activity in the distance; of a broken door at a university; of a student attempting to repair a broken door. Robbins reports that P.W. Botha (South African President) has warned that his government has greater powers in reserve. V: Shot of a military vehicle. Shot of Botha exiting a vehicle. Footage of Botha at a press conference. Botha says that the South African government has not yet used all of the forces at its disposal to fight opponents. Botha says that he will take further steps if necessary. Robbins notes that the marchers had planned to assemble at the Athlone Stadium; that the government has closed all access routes to the stadium. V: Shots of armed South African Security Force members; of the exterior of the Athlone Stadium. 1:13:10: Vaillancourt reports that Ronald Reagan called the South African government "reformist" earlier this week. Vaillancourt notes that Reagan says that the South African government has eliminated segregation in hotels and restaurants. Vaillancourt reports that the US State Department has lodged a protest concerning the arrest of Boesak. V: Footage of Charles Redman (Spokesman, US State Department) speaking at a press conference. Redman says that the US State Department has formally protested the arrest of Boesak; that the detention of Boesak and others will exacerbate the current situation in South Africa. 1:13:40: Harris reports that Mandela is the head of the African National Congress (ANC); that the ANC is the largest black national organization. Harris notes that Mandela has been in jail since 1964; that Mandela is still present in the minds of black and white South Africans. 1:14:04: Janet Levine (South African journalist and opposition politician) is interviewed by Tug Yourgrau. Levine says that Mandela was jailed in 1964 for being the leader of the ANC; that Mandela has been waiting in prison for the unrest which is enveloping South Africa at the present. Yourgrau asks Levine about Mandela's past. V: Shots of a black and white photo of Mandela as a young man; of a young Nelson Mandela speaking into a microphone. Levine says that Mandela was a practicing lawyer in Johannesburg; that Mandela was a lieutenant of Chief Albert Luthuli (Nobel Peace Prize winner). Levine says that Mandela is an articulate, charismatic man. Levine says that Mandela was arrested in a white suburb of Johannesburg called Rivonia; that Mandela was put on trial for treason. V: Black and white footage from the South African Embassy. The footage shows South Africans gathered outside of a government building. Levine says that Mandela conducted his own defense; that he gave a stirring speech. Levine says that Mandela's speech marks the point when the ANC turned from nonviolence to violence. Levine says that Mandela said in the speech that passive resistance and nonviolent struggle was no longer an option. V: Shot of a newspaper articles with a photo of Mandela. The headline reads, "Mandela's Defence." Black and white footage from South African Essay. Shots of a crowd gathered in South Africa. Shots of members of the South African Security Forces. Shot of an African-American man standing at the front of a crowd. The man makes gestures with his hands. Yourgrau asks how Mandela is seen by different groups in South Africa. Levine says that Mandela represents "black terror" to the Afrikaaners. Levine says that black South Africans across the political spectrum see Mandela as their greatest leader. V: Shot of a black and white photo of black South Africans demonstrating for Mandela's release. Yourgrau remarks that Mandela recently said that he would prefer communism to apartheid; that Mandela recently said that he will not renounce violence as a means to fight against apartheid. Yourgrau says that these comments could undermine Mandela's support in the US. Levine says that apartheid is linked with capitalism in the minds of many black South Africans. Levine says that it is absurd for the South African government to make nonviolence a condition of Mandela's release. Levine says that the South African government has created the violent atmosphere within the country. Yourgrau asks about Winnie Mandela (wife of Nelson Mandela) and the "Mandela legend." Levine says that the "Mandela legend" is strong in South Africa. Levine says that Winnie Mandela is strikingly beautiful; that she is committed to Nelson Mandela and to the ANC. Levine says that there is a mystique surrounding the Mandela family. V: Shot of a black and white photo of Nelson and Winnie Mandela on their wedding day. Black and white footage of Winnie Mandela speaking. Color footage of Winnie Mandela giving an interview. Levine says that Zinzi Mandela (daughter of Nelson and Winnie Mandela) is a leader of the anti-apartheid movement; that people stop Zinzi Mandela on the street to talk to her about her father. Yourgrau comments that Winnie Mandela has said that it may be too late to negotiate the release of Nelson Mandela. Levine says that the tide has turned in favor of black South Africans; that the government must now negotiate with Nelson Mandela about the future of the country. 1:17:58: Vaillancourt reads the international headlines. Vaillancourt reports that there was an army coup in Nigeria today; that the government of Muhammadu Buhari (leader of Nigeria) was overthrown by army officers. Vaillancourt notes that Buhari was accused of abusing power and failing to revive the economy. V: Shots of soldiers on a street in Nigeria; of Buhari making a speech. Shots of Nigerians at a street market. Vaillancourt reports that Nigeria has now had six coups since declaring independence from Great Britain in 1960. Vaillancourt notes that the US State Department says that there is no indication of danger to Americans in Nigeria. 1:18:22: Stock report: the Dow Jones is listed at 1322.47 and the volume is listed at 82,140,000. 1:19:49: Harris reports that British aviation officials have ordered the grounding of several jets due to possible engine problems; that the jets have engines similar to the one which blew up in Manchester, England, last week. Harris notes that the explosion killed 54 people. Harris reports that British Airways found extensive cracking in the precautionary checks of the engines of the grounded jets. V: Shots of firefighters surrounding the remains of an exploded jet on a runway in Manchester, England. Harris reports that planes owned by four other airlines are being investigated; that some have been ordered to fly back to Great Britain with no passengers on board. V: Shot of a jet airliner in the sky. Harris reports that the Jose Napoleon Duarte (El Salvadoran president) says that arrests have been made for the murders of four marines and two American businessmen in June; that three guerillas have been arrested and a fourth is dead. Harris notes that the six Americans were killed in a cafe massacre in San Salvador; that a rebel group claimed responsibility for the attack. 1:20:34: Vaillancourt reports that the Pentagon canceled an air gun designed to hit Soviet helicopters because the weapon did not work properly. Vaillancourt reports that the weapon is called "The Sergeant York System;" that the weapon has been in production since 1981; that the weapon has cost the army $1.8 billion dollars. Vaillancourt reports that the targeting mechanism is inaccurate; that the gun mistakenly aimed at the exhaust fan of a latrine during a test. V: Shots of military weapons. Shot of a targeting system on a military weapon. Shot of a helicopter caught in the crosshairs of a weapon. Vaillancourt reports that the army had hoped to acquire 618 Sergeant York guns at a cost of $3 billion. V: Footage of Casper Weinberger (US Secretary of Defense) at a press conference. Weinberger says that the army needs air defense capability; that the army had invested time and money in the weapon. Weinberger says that the weapon will not perform as needed; that he has canceled the weapon. 1:21:41: Harris reports that the US poverty rate declined last year for the first time in ten years. Harris says that Ronald Reagan (US President) credits a low inflation rate and an economic recovery for the decline. Harris notes that the US Conference of Mayors says that the poverty rate remains high. Harris reports that the Crocker National Bank of San Francisco has agreed to pay a $2.25 million fine for a failure to report currency transactions. Harris notes that the Bank of Boston paid $500,000 for the same transgression earlier this year. Harris reports that the violations were uncovered during a routine audit of Crocker National Bank; that the bank did not intentionally launder money. Harris notes that $4 billion in unreported funds may have come from drug transactions. 1:22:38: Vaillancourt reports that Gennaro Angiulo (alleged Mafia boss) and his three brothers are on trial for racketeering; that government attorneys asked permission to present testimony from an FBI expert on the Mafia. Vaillancourt reports that defense attorneys objected to the testimony. Vaillancourt notes that defense attorneys say that there can be no expert on an organization which does not exist. Vaillancourt reports that David Nelson (federal judge) allowed the testimony; that Nelson will not allow the jury to hear testimony until the expert is questioned by attorneys in order to test his knowledge. Vaillancourt reports that today's trial session was cut short; that one juror complained of family problems. Vaillancourt notes that another juror was dismissed and replaced by an alternate. V: Shots of court room drawings of the Angiulo trial by Betty Wiberg (artist). 1:23:31: Vaillancourt reports on the weather. 1:24:41: Harris reports that there was a large crowd at the groundbreaking for Roxbury Community College today. Harris reports that Roxbury Community College was established in 1973; that money for the construction of a campus has been elusive. V: Shots of people gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony at Roxbury Community College. Shots of architectural drawings of the new campus. Harris reports that the Southwest Corridor of Roxbury will house a four-building college; that the construction of the campus will cost $40 million; that the project is expected to be completed by the fall of 1987. Harris reports that 1500 students are expected to enroll. V: Footage of the groundbreaking ceremony. Shots of Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts) and Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) seated next to one another in the audience. Shot of Mel King (community leader) in the audience. Footage of Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council) addressing the audience at the ceremony. Bolling says that Roxbury Community College now has a permanent home. Bolling says that a home for the school was needed; that the students at the college will need homes in Roxbury. Bolling says that Roxbury Community College will no longer be a "dream deferred." Shots of the audience; of Shirley Owens Hicks (State Representative) in the audience. Bolling says that he wants to make sure that Roxbury residents can afford to continue living in Roxbury. A banner with the seal of Roxbury Community College hangs from the podium where Bolling speaks. 1:26:12: Harris introduces Brunetta Wolfman (President, Roxbury Community College) as the in-studio guest. Harris notes that Wolfman was appointed in 1983; that the college is presently located on Huntington Avenue. Harris asks Wolfman if the new campus is the deliverance on a promise made fifteen years ago. Harris asks if the new campus is really needed. Wolfman says that people began pushing for a campus for Roxbury Community College twenty years ago. Wolfman notes that funds for a campus were approved by the State legislature in 1980. Wolfman says that there were groundbreakings with no commitment of funds in the 1970s. Wolfman says that the funds have been allocated and the contractor selected for this site. Wolfman says that construction is ready to begin. Wolfman says that the idea of open admission in higher education is a new one in Massachusetts; that there are a lot of private colleges in Massachusetts. Wolfman says that open-admission community colleges have a longer history in California and New York City. Harris asks why it took so long for Roxbury Community College to find a permanent home. Harris asks if politics or racism played a role. Wolfman says that both politics and racism played into the issue. Wolfman says that there is a lack of recognition of the need to provide higher education to the urban population. Wolfman says that there are a lot of poor people in Boston; that poor people need education and training in order to enter the mainstream workforce. Wolfman says that one out of every four adults in Boston is illiterate. Wolfman says that the needs of these people need to be addressed through illiteracy programs, GED programs and college-level programs. Wolfman says that Bostonians like to think of themselves as highly educated. Wolfman says that the population is split between highly educated people and uneducated people. Wolfman says that this split is economically and socially dangerous. Harris notes that some community colleges are having a hard time attracting students; that Bunker Hill Community College is running television advertisements. Wolfman says that Roxbury Community College has not had trouble filling seats at its Huntington Avenue location; that the college is stable and easily accessible. Wolfman says that poor people are reluctant to take out student loans. Wolfman notes that funding for higher education has moved from grants to loans. Wolfman says that the debt incurred by students is a problem for many. Harris closes the interview. 1:30:53: Report on baseball scores. The Red Sox beat Cleveland, 6 - 2. 1:31:10: Vaillancourt and Harris close the newscast. End credits roll. The logos of The Ten O'Clock News</i . underwriters Shawmut Bank, New England Telephone, and The Nimrod Press are displayed.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/27/1985
Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports that South Boston residents are opposed to the city's plans to integrate public housing projects. Residents are hostile to Mayor Ray Flynn when he attends a community meeting in South Boston to discuss plans for integration, with Doris Bunte of the Boston Housing Authority. Vaillancourt notes that South Boston residents have not changed their attitudes in the face of evidence that the BHA practices discrimination against African American tenants of public housing. Interviews with South Boston public housing residents about public housing integration. Many residents are opposed to integration. Some fear that the quality of life in the projects will decline after the housing projects are integrated. Others say that racial violence will be a result of integration. A few residents are not bothered by the prospect of integration. Vaillancourt notes that the controversy over public housing integration evokes memories of the busing crisis in the 1970s. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Officials attempt to explain the new rules for the Boston Housing Authority's revised public housing tenant selection policy.
1:00:02: Visual: Footage of a white female South Boston resident looking out of the window of a housing project apartment. The woman says that she would like her neighborhood to remain white. Meg Vaillancourt reports that South Boston residents remain hostile to the idea of integration of public housing projects. V: Shots of white residents outside of a housing project in South Boston. Footage of a white female resident saying that South Boston should stay white; that there will be trouble if the housing projects are integrated. Footage of another white female South Boston resident saying that white residents have not received fair warning about the placement of African American families in white housing projects. Shots of white children playing with a hose outside of a housing project in South Boston. Vaillancourt reports that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) announced plans to integrate South Boston housing projects in October; that Flynn tried to explain the policy at a community meeting in South Boston in January. V: Footage of Flynn and Doris Bunte (Boston Housing Authority) the community meeting in January of 1988. Flynn addresses the crowd. A white woman shouts out a comment. Footage of Flynn approaching the stage as the crowd jeers at him. Vaillancourt notes that the audience at the community meeting was hostile to Flynn. Vaillancourt stands in front of a housing project building in South Boston. Vaillancourt reports that there is mounting evidence of discrimination against African American families requesting apartments in public housing projects. Vaillancourt notes that the mounting evidence has not changed the attitudes of white South Boston residents. V: Footage of Vaillancourt interviewing a white male South Boston resident. The man says that there will be trouble if African Americans move into the South Boston housing projects. Footage of another white male South Boston resident saying that the residents want their neighborhood to remain as it is. Footage of a white female South Boston resident saying that she will not be bothered if an African American family moves into her building. She says that African American families need housing as much as white families do. The woman says that some people do not feel the same way as she does; that she hopes no one will bother the African American families who move into the project. Shots of white residents outside of a project building; of a white baby playing in a wading pool outside of a project building. Vaillancourt reports that the city's housing policy has kept the housing projects segregated for fifty years; that the city is now changing its policy. Vaillancourt reports that some residents feel that the new policy will be biased. V: Footage of a white female South Boston resident sitting in a wading pool. The woman says that the city should not make tenants identify their race; that the city should place tenants in an apartment without knowing their race. Shots of the woman and two children in the wading pool. Vaillancourt notes that talk of integration in South Boston raises memories of the busing crisis in the 1970s. V: Footage of a white male South Boston resident saying that school desegregation caused the decline of the Boston School System; that most South Boston residents send their children to private schools. The man says that he will move out of public housing if African American families move in to the projects. Shots of female parochial school students walking toward a housing project building. Vaillancourt reports that the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) has not announced when the first African American family will move into the projects.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 06/16/1988
Description: Theodore Landsmark (attorney) speaks to the media at a press conference. His face is in bandages. Landsmark gives an account of the attack he sustained on City Hall Plaza, perpetrated by white teenagers attending an anti-busing rally. He commends the actions of Clarence Jones (Deputy Mayor, City of Boston), who came to his aid after the attack. Landsmark talks about the media's coverage of his attack. Landsmark says that he will seek full prosecution of his attackers, and adds that he will bring suit against members of the Boston School Committee and the Boston City Council. He condemns white city leaders who "incite and encourage" racist violence. Landsmark calls for an end to racism and race discrimination in the city. He accuses the white power structure of ignoring the problems of minority citizens.
1:00:04: Visual: A group of African American men greet each other at the entrance of the room where Theodore Landsmark (attorney) will hold a press conference. Landsmark enters the room. His nose and face are bandaged with white tape. An African American woman hands him a note as he enters. Landsmark sits down behind a table with microphones. An African American man sits beside him. A group of African American men and women, and a few white people, stand behind him as he speaks. Reporters sit at the other side of the table and stand around the room. The reporters take notes as Landsmark speaks. 1:02:00: V: Landsmark notes that there has been conflict among the media over coverage of the press conference; that he wants both union and non-union members of the media to cover the press conference; that the media needs to work out the union issues outside of the press conference. Landsmark greets the media and reads a statement. He says that the press conference will be brief because he needs to get some rest; that he lost a lot of blood in the attack. Landsmark says that he is concerned that the publicity generated by the attack may distort some of the crucial issues which need to be discussed. Landsmark runs through the sequence of events on the day of the attack. Landsmark says that he was on his way to an affirmative action committee meeting with the Boston Redevelopment Authority; that he was beaten and kicked by a crowd of young people coming from an anti-busing rally at City Hall. Landsmark refutes rumors that Clarence Jones (Deputy Mayor, City of Boston) had been with him and ran away from the scene. Landsmark says that he regrets the circulation of the false reports regarding Jones; that Jones was the only person who left City Hall to aid him after the attack. Landsmark says that he will seek full prosecution of the youth involved in the attack; that he will take action in civil and criminal court against members of the Boston City Council and the Boston School Committee; that he would like to see an end to the use of City Hall as "a sanctuary for racism and a resource center for those who would incite and encourage racist violence." Landsmark says that some city officials perpetuate discrimination against people of color in Boston on a daily basis. Landsmark expresses gratitude to members of the African American and white communities for the many acts of kindness and courage shown to him after the attack. Landsmark adds that meaningful gestures by the white community before the attack could have prevented the violence. Landsmark says that he is grateful for the support of the Black Caucus, the Board of Directors of the Contractors Association of Boston, and the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association. Landsmark thanks the newspaper and TV cameramen for capturing the attack on film. He says that he wishes that somebody had come to his aid, but is grateful for the record of the attack provided by the journalists. Landsmark says that without the photos, the attack would have been recorded "as just another scuffle on the street." Landsmark says that racism is to blame for the attack; that racism in the city of Boston has been fueled by selfish politicians; that politicians continue to ignore the social and economic problems of the city. Landsmark says that he will work to solve these problems in the African American community; that solving these problems will benefit all citizens. Landsmark says that the attack lays bare the problems of the city; that the problems go beyond issues of safety in the street or busing. Landsmark notes that the attack has been called "an isolated incident" by J. Stanley Pottinger (Assistant US Attorney General). Landsmark says that he does not agree; that people of color must be allowed to participate on an equal basis in all areas and levels of business and city government. Landsmark says that the issue of racism must not be subordinated; that the white power structure is indifferent to people of color in the city; that businesses and government must work together to improve the economic situation of people of color in Boston. 1:15:29: V: Reporters ask Landsmark questions after his statement. A reporter asks him to specify city officials against whom he will bring suit. Landsmark says that he will not name the officials because he does not want to jeopardize any of the lawsuits. A reporter asks him if he will bring suit against Louise Day Hicks (Boston City Council). Landsmark says that he will not comment except that his attackers were violating truancy laws; that his attackers were marching on City Hall Plaza without a parade permit. Landsmark notes that Hicks invited the protestors into her office to escape from the cold; that police officers were on duty near City Hall Plaza, but did not arrive on the scene until after the attack. Landsmark says that he cannot comment on how the police department should have deployed its personnel to control the unlicensed protest on City Hall Plaza by the students. A reporter asks Landsmark if he agrees with the Black Caucus' decision to call for the resignation of Kevin White (Mayor, City of Boston). Landsmark says that the Black Caucus is looking for better leadership from White on issues of affirmative action, busing, and unemployment. Landsmark says that he has received calls from around the country; that many are appalled by the incident on City Hall Plaza; that the city can take action to prevent more violent incidents.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/07/1976
Description: Kevin White (Mayor, City of Boston) holds a press conference to discuss his victory the previous day in the mayoral election. White discusses his potential role as a national spokesman on urban issues. White says that he has no plans to assume a national role. White predicts great success in his next term; rejects Boston's reputation as a racist city; guarantees the safety of all citizens in the city; discusses the city's affirmative action program as it relates to his administration; and says his administration will not tolerate racial violence. White notes the community's responsibility to speak out against racial violence; discusses the recent shooting of Darryl Williams (African American Jamaica Plain student). White talks about former city employee James Kelly (South Boston Information Center) and the need to be sensitive in making appointments to city jobs. White discusses the city's poor racial climate, and assesses the extent to which he is responsible for it, and his belief that other cities are more racist than Boston. White talks about his support base in the mayoral election and about his opponent, Joseph Timilty. He discusses the US Senate race and notes that he has not been asked to endorse Edward Kennedy (US Senator) or any other candidates. White expresses confidence in the vitality of the city and talks about his priorities for the next term, including tax reform and the development of the North Station area. White is very relaxed and has a good rapport with the media.
0:00:11: Visual: Kevin White (Mayor, City of Boston) walks into a small room where a press conference will be held. He greets the members of the media informally, saying "Hi everybody." He jokes with the media about having forgotten his tie. White sits down on a couch. Microphones are set up on the coffee table in front of him. White says that he is pleased about his victory. A reporter asks White if he and Henry Maier (Mayor of Milwaukee) will join Dick Hatcher (Mayor of Gary, Indiana) as national spokesmen for urban issues. White says that he will speak out on urban issues as he always has; that he has no plans to assume a national role. White adds that there are mayors in other cities who will become influential and make themselves heard. He mentions Bill Green (Mayor of Philadelphia) and Don Frasier (Mayor of Minneapolis). Another reporter asks White if he will be eclipsed by these new urban mayors. White makes a joke, "the old gray mare, he is what he used to be." White says that he will speak out on national issues which affect Boston. A reporter asks what the next four years will bring to Boston. White says that the next term will be the greatest of his terms as mayor. He mentions that Bob Ryan (Director, Boston Redevelopment Authority) is optimistic about new building projects. A reporter comments on Boston's reputation as the most racist city in the nation. White says that Boston's reputation as a racist city is not correct. He notes that he cannot rid the city of racism and hypocrisy. White guarantees that people of all colors and nationalities will be able to walk the streets safely by the end of his term. A reporter asks White if he will hire more African Americans to key positions in the city administration. White says that there is a good affirmative action program in place; that the African American community supported him in the election. White says that racial violence will not be tolerated in the city. He says that the residents of Charlestown helped to apprehend the youth involved in the shooting of Darryl Williams (Jamaica Plain student); that the residents of Charlestown did not want to be seen as harboring racist criminals. White says that his administration will not tolerate racial violence. 0:06:24: V: White notes that the Charlestown Business Association held a press conference within hours of the Williams shooting; that they condemned racial violence in the press conference; that people in the community need to speak out against racist violence. White says that he will enlist his supporters in the neighborhoods to speak out. A reporter asks White if he will be more sensitive about whom he puts on the city payroll after the "Jimmy Kelly affair." White says that he is always sensitive about whom he puts on the city payroll; that the media will always disagree with his hiring decisions. White notes that James Kelly (South Boston Information Center) resigned from his city job; that he was not fired. The reporter asks if it is a good idea to have Kelly representing the city by holding a city job. White says that he was not willing to fire Kelly in order to court African American voters during the campaign. White says that he wanted to be elected on his record, not for his ability to play upon the emotions of voters. White adds that Kelly was qualified to do the job for which he was hired; that hiring Kelly was not a mistake. White says that he does not want to fire city workers because of their beliefs, even if their beliefs are unpalatable. 0:09:32: V: A reporter asks White if he feels responsible for the poor racial climate in the city. White says that he cannot change it all by himself; that he has never ducked a crisis. White adds that the city will not come together until more people become active; that the voters need to elect good people to the Boston School Committee and the Boston City Council. A reporter asks White how Boston got its reputation as a racist city. White says that racism is a national problem; that problems in Boston get more media coverage than problems in other cities. White mentions that there are severe racial problems in Detroit and other cities; that many affluent communities are very racist. White says that Boston has lived through busing and has learned from it; that there are racial problems in Boston; that he does not think of Boston as the most racist city in the US. A reporter asks White about low voter turnout in the election. Jump cut on videotape. 0:13:14: V: White says that he expanded his political base in this election; that he did not lose support in areas where he has always been popular. He expresses confidence in the vitality of the city. White says that he has not been approached for an endorsement of Edward Kennedy (US Senator) or any other candidates for US Senate. White jokes with reporters about not needing to talk to the media now that he has been reelected. A reporter asks White about his priorities for the next term. White talks about tax reform and the development of the area around North Station. A reporter asks White why he did not attend Kennedy's announcement at Faneuil Hall this morning. Jump cut on videotape. 0:15:16: V: White talks further about the race for the US Senate. A reporter asks White to analyze the campaign strategy of Joseph Timilty (former mayoral candidate). White says that he does not like to pick apart the strategy of an opponent. White says that both he and Timilty knew that Timilty had a good chance to win the election. A photographer focuses on White and takes his photo. A reporter asks if he will lay off workers from the city payroll. White deflects the question with a joke. He has a good rapport with the reporters. White closes the press conference. He commends the reporters on their professionalism, saying that they treated both him and Timilty fairly. White and the reporters prepare to leave the room. White speaks informally to Sharon Stevens (WGBH reporter) and others.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 11/07/1979
Description: Deborah Wang reports that a delegation of forty residents from Yonkers, New York, visited Boston to learn about the city's approach to public housing. The delegation toured Boston's model housing projects, which contain a mix of low-, middle- and upper-income units. Wang reports that the city of Yonkers is divided over the issue of mixed-income public housing and affordable housing. She reviews the public housing situation in Yonkers. Wang's report includes footage of the city of Yonkers and footage of the Yonkers delegation discussing housing at a meeting with Amy Anthony (Secretary of Communities and Development for the City of Boston). Charles Cola (Yonkers City Council), Anthony DiPopallo and JoAnne Gardner (Yonkers resident) talk about public housing in Yonkers and in Boston. Boston Mayor Ray Flynn addressed the delegation about Boston's efforts to provide affordable housing for city residents. Members of the delegation, including Peter Chema and Mel Ellen, talk about their impressions of the visit.
1:00:08: Visual: Footage of Yonkers residents exiting a bus in a Boston neighborhood. Deborah Wang reports that a delegation of forty residents from Yonkers, NY, arrived in Boston to see how Boston has solved its public housing dilemma. V: Footage of Yonkers from "We the People." Shots of a school bus traveling on a street in Yonkers; of a residential street in Yonkers; of housing projects in Yonkers. Wang reports that the city of Yonkers has agreed to build 800 units of affordable housing in the city's predominantly white East End; that the city's affordable housing had all been built in the less affluent West End. Wang reports that the city of Yonkers is divided over the issue of affordable housing. V: Footage of Charles Cola (Yonkers City Council) saying that he wanted to see how public housing works in Boston; that he hopes to accomplish the same thing in Yonkers. Footage of Anthony DiPopallo (Yonkers resident) talking about the integration of public housing in Yonkers. Footage of JoAnne Gardner (Yonkers resident) saying that the city of Yonkers needs to need to build affordable housing according to the wishes of neighborhood residents. Gardner says that she does not want to be bused across town to live. Amy Anthony (Secretary of Communities and Development) responds to Gardner. Anthony says that the Yonkers residents need to look at what was done in Boston and then apply it to their own neighborhoods. Wang reports that delegation from Yonkers toured the city of Boston's model housing projects; that the housing projects contain a mix of low-income, middle-income and upper-income units. Wang reports that the city of Boston has been ordered to build 800 units of mixed-income housing; that the city of Boston has been building mixed-income housing for years. V: Shots of construction site; of the exterior of a housing development in Mission Hill. Wang reports that the city helped to build 165 units of mixed-income housing in Mission Hill; that half of the units will go to low- and moderate-income residents. V: Footage of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) addressing the delegation from Yonkers. Flynn talks about one of the housing developments. Flynn talks about the efforts of the city and the community to turn a vacant lot into a housing development. Shots of the delegation from Yonkers as they tour a housing development. Wang reports that the politicians in the Yonkers delegation were impressed. V: Shot of Flynn speaking to members of the delegation. Footage of Peter Chema (Yonkers City Council) saying that it is helpful to see successful mixed-income housing developments. Chema says that the visit to Boston has allayed some of the fears of opponents of mixed-income units in Yonkers. Footage of Mel Ellen (Yonkers resident), DiPopallo and other members of the delegation standing near their bus. Ellen says that a Boston housing development would be a "slum" in East Yonkers. Footage of Ellen talking to a reporter. Ellen says that the government is using Yonkers to experiment with new forms of public housing; that the residents of Yonkers have no recourse if the "experiment" does not work. Footage of Anthony saying that the Boston tour has given the Yonkers delegation an idea of what is possible. Shot of a drawing of a drawing of an urban cityscape.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/23/1988
Description: Christopher Lydon introduces a report on "the five Bostons," which includes analysis of voter turnout and voting habits in the various neighborhoods of Boston. The neighborhoods include Italian Boston, black Boston, liberal Boston, Irish East and Irish West. The report analyzes voter support for mayoral candidates in each neighborhood and includes interviews with voters in each neighborhood. Lydon notes that Italian Boston includes East Boston and the North End. Lydon talks about the remote location of East Boston. His report includes interviews with Anna De Fronzo (East Boston community activist) and George DiLorenzo (former State Representative). Lydon reports that Kevin White (Mayor of Boston) has a lot of support in East Boston; that Dennis Kearney (candidate for mayor of Boston) is a favorite in the neighborhood. Lydon explains that liberal Boston is a mix of wealthy residents, students, blue-collar families and young professionals; that voter turnout is often low. Lydon interviews John Winthrop Sears (former candidate for governor of Massachusetts), Thomas Vallely (State Representative) and Veronica Smith (Allston community activist). Lydon notes that the support of voters in liberal Boston is split among a several candidates. Lydon reports on a renewal of political activity in black Boston, and notes that there is a high percentage of newly registered voters in the African American neighborhoods. The report includes interviews with Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) and Kay Gibbs (South End political activist). Stith and Gibbs talk about the candidacy of Mel King (candidate for mayor of Boston) as well as opposition to King's candidacy, led by Mel Miller (publisher, The Bay State Banner). Lydon reports that Irish East has the highest voter turnout in the city. He interviews Thomas Driscoll (South Boston political consultant) and Paul White (State Representative) for the report. Lydon notes that the support of voters in Irish East is split between Ray Flynn (candidate for mayor of Boston) and David Finnegan (candidate for mayor of Boston). Lydon reports that Irish West is a residential neighborhood with many middle-class residents. The report includes interviews with Richard Sinnott (Hyde Park Tribune), Joseph Timilty (State Senator), and Maura Hennigan (Boston City Council). Lydon notes that the support of Irish West voters is split between Flynn and Finnegan; that King may receive the votes of Latino residents. Lydon reports that White is a West Roxbury native, but never had the full support of neighborhood residents.
1:00:09: The logos of The Ten O'Clock News underwriters New England Telephone and Shawmut Brokerage Services are displayed. Opening credits for The Ten O'Clock News. Christopher Lydon introduces a report on "The Five Bostons." 1:00:58: Anna De Fronzo (East Boston community activist) compares East Boston's remote location to that of Siberia. Visual: Shot of a map of Boston with East Boston highlighted in yellow. Lydon reports that the Italian population of Boston lives in the North End and East Boston. V: Shots of three older men sitting near a wall; of a yard with a Virgin Mary statue in East Boston; of the Boston skyline viewed from a street in East Boston. Lydon reports that "Italian" Boston has 8% of the city's registered voters; that "Italian" Boston has good voting habits and could account for 10% of the votes in the mayoral race. Lydon reports that there is no political issue to rally the residents of East Boston this year; that controversy over school desegregation and airport expansion have died down. V: Shots of older women in East Boston; of Logan airport as viewed from East Boston; of streets in East Boston. Lydon reports that Italian American candidates have always found favor in East Boston; that Dennis Kearney (candidate for mayor of Boston) is a resident of Eagle Hill and has a lot of support in East Boston. V: Shot of Kearney campaign sign. Footage of East Boston residents voicing their support for Kearney. Lydon reports that there are residents of ethnicities other than Italian; that many East Boston residents will vote for one of their own. Lydon reports that Eloise Linger (Socialist candidate for mayor of Boston) has more supporters in East Boston than Lawrence DiCara (candidate for mayor of Boston); that Linger lives in East Boston while DiCara lives in Dorchester. V: Footage of De Fronzo saying that Italian Americans are apt to vote for candidates of other nationalities. Lydon stands on an East Boston street with the Boston skyline visible. He reports that Kevin White (Mayor, City of Boston) gained support in East Boston when he supported action by the anti-airport movement; that East Boston received attention from the White administration in return for their support of White. V: Traveling shot of an East Boston street. Footage of George DiLorenzo (Former State Representative from East Boston) talking about the great number of jobs given to East Boston residents by White. DiLorenzo says that White appointed three city commissioners from East Boston; that other mayors did not give key positions to East Bostonians. DiLorenzo says that the White political organization in East Boston was the strongest political organization that he has ever seen; that John "Dee Dee" Coviello (East Boston political organizer) is responsible for uniting the community behind White. Footage of De Fronzo saying that she does not think any of the candidates will garner the kind of support that White had in East Boston; that some of the candidates will ignore East Boston if elected mayor. 1:05:57: V: Footage of Lydon interviewing John Winthrop Sears (former Republican candidate for governor of Massachusetts). Sears says that his part of Boston is progressive and not afraid of change. Shot of a map of Boston with "liberal" Boston highlighted in blue. Shots of a street in the Back Bay; of Kenmore Square; of an upscale apartment building. Lydon says that "liberal" Boston stretches from Chinatown through Beacon Hill and the Back Bay to Kenmore Square and Cleveland Circle. Lydon reports that "liberal" Boston is multi-ethnic; with many single residents including students and the elderly. Lydon stands on a leafy street lined with brownstones. He reports that "liberal" Boston is made up of white precincts which do not vote according to racial lines; that "liberal" Boston never supported Louise Day Hicks (former Boston City Councilwoman). Lydon reports that "liberal" Boston usually has a large population with a poor voter turnout. V: Footage of Lydon interviewing residents about their voting habits. Most residents do not vote or have not yet registered to vote. Footage of Sears talking about residents of "liberal" Boston who vote in other states. Sears says that the inheritance laws in Massachusetts have driven wealthy voters to declare a primary residence elsewhere. Footage of Thomas Vallely (State Representative from the Back Bay) saying that the Back Bay community is made up of wealthy residents; that his constituents voted for Proposition 2 1/2; that the Back Bay has a vibrant gay community; that his constituents seem more concerned with national politics than local politics. Shot of a resident at DeLuca's Market in Beacon Hill. Lydon stands on the corner of Commonwealth and Harvard Avenues in Allston. Lydon reports that there are blue-collar families, students and the elderly in Allston; that young professionals are moving into the area. Lydon reports that Thomas Gallagher (State Representative) came to Allston as an out-of-state student; that he beat a local politician for the office of state representative. V: Footage of Veronica Smith (Allston community activist) saying that Gallagher is popular with the students and young professionals. Smith says that she cannot predict which mayoral candidate is the most popular in Allston. Footage of Sears saying that DiCara is popular among many voters now that Robert Kiley (former Deputy Mayor of Boston) has dropped out of the race. Footage of Vallely analyzing his constituents response to the candidacies of Ray Flynn (candidate for mayor of Boston), Mel King (candidate for mayor of Boston), and David Finnegan (candidate for mayor of Boston). Lydon reports that "liberal" Boston will lose a mayor when White leaves office. V: Footage of White walking his dog in the Boston Public Gardens. Footage of Vallely saying that White was a "friend" to the community. Footage of Sears saying that White's presence in the neighborhood will be missed; that White is tired after a long political career. 1:12:46: V: Footage of Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) talking about a renewal in African American political activity in Boston and around the nation. Shot of a map of Boston with "black" Boston colored in pink. Lydon reports that "black" Boston comprises 20% of the city; that "black" Boston has spread from Mission Hill to Mattapan and Dorchester. V: Shots of a train on elevated tracks along Washington Street; of White campaigning in African American neighborhoods. Lydon says that "black" Boston had been a cornerstone of White's coalition during his four mayoral campaigns. Lydon reports from a street corner in "black" Boston. A train passes by on the elevated tracks behind him. Lydon reports that "black" Boston usually has a low voter turnout; that "black" Boston has high percentage of newly registered voters this year. Lydon says that the percentage of African American registered voters is now slightly higher than the percentage of white registered voters. V: Footage of African American residents voicing their support for Mel King. Shots of African American residents getting on an MBTA bus; of a Bay State Banner editorial endorsing David Finnegan. Lydon reports that Bruce Wall (African American minister) and Mel Miller (publisher, The Bay State Banner) have not supported King's candidacy. V: Footage of Stith talking about Miller's endorsement of Finnegan. Stith says that most voters are supporting King. Footage of Kay Gibbs (South End political activist) saying that African American voters believe in King's candidacy; that African American mayors have been elected in city's across the nation; that Miller has been discredited because he is a Finnegan supporter who has never supported an African American candidate for any city office. Lydon reports that King is not well rooted in African American church life; that many African Americans were turned off by his wardrobe. V: Shots of King; of a religious service in an African American church; of African American churchgoers outside of a church. Footage of Gibbs saying that middle-class African Americans had reservations about King at first; that all African American voters are now confident in King's ability to represent the African American community. Gibbs says that King does not think like a middle-class candidate; that he sees himself as a "champion of the underdog." Lydon reports that the African American community has undergone a change in its thinking about political candidates. V: Footage of Stith saying that increased voter turnout and political participation establishes the African American community as a political entity; that the African American community benefits from King's campaign even if he loses. 1:19:01: V: Footage of "Irish East" voters voicing their support for Flynn and Finnegan. Lydon reports that "Irish East" includes Charlestown, South Boston and parts of Dorchester. V: Shots of streets in South Boston and Dorchester. Lydon reports that "Irish East" has the highest voter turnout in the city; that "Irish East" has 1/8th of the city's population and 1/5th of the city's registered voters; that it will account for 1/4th of the voter turnout in the mayoral primary. V: Traveling shot of the Boston skyline. Lydon reports from a street in South Boston. Boston Harbor is visible behind him. Lydon reviews the voting patterns of "Irish East" in recent presidential and gubernatorial elections. Lydon says that "Irish East" often votes for losing candidates like George McGovern (presidential candidate in 1972), Gerald Ford (presidential candidate in 1976) and Ed King (Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate in 1982). Lydon reports that "Irish East" has voted for unsuccessful mayoral candidates like Joe Powers, Louise Day Hicks and Joseph Timilty. Lydon reports that "Irish East" has two of their own as candidates for mayor this year. V: Footage of "Irish East" voters voicing support for Flynn and Finnegan. Footage of Thomas Driscoll (South Boston political consultant) saying that there might be confusion between the "old" Flynn and the "new" Flynn; that Flynn is now a progressive candidate; that the "old" Flynn was an anti-busing, anti-abortion candidate. Footage of Paul White (State Representative from Dorchester) saying that Finnegan has a lot of support in the Dorchester community. White talks about Finnegan's connections to St. Ann's parish. Shots of South Boston. Footage of Driscoll talking about strong neighborhood connections in South Boston. Driscoll predicts that Flynn will get 60% - 75% of the vote in South Boston. Lydon reports from the corner of Adams Street and Gallivan Boulevard in Dorchester. Lydon says that "Irish East" has been out of political favor for a long time; that they now have two strong mayoral candidates. V: Footage of White talking about how Dorchester would benefit from having a Dorchester native as mayor of Boston. White says that Dorchester would claim Finnegan as a native son, even though he now lives in West Roxbury. 1:25:08: V: Footage of Richard Sinnott (Hyde Park Tribune) talking about the neighborhoods of Roslindale and West Roxbury. Shot of a map of Boston with "Irish West" colored in green. Lydon reports that the "Irish West" neighborhoods include the"city suburbs" west of the orange line; that a majority of the residents are Irish American; that there are also Polish, Greek and Lebanese residents. V: Shot of Casa Beirut restaurant. Traveling shot of a residential street in "Irish West." Lydon reports that most residents own their own homes in "Irish West"; that Brighton is included in "Irish West." Lydon notes that "Irish West" traditionally has a very high voter turnout. V: Shots of residents boarding an MBTA bus; of residents walking on a street. Lydon reports that many "Irish West" voters are civil servants, police officers, and teachers; that politics are important to these voters. V: Footage of Sinnott saying that the community benefits from good city services; that "Irish West" voters are not concerned with "linkage"; that displacement and housing for the elderly are important issues in the community. Footage of Joseph Timilty (State Senator) saying that property values declined during the busing crisis; that property values have risen again. Lydon reports that the Forest Hills area has some Latino voters and "new gentry"; that some of these voters may vote for Mel King. V: Shots of urban streets; of Latino children playing on a sidewalk. Lydon reports from a street in front of a church in "Irish West." Lydon notes that most "Irish West" voters support either Ray Flynn or David Finnegan; that Finnegan seems to be the favorite in "Irish West." Lydon notes that Finnegan moved from Dorchester to West Roxbury to raise his family; that Finnegan has connections in "Irish East" and "Irish West." Lydon notes that most of Boston's Irish mayors have come from "Irish West." Lydon mentions former Boston mayors White, John Collins, Maurice Tobin and James Michael Curley. V: Footage of Maura Hennigan (Boston City Council) saying that Curley's legacy lives on in Jamaica Plain. Footage of "Irish West" voters voicing support for Finnegan and Flynn. A few voters voice support for Mel King and Dennis Kearney. Footage of Sinnott saying that White never had the full support of the "Irish West" community; that White was a good mayor. Lydon reports from a park. A football team practices on a field behind him. Lydon says that White was a West Roxbury native; that White always had to fight for votes in "Irish West"; that residents have mixed feelings about White. V: Footage of Timilty saying that White will be remembered fondly with the passage of time. Footage of Sinnott saying that White was "a working mayor as well as a dancing mayor." 1:30:29: V: Footage of city residents voicing support for the candidate of their choice. Closing credits roll. The logos of The Ten O'Clock News underwriters New England Telephone ,and Shawmut Brokerage Services are displayed.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/10/1983