The fact that we actually have a race for mayor this year I thought it was important to get to know the “other” candidate Michael Flaherty and his running mate Sam Yoon. The Greatest Minds gave us the opportunity to do so with a One on One meeting with them at the Haley House Bakery in Roxbury last Tuesday. Mayor Menino was invited to attend, but did not.

Our evening with them began right after the debate and a few around the table had attended marking Flaherty the clear winner of the debate. The Haley House owners and staff set out a smorgasbord of tasty treats where workers passed around vegan pasta and apple crisp. Yummy.

After giving the candidate a bit of time to get some food and drink with our moderator and coordinator Chip Greenidge we got right into clearing up some of the misconceptions that people have about Michael Flaherty. The biggest stigma that he has is in being from South Boston and can he relate to the rest of Boston. He says that he cares deeply about Boston and represents the “new” Southie, one of tolerance and respect. He references that he was one of the first to publicly support Obama and the gay rights; he’s marched in every parade and celebrates diversity. He joked that although his hair is grey he was not a part of the “rock throwers” as he was only 4 years old at the time of school integration. He grew up in public housing. Partnering with Yoon also shows his commitment to diversity. They don’t shy away from speaking about the diversity issues especially the lack there of in the current administration. This is in direct contrast with Mayor Menino who was quoted as saying in the debate earlier - “There is no racial tension in Boston.”

There is little doubt that the Mayor has done a lot of good for the city. He has cleaned up the city and brought Boston to a much better place than it was when it was 16 years ago. But some say that Boston is in a different place now than it was 16 years ago. There is concern about our acheivement gap in education, the “brain drain”, the crime rate. Which brings into question if the Mayor can do what needs to be done to take Boston to the next level.

The conversation turned to what would be changed? Short answer – “louder and later”. Flaherty/Yoon are for increasing the time that clubs get out to be later and having public transportation be later as well. He and Yoon spoke about getting rid of the heavyily influential BRA (Boston Redevelopment Authority) who currently has a hold on new business creation Boston, specifically in licensing. They want to get rid of the “good ol’ boys club” mentality and allow the merit of business proposals to dictate the licensing process.

Another key point for their administration is CORI reform, to give incentives to businesses to hire men and women with CORI’s who are unable to gain employment due to their records. Job rejuvenation, could be in revitalizing out seaports to the glory that they once were.

And the hot topic of our school system - most are underperforming, is to take a holistic approach to address students needs.

They even want to evoke term limits so if they aren’t doing a good job, we will be able to choose another candidate within a reasonable amount of time  as other states do.

Issues aside, what was interesting to me about Flaherty and Yoon were their candor and likeability. When I introduced myself Yoon was like “Yeah, BostonFab! Wow” He knew who I was, which in itself was very cool! But more so that they are in touch with our city in ways that I think the current administration is not.

All of us have stories about being in the presence of the current mayor, he is a career politician, he does the handshakes and the baby holding; but what differed for me in sitting down with Flaherty and Yoon was first, their willingness to actually sit down. To even after a long debate, spend two additional hours with citizens like you and I and have some pasta. To not only talk, but listen. They seem refreshingly, practical, vibrant. Unafraid to not have all the answers. They understand that they cannot change everything on their agenda in a term, but they do claim that they won’t make those changes without citizens input.

For once in 16 years we have an actual mayoral race. Flaherty and Yoon are the new kids on the scene so it is very easy to put on the ballot what you’re used to. But if you think there is any possibility for change and you want to be a part of it, you at least owe it to yourself to give them a look here!

VOTE NOVEMBER 3!!