The head of the Boston Chamber of Commerce is backing the call for the deadlocked City Council to back $13.3 million in federal counter-terrorism funding.
In a letter obtained by the Herald, chamber chief James Rooney said delaying the cash as antisemitism and terrorism threaten the holidays is worry enough.
He’s urging the council to “reassemble as soon as possible” and pass the multi-million dollar funding.
As the Herald first reported, Boston City Council President Ed Flynn said he’s done with playing “politics with the safety of residents” and is asking the mayor to quickly resubmit her request to allocate the grant money. If not, he vowed to call an emergency meeting next week.
Those dollars are for the Metro Boston Homeland Security Region, which includes Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Quincy, Revere, Somerville, and Winthrop.
Rooney stressed in his letter supporting Flynn that “last week’s vote by the Boston City Council to reject the $13.3 million grant places our communities at risk.” It does so as the FBI and Homeland Security have posted a terror watch for over the holidays.
“Greater Boston is an economic engine for New England and proudly home to a strong business community with an international port that is a direct trade partner with all parts of the world. Additionally, Boston is a popular convention and tourist destination welcoming a steady flow of international visitors. As we have unfortunately experienced in the past, our global brand makes Boston an attractive target for terrorists’ activity,” Rooney writes.
“We believe it is imperative that the City of Boston and its elected officials urgently reconvene and approve this critical grant funding,” he adds. “We must ensure that Boston and its surrounding cities and towns are prepared for any potential threats and attacks. Instead of turning away this grant funding, the City Council should recognize that successful anti-terrorism efforts will save the lives of residents, workers, visitors, and families in the region.”
Mayor Michelle Wu has said the grant cash will be resubmitted after the new City Council members are sworn in Jan. 1.
The chamber represents 1,200 members.