Boston City Council President Ed Flynn said it best: ” the people of Boston deserve the highest standard of strong and ethical leadership.” That should go without saying, and yet the recent actions of councilors warranted such a statement.

Perhaps no other city council race exemplifies this more than that of the District 6 seat, currently held by Kendra Lara.

Councilor Lara made headlines this summer, for the wrong reasons. She crashed her car into a house on Centre Street in Jamaica Plain.

Anyone can get in an accident, but not everyone gets behind the wheel of an unregistered car, without a valid license and reportedly speeds through a residential neighborhood with their son in the back seat.

These are not just “concerns,” they are red flags.

A week after the crash, which injured her son and caused damage to the home in JP, Lara issued a mea sorta culpa: “As an elected official, I’ve worked hard to center the dignity and humanity of my constituents. Today I ask you to see mine as I work to correct my mistake.”

What District 6 needs is a councilor who doesn’t ask constituents for forgiveness, but instead asks what they need.

That person is William King.

Like many seeking public office, King’s background features volunteering, working with civic associations and advocating for neighborhood residents.

He worked in the Boston Public School system in IT, and is now IT director at a nonprofit. What stands out is King’s focus on the nuts and bolts of effective leadership: a focus on constituents.

King’s platform emphasizes this, as well as the need to build affordable housing, invest in school facilities, and modernize our classrooms.

Like Jose Ruiz, King’s platform balances the importance of strong community policing as well as investing in community programs.

The city needs more councilors who consider working for the people their North Star.

The Boston Herald endorses William King for District 6 councilor.