Shawn4District7

About Shawn4District7

Meet Me Shawn Nelson

Hello, District 7

I’m running to represent you on the Boston City Council as an Independent Conservative and proud grassroots candidate.

I was born and raised in Dorchester, and I’m a proud graduate of The English High School. I served in the United States Marine Corps, where I learned the meaning of discipline, sacrifice, and service. When I came home, I continued that service in healthcare as a Certified Nursing Assistant, working over eight years—including on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I’m not a career politician. I’m a regular Bostonian who believed, like many, that our local leaders were doing the job we elected them to do. But it became clear—they’re not. From questionable behavior inside City Hall to neglected neighborhoods and failed services, our communities are being left behind. The people in power have stopped listening.

This isn’t about politics—it’s personal.

I know what it’s like to be shut out, ignored, and even targeted just for speaking up. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when leadership fails—when people feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods, when families are forced out of their homes, and when our children are left behind in a broken school system. That’s why I’m stepping up—because enough is enough.

So instead of sitting on the sidelines, I decided to run for office. Like they say—if you want something done right, do it yourself.

As a grassroots candidate, I don’t work for political parties, special interest groups, or the rich and powerful. I answer to you. I’m here to bring common-sense leadership, real transparency, and accountability back to City Hall. That means solutions rooted in everyday experience—not bureaucracy. It means listening to residents, using resources wisely, and fixing real problems with practical, honest answers—not political games

Issues

🔑 Key Issues in District 7

1. Affordable Housing & Displacement

Rising rents and property taxes are pushing out long-time residents.
Gentrification is a major concern, with luxury developments replacing affordable homes.
Residents want real investment in affordable homeownership, community land trusts, and protections for renters.

Public Safety & Police Accountability

Residents want safer neighborhoods without over-policing.
There’s demand for police reform, more mental health crisis response teams, and community-led safety initiatives.
People also want accountability when violence or misconduct involves public officials.

Education & Youth Services

Families are calling for better public schools, an elected school committee, and more support for teachers and parents.
Youth in District 7 need more access to jobs, mentorship, and afterschool programs.
Many feel Boston Public Schools aren’t meeting the unique needs of Black and brown children.

Homelessness, Drug Use & Mental Health

Open drug use in parks and on sidewalks, particularly in the Mass & Cass corridor, is a daily concern.
Residents want more mental health services, rehab options, and real solutions—not just sweeps or band-aid approaches.

Economic Opportunity

Local businesses need support to stay afloat and grow, especially Black- and immigrant-owned shops.
Residents want to see city contracts going to local companies, and job training that leads to real employment.
A fair PILOT program (Payment In Lieu of Taxes from nonprofits like hospitals and universities) is often brought up as a way to relieve the burden on homeowners.

Transparency & Accountability in City Government

Many feel City Hall is disconnected from everyday people.
Scandals and internal issues (like firings and misuse of power) have deepened distrust.
Voters are calling for open government, more accessible meetings, and leadership that actually listens.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Concerns about MBTA reliability, bike lane placement, and unsafe intersections are common.
Some neighborhoods in District 7 feel left behind in terms of street repairs, snow removal, and sidewalk safety.