There is an ancient curse. May you live in interesting times.

Welcome to 2025 Boston which is under ever increasing pressures.

Because of Donald Trump, our basic liberties are at risk. In our great city, housing is becoming increasingly unaffordable while our economic pillars which are financial services, research, health care and higher education are under siege.

Add to this mix that funding from the state and the federal government is becoming more and more problematic.

While we have always been supportive of Michelle Wu ‘s dedication to public service, her centralized decision making and lack of meaningful community engagement has us concerned.

Boston needs our City Council to become more forceful in advocating for the residents and helping find creative solutions to our problems.

The city’s general election on November 4 presents the voters with a great opportunity to guide our future.

There are eight residents vying for four at-Large Council seats. Voters can select up to four.

We have three candidates who should receive your vote.

Erin Murphy is a Dorchester resident and former Boston public schools’ teacher. During her tenure on the council, she has been a forceful advocate for innovative solutions. More than any other incumbent, Murphy has been out in the neighborhoods listening to our concerns.

Frank Baker is also a Dorchester resident.

He left the Council two years ago for health reasons and wishes to reengage out of concern about the how there is little community input in the current mayoral administration. During his previous tenure as a district city councilor, he would always ask the difficult questions and not accept platitudes as answers.

We have known newcomer Will Onuoha since his time handling community engagement at Northeastern University over 20 years ago. He has held a number of city hall portfolios and knows how the bureaucracy works. As importantly, he has a calming demeanor and is a phenomenal listener.

Ed Flynn is running for reelection as the district City Councilor representing Downtown, South Boston and parts of Back Bay, Beacon Hill and the South End.

Whether the issue is the failure of city efforts to deal with addiction problem at Mass and Cass, the irrational implementation of bike lanes, or unnecessary city hiring, Flynn does not hesitate to call out errant policy.