James M. Kelly

James M. Kelly (1940 – January 9, 2007) was an American politician who served on the Boston City Council for 23 years, representing South Boston, the South End and Chinatown.

Biography

Kelly was a graduate of South Boston High School and was a sheet metal worker before entering politics.

Kelly was first elected to the Boston City Council in November 1983, and served from January 1984 until his death in January 2007. He was the council president from 1994 through 2000.

Kelly represented the second district, covering much of South Boston. it became clear that Kelly had insufficient support among fellow councilors for an eighth-consecutive term as council president. A group of councilors opposing his re-election backed Brian Honan for president, remaining steadfast in their refusal to back Kelly and producing a deadlock. In a surprise move, Kelly backed Charles Yancey to serve as the next council president.

Previously, in 2000, Yancey had influenced the linkage fee arrangement that the city agreed to with the developers of a hotel and convention center project in South Boston. He received criticism over this deal, being accused of directing an unfair share of the linkage funds to South Boston.