Two Jamaica Plain residents—Julie Ann Larson and Armando Silva—have applied for nomination papers for the At-Large City Council race. Twelve other people have joined them in requesting papers for that race. Shaun Ivers, a JP resident, has announced his intention to run, but has not pulled papers.
Larson also applied for papers for the District 6 seat, which is held by Matt O’Malley and covers most of Jamaica Plain.
“I’m a single, working mother,” said Larson. “I think that voice is lacking on the City Council.”
Silva did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Larson, who has never been in politics before, said she took out papers for both races because she was told she could do so. But ultimately, she said, she wants to represent District 6 because, “It’s my home and I would be honored to represent the people of that district.”
Larson moved to Jamaica Plain from Texas in 2006. She is currently the technology director at the Boston Arts Academy.
Larson said she has “no issues” with O’Malley, but wants to represent independent women on the council, as they might be too busy to be heard by local elected officials. She noted that there is only one woman currently on the City Council.
“I want to see the City Council looking like the people who make up the city,” she said.
Asked if there was an issue that might have turned out differently if that voice was on the council, Laron replied, “Not in particular.” But, she said, she would be able to view the issues through a different lens.