Former Boston Police Commissioner William Gross endorsed At-Large City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George in her candidacy for Mayor of Boston at Brother’s Deli in Mattapan. In addition to his 37 years of service to the Boston Police Department, Gross served as Boston’s first Black Police Commissioner for two and a half years.
“I’m proud to endorse Annissa Essaibi George for Mayor of Boston. Throughout her time as a City Councilor, she has shown up, at all hours of the day and night, and met people exactly where they are — in the neighborhood, at community events or civic meetings, and even at the station — to have thoughtful, honest conversations,” said former Boston Police Commissioner William Gross. “Annissa doesn’t just say that everyone deserves a seat at the table, she turns around and pulls up a chair for each and every person, so all sides can hear and be heard. That quality is incredibly important. Boston needs someone that brings all sides together to move our city forward, and that’s exactly the type of leader Annissa is.”
Said Essaibi George, “Over the course of his three decades of service, Commissioner Gross prioritized community engagement, built trust between law enforcement and residents, and promoted diversity and inclusion throughout the Police Department. I’m so grateful to have his support. I believe Boston can be both safe and just — these things are not mutually exclusive. We can achieve this by bringing everyone together to have tough conversations about public safety realities and the need for critical reforms. This is hard work we can and must do together and I’m proud to have Commissioner Gross’ support and invaluable insight.”