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Businesses prepare to say goodbye to Mayor Marty Walsh

BOSTON — Whether he’s making an expresso or pouring a beer, the owner of the Square Root in Roslindale, Anthony Giordano, remembers his opening day and who came in.

“It was a surprise. The place was packed,” said Giordano.

That surprise guest was Mayor Marty Walsh. In the two years since he’s opened, Giordano says the mayor and City Hall have been supportive, especially since last March.

“He sure has and his group at the Small Business Office in City Hall have supported us and kept us up to date,” said Giordano.

The fact he’s now leaving saddens Giordano. “Absolutely, but I really wish him luck,” said Giordano.

He feels Boston, despite a year like no other, will be fine. “I think we are in good hands. I really do,” said Giordano.

In Jamaica Plain, Salmagundi has been around a bit longer… 13 years.  “We opened under the Menino administration and I feel like traditionally in Boston the mayor has historically steered the ship,” said Jessen Fitzpatrick, who owns Salmagundi with his wife, Andrea Rapagnola.

The couple says says change of leadership, especially now in the midst of COVID, is daunting.  “Unsettling feeling,” said Rapagnola.

She says Walsh has been a steady hand during the crisis. “We’re a family business surrounded by family businesses. We’ve had a really tough time through this,” said Rapagnola.

Her husband shares her concern. They believe and hope new leadership, first in Boston City Council President, Kim Janey as Acting Mayor, and then in whomever is elected mayor in November will continue that steady guidance.

“I think people will demand it too. I think people are going to expect it and they’ll probably do their best to provide that. Hopefully,” said Fitzpatrick.


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