Flynn Popular in Boston, New Poll Shows Support

While there are still eight months before the mayoral election, Boston Mayor Raymond L. Flynn has already captured the support of over three-fourths of the city's residents, according to a poll released Sunday.

The poll, taken by the Boston Globe, showed that Flynn's widespread approval rests more in his "down to earth" personality than in the policies his administration has pursued.

State Rep. Salvatore F. DiMasi (D-Boston), explained the poll results as due to Flynn's positive public image. "Flynn is not intimidating, he does not ignore you, and the people really feel like they can talk to him," DiMasi said.

Melvin H. King, who opposed Flynn in the 1983 election, also said that Flynn's popularity rests with this public image. "Flynn is very good with the media. He's gotten the people to believe he's concerned and that he cares. The poor have some sense that he is promoting their interests," King said.

Some political observers attributed Flynn's successful public image to the contrast his administration provides to the allegedly corrupt one of his predecessor, Kevin White.

State Rep. Thomas M. Finneran (D--Boston) also said that Flynn is not isolated from his constituents. "Ray is consistent. He is not an isolated remote official. While you could respect Kevin White's ability to get things done, he was a recluse. Ray goes to every neighborhood. His style is a definite contrast."

Results?

While officials agree that Flynn is popular because of the caring, "hands-on" image he presents, they are skeptical about the efficacy of his administration.

"The pace at which his administration has gone is slow," King said. "He just got the Appointment Commission together within the last few months. That has cost people jobs."

Flynn's term has had "more personality than administrational accomplishments," DiMasi said. "It's easier to do that in good times."

Flynn became mayor at the right time," Finneran said. "Right now the public is giving Flynn a honeymoon period."

But Finneran predicted life won't always be so easy for the mayor. "I would predict that in his second term his style will change. He will be judged more on his performance than on his style."