Chapter 13-14 Summary and Analysis

Colin has the title of assistant to the mayor but actually works for Sam Merrick. He works on federal funding and actually has little contact with the mayor that first year. Colin works on various projects like the airport noise in East Boston, the opposition to expressway building in Jamaica Plain, and rent control. He is learning a lot about politics. He learns that the mayor is not really interested in governing Boston but instead wants to use his role as a stepping stone to other positions. Colin is more interested in Boston's success.

As the mayor's aides depart for other positions, Colin takes over more responsibilities. He formulates the city's position for the B-BURG investigation. His expectations of what government can and cannot do in the area of social justice has changed. He remains an activist and soon...