Boston's Big Spenders Back Mayor Wu's Inauguration

Boston's Mayor Michelle Wu has some serious financial backing. Her inauguration fund has raked in a cool $1. 2 million, mostly from big names in sports and business. The Boston Red Sox, Whoop Inc. , and the Electrical Industry Labor Management Cooperation Trust each chipped in $50, 000. That's some serious cash! Most of the donations came in December, with 57 out of 72 donations being $10, 000 or more. The mayor's reelection campaign even got a shout-out from former Red Sox star David Ortiz. His famous speech line was featured in a video highlighting Wu's first term during her inauguration ceremony.But it's not all smooth sailing. The mayor's big project, rebuilding White Stadium for a women's soccer team, has caused some controversy. The project is set to cost taxpayers at least $91 million, and critics aren't happy about it. A lawsuit was even filed by the Emerald Necklace Conservancy and some park neighbors who want the stadium to be used for high school sports instead. The mayor's team says the donations are a way to avoid using taxpayer money for the inauguration and related events. They want to make sure the events are free for everyone. Wu's 2021 inaugural fund also brought in over $1. 3 million, showing that she has strong community support.