Copious Coping: How Other Mayors Fare

From urban Crusader to "King Kevin"

Kevin Hagan White, 51, was elected mayor of Boston 14 years ago as a liberal reformer. Most liberals and reformers support him still, but increasingly they wonder why. This year, as the city has despaired through perhaps the worst financial crisis in its history—still unresolved—White's first concern has been the preservation of his own power. The onetime urban crusader laid off hundreds of policemen and firemen and closed police and fire stations while initially keeping all of his public relations staff. He vetoed financial rescue plans because they would have forced him to spend funds only...

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