From time to time we have invited City Council President Mike Ross to write for Boston Daily about initiatives, plans, or ideas before the council. Today, Ross writes about his proposal to have colleges and universities collect the addresses of all their students twice a year to help enforce the ban on apartments with more than four undergrads in the same residence.

The reaction from the universities has been mixed with some saying their address data is not accurate and could lead to privacy issues. While Boston College spokesman Jack Dunn called for the city to help secure affordable housing by building more student housing. An issue BC has been wrestling with for some time.

The words after the jump belong to Mr. Ross. (more…)

2009 is only a few days old, but already we’ve seen major changes. Today, Boston City Council elected Mike Ross President. As a longtime friend of Boston Daily, we asked Ross to blog about what the change means for him, and how he intends to approach his tenure.

Take it away, Mike.

Earlier today, I had the honor of being elected president of the Boston City Council. I’m extremely grateful to my colleagues for their support, and to Maureen Feeney for her leadership over the past two years. I have learned much from her example.

It is not an easy time to be leading the Council. Bostonians spent 2008 struggling with rising food and fuel costs, while fighting to keep their jobs. Thousands of our residents — both owners and renters — lost their homes in the foreclosure crisis, while a weak economy led to a spike in youth violence. The city is facing huge budget cuts, and expects to lose millions in state aid in 2009. The fiscal crisis is hitting us hard.

My top priority for 2009 is to ensure that the council does its part to keep our city on-track during these trying times. To do so I plan on tapping into some of the region’s brain-trust by hosting an economic summit, building on Councilor Feeney’s work of last year. We will bring together the city’s economic, non-profit, and business leaders to provide their insights and ideas on steps we can take to stimulate the city’s economy. (more…)

Boston City Councilor and Boston Daily guest blogger Mike Ross has been a busy guy lately. When he’s not preventing voter fraud in Florida, he’s been leading the effort to class up Boston Common.

Earlier this week, the Globe reported that a final version of the councilors’ plan will be presented in mid-December. Ross gives us a sneak peek at what our new Common could look like. Take it away, Mike.

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Boston Daily guest blogger Mike Ross is volunteering in Florida today. The prolific Boston City Councilor has filed another dispatch from the swing state.

Ross describes his work and the various foodstuffs grateful Floridians are giving him as thanks. Take it away, Mike.

The Barack Obama campaign’s ground “get out the vote” operation in Florida is impressive to say the least. If Obama runs the country half as well as he has this campaign, we’re going to be in great shape. Consider the story of the 19-year-old first-time voter I met this morning.

He arrived listening to a phone message he had received earlier this week telling him to vote and where his polling location was located. Looking somewhat confused by his surroundings, I asked him if he needed any assistance.

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Boston Daily guest blogger Mike Ross won’t be taking in the election results from Mission Hill this year. In addition to being a Boston City Councilor, Ross is also a lawyer. He and 5,000 other attorneys are volunteering in Florida today.

After the jump, Ross describes the run-up to Election Day in the swing state. Take it away, Mike.

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The Democratic National Convention is over, and we witnessed it all on television. Lucky for us, Boston City Councilor Mike Ross attended as a member of the Massachusetts delegation. Throughout the week, he’s provided you with an insider’s view of what happened in Denver.

Today, we hear about Barack Obama’s cinematic speech, the musical acts, and the bargains that can be had in Denver this morning. Take it away, Mike.

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The big show is almost over, and we’re still not attending the Democratic National Convention. Lucky for us, Boston City Councilor Mike Ross is in attendance as a member of the Massachusetts delegation. Throughout the week, he’ll provide you with an insider’s view of what’s happening in Denver.

Today, we get one Massachusetts delegate’s 15 minutes of fame, what Barack Obama needs to accomplish with tonight’s speech, and tips for any of you who want to attend a party thrown by Bill Maher. Take it away, Mike.

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Since we can’t stand being jet-lagged, we won’t be attending the Democratic National Convention. Lucky for us, Boston City Councilor Mike Ross is attending the convention as a member of the Massachusetts delegation. Throughout the week, he’ll provide you with an insider’s view of what’s happening in Denver.

Today, we get a visit from the Duke, crazy protesters, and Mayor Menino betraying his city’s culinary offerings. Take it away, Mike.

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Since we couldn’t see Ted Kennedy in person, we got the next best thing. Boston City Councilor Mike Ross is attending the convention as a member of the Massachusetts delegation. Over the next week, he’ll provide you with an insider’s view of what’s happening in Denver.

Today, we get his reaction to last night’s speeches, some star sightings, and a noticeably absent local news outlet. Take it away, Mike.

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Since we can’t deal with high altitudes, we won’t be attending the Democratic National Convention. Luckily, Boston City Councilor Mike Ross is attending the convention as a member of the Massachusetts delegation. Over the next week, he’ll provide you with an insider’s view of what’s happening in Denver.

Today, we get a peek inside the schwag bag, the carbon footprint of T. Boone Pickens, and the Massachusetts delegation’s less-than-stellar seats. Take it away, Mike.

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