Tania Fernandes Anderson returns to work after arrest

By Emily Champagne

Embattled Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson was back at work Monday despite calls from several colleagues and city leaders asking her to resign. Just days after her arraignment, Anderson has stuck to the script, signaling that she’s planning to stay in her role.

One of those calls included Mayor Michelle Wu. According to Wu, while she should have the right to a fair trial, “the serious nature of these charges undermine the public trust and will prevent her from effectively serving the city”.

The counselor is facing five counts of aiding and abetting wire fraud surrounding several programs receiving federal funds. The charges stem from an alleged kickback scheme involving a staff member.

Just yesterday, she gaveled in a virtual city council hearing on historic racial harms in District 7, seeming to ignore the voices of Erin Murphy and Ed Plynn also calling for her resignation last week during interviews.

Fernandes Anderson isn’t due back in court until the new year. However, the Boston City Council is scheduled to meet for the first time since the indictment.