Hyde Park's Dorcena launching at-large run

Hyde Park resident William Dorcena, the owner of a business named CenaMaven and the brother of Dorchester state Rep. Linda Dorcena Forry, told the Reporter on Monday that he has formed a campaign committee and is jumping into this year's City Council At-Large race.

"I've always thought about public service," Dorcena said, adding that he will focus on public education, public safety and the economy as his top three issues. As the father of a young daughter, a taxpayer and a business owner, he said, he feels "I have to play a more pro-active role."

Dorcena, like his sister, grew up in Uphams Corner and has been estranged from her for a number of years. Said Rep. Forry of her brother's announcement: "He has not consulted me about his plans. As with anyone who decides to run for political office, I wish him well."

The representative, who has held the 12th Suffolk District seat since 2005, is married to Bill Forry, managing editor of the Reporter.

For his part, Dorcena declined to discuss family matters. "I definitely want to keep my family separate from political life," he said.

All four city councillors at-large -- John Connolly, Stephen Murphy, Felix Arroyo and Ayanna Pressley -- are up for reelection this year, as are the district councillors. Former City Councillor At-Large Michael Flaherty is weighing whether to jump into the race and reclaim a seat.

Dorcena, who helped the Reporter's parent company, Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., start up the Boston Haitian Reporter and was appointed its first publisher, said he plans to win a seat through "good old-fashioned wearing out of the soles of my shoes."

"It's whoever works the hardest," he added.

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