About A JUST QUINCY
Our mission
A Just Quincy's mission is to make our city government more just, accountable, and transparent. We will do this by providing information and analysis to help Quincy residents engage in the democratic process and by supporting candidates and elected leaders who promote government by and for the people. We welcome any residents who support our mission to join us.
Joe Murphy (founder): In a former life (my 20s), I was a musician in LA. My wife and I moved back east and rented for a few years in Quincy Point before eventually settling in Houghs Neck with our two daughters. I’ve worked at MIT for 17 years and recently completed my master’s in research administration. I also served on QCAN’s board and ran to be ward one’s councilor three times.
How we formed
We are a determined group of Quincy residents who came together when the mayor proposed exorbitant raises for himself and the city council in the spring of 2024. Mere weeks later, with no public hearings, the council approved the mayor’s requested 79% raise (taking his salary from about $159,000 to $285,000) as well as their own 50% pay boost (from about $30,000 to $44,500). Residents joined under the banner A Just Quincy (AJQ) to fight the raises and push for city leaders who will work to serve the public, not themselves.
Executive Committee
Maggie McKee: After studying physics and science writing in college and graduate school, I worked as a science journalist for many years. These days, I’m a full-time mom and help run the community groups Quincy Votes! and the Quincy Tree Alliance. In past years I served on the board of Quincy Climate Action Network and as the chair of a City of Quincy task force on composting.
Spencer Henderson: I never imagined transitioning from a casual voter to a local activist, but the mayor's raise spurred me to action. It didn't take my background as a financial advisor to see that the raise was not only excessive, but the process behind it was flawed, lacking transparency, public input, and accountability. I'm eager to contribute to AJQ's mission and bring positive change to Quincy.