Boston City Council elects first woman president in 30 years

BOSTON -- The Boston City Council has its first female president in 30 years.

The council unanimously elected Maureen Feeney, 58, to the post this morning.

Former president Michael Flaherty had decided not to seek re-election.

Feeney is now in a stronger position to influence decisions regarding police, elections and schools.

The Dorchester Democrat first won election to the council in 1993. She lost two races in the 1990s for the state Senate.

Among her accomplishments: the creation of a meals program at the Long Island Shelter.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)