It is very natural, in view of the business training and abilities of
Hugh O'Brien, that he should be heard from in public life. Such vigorous
and brainy men do not escape the attention of the people. In 1875 he
took a seat in the Board of Aldermen, when the _Boston Advertiser_
referred to him as "well-known in the community and has the respect and
confidence of every one." It is well known in political circles that Mr.
O'Brien did not seek this office and has never been an applicant for any
office. He also served as Alderman in the years 1875, 1876, 1877, 1879,
1880, 1881 and 1883, and was chairman of the Board four years.
His public career as Alderman was closely watched by the people and is
well known. During his service in that capacity he gave to municipal
affairs the same careful study that he had devoted to business matters
when in private life. He served upon important committees, and all the
great questions of vital interest to the welfare of Boston which have
come up of late years, in which he had also been interested while in
private life, received his official attention and prompt action. Notable
among these were good pay for laborers, purification and improvement of
the water supply, a useful system of parks, sanitary reforms, schools,
abolition of the poll tax, and last but not least, low taxation.
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