Bostonians have a big question to answer on Tuesday: How do you want the city to work?

Those who want more of the progressive policies and posturing that do nothing to benefit Boston, coupled with internecine drama that distracts from meeting the needs of constituents can find candidates on the City Council ballot who tick all the boxes.

Voters who want public servants who actually serve the public, who focus on the community safety, jobs, housing and practical solutions to Boston’s problems can also find candidates who fit the bill.

You’ll find them in two women running for at-large seats  — Councilor Erin Murphy and Bridget Nee-Walsh.

Murphy, who has steadily supported the Boston Police Department, was one of five on the council who voted in favor of grant funding for the Boston Regional Intelligence Center.

The city needs real-world solutions to our gun violence problem, and providing improved tech aimed at fighting crime, gangs and terrorism to the BPD’s intelligence arm is a crucial one.

Nee-Walsh is cut from the same cloth. In an interview on “Talk of the Neighborhoods,” she outlined a plan to bring vocations back to Boston Public Schools. Giving kids access to learning trades, she said, provides them with a sense of purpose. Boosting vocational training would also bring access to good-paying jobs, and help bridge the affordable housing gap.

Practical, doable, and with an eye to growing a stronger Boston – we need Nee-Walsh’s voice on the council.

The issues surrounding Boston Public Schools are always top of mind – from learning loss, absenteeism, curriculum to access to top-tier educational opportunities. William King, who is running for District 6 councilor, worked in the Boston Public School system. His platform highlights modernizing classrooms and investing in school facilities, long overdue.

District 3 was ably represented by Frank Baker for years. In an interview with WBUR, Baker said that his bread and butter has long been having strong relationships with people in city government.

“I’ve treated people well my whole life and so when I call, the city workers are happy to help me to help the people in Boston,” he said.

District 3 constituents need that kind of experience and focus on people going forward. They can find that in John FitzGerald.

He’s been in the political trenches, working for former Mayor Marty Walsh, who endorsed him, and as Deputy Director of Real Estate Operations at Boston Planning & Development Agency. As the son of the late Mission Hill State Rep. Kevin Fitzgerald, he is steeped in the tradition of public service.

“He has spent his entire career in public service, working every day to improve the lives of Boston’s residents. I do not doubt that he will be an excellent City Councilor for Dorchester,” said Walsh.

Bringing it home is Jose Ruiz, running to represent District 5.

A 29-year veteran of the BPD, he brings boots-on-the-ground experience of fighting crime on our streets, and an understanding of the opportunities for growth our communities need.

Murphy, Nee-Walsh, King, Fitzgerald and Ruiz – the Herald endorses these candidates who can make Boston stronger.

Editorial cartoon by Gary Varvel (Creators Syndicate)