(EAST BOSTON, February 9, 2015) – Felix D. Arroyo, Suffolk Register of Probate, has formally endorsed Joe Ruggiero for State Representative for the First Suffolk District. The endorsement announcement took place at the Ruggiero for Representative Maverick Square Headquarters yesterday, where Arroyo helped kick off a day of canvassing and business visits for volunteers and the candidate.
“I had the opportunity to get to know Felix following the Mayoral preliminary election, during our work to elect Mayor Walsh,” said Ruggiero. “He and I share the same values of community, opportunity and equality, and his contributions to the City have been considerable. I’m honored to have his support.”
“Joe is a smart and hard-working young man who approaches his community work with great passion,” said Arroyo. “I know that he is the best candidate in this race, and will work tirelessly to advocate for East Boston, supporting stronger schools, better access to health care, and safer streets. He has my full support.”
A native of Puerto Rico, Felix D. Arroyo has been an activist and elected official in Boston for decades. Arroyo served as the Latin American Affairs Director for former U.S. Senator John Kerry, and in the cabinet of former Mayor Raymond L. Flynn before resigning to become a member of the Boston School Committee. He went on to serve as Vice President and President of the School Committee. He served as Boston City Councilor At-Large from 2003 to 2008, and was most recently elected as Register of Probate for Suffolk County. He has been a leader in peace movements, advocating for antiviolence and social justice causes.
Arroyo is the latest in a series of strong endorsements from community leaders and labor unions, including:
Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh (see video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeIWE48WsSI)
Bricklayers & Allied Craftsmen Union Local 3
Construction & General Laborers’ Union Local 223
International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & Asbestos Workers Local #6
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 103
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2222
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 35
Laborers' International Union of North America Local 22
Pipefitters Association Local Union 537
Service Employees International Union Local 509
Service Employees International Union 32BJ - New England 615
Service Employees International Union Local 888
Sheet Metal Workers International Association Local Union No. 17
Sprinkler Fitters Local #550
UNITE HERE Local 26
Joe Ruggiero declared his candidacy for State Representative for the First Suffolk District in December, representing East Boston. Joe is a lifelong East Boston resident and small business owner. He is an active member of the East Boston Chamber of Commerce and a recent appointee to the Downtown Waterfront Municipal Harbor Plan Committee. He has been a dedicated volunteer and leader for a number of youth-based organizations within East Boston, including the East Boston YMCA, East Boston Youth Basketball League, East Boston Little League, and the Archdiocese of Boston Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). In addition to his roles in youth mentoring and neighborhood business development, Ruggiero is an active member of St. Joseph & Lazarus Parish, and an active organizer of East Boston Substance Abuse Awareness Day and founding organizer of the Mayor's Annual Family Fun Day. To learn more about Joe Ruggiero and his candidacy, visit www.RuggieroforRep.com.
Source: Kate Norton, 617-838-6083, knorton@ckstrategies.com
