Source: Jesse Purvis, kollins@gmail.com
EAST BOSTON (February 25, 2015)—A new and diverse coalition of East Boston progressives has inserted itself into the special election for State Representative by issuing a candidate questionnaire to the six individuals vying for the seat vacated by Carlo Basile. Each candidate completed and returned the thorough questionnaire, which addressed in detail issues affecting East Boston: housing and development; transportation; immigration; the Olympics; parks; political transparency; the environment (including airport impacts); healthcare; criminal justice; and education. The East Boston Progressive Network has posted the questionnaire and all candidate responses on its website: https://ebpn.wordpress.com/questionnaire/.
"Our goal in crafting these questions was to put candidates on the record regarding their views and values,” said EBPN co-founder Sandra Nijjar. “Also, we aim to establish differences among the candidates on issues we care about with targeted, specific questions.”
Modeled after groups like the Jamaica Plain Progressives and the Chinese Progressive Association, the East Boston Progressive Network will champion values such as equal opportunity, social and economic justice, consumer and environmental protection, healthcare as a right, equal access to quality public services, respect for all residents, and accountable and transparent government. Founding members include longtime residents, immigrants (documented and not), and young professionals, united by a shared desire to keep candidates and elected officials honest and pursuing the good of all residents.
“We know we’re not all going to agree on every issue every time — and that’s okay,” Nijjar said. “But we do believe there are a certain set of values that we all share that bring us together.”
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Monday, February 23, 2015
Adrian Madaro Proposes Job Creation Plan for East Boston Residents
(East Boston - February 23, 2015) - This week candidate for State Representative Adrian Madaro announced several policy initiatives to create good paying jobs for East Boston residents.
“The number one concern I hear from residents is the need for good paying jobs” said Madaro. “I’ll work with the state to declare the Chelsea Creek a marine economic development zone which will attract companies to create jobs along Border, Condor, and McClellan Highway. I’ll also require those companies to participate in vocational training programs for local students.”
“To grow jobs, East Boston needs to capitalize on its access to the water,” said East Boston environmental activist Chris Marchi. “Giving companies low interest loans, tax abatements, and expedited zoning will unlock the potential of our waterfront to produce jobs for East Boston residents--just like South Boston has done with the Seaport.”
Madaro also committed to connecting East Boston residents with the booming Seaport district. “The Seaport district is the biggest job creator in the region producing jobs for low to high skilled workers. East Boston residents need access to these jobs” said Rick Dimino, President of the nonprofit firm A Better City. As Chief of Staff to Representative Carlo Basile, Madaro described how he supported the upcoming connection of Airport Station with South Station via the Silverline; the long awaited connection of the Red and Blue lines; and the expansion of water transportation to and from East Boston. “As your State Representative, I will work to create more job opportunities for East Boston residents by connecting residents with the jobs being created at the Seaport.”
Adrian Madaro is a graduate of Boston Latin School and Tufts University where he also earned a Masters in Public Policy and Urban Planning. Adrian is an active member of the East Boston community, serving as a board member of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, Vice President of the YMCA, President of the Harborside Community Council, Former Vice President of the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH), and Co-Chair and Founder of the Mario Umana Public Service Fellowship.
Source:
Liana LaMattina, Madaro Campaign
“The number one concern I hear from residents is the need for good paying jobs” said Madaro. “I’ll work with the state to declare the Chelsea Creek a marine economic development zone which will attract companies to create jobs along Border, Condor, and McClellan Highway. I’ll also require those companies to participate in vocational training programs for local students.”
“To grow jobs, East Boston needs to capitalize on its access to the water,” said East Boston environmental activist Chris Marchi. “Giving companies low interest loans, tax abatements, and expedited zoning will unlock the potential of our waterfront to produce jobs for East Boston residents--just like South Boston has done with the Seaport.”
Madaro also committed to connecting East Boston residents with the booming Seaport district. “The Seaport district is the biggest job creator in the region producing jobs for low to high skilled workers. East Boston residents need access to these jobs” said Rick Dimino, President of the nonprofit firm A Better City. As Chief of Staff to Representative Carlo Basile, Madaro described how he supported the upcoming connection of Airport Station with South Station via the Silverline; the long awaited connection of the Red and Blue lines; and the expansion of water transportation to and from East Boston. “As your State Representative, I will work to create more job opportunities for East Boston residents by connecting residents with the jobs being created at the Seaport.”
Adrian Madaro is a graduate of Boston Latin School and Tufts University where he also earned a Masters in Public Policy and Urban Planning. Adrian is an active member of the East Boston community, serving as a board member of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, Vice President of the YMCA, President of the Harborside Community Council, Former Vice President of the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH), and Co-Chair and Founder of the Mario Umana Public Service Fellowship.
Source:
Liana LaMattina, Madaro Campaign
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Monday, February 16, 2015
Adrian Madaro Announces Plan To Alleviate Parking Shortage
(East Boston, February 16, 2015) - This week candidate for State Representative Adrian Madaro announced several policy initiatives to create more parking spaces as East Boston housing development booms.
“East Boston is fortunate that investors are creating much needed housing and jobs in our neighborhood” said Madaro. “With that development, however, comes the challenge of car congestion. South Boston failed to plan for increased car congestion during its growth and East Boston can’t afford to make the same mistake.”
Madaro proposed partially lifting the parking garage ban in East Boston thereby enabling private developers to build garages in presently industrial areas of the neighborhood, such as next to the Chelsea Street bridge. “In exchange for lifting the ban, private developers would have to offer discounted parking spots to East Boston residents and allow residents to use the garages during snow emergencies,” said Madaro. The garages would also be required to have chargers for electric vehicles and bike parking.
“Parking garages would help reduce the lack of parking in East Boston, especially during snow storms,” said East Boston resident Rashaun Martin. “If in the future car usage decreases, then the garages could be converted into other uses like for housing or business.”
Madaro also proposed exploring the redesign of East Boston streets for angled parking. “Striping the streets for angled parking is a more efficient use of space and could increase parking spots by 30%,” said Boston transportation expert and former East Boston resident Bob D’Amico. Madaro further pledged to explore siting smart parking meters in the neighborhood business districts to encourage car turnover. “As your State Representative, I will work to solve the current and anticipated parking problems and will develop creative solutions to benefit the quality of life of our residents.”
Adrian Madaro is a graduate of Boston Latin School and Tufts University where he also earned a Masters in Public Policy and Urban Planning. Adrian is an active member of the East Boston community, serving as a board member of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, Vice President of the YMCA, President of the Harborside Community Council, Former Vice President of the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH), and Co-Chair and Founder of the Mario Umana Public Service Fellowship.
Source: Madaro Campaign
“East Boston is fortunate that investors are creating much needed housing and jobs in our neighborhood” said Madaro. “With that development, however, comes the challenge of car congestion. South Boston failed to plan for increased car congestion during its growth and East Boston can’t afford to make the same mistake.”
Madaro proposed partially lifting the parking garage ban in East Boston thereby enabling private developers to build garages in presently industrial areas of the neighborhood, such as next to the Chelsea Street bridge. “In exchange for lifting the ban, private developers would have to offer discounted parking spots to East Boston residents and allow residents to use the garages during snow emergencies,” said Madaro. The garages would also be required to have chargers for electric vehicles and bike parking.
“Parking garages would help reduce the lack of parking in East Boston, especially during snow storms,” said East Boston resident Rashaun Martin. “If in the future car usage decreases, then the garages could be converted into other uses like for housing or business.”
Madaro also proposed exploring the redesign of East Boston streets for angled parking. “Striping the streets for angled parking is a more efficient use of space and could increase parking spots by 30%,” said Boston transportation expert and former East Boston resident Bob D’Amico. Madaro further pledged to explore siting smart parking meters in the neighborhood business districts to encourage car turnover. “As your State Representative, I will work to solve the current and anticipated parking problems and will develop creative solutions to benefit the quality of life of our residents.”
Adrian Madaro is a graduate of Boston Latin School and Tufts University where he also earned a Masters in Public Policy and Urban Planning. Adrian is an active member of the East Boston community, serving as a board member of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, Vice President of the YMCA, President of the Harborside Community Council, Former Vice President of the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH), and Co-Chair and Founder of the Mario Umana Public Service Fellowship.
Source: Madaro Campaign
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Monday, February 9, 2015
Adrian Madaro Focuses on Creating Pathways to Careers through Improved Educational Opportunities, Including Vocational and Technical Programs
(East Boston- February 9, 2015) - This week candidate for State Representative Adrian Madaro announced several policy initiatives to improve educational opportunities for East Boston residents, including new technical and vocational training programs.
Madaro praised the existing schools in East Boston, citing innovators like the co-op model of the Harbor City preschool, Boston’s only public elementary Montessori school, the Dante Alighieri as well as two of the top performing charter schools in the state, Brooke and Excel Academy. However, he said more Pre-K seats, advanced work classes, and vocational training programs would further strengthen opportunities for East Boston’s youth.
“Not every youth in East Boston will follow a traditional academic path” said Madaro. “Creating technical and vocational training programs in East Boston will prepare our young people for well-paying careers and future jobs”.
Madaro went on to emphasize the importance of internships, job training and continuing education for residents of all ages.
“I am proud of my role as Board President of the Harborside Community Council, the largest provider of adult education and ESL classes in East Boston” said Madaro. “As State Representative, I will strongly advocate for these, and other continuing education programs so that all East Bostonians – newcomers and longtime residents alike – have the educational opportunities they need to succeed in their careers of choice.”
Madaro knows firsthand the role that internships can play in creating a pathway to careers. Throughout high school and college, he interned for several government entities in Boston and Washington D.C., eventually ending in Representative Carlo Basile’s office. After college, he went on to found the Mario Umana Fellowship Program, which provides paid internships to East Boston High School students interested in careers in public service.
“Adrian is someone who affected my life personally in the greatest way possible” said Thomas Travers, a recipient of the Mario Umana Fellowship Program and senior at East Boston High School. “Throughout the internship, Adrian served as an enormous mentor to me. Because of Adrian, I was able to gain a great insight into what it truly means to serve your neighborhood.”
Adrian Madaro is a graduate of Boston Latin School and Tufts University where he also earned a Masters in Public Policy and Urban Planning. Adrian is an active member of the East Boston community, serving as a board member of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, Vice President of the YMCA, President of the Harborside Community Council, Former Vice President of the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH), and Co-Chair and Founder of the Mario Umana Public Service Fellowship
Madaro praised the existing schools in East Boston, citing innovators like the co-op model of the Harbor City preschool, Boston’s only public elementary Montessori school, the Dante Alighieri as well as two of the top performing charter schools in the state, Brooke and Excel Academy. However, he said more Pre-K seats, advanced work classes, and vocational training programs would further strengthen opportunities for East Boston’s youth.
“Not every youth in East Boston will follow a traditional academic path” said Madaro. “Creating technical and vocational training programs in East Boston will prepare our young people for well-paying careers and future jobs”.
Madaro went on to emphasize the importance of internships, job training and continuing education for residents of all ages.
“I am proud of my role as Board President of the Harborside Community Council, the largest provider of adult education and ESL classes in East Boston” said Madaro. “As State Representative, I will strongly advocate for these, and other continuing education programs so that all East Bostonians – newcomers and longtime residents alike – have the educational opportunities they need to succeed in their careers of choice.”
Madaro knows firsthand the role that internships can play in creating a pathway to careers. Throughout high school and college, he interned for several government entities in Boston and Washington D.C., eventually ending in Representative Carlo Basile’s office. After college, he went on to found the Mario Umana Fellowship Program, which provides paid internships to East Boston High School students interested in careers in public service.
“Adrian is someone who affected my life personally in the greatest way possible” said Thomas Travers, a recipient of the Mario Umana Fellowship Program and senior at East Boston High School. “Throughout the internship, Adrian served as an enormous mentor to me. Because of Adrian, I was able to gain a great insight into what it truly means to serve your neighborhood.”
Adrian Madaro is a graduate of Boston Latin School and Tufts University where he also earned a Masters in Public Policy and Urban Planning. Adrian is an active member of the East Boston community, serving as a board member of the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, Vice President of the YMCA, President of the Harborside Community Council, Former Vice President of the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH), and Co-Chair and Founder of the Mario Umana Public Service Fellowship
Register of Probate Felix D. Arroyo endorses Joe Ruggiero for State Representative
(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
“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
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