Italian American Alliance: The Real Story about the Columbus Statue in Boston; "Mayor broke his word."

The following is a statement released today by the Italian American Alliance.

The Italian American ALLIANCE is not fooled by Mayor Walsh’s recent actions concerning the Columbus statue, For starters, the Mayor broke his word to the ALLIANCE. 

In a private ZOOM meeting between Mayor Walsh, and the ALLIANCE -- which took place shortly after the Columbus statue was vandalized --the ALLIANCE  gathered residents of the North End and Donors of the statue to participate in the meeting. During that meeting, Mayor Walsh was very emphatic about several points.

1. The statue’s head had been smashed into 7 pieces and would take time to repair. However, he pledged to have it repaired.
2. He asked for time. He said that in the present climate, it was not the right time to make a decision. He said he would listen to a variety of opinions before making a final decision – AND THAT HE WOULD HAVE A SECOND MEETING WITH THE ALLIANCE BEFORE ANNOUNCING IT.
3. He asked us to keep the meeting confidential and out of the press – which we did with some misgiving and reluctance.

WE ARE DISAPPOINED AT THE OVERALL PROCESS AND ARE CONSIDERING LEGAL OPTIONS.

While some cautioned us not to trust Walsh, we did. It now appears that our trust was a mistake.  However, there’s no other way of saying it. The Mayor did not keep his word.

There are significant questions as to whether all the donors of the statue were ever consulted about Walsh’s decision.

There’s a need to review the terms of the gift to the city. There’s a need to know WHERE THE STATUE WILL BE PLACED. There’s also a need to know where the North End Council will pledge to develop substantial security around the statue and whether it INTENDS to meet the costs of carrying sufficient insurance for costs of repair should the statue be vandalized again.

In the end, there are serious questions concerning the overall process taken by Walsh which the ALLIANCE intends to pursue.

We are now creating a BOSTON COLUMBUS STATUE COMMISSION. Please let us know if you would like to get personally involved. Email us at Frankwrote@aol.com.

MAYOR WALSH MAY THINK SO – BUT THIS IS NOT OVER !

Submitted October 7, 2020

Background: Boston Herald "Boston Christopher Columbus statue won’t come back to site — but will remain in North End." October 6, 2020

Rayla Campbell, hopeful GOP candidate for Congress visits East Boston ward committee

At its meeting on August 11th, the East Boston Republican Committee hosted the Republican candidate for Congress, Rayla Campbell.  

Rayla is running as a write-in candidate for the Republican nomination in the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District.  

Following a successful election campaign up to election day on November 3rd, Ms. Campbell will represent this district at the National level in Washington DC.  She is in stark contrast to the incumbent radical liberal policies of socialist Ayanna Pressley!

Rayla supports the right to bear arms under the 2nd amendment, a strong military support for the Veterans, National Energy Independence, and is a Pro-Life Candidate.   Rayla's web address is:  RaylaforCongress@gmail.com

The meeting was chaired by Joseph Steffano, Chairman of the Boston - Ward 1 Republican Committee

Source: Joyce Kelly

Suffolk DA Rachael Rollins Statement on Bail and the Bail Fund

BOSTON, August 11, 2020 — “Each one of the over 25,000 cases we handle a year is unique and the Office examines many factors in determining how best to proceed in each case. The decision to request bail or move for dangerousness is one of many that requires a careful consideration of what best serves the victim.  And to be clear, the alleged rapist isn’t the victim in the case.  The person raped is.  

“Dangerousness under s. 58A requires an evidentiary hearing. There are important victim-centered reasons for not requesting such a hearing and instead requesting bail. Further, the dangerousness statute only allows defendants to be held without bail for a limited period of time, after which they are eligible for release on bail, and only permits prosecutors to request a dangerousness hearing during an arraignment.

“What I find interesting about the Bail Fund’s recent behavior of posting higher bails for violent serious crimes - like the alleged rape recently committed by a convicted sex offender and rapist - is that any incentive for good behavior by the alleged offender is removed.  When a family member or friend posts bail, there is an added pressure on the defendant.  Any violation, whether a new offense or not showing up in court, could result in that family member or friend losing their money that was posted for bail. That’s how the bail statute works. The Bail Fund isn’t a friend or family member of the accused.  There is no discussion on the ride home of ‘what the hell are you doing?’ or ‘what in the world have you done?’  There is no pressure applied to the accused by the Bail Fund. Rather, their mantra is ‘Free Them All.’ 

“If this office made a decision to request bail and not a dangerousness hearing to spare the victim of a rape any additional trauma, I can absolutely live with that decision.  But bailing out a convicted sex offender and rapist, and then going home, is the act of a coward.  So is not making a statement after you make a decision like that. The Bail Fund bailed out Shawn McClinton and he is now accused of raping someone else, in Boston. I would have so much more respect for the Bail Fund if they had bailed him out and then let him stay in one of their homes. Because that’s what family members and friends usually do when they bail a loved one out. Not bail them out, set them loose on a community they don’t live in, and drive back to the safety of their homes.”

Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 25,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.

      

Walsh announces distribution of $4 million to support small business in every neighborhood, in most impacted industries due to Covid-19

New platform created to help businesses source personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies to protect employees and customers as economy begins to reopen

(BOSTON - Thursday, May 21, 2020) - Continuing a policy of rapid, equitable, and transparent relief and support from the COVID-19 pandemic to all Bostonians, Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced that nearly $4 million in debt-free grants have been distributed to over 1,100 small businesses in every neighborhood across the City of Boston through the Small Business Relief Fund, including the $2 million distributed to businesses earlier this month. The businesses receiving grants represent industries most-impacted by closures, policies, or general loss of revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout every neighborhood in Boston. "I've said it many times: small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy, and they provide residents with the services they depend on every day," said Mayor Walsh. "Through the Small Business Relief Fund we have been proud to support Boston's small businesses with a swift and direct infusion of funds through a fiscally responsible and equitable system that will help businesses stay open, pay employees, and strengthen our local business districts." Of the nearly $4 million that has been distributed, the top five industries funded represent small businesses in the most-affected industries, including hospitality, personal care, arts and recreation, retail, and healthcare and social assistance (home childcare, family services, personal and home care aide, etc). Of the businesses receiving grants so far, 95% have 15 or fewer employees, 52% are owned by people of color, 49% are women-owned, and 46% are immigrant-owned. Grants from the Small Business Relief Fund have been crucial to the survival of many Boston businesses, and serve as a lifeline for businesses that experienced difficulty navigating or accessing financial assistance through the Federal CARES Act. A full list of businesses that have received funding is available here. "I want to thank Mayor Walsh and the Economic Development Office for all of their hard work and help. Natalia and the Small Business team made the entire process very easy and the steps that the city has taken to keep us informed, as well as assist those in need, has blown me away. I've strengthened my faith in this city because of this experience," said Kandace Cummings of Anita Kurl Salon in the South End. "Thank you for your support in this time of hardship, this gesture has made me feel part of a community," said Ramon Zapata, of the AlbertStyle Barbershop in Dorchester. Managed by the Mayor's Office of Economic Development (OED), this fund was designed to disburse grants through a streamlined process without having to assume additional debt, which can be used to address rent, fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, lost sales, lost opportunities, and other working capital expenses. Through a combination of City, Federal, and private funds, a total of $7.5 million has been made available to fully fund all remaining eligible grant requests that were submitted during the application process.  To further assist the City's small businesses, the City of Boston has created a new platform to help businesses source the personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies they will be required to have available in order to ensure the safety of employees and customers as industries begin to reopen. Along with industry-specific reopening requirements, the page includes a list of self-identified, local suppliers of PPE and cleaning supplies, information on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' vendor database, and partner organizations helping to connect businesses with vendors. As business owners, employers, and employees navigate an evolving COVID-19-related assistance landscape, the Economic Development Office has created a Federal Assistance Guide, Financial Relief Handbook and FAQ document, all of which are continuously updated. Small Business conference calls will continue every Tuesday at 3pm to communicate policy updates, answer questions, feature relevant City of Boston departments, and troubleshoot the ecosystem of funding available from the state, federal, and private industry.  The City of Boston has created a number of useful guides and resources for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The Open Businesses in Boston and Support Boston Restaurants platforms have helped businesses to publicly share that they are open and direct residents into supporting local establishments. The above resources and more industry-specific guidance are accessible on boston.gov/covid19-businesses. For all coronavirus updates from the City of Boston, please visit  boston.gov/coronavirus.

Building trades unions issue statement supporting Mayor Walsh on construction shutdown

From a press release by 617mediagroup.com

-Brian Doherty, General Agent, Building Trades Unions

“We support Mayor Walsh’s decision to take every step necessary to keep our communities safe. This is a worldwide pandemic and our public health community has made clear that social distancing is the only way to combat this virus. We support Mayor Walsh’s decision to take action and to put the health of the public first. We will be working with our unions and with our contractor partners to make sure every worker is safe and secure, and we are confident that by working together as a community, we will get through this difficult time.”

The Building & Construction Trades Council of the Metropolitan District represents 35,000 working families in the Metropolitan Boston region. The building trades unions advance social and economic justice by providing family-supporting wages, healthcare benefits and dignified retirement benefits to workers and their families in the construction industry.

The Building and Construction Trades Council, an umbrella group of 20 local construction unions, in partnership with more than 3,300 union contractors, provides the highest standards for workers in the construction industry. It is through collective bargaining and the Labor-Management partnership that workers achieve the highest levels of training, safety and economic security throughout their careers. The Council strives to create a more fair and just environment for all workers in the construction industry.

Source: 617Mediagroup.com

EB Residents Launch Grassroots Campaign for New Ward 1 Democratic Committee

(EAST BOSTON, January 2, 2020) - A grassroots group of civically-engaged residents have started a campaign to elect a new Ward 1 Democratic Committee in East Boston. The group, called “Fresh Slate Eastie,” includes:

Leaders of community organizations such as Airport Impact Relief (AIR) Inc., East Boston Community Soup Kitchen, Eastie Farm, Friends of Belle Isle Marsh, Golden Stairs Imigration Center, Harborkeepers, and What’s Up Eastie?

Representatives from all of East Boston’s neighborhoods including life-long and recently-arrived residents, 5 current Ward Committee members including City Councilor Lydia Edwards, and parents of students attending Boston Public Schools.

The group’s goal is to build a strong, open, and inclusive Democratic Committee. They envision fostering a rich discussion around issues most important to East Boston residents, resulting in greater community voice in city, state, and federal policy. The group’s principles include:

• Transparency: holding widely advertised Democratic Committee meetings at times and places that maximize involvement from all East Boston residents
• Diversity and Inclusion: engaging a diverse range of residents and community organizations
• Community Voice: creating channels for the East Boston community to express its priorities on issues such as housing, transportation, climate change, and education
• Independence: bringing a new perspective to the Ward Committee
• Civic Engagement: increasing voter registration and participation in elections

The Ward Committee gives East Boston residents the opportunity to voice concerns by creating forums for conversation with elected representatives, endorsing candidates, and creating opportunities for civic participation. Voters will elect the next Ward 1 Committee during the next Democratic primary election on March 3, 2020.

“We are excited to launch Fresh Slate Eastie. Our goal is to revitalize the policy conversation in East Boston around issues that matter most to residents while creating a more transparent and inclusive Ward 1 Committee,” said Brian Gannon, one of the members of the group.

The following is the complete list of candidates making up the slate: 

Matt Cameron, 
Gabriela Coletta, 
Ben Downing, 
Victoria Dzindzichashvili (DiLorenzo), 
City Councilor Lydia Edwards, 
Margaret Farmer, 
Jo Ann Fitzgerald, 
Brian Gannon, 
Zachary Hollopeter, 
Lisa Jacobson, 
Giordana Mecagni, 
Gail Miller, 
Dionyssios Mintzopoulos, 
Sandra Nijjar, 
Heather O’Brien, 
Ricardo Patron, 
Jesse Purvis.
James Rosenquist, 
Aneesh Sahni, and 
Kannan Thiruvengadam. 

For more information contact: freshslateeastie@gmail.com.

East Boston Democrats elect convention delegates.

From the Ward 1 Democratic Committee:

At a meeting this morning, local Democrats eleted delegates to represent Ward 1 at the September 14, 2019 Democratic Convention in Springfield.

The following are ex officio delegates:

Michael Sulprizio, Ward Committee Chair
Adrian Madaro, State Representative 
Gabriela Coletta, State Committeewoman 
Carol Aloisi, Secretary Mass Democratic Party

The following 10 Females were elected:

Lydia Edwards
Susanna Starrett
Vicki Dzindzichashvili
Tania DelRio
Gladys Oliveros 
Sandra Nijjar 
Giordana Mecagni 
Margaret Farmer
Gail Miller
Alyssa Vangeli 

Female Alternates:

Joanne Fitzgerald 
Magdalena Ayed

The following 10 males were elected:

Aneesh Sahni
Kannan Thiruvengadam 
Brian Gannon 
Stephen Gingra 
Anthony Gesualdi 
Ricardo Patron 
Benjamin Downing 
Matthew Barison 
Adrian Velazquez
Jason Ruggiero 

Male Alternates:

Joseph Ruggiero 
Zachary Hallopeter

More about the convention here. 

East Boston Republicans to Meet February 13th

East Boston Republicans will gather Tuesday evening, February 13th at 6:00 p. m. to elect nine delegates to the Massachusetts Republican Convention.  This meeting will be in the East Boston YMCA community meeting room at 215 Bremen Street in East Boston.  All East Boston voters who are registered as Republicans are strongly encouraged to attend.  Unenrolled voters are invited to attend as well.  A voter registered as Republican as of December 31, 2017 is eligible to be elected as a convention delegate.  

For admission to the YMCA building, please bring government-issued identification to show at the front desk.  

The 2018 Massachusetts Republican Convention will be held in Worcester on Saturday, April 28.  

For more information about the East Boston meeting please call Chris Morton at (617) 569-4075 or e-mail EBRWC@yahoo.com.  

Lydia Edwards wins East Boston; Challenges Opponent to Debates Across District

BOSTON (10/1/2016) —Lydia Edwards, Boston city council candidate to represent East Boston, Charlestown and the North End/Waterfront, today challenged Stephen Passacantilli to a series of debates throughout the district ahead of the November 7th general election.

“I am thrilled with the response of voters,” said Edwards. “Our communities are at a pivotal moment. My opponent and I have different perspectives on how to move the city forward and a substantive discussion on the issues facing this district is necessary.

“I look forward to highlighting those distinctions and therefore I challenge my opponent to debates in all three neighborhoods,” says Edwards. 

Edwards, a public interest attorney and community advocate, is no stranger to public service. She has spent her career fighting for women and working families. In her role as the Deputy Director of the city’s new Office of Housing Stability, she found innovative solutions to mitigating Boston’s housing crisis and stood up for vulnerable members of our community by co-founding East Boston’s community soup kitchen.

Lydia promises to bring a bold, independent voice with a fresh perspective to City Hall and her top priorities include ensuring pathways to homeownership for all residents, quality public schools for local families, responsible community-driven development, and reliable transportation.

Edwards is a resident of East Boston with her husband, Rogerio, a licensed electrician and small business owner.

The general election will take place on Tuesday November, 7th. For more information please visit: www.lydiaedwards.org.
###

Source: Edwards Campaign

Stephen Passacantilli to Formally Kick Off Campaign for Boston City Council in East Boston

This just in from the Passacantilli campaign:

EAST BOSTON – Stephen Passacantilli, a North End civic leader, Boston Public Schools parent, and former staffer to City Councilor Sal LaMattina will formally launch his campaign for Boston City Council (District 1) in East Boston this week.  Passacantilli's East Boston Kickoff is this Wednesday, June 7 from 6-8pm at the Orient Heights Yacht Club on Bayswater Street.

Passacantilli said, "I'm excited to officially launch my campaign for Boston City Council here in East Boston. I am running for City Council because I want to ensure that all residents of East Boston, Charlestown, and the North End have access to great schools close to home, safe streets, accessible transportation, and top-notch services for our seniors."

He continued, "I have been out knocking on doors, attending community events, and calling East Boston voters, and the response has been incredible. I know how important it is for East Boston to have a real voice in government. I will be a bold, independent voice for our communities, and I will always put you first."

Many know Passacantilli from his years of public service across Boston. He is a lifelong resident of the North End where he has been deeply involved as past president of his local civic association and through local charities and community organizations like North End Against Drugs (NEAD) and the North End Beautification Committee. Passacantilli is also an active Boston Public Schools parent and a member of the Ward 3 Democratic Committee.

Passacantilli and his wife, Renee, are raising their two children, Grace and Evan, just around the corner where he grew up in the North End.

Source:

Contact: Adam Webster

c: (617) 733-3751

e: webster@castlepointpartners.com

Michael Sinatra on his decision not to seek the District 1 city council seat

Sent to Eastboston.com today: 

"After much discussion with my fiancée and family, I have decided to withdraw from the City Council race. I am getting married in August, so I have many life events to look forward to in the coming months and I want to be able to enjoy this happy and exciting time in my life. With that in mind, it would be unfair to me as well as all the residents of District 1 if I cannot give this campaign the undivided attention that it deserves. Therefore, at this moment in time I have decided to explore other job opportunities that would allow me more time to spend with my new wife and family."

Michael Sinatra, is currently Chief of Staff for Councilor Salvatore LaMattina, who earlier this year announced that he would not seek re-election.

March 4: East Boston Democrats to elect delegates to state convention

Registered Democrats in East Boston will be holding a caucus at the Mario Umana Academy, 312 Border Street, on March 4th at 11:00am to elect twenty (20) delegates and four (4) alternates to the 2017 Massachusetts Democratic Convention, where Democrats from across Massachusetts will gather to adopt a new Party Platform. The Convention will be held on Saturday, June 3rd at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell. 

“People are excited about politics and want to make a difference. Our caucuses are a great opportunity for those who are interested to get involved,” commented Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Gus Bickford. “Delegates will be voting on our Party Platform in Lowell, and we want to make sure that every Democrat has a voice. This is a time to come together and speak to our shared Democratic values.” 

The caucus is open to all registered and pre-registered Democrats in East Boston, and the Democratic Committee welcomes participants. Pre-registered Democrats who will be age 18 by Sept 11, 2018, the anticipated date of the primary, will be able to participate in caucuses and run for delegate. 

Delegates will be divided equally between men and women, and all ballots will be written and secret. In the spirit of inclusion, youth, minorities, and people with disabilities who are not elected as delegates or alternates may apply to be add-on delegates, either at their caucus or online at www.massdems.org 

For more information on the caucus or the committee please contact Michael Sulprizio at Msulprizio@comcast.net / 617-438-0952 or check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ward1dems/ or  follow them on Twitter @ward1demsEB.

Source: Michael Sulprizio, 617-438-0952 or msulprizio@comcast.net