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

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

Ward 1 Democratic Committee Meeting Rescheduled to January 26

The Ward 1 Democratic Committee has rescheduled the meeting previously scheduled for January 12th. The meeting is now scheduled for Thursday, January 26, 2017 to be held at 6:00pm at the Salesian Boys & Girls Club, 150 Byron St., East Boston.

The ward committee will select a date for the caucus to elect delegates to attend the Democratic Convention. 

The convention will take place June 3, 2017 in Lowell. 

The Committee will also be joined by Senator Joe Boncore who will serve as the guest speaker for this meeting. 

All Democrats are welcome to attend the meeting. 

Questions? Contact Ward 1 chairman Michael Sulprizio at msulprizio@comcast.net. You can also follow the Ward Committee on Twitter @ward1demsEB or “Like” us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ward1dems/

Agenda 1/26/2017

1. calling the roll of members
2. reading the minutes of the previous meeting
3. report of the Treasurer
4. report of other officers and of committees or sub-committees
5. reading of communications
6. unfinished business - new business

• Guest Speaker Senator Joseph Boncore
• Set date for caucus 
• Discuss vacancies 

7. comment period
8. adjournment

Chinese-American Women Officials Endorse Diana Hwang: Hail Her Leadership on Mentoring Young Asian Women

(Boston, MA 2/16/2016) – Former Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong (Wong Sou Fun), Quincy City Councilor Nina Liang and Newton City Councilor Amy Mah Sangiolo (Mah Hwei Mei) have all endorsed Diana Hwang for State Senate, citing her work as a mentor for young Asian women across Massachusetts.

“The significant needs of young Asian-American women were largely neglected until Diana Hwang’s ground-breaking organization, Asian American Women’s Political Initiative (AAWPI), began to reach out to them and awaken their interest in public service and political power,” said City Councilor Amy Mah Sangiolo.  “I have witnessed first-hand the power of Diana’s leadership to make a difference in these girls’ future.  As the longest serving Asian American in the state, I would be thrilled to see Diana elected to the State House.”  Amy Mah Sangiolo has served Ward 4, City of Newton since 1997, and was the first Asian-American elected to the Newton City Council.

Founded in 2009, the Asian-American Women's Political Initiative (AAWPI) is the nation’s first and only leadership organization for Asian-American women. The organization grew out of Diana’s direct experience of being the only Asian in the State House – and the recognition that those numbers would not increase unless the role of politics – and the power of government were better understood by the next generation of young women leaders.  Over the last 6 years, under Diana’s tutelage, more than three dozen young women completed a one-of-a-kind State House fellowship and mentoring program and most have gone on to work on campaigns, in legislative offices and actively participate in their communities.

Quincy City Councilor Nina Liang, the first Asian-American woman to serve on the Quincy City Council also cited Diana’s work for AAWPI in her endorsement.

“I had the privilege to attend one of AAWPI’s graduations and see the transformative difference that Diana Hwang had made in these young girls’ lives,” said Nina Liang.  “I encounter, in my own community, Asian youth who serve as their families’ only link to the outside world and yet feel intimidated by the power of the State House and the larger political community to affect change.  Diana and her organization made a difference to that with her leadership and passion, and she would bring the same commitment to changing the system from inside the building when she is elected to the State Senate.”

Lisa Wong, the former mayor of Fitchburg Massachusetts, was the first Asian-American Mayor in Massachusetts history. “Diana Hwang is a true trailblazer who has the proven ability to organize, lead and most importantly to listen to the needs of the community,” Mayor Wong shared.  “Diana has spent her entire career fighting for women, immigrants and working families.  As State Senator, she would fight fearlessly for the needs of the district as she has for the needs of the Asian girls she has mentored.”
 
Mayor Wong, Councilor Liang and Alderwoman Mah Sangiolo join a growing list of endorsements for Diana Hwang’s State Senate Campaign.  In previous weeks Diana has been endorsed by Boston State Representative Dan Hunt and the only two minority women in the State Senate, Senators Sonia Chang-Diaz and Linda Dorcena Forry.

The daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, Diana Hwang previously served as a legislative aide in the State House and a Chief of Staff in the Boston City Council.  Diana serves as Board member of the UMass Center for Women in Politics, served as co-chair of the Boston Women’s Fund and is a founding member of Mayor Walsh’s Women’s Commission.  Diana currently lives in East Boston and previously lived in Revere.

Source:

Cayce McCabe
press@dianaforsenate.com
617-615-7011

Feb. 27: East Boston Democrats to elect delegates to state convention

(East Boston, January 22, 2016) Registered Democrats in East Boston will be holding a caucus at the Mario Umana Academy on February 27, 2016 at 10:00am to elect eighteen (18) delegates and three (3) alternates to the 2016 Massachusetts Democratic Convention, where Democrats from across Massachusetts will gather to adopt a new Action Agenda.

The Convention will be held on Saturday, June 4th at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell.

“This is going to be an exciting year as we Massachusetts Democrats work on the presidential election, both here in Massachusetts and across the country,” commented Democratic National Committee Woman, Kate Donaghue. “In addition to the normal proceedings, the June convention is going to focus on training in party building, electoral techniques and issue-based organizing.”

The caucus is open to all registered Democrats in East Boston, and the Democratic Committee welcomes participants. 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.

For more information on the caucus or the committee please contact Michael Sulprizio  at msulprizio@comcast.net / 617-438-0952.

Source: Michael Sulprizio

Ed Lyons' much anticipated mini-tome on Charlie Baker's first year. A New American Politics

Candidates for State Representative in East Boston Answer Questions from Newly Formed Progressive Group

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.”

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

Sept. 30: State Representative Candidate Forum "Our Community, Our Future"

You are cordially invited:
State Representative Candidate Forum "Our Community, Our Future" 

Date:  Tuesday, September 30
Time:  5:30-7:30 pm
Location:  Maverick Landing Community Room
31 Liverpool Street, East Boston

Simultaneous translation English to Spanish available, light refreshments will be served at 5:30 pm.  Children friendly environment, all are welcome.

This is a non-partisan candidate forum co-sponsored by Neighbors United for a Better East Boston (NUBE), Mass VOTE, Right to the City Boston, East Boston Ecumencial Council (EBECC) and Maverick Association of Residents (MAR).
For more info, please contact NUBE, 617-981-4010 or info@nubeastboston.org.

Thank you,
Maverick Association of Residents (M.A.R.)
31 Liverpool Street, East Boston, MA 02128
617-569-5100/ fax 617-567-2420
Twitter:  @MAREastBoston
Office Hours:  10am-1pm, Tuesday & Thursdays

John Sepulveda announces the release of the web site www.suffolkcountyprobate.com for the office of Suffolk County Register of Probate.

John Sepulveda announces the release of the web site www.suffolkcountyprobate.com for the office of Suffolk County Register of Probate. 

“I am proud to announce the launching of the website that the public can now see and use to navigate the complicated process at the registry of probate. “I felt that it was shameful that in the year 2014 the registry of probate did not have a simple website where the public could get information about the office of probate or download the necessary forms.”

“I am running for Register of Probate because I feel that there is a disconnect between the office and the public. The average citizen does not know what happens in Probate, why the office exists, or how to effectively access the services that this office provides.” Mr. Sepulveda said.

“The Registry of Probate does not need a politician receiving a reward for years of service, what it needs is a professional manager to run it properly and assure that the public receives the services they require.”

Mr. Sepulveda feels that a campaign should be about actions and not words and this is why he has launched the website as a candidate and began working for the best interest of the public before being elected.

Mr. Sepulveda has nearly 20 years of experience in community and government relations, community organizing, business planning and marketing, and communications. He is a team-builder, and is skilled in creating connections between the communities and government/business programs. For the past year, he has served as a senior account manager with United Healthcare, working with elders to ensure that prospective members understand all aspects of the Medicare Advantage program, as well as the Medicaid Special Needs Plan program.

The office of the Register of Probate and Family Court manages cases involving divorce, estate, child custody and other family matters. Its mission is to deliver timely justice to the public by providing equal access to a fair, equitable and efficient forum to resolve family and probate legal matters and to assist and protect all individuals, families and children in an impartial and respectful manner
 
 “I will bring the office of the Register of Probate to the public. This office needs to provide better services to the residents of Suffolk County and I will make sure that it does. I am going to establish partnerships with community organizations to hold seminars to inform the public of the services offered by the office, as well as the procedures that are required.”

John Sepulveda was born in Colombia and immigrated to East Boston when he was 11-years-old. He graduated from East Boston High School. He went on to attend the University of Massachusetts-Amherst where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.

After college Mr. Sepulveda returned to East Boston where he served as a primary liaison to the Latin American community for the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH). Later he worked as an aide to Boston City Councilor Sal Lamattina. He also organized four Latin American festivals, managed a Spanish language newspaper, oversaw a youth soccer league, supervised voter registration campaigns, and directed other community-based projects. He is considered a specialist in the cross cultural cross business needs of people.

Mr. Sepulveda is an active member of the EBHS School Site Council and the EBHS School Parent Council, and has volunteered his time to serve on various committees to benefit the students and families at the high school.
He is married to Marta and has two children: Pamela, who is a junior at EBHS, and Patrick, who is in the 6th grade at the Donald McKay School. “My greatest accomplishment to date is to be happily married to my wife for almost 20 years and to be a positive father figure to my children and be a person who has influenced their lives,” he said.
 
If you need more information about John Sepulveda or wish to volunteer for his campaign, please call (617) 418-7622 email: info@johnsforprobate.net
The primary election will be held September 9, 2014, and the final election is November 4, 2014.