Campaign: Passacantilli Will Hire Neighborhood Liaisons from Each Community

BOSTON – Stephen Passacantilli, candidate for Boston City Council - District 1, has announced that he will hire a neighborhood liaison for each community in the district if elected to the City Council.  Passacantilli is a North End civic leader, Boston Public Schools parent, and former staffer to City Councilor Sal LaMattina.

Passacantilli said, "As former constituent services director for Councilor LaMattina and past president of my local neighborhood council, I know how important it is to have accessible representation in the community and at City Hall.  If elected to the City Council, I will hire a neighborhood-specific liaison for Charlestown, for East Boston, and for the North

End.  Residents deserve to know their City Councilor and their staff, and must always be able to get an answer on issues – big or small – in a timely manner.  I will always prioritize responsive and effective constituent services."

Last month, Passacantilli showed this commitment by becoming the only candidate to open campaign offices in each of the district's three neighborhoods.

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 serves on the board of the Gavin Foundation.

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: Passacantilli campaign

Passacantilli Campaign Knocks on 8,000th Door

BOSTON – Stephen Passacantilli's campaign for Boston City Council District 1 has announced a major milestone.  This past week, the campaign knocked on their 8,000th door and leads all other campaigns in social media engagement with over 1,300 Facebook followers.

Passacantilli is a North End civic leader, Boston Public Schools parent, and former staffer to City Councilor Sal LaMattina.

Passacantilli said, "I am so proud of the strong grassroots campaign we are building.  We've been out knocking on doors and calling voters in East Boston, Charlestown, and the North End, and the response has been incredible.  As past head of my local neighborhood council, I know how important it is to hear directly from residents about the issues that matter to them.  That's why we're so focused on going directly to residents to discuss our platform and hear their concerns.  As a lifelong Bostonian with kids in the Boston Public Schools, I'll bring a unique perspective and experience to the Boston City Council.  Residents of District 1 deserve a City Councilor who will take the lead on issues like public safety, education, addiction and recovery, and development.  On the City Council, I will always put you first."

Just last month, Passacantilli became the only candidate to open campaign offices in each of the district's three neighborhoods.

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 serves on the board of the Gavin Foundation.

Source: Passacantilli Campaign 8/18/2017

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.

David Arinella speaks at Mayor's East Boston press conference announcing local capital improvements

From today's press conference in Central Square announcing the city's capital plan for FY 2018 to FY2022.

"I want to give a shout out to Mayor Walsh for not forgetting us on this side of the water and for making East Boston more than just viable. It's now HD. HD is not high-def. East Boston is highly desirable." -David Arinella, East Boston Foundation and East Boston Athletic Board. 

Video from EastBoston.com.   Text of remarks. 

East Boston Main Streets Honored By Boston City Council

East Boston, MA (June 28, 2014) – On Friday, June 15th, East Boston Main Streets Executive Director Max Gruner and Director of Community Outreach Antonio Arevalo were presented by City Councilor Sal Lamattina with a commendation from the Boston City Council recognizing Main Streets’ effort in successfully bringing the inaugural Eastie Week 2014 to the East Boston Community.

“A special thanks and token of appreciation needs to be paid to Max Gruner and Antonio Arevalo,” said Councilor Sal Lamattina. “Not only did they organize 10 days of successful programming for Eastie Week, they never cease to take advantage of every opportunity to incorporate all of the residents of East Boston no matter what the holiday or occasion may be. These two men symbolize what makes East Boston stand out from the rest of the city, the ability to accept and include everyone and make them feel at home. No one should ever be afraid to embrace their culture or where they came from and Max and Antonio know that all too well. Congratulations and keep up the great work”!

After having organized consecutive daily events for a week and a half that included a complimentary harbor cruise enjoyed by over 700 East Boston residents, open studios highlighting two original art installations commissioned especially for Eastie Week, an original documentary movie screening produced for East Boston, as well as numerous social events that included community yoga and salsa socials, the East Boston Main Streets team was found celebrating Fathers’ Day at the culminating Block-Party on Maverick Street.  “It is wonderful to see EBMS’ effort in the community recognized by the city council, and I am particularly honored to see our great and hard working staff be acknowledged in this way,” said Max Gruner, executive director of EBMS.

For more details or questions please contact Max Gruner at mgruner@ebmainstreets.com or at 617-561-1044.

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EBMS is a non-profit corporation. Its mission is to create a more vibrant business district by initiating private and public improvements, promoting commerce, and supporting efforts to improve the quality of life for all who live, work, and do business in East Boston.

How East Boston voted on the casino ballot question, Question 1

Grateful for all those who helped residents displaced by 45 Chelsea Street collapse

The following letter was sent to eastboston.com from the office of State Representative Carlo Basile early today.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Dear East Boston Community:

On behalf of Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Senator Anthony Petruccelli, Representative Carlo Basile, and City Councilor Sal LaMattina, we express our gratitude for the support shown to the victims of the Chelsea Street building collapse. In total, 70 individuals were displaced and the residents of 45 Chelsea Street were left with only the clothing they wore while being evacuated.

Thanks to the financial support of our community, the families at 45 Chelsea Street each received over $4,000 to help replace their clothes, furniture, beds, and other belongings. The remaining money collected is being distributed to the families of 53, 43, and 41-39 Chelsea in the form of gift cards. This extraordinary outpouring of financial support—nearly $17,000 in cash or gift cards—is a testament to the strength of our East Boston community.

We especially want to thank the individuals and businesses that dug deep into their pockets to help these families, including: Richard Goldberg of Logan Communications; Richard Gavegnano of East Boston Savings Bank; John Zirpolo of Cora Electric; the Fields Family Foundation of Suffolk Downs; the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center; and McGladrey Inc.

We also want to thank all the businesses that stepped up to feed the displaced families including: Kelley’s Square Pub; Great Chef Chinese Food; Goody’s Catering; Italian Express Pizzeria; Meridian Food Market; and La Hacienda. Additionally, we want to thank DJ Chris Fiore and Balloon City for generously providing music and balloons at the fundraiser for the displaced residents. Finally, we want to thank the owner of 43 and 41-39 Chelsea Street, Jim Zarella, for going beyond his responsibilities as a landlord to house his tenants at a hotel for one week and for helping each of them to find new apartments.

It is said that in times of crisis, you can see the true character of a community. We are proud that East Boston has shown itself generous and resilient during this challenging time.

Thank you all.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino

Senator Anthony Petruccelli

Representative Carlo Basile

City Councilor Sal LaMattina

LaMattina: Grace Federated Food Pantry needs donations!

Eastboston.com received this letter from District 1 City Councilor Sal LaMattina this evening.

Dear Friends:

The cupboard is almost bare.

East Boston’s Grace Federated Church food pantry supports local families who otherwise would not get enough to eat, but the current economic slowdown is straining the program’s resources. If you are able, please contribute canned goods and other non-perishables by dropping them off at East Boston Main Streets, located at 146 Maverick Street, or at one of the following East Boston Savings Bank locations:

- Maverick Square branch, 10 Meridian Street

- Central Square branch, One Bennington Street

- Orient Heights branch, 856 Bennington Street

- Northshore Mall branch, 67 Prospect Street, Peabody

Let’s do our best to make sure none of our neighbors go to bed hungry during this holiday season.

Sincerely,


Salvatore LaMattina

District 1 City Councilor

TIs the season for giving. Let's all step up to the plate