Results are in: Lantigua, Abdoo will face off for mayor
| Candidates | |
|---|---|
| Mayor: Vote for 1 | |
| ✔William Lantigua | 2,272 |
| ✔David Abdoo | 2,156 |
| Marcos Devers | 1,537 |
| Patrick Blanchette | 1,390 |
| Julia Silverio | 1,380 |
| Israel Reyes | 712 |
| Pedro Payano | 376 |
| Daniel Cotnoir | 299 |
| Nilka Alvarez-Rodriguez | 275 |
| Nunzio DiMarca | 167 |
| Councilor at Large: Vote for no more than 3 | |
| ✔Frank Moran* | 4,288 |
| ✔Roger Twomey* | 3,241 |
| ✔Daniel Rivera | 2,629 |
| ✔Marie Gosselin | 2,626 |
| ✔Nestor DeJesus | 2,350 |
| ✔Gary Ryan | 1,419 |
| Howard Tejeda | 1,396 |
| Councilor District A: Vote for 1 | |
| ✔Sandy Almonte | 488 |
| ✔Joseph Armano | 457 |
| Martha Leavitt | 402 |
| Councilor District B: Vote for 1 | |
| ✔Grisel Silva* | 566 |
| ✔Ruth Rojas | 443 |
| Gary Mannion | 264 |
| Edwin Rodriguez | 255 |
| Councilor District C: Vote for 1 | |
| ✔Jorge Gonzalez | 637 |
| ✔Modesto Maldonado | 627 |
| Councilor District D: Vote for 1 | |
| ✔Oneida Aquino | 711 |
| ✔Nicholas Kolofoles* | 670 |
| Daniel Clark | 171 |
| Councilor District E: Vote for 1 | |
| ✔Eileen O'Connor Bernal | 1,251 |
| ✔Matthew Brien | 431 |
| Daniel Rooney | 254 |
| Councilor District F: Vote for 1 | |
| ✔Marc Laplante | 853 |
| ✔Michael Fielding* | 547 |
| School Committee District A: Vote for 1 | |
| ✔James Vittorioso* | 684 |
| ✔Rafael Gadea | 379 |
| Kemal Bozkurt | 236 |
| School Committee District B: Vote for 1 | |
| ✔Martina Cruz* | 1,239 |
| School Committee District C: Vote for 1 | |
| ✔Frank Bonet | 1,000 |
| School Committee District D: Vote for 1 | |
| ✔Samuel Reyes* | 1,190 |
| School Committee District E: Vote for 1 | |
| ✔Peter Larocque* | 841 |
| ✔Mark Gray | 469 |
| Homayoun Maali | 345 |
| Yoed Cameron Santos | 248 |
| School Committee District F: Vote for 1 | |
| ✔Gregory Morris* | 680 |
| ✔James Stokes | 406 |
| Jason Iarossi | 262 |
| Greater Lawrence Vocational School: Vote for 1 | |
| ✔Pamela Neilon | 5,186 |
| ✔Leo Lamontagne* | 4,273 |
| Richard Hamilton | 4617 |
| * Denotes incumbent | |
Primary voter turnout
10,577 voters of 34,295 registered voters (31 percent)
Where to vote in Lawrence
District A/Distrito A
Prospect Hill
A1 Parthum School
255 East Haverhill St
A2 Parthum School
255 East Haverhill St
A3 Rollins School
451 Howard St.
A4 Storrow School
40 Pleasant St.
District B/Distrito B
Plains — North Common
B1 M.I. Residential Community Inc.
189 Maple St.
B2 Lawlor School
44 Lexington St., (Park St.)
B3 Leahy School
100 Erving Ave., (Bruce St.)
B4 Valebrook Apartments
Union & Summer Streets
District C/Distrito C
Arlington Neighborhood
C1 Engine 8 Fire Station
329 Ames St.
C2 Plains Community Center
246 Hampshire St.
C3 Brien Building
355 Park St.
C4 Arlington School
150 Arlington St.
District D/Distrito D
Tower Hill
D1 Bruce School
135 Butler St.
D2 Bruce School
135 Butler St.
D3 Guilmette School
80 Bodwell St.
D4 Essex Towers
18 Franklin St.
District E/Distrito E
South Lawrence West
E1 Diamond Spring Gardens
One Beacon Ave.
E2 Frost School
33 Hamlet St.
E3 South Congregational Church
198 South Broadway
E4 Elderly Housing
339A Salem St.
District F/Distrito F
South Lawrence East
F1 So. Lawrence East School
165 Crawford St.
F2 So. Lawrence East School
165 Crawford St.
F3 Branch Library
135 Parker St., (Bailey St.)
F4 Knights Of Columbus Hall
One Market St.
Click the links to go directly to the section
Lawrence Elections: Important dates
Preliminary election: Sept. 22. Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Check back here after polls close for election results.
Final election: Nov. 3
Mayoral Candidiate Profiles
David Abdoo
Age: 42
Address:: 54 Stevens Ave.
Personal: Married; 2 children.
Education: Graduated Salem State College; graduate course work at Suffolk University.
Work experience: Government and media affairs officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; chief policy director, state Executive Office of Transportation; legislative aide, state Senate; United Parcel Service; 17 years in National Guard.
Political experience: City councilor.
Web site: www.daveabdoo.com
One surprising thing about yourself: Ten years ago, I sold a Lexington gal, now my wife, on Lawrence. Since then, we've raised our children two doors down from my childhood home, where mom still lives.
Click here for David Abdoo's campaign fiance report filed in September.
Nilka Alvarez-Rodriguez
Age: 49
Address:: 21 Hofmann Ave.
Personal: Married, Richard Rodriguez; Sons, Mark Anthony and Kristian.
Education: Doctorate of Arts, Policy Studies, Rochville University, 2004; Master of Arts, Business and Policy Studies, State University of New York/Empire State College, 1999; Bachelor of Professional Studies, The College for Human Services, 1993.
Work experience: 30 years experience in human service work and policy analysis, working for Greater Lawrence Family Health Center and the state office of Health and Human Services; also adjunct professor for Women's Studies Department of Merrimack College.
Political experience: 10-year city councilor, former commissioner of the state's Commission on the Status of Women.
Web site: electnilka.com
One surprising thing about yourself: Personal experience of the impact of government decisions on family and community.
Patrick Blanchette
Age: 32
Address:: 215 Ferry St.
Personal: Significant other; no children.
Education: Bachelor of Science, Suffolk University.
Work experience: Conciliator, state Department of Industrial Accidents.
Political experience: City Council president; city councilor since 1999.
Web site: patrickblanchette2009.com
One surprising thing about yourself: I am a pretty good cook and find the kitchen as my place to relax and clear my head as I'm preparing a special dish for friends and family.
Click here for Patrick Blanchette's campaign fiance report filed in September.
Daniel Cotnoir
Age: 37
Address:: 256 Broadway
Personal: Married, MaryKate; two daughters, Ashley and Morgan.
Education: Associate degree, Anatomy and Applied Science
Work experience: Vice president of Edgar J. Racicot Inc. Funeral Home; staff sergeant, United States Marine Corps, 1999-2006.
Political experience: None
Web site: www.cotnoirformayor.com
One surprising thing about yourself: I enjoy classical music and the opera.
Click here for Daniel Cotnoir's campaign fiance report filed in September.
Marcos Devers
Age: 58
Address:: 16 Woodland St.
Personal: Married, Victoria; children, Sally, Eva, Lunara and Marco Antonio; three grandchildren.
Education: Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo; Post-graduate engineering studies in Japan; undergraduate and graduate studies at UMass-Lowell and Salem State College.
Work experience: Massachusetts Registered Professional Engineer, owner/CEO of MDJ Engineering & Construction since 1988; former teacher at Lawrence High and Greater Lawrence Technical schools.
Political experience: Former three-term city councilor; served as interim mayor from Sept. to Nov. 2001.
Web site: deversformayor.com
One surprising thing about yourself: An efficient mayor, I finished the job left by (former mayor) Patricia Dowling. I hired workers, issued constables licenses, fixed streets, solved labor disputes, lawsuit issues. First to publish city budget. Finished schools.
Nunzio DiMarca
Age: 65
Address:: 7 Warwick Court
Personal: Married, Patricia; four children, Agata, Annamaria, Andrea Giuseppe, and Miguel Antonio; four grandchildren.
Education: Associate degree, Northern Essex Community College; bachelor's degree from Merrimack College; master's degree, Cambridge College.
Work experience: Teacher at Lawrence High School; previously worked in personnel and public and employee relations at Western Electric; as director of an employment program at the Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce; Urban Affairs Associate and later Assistant Registrar, Northern Essex Community College; taught Italian and Spanish, Haverhill Public Schools; taught at Greater Lawrence Technical School.
Political experience: City councilor.
Web site: www.dimarcaformayor.com
One surprising thing about yourself: A great communicator (I speak six languages) who gets things done and has the experience Lawrence can trust.
William Lantigua
Did not respond
Pedro Payano
Age: 61
Address:: 596 Haverhill St.
Personal: Married; Five children; Three grandchildren.
Education: Bachelor of Political Science, Masters in Education, Salamanca University (Salamanca, Spain).
Work experience: Teacher, former head of foreign language department and bilingual education, Lawrence High School.
Political experience: No elected office.
Web site: www.pedropayano.com
One thing surprising about yourself: I am an avid chess player and have a great interest in exploring different cultures and languages.
Israel Reyes
Age:36
Address: 370 Ames Street
Personal: Married to Patricia Sanchez-Reyes; Daughters, Briana and Isabella; Olivia is due in November
Education: Bachelor of Science, criminal justice, Salem State College; business management graduate program at UMass-Lowell
Work Experience: Real estate developer/consultant
Political Experience: former city councilor; former planning board member; served on the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission.
Web site: ReyesForMayor.com
One thing surprising about yourself: I love politics but I'm actually a very, very reserved private individual who loves to spend as much time as possible with my family and out of the limelight.
Click here for Israel Reyes's campaign fiance report filed in September.
Julia I. Silverio
Age: 55
Address:: 92 Eutaw St.
Personal: Married, Jose; children, Yarel, Aliali, and Evan; four grandchildren.
Education: Master of Management Program, Cambridge College, 1997-1999 and 2006-2007; Northeastern University, Property & Casualty Insurance, 1987; paralegal studies.
Work experience: President and founder of Julia's Travel Agency, Silverio Insurance Agency and Julia's Tax Service.
Political experience: Former City Councilor.
One surprising thing about yourself: I have a strong character and a great sense of humor. I'm very concerned about others' well-being.
Click here for Julia Silverio's campaign fiance report filed in September.
Questions for the Candidates
Editor's note: The Eagle-Tribune will ask the 10 candidates for mayor five questions between now and the Sept. 22 primary.
QUESTION 1: What should be done about Superintendent Wilfredo Laboy?
Dave Abdoo: He should resign now not after vesting in the pension system. He has announced his retirement mid-year next year yet we owe our children a fresh start now. As Mayor, I will hire a superintendent who inspires teachers and students and implements a student-centric curriculum that improves our schools.
Nilka Alvarez-Rodriguez: Even if the current investigation exonerates Superintendent Laboy, reinstatement would be as disruptive as the run-away process that led to his suspension. The two last superintendents also moved on under unfavorable circumstances leading to lawsuits in which the city was found at fault of violating their due process. Said violations resulted in significant costs to the tax payers of Lawrence. It is important to immediately craft actions of no significant legal or financial consequence, in order to rebuild the School Department and restore public confidence.
Patrick Blanchette: At this point I don't believe Dr. Laboy can and or should return to the Lawrence Public Schools even if his name is cleared. Our school system must move on from this and refocus on educating our youth, setting policy, and engaging our parents in the educational process.
Daniel Cotnoir: Superintendent Wilfredo Laboy should be fired. He has failed us and our children. He has disgraced the school system and the city. Mr. Laboy's past actions are reason enough to dismiss him immediately. The investigation into his mismanagement can continue without having to keep him on payroll in the process.
Marcos Devers: I will wait for the outcome of the Essex district attorney investigation on his alleged involvement in mismanagement and corruption in the school department. However, it is embarrassing his suspension with pay.
Nunzio DiMarca: Await the outcome of the investigation. Everyone is entitled to due process. Once the outcome is known then decide on the action to take.
William Lantigua: Did not respond.
Pedro Payano: Superintendent Wilfredo Laboy should be suspended without pay until the justice system determines his responsibility in the recent unethical and criminal investigations. If it is determined that he is involved in those crimes, he should be fired immediately.
Israel Reyes: I have stated previously that Mr. Laboy should do the right thing by the school district and resign. Now, knowing that there is a criminal investigation into alleged financial improprieties, we will need to evaluate and digest those allegations when considering under what terms we begin termination proceedings.
Julia Silverio: At this time we still need to wait for the legal process to be finalized. However, as soon as it is determined that he has failed to perform his duties or abused his position at the expense of our taxpayers and the education of our children, he should be terminated. I would have advocated suspending him without pay until the resolution of the legal investigation.
QUESTION 2: What's one thing you would have done differently in this past budget battle?
Dave Abdoo: The budget process needs to be managed better. As mayor I will insist on transparency and accountability city-wide. I will begin with a complete financial audit and responsible budgets built with solid financial underpinnings. Lastly, I will work with the new council to assure your tax dollars are spent wisely.
Nilka Alvarez-Rodriguez: Despite requests for all information regarding revenue streams and costs considerations, the responses did not reveal information critical to budget deliberations: DOR conclusions on revenue shortfalls; number of employees suing Lawrence; pending employee actions; and funds needed to keep firehouses open. This means the council worked with false revenue and expenditure dollar values. The city needs to reduce as much as possible the impact of the relationship between the administration and the council on the budget development and institute the performance-based management system I proposed for the past five years.
Patrick Blanchette: I as Mayor would have attended each and every budget meeting and rolled up my sleeves working together with the Lawrence City Council and all department heads to put a true balanced budget forth making tough cuts along the way including freezing all unnecessary expenditures and proposing new revenue generators.
Daniel Cotnoir: The city needs to tighten its belt. I would have demanded an audit of every department. Eliminated unnecessary expenses and positions. Lawrence has lived beyond its means for a long time. We cannot continue employing every relative and friend.
Marcos Devers: Aggressive pursuit of the payment of owed taxes. Austerity and frugality, including union concessions and furloughs to avoid layoffs.
Nunzio DiMarca: Make certain that the city lives within its means and there's no unnecessary spending. "No filet mignon taste with hamburger taste." The city needs to operate in an efficient and effective manner at all times.
William Lantigua: Did not respond
Pedro Payano: From the beginning of my term I would publicize the budget and hold community meetings to listen to the concerns of the citizens of this city. I will also work closely with the City Council to pass a balanced budget.
Israel Reyes: I would have conducted a financial audit that would have included the city's and schools' financial books. This would allow our city leaders to better assess and prioritize our needs based on the city's finances and not on political decisions. It will also allow for immediate savings.
Julia Silverio: I would have consulted early on with all employees and their respective unions to agree on ways that we could all make cuts without sacrificing the essential items to provide city services. The budget cuts made should have taken into consideration the following two years. Also, we need to look closely at the recommendations made by the Department of Revenue in 2008 and try to implement some of those measures to cut costs. I would have engaged the participation of all councilors.
QUESTION 3: What is the biggest complaint you hear from voters and what do you plan to do about it?
Dave Abdoo: When I'm knocking doors, people tell me their voices aren't being heard. When they try to get through to City Hall, there's no response. Taxpayers want a responsive city government, accountable to "the people." As mayor, I will always be available to constituents and respond to their challenges ... guaranteed.
Nilka Alvarez-Rodriguez: People are concerned for their families and communities who are negatively impacted by the lack of jobs, need to enhance the quality of education, and increased criminal violence. Above all, immediately institute a performance-based management system that includes strategies to aggressively address said issues.
Patrick Blanchette: The number one complaint is the overall condition of our city. The streets, sidewalks, parks, and overall filth of this city. I have an aggressive quality of life improvement plan district by district to solve this issue and make Lawrence a better, cleaner and safer city to live.
Daniel Cotnoir: City Hall ignoring the business areas, Essex, Common, Broadway, and Canal. Many voters have expressed the city's failure to offer grants to people who have been working in the city for years. Small local businesses will be supported by my office, and the grants will be available to everyone.
Nunzio DiMarca: Clean up the city of garbage, drugs and prostitution. To do it, we need to bring in more revenue by the sale of our water and by grants so that we can add to our public safety personnel and to our Department of Public Works.
Marcos Devers: Lack of jobs: Re-negotiate contracts with companies that provide services to the city, return those sources of jobs to our municipal workers, and hire primarily Lawrence workers. Reactivate the economy, promote and market the city workforce to neighboring generate jobs. Lobby and advocate to use every grant awarded to the city to create jobs. Make wise use of the Community Renewal Initiative.
William Lantigua: Did not respond.
Pedro Payano: Most voters in this city do not have a connection with City Hall and they mistrust its actions. I will reach out to the different communities by hosting bimonthly community meetings which will give the Lawrence community an opportunity to voice their concerns and be more connected to their local government.
Israel Reyes: Crime. No question in my mind that the best prescription to reduce crime is jobs. Good paying jobs; jobs that will allow for sick days, time off and allow parents to spend more quality time with their children. This is why we as a community need to make a commitment to workforce retraining.
Julia Silverio: Street repairs, youth violence and lack of activities, and lack of jobs. I will work closely with DPW and our state delegation to advocate for Chapter 90 funds for reconstruction of streets. I will work with councilors to prioritize streets in their neighborhoods and will create a schedule to address those streets first; list the work schedule on the Web site for everyone to be aware of when their particular street will be taken care of.
QUESTION 4: How would you sell a potential investor on Lawrence?
Dave Abdoo: Lawrence has tremendous assets — its history, thriving airport, multicultural restaurants, dynamic businesses and strategic location between Boston and New Hampshire. We have a tradition of innovation and creativity that is fueled now by a new generation of immigrants. I'll strive to harness state and federal programs to kick-start promising developments.
Nilka Alvarez-Rodriguez: The current administration designed a marketing package showcasing Lawrence resources and redevelopment efforts in the most favorable light. We need to step it up by including the institutionalization of performance based management (similar to Somerville) with a well defined vision and goals that demonstrates a viable public safety strategy and accountable, effective public management of resources and finances. We need to promote more tours of the City not only for US entrepreneurs but also join the global economy by featuring mill spaces prime for other countries to run cottage, environmentally sound industries out of Lawrence.
Patrick Blanchette: I will establish a traveling team of current business owners small and large to help sell our city to potential investors. I will ask this team to help me tell others why Lawrence is the best zip code to do business in the commonwealth. I personally will promote our available workforce and rich history as selling points to join our team here in Lawrence.
Daniel Cotnoir: First, eliminating all the red tape that stops businesses from moving into the city. Second by giving tax incentives with requirements such as employment for city residents. Finally, the city would assist the investor with any applications for grants and assistance that is available from the state and federal government.
Marcos Devers: I would market our affordable workforce cost, as well as our tax incentives, and the city commercial strategic location, by being bounded by the 213 connector, I-495, and I-93.
Nunzio DiMarca: A clean and safe city with a good school system. A city with a history of an excellent work force, and a business friendly government.
William Lantigua: Did not respond.
Pedro Payano: Investors need to be shown that Lawrence is a city that has a rich history, a diverse community with strong work ethics and it is located in a very important geographic location near two highways. This can be done through the hard work of the office of Planning and Development and by having a transparent and efficient administration.
Israel Reyes: 3 Key Selling Points. 1.) Lawrence, geographically has many advantages with the highway access. 2.) Lawrence has a wealth of human resources and when properly trained there are economic advantages. 3.) Lawrence is a federally designated area with tax incentives that can also make a lot of economic sense for relocating businesses.
Julia Silverio: Lawrence is the best positioned city in the Merrimack Valley with easy access to major highways. It has a labor force that is willing and able to work at the minimum wage rates. I will work diligently to attract international companies that cater to a diverse community to utilize our mill spaces which will be more affordable to them than what they currently pay in other states and will position them to service the Northeast Region more effectively.
SUNDAY'S QUESTION: What's the number one issue facing the city and what do you plan to do about it?
Councilor At Large Candidiate Profiles
Choose three, for two-year terms; the top six will advance to Nov. 3 final election.
* Denotes incumbent
* Frank Moran
Age: 39
Address: 38 Dartmouth St.
Personal: Wife Wanda, two children.
Education: Graduate of Greater Lawrence Technical School; associate degree in electronics technology, RET Institute.
Work experience: Real estate company manager.
Political experience: Councilor-at-large, one term.
Web site: None
What is the number one issue facing the city? Infrastructure and lack of accountability.
Click here for Frank Moran's campaign fiance report filed in September.
* Roger Twomey
Age: 79
Address: 17 Leeds Terrace
Personal: Wife Marilyn, two children, seven grandchildren.
Education: Graduate of Central Catholic High and Merrimack College, associate degree in electrical engineering and bachelor's degree in economics.
Work experience: Retired senior industrial engineer at Lucent; U.S. Air Force veteran.
Political experience: Councilor-at-large, one term; Lawrence Licensing Commission, six years.
Web site: None
What is the number one issue facing the city? Fiscal responsibility.
Click here for Roger Twomey's campaign fiance report filed in September.
Marie Gosselin
Age: 69
Address: 4 East Gilbert St.
Personal: Widow, one son and step-daughter.
Education: Graduate of St. Mary High School.
Work experience: Retired, part-time insurance agent.
Political experience: Former City Councilor, 10 years; served five years on Planning Board and on various other committees.
Web site: None
What is the number one issue facing the city? Budget.
Click here for Marie Gosselin's campaign fiance report filed in September.
Dan Rivera
Age: 38
Address: 12 Jefferson St.
Personal: Significant other.
Education: Lawrence High School graduate; U.S. Army Military Police Academy; bachelor's degree from University of Massachusetts Amherst; master's degree of Business Administration at Suffolk University.
Work experience: Marketing operations, Aspentech Inc.; Army veteran.
Political experience: Former economic development director for Congressman Marty Meehan, past co-chair of Lawrence Democratic City Committee.
Web site: www.makelawrencebetter.com
What is the number one issue facing the city? Needing a change in leadership during hard fiscal times.
Click here for Daniel Rivera's campaign fiance report filed in September.
Gary P. Ryan
Age: 55
Address: 40 White St.
Personal: Three children, two sons and a daughter.
Education: Lawrence High School graduate, bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Lowell Tech.
Work experience: Human services, Northeast Family Institute.
Political experience: None.
Web site: None
What is the number one issue facing the city? Violent crime, struggling school system, scarcity of jobs.
Nestor DeJesus
Did not respond
Howard Tejeda
Did not respond
| Questions for the candidates | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Should the city's meal tax be increased to raise local revenue? | Is it time to review and change the city charter? | Should all six of the city's firehouses remain open even if other departments are financially affected? | ||
| Moran | No | Yes | Yes | ||
| Twomey | No | Yes | Yes | ||
| Gosselin | No | Yes | Yes | ||
| Rivera | No | Yes | Yes | ||
| Ryan | No | Yes | Will review | ||
| DeJesus | No response | No response | No response | ||
| Tejeda | No response | No response | No response | ||
District A Councilor Candidiate Profiles
Choose one, for two-year terms; top two will advance to Nov. 3 final election
Sandy E. Almonte
Age: 37
Address: 33 Woodland St.
Personal: Married, three children
Education: Methuen High School graduate
Work Experience: Parent and support services, Lawrence Public Schools
Political Experience: None
Number one issue facing city: Boosting the economy and generating revenues to address budget cuts, lay offs, support for youth
Click here for Sandy Almonte's campaign fiance report filed in September.
Joseph Armano
Age: 27
Address: 145 Howard St.
Personal: Wife Laura
Education: Bachelor's in mechanical engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell; Master's in mechanical engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Project management certificate, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Work Experience: Mechanical Design & Technical Documentation Manager, L-3 Communications, Newburyport; Real Estate Agent, Credentials Realty
Political Experience: Former member of committee to elect and re-elect Domenic Armano.
Web site: www.josepharmano.com
Number one issue facing city: Ability to continue to provide emergency, educational and social services to residents in the midst of an economic crisis
Click here for Joseph Armano's campaign fiance report filed in September.
Martha M. Leavitt
Age: 44
Address: 3 Sumner Avenue
Personal: Husband Robert O'Koniewski, two sons
Education: Bachelor from Merrimack College; graduate certificate, Boston College
Work Experience: Director, Lawrence Campus Operations, Northern Essex Community College, 2001-present.
Political Experience: Lawrence Democratic City Committee member
Number one issue facing city: Fiscal stability
Click here for Marth Leavitt's campaign fiance report filed in September.
| Questions for the candidates | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Should the city's meal tax be increased to raise local revenue? | Is it time to review and change the city charter? | Should all six of the city's firehouses remain open even if other departments are financially affected? | ||
| Almonte | No | Yes | No | ||
| Armano | No | Yes | Yes | ||
| Leavitt | No | Yes | No | ||
District B Councilor Candidiate Profiles
Choose one, for two-year terms; top two will advance to Nov. 3 final election
Gary
Mannion Jr.
Age: 20
Address: 380 Elm St.
Personal: Single
Education: St. Mary of the Assumption School; Whittier Vocational Regional Technical High School, Haverhill; now a junior at Merrimack College studying political science.
Work experience: Student.
Political experience: Ran a sticker campaign for Lawrence City Council in 2007.
Number one issue facing city: Support of public safety on the City Council.
Click here for Gary Mannion Jr.'s campaign fiance report filed in September.
Edwin Rodriguez
Age: 57
Address: 234 Haverhill St.
Personal: Wife Eva, three sons.
Education: Bachelor's from University Latino Americana; mMaster's in urban ministry from Gordon Conwell Theological School.
Work experience: Pastor and president of Movimiento Evangelistico Misionero, ef Faro Universal.
Political experience: None.
Number one issue facing city: The budget.
Ruth Rojas
Age: 35
Address: 45 Summer St.
Personal: Married, three children.
Education: Associate's in science studies from Bronx Community College; certificates of leadership from Lawrence CommunityWorks and Cambridge College.
Work experience: Foreclosure intervention specialist, case manager, credit and budget analyst and notary public for Lawrence CommunityWorks.
Political experience: Two unsuccessful bids for City Council District B; community activist.
Number one issue facing city: Unemployment.
Click here for Ruth Rojas's campaign fiance report filed in September.
Grisel Silva
Age: 36
Address: 42 White St.
Personal: Single, three children.
Education: Certificate of business administration at Sawyer School of Business; FBI Citizen Academy alumni.
Work experience: Project coordinator and patient care assistant
Political experience: City Councilor, two terms.
Number one issue facing city: Fiscal budget constraints affecting public safety and services.
Click here for Grisel Silva's campaign fiance report filed in September.
| Questions for the candidates | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Should the city's meal tax be increased to raise local revenue? | Is it time to review and change the city charter? | Should all six of the city's firehouses remain open even if other departments are financially affected? | ||
| Mannion Jr. | No | Yes | Yes | ||
| Rodriguez | No | Yes | Yes | ||
| Rojas | No | Yes | No | ||
| Silva | No | Yes | Yes | ||
District C Councilor Candidiate Profiles
Choose two, for two-year terms; top two will advance to Nov. 3 final election
Jorge A. Gonzalez
Age: 52
Address: 31 Chelmsford St.
Personal: Married, three kids.
Education: Graduated from high school in his native Ecuador.
Work experience: School bus driver, liquor store worker.
Political experience: School Committee, two terms; City Council, two terms.
Number one issue facing city: A need for new administration.
Click here for Jorge Gonzalez's campaign fiance report filed in September.
Modesto Maldonado
Age: 59
Address: 115 Spruce St.
Personal: Two children.
Education: Bachelor's from City College in New York; master's in administrative education and counseling from Fitchburg State.
Work experience: Educator; real estate agent.
Political experience: None.
Number one issue facing city: Government that is self-serving.
Click here for Modesto Maldonado's campaign fiance report filed in September.
| Questions for the candidates | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Should the city's meal tax be increased to raise local revenue? | Is it time to review and change the city charter? | Should all six of the city's firehouses remain open even if other departments are financially affected? | ||
| Gonzalez | No | Yes | Yes | ||
| Maldonado | Yes | Yes | No | ||
District D Councilor Candidiate Profiles
Choose one, for two-year terms; top two will advance to Nov. 3 final election.
Nicholas J. Kolofoles
Age: 72
Address: 35 Ames St.
Personal: Single
Education: Graduate of Lawrence High School; bachelor's in business administration from Merrimack College.
Work Experience: Retired assistant tax collector for Lawrence.
Political Experience: Lawrence City Councilor, four terms: City Council vice president, chairman of Ordinance Committee, vice-chairman of Budget and Finance Committee; chairman of Democratic District D Ward Committee; delegate to Democratic State Conventions.
Web site: http://mysite.verizon.net/vzes1noj/
Number one issue facing city: The current fiscal deficit, which has led to the closing of two fire stations.
Click here for Nicholas Kolofoles's campaign fiance report filed in September.
Oneida Aquino
Age: 30
Address: 332 Broadway
Personal: Single, two daughters.
Education: Studied business administration at Cambridge College.
Work Experience: Events planner.
Political Experience: None.
Number one issue facing city: Bad management of the budget.
Click here for Oneida Aquino's campaign fiance report filed in September.
Daniel Clark
Age: 44
Address: 1 Jasper St.
Personal: Wife Connie, three sons.
Education: Graduate of Central Catholic High School; Construction courses at New Hampshire Technical College; Sika Manufacturing, Contractor School; Ardex Manufacturing Contractor School.
Work Experience: Account manager, A.H. Harris Construction Specialities; Board of Directors, Northeast Chapter of International Concrete Repair Institute; Associated Builders and Contractors, Active Member.
Political Experience: Lawrence Zoning Board of Appeals, 2004 to present.
Number one issue facing city: Lack of accountability, responsibility and professional behavior from elected and public officials.
Click here for Daniel Clark's campaign fiance report filed in September.
| Questions for the candidates | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Should the city's meal tax be increased to raise local revenue? | Is it time to review and change the city charter? | Should all six of the city's firehouses remain open even if other departments are financially affected? | ||
| Kolofoles | No | Yes | Yes | ||
| Aquino | No | Yes | Undecided | ||
| Clark | No | Yes | No | ||
District E Councilor Candidiate Profiles
Choose 1, for two-year terms; top two will advance to Nov. 3 final election.
Eileen O'Connor Bernal
Age: 37
Address: 257 Mount Vernon St.
Personal: Husband Les Bernal, two children.
Education: St. Mary High School graduate; University College Galway; Saint Anselm College; law degree from Suffolk University.
Work Experience: Attorney at Smolak & Vaughan, North Andover.
Political Experience: None.
Number one issue facing the city? Making city government work better within its financial means.
Click here for Eileen O'Connor Bernal's campaign fiance report filed in September.
Matthew W. Brien
Age: 48
Address: 517 Mount Vernon St.
Personal: Married, two children.
Education: Winnacunnet High School, Hampton, N.H.
Work Experience: Heating and air conditioning contractor; Owner of Brien Oil Company in Lawrence.
Political Experience: Ran for City Council District E seat in 2007.
Number one issue facing the city? Quality of life issues and taxes.
Click here for Matthew Brien's campaign fiance report filed in September.
Daniel E. Rooney
Age: 32
Address: 27 Abbott St.
Personal: Single.
Education: Bachelor's in criminal justice from Salem State College; master's in criminal justice from University of Massachusetts, Lowell.
Work Experience: Point After Club since 2007.
Political Experience: Senator in the student government association at Salem State College.
Number one issue facing the city? Fiscal responsibility and accountability.
Click here for Daniel Rooney's campaign fiance report filed in September.
| Questions for the candidates | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Should the city's meal tax be increased to raise local revenue? | Is it time to review and change the city charter? | Should all six of the city's firehouses remain open even if other departments are financially affected? | ||
| Bernal | No | Yes | No | ||
| Brien | Yes | No | Yes | ||
| Rooney | No | Yes | Yes | ||
District F Councilor Candidiate Profiles
Choose two, for two-year terms; top two will advance to Nov. 3 final election.
Michael Fielding
Age: 44
Address: 179 Weare St.
Personal: Single
Education: Greater Lawrence Technical School graduate.
Work Experience: Bar manager at Lawrence British Club.
Political Experience: City Council, two terms.
Number one issue facing city: Budget.
Click here for Michael Fielding's campaign fiance report filed in September.
Marc Laplante
Age: 43
Address: 29 Durso Ave.
Personal: Married, three children
Education: Bachelor's in political science from Assumption College; law degree from Massachusetts School of Law.
Work Experience: Works for state Department of Environmental Protection.
Political Experience: City Council, 1997 to 2001.
Number one issue facing city: Working within the budget to continue to provide services.
Click here for Marc Laplante's campaign fiance report filed in September.
| Questions for the candidates | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Should the city's meal tax be increased to raise local revenue? | Is it time to review and change the city charter? | Should all six of the city's firehouses remain open even if other departments are financially affected? | ||
| Fielding | No | Yes | Yes | ||
| Laplante | Undecided | Yes | Undecided | ||
School Committee District A Candidiate Profiles
Editor's note: Candidate Rafael Gadea did not respond.
Preliminary election is Sept. 22. Choose one, for two-year terms: the top two will advance to the Nov. 3 final election
* Denotes incumbent
James S. Vittorioso
Age: 69
Address: 274 E. Haverhill St.
Personal: Single.
Education: Bachelor of Science in business administration from Husson University (1967) in Bangor, Maine; master's degree in political science teaching from New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, N.M.; master's degree in guidance counseling from Boston State University, 1982; master's degree in special education from Lesley University in 1998. Lawrence High School graduate, June 1958.
Work experience: Retired, 37 years teaching in Lawrence Public Schools.
Political experience: Seeking fourth consecutive two-year-term. He also served a term from 1984-85, so this would be his fifth term if elected. Served on the City Charter Commission from 1979-72, and Bellevue Cemetery Board, 1984-93.
How would you improve the Lawrence Public Schools? Upgrade the curriculum so it meets the needs of today's Lawrence school children. Give teachers the power to teach instead of handcuffing them with rules. Make sure they are certified in areas they teach. Too many are teaching outside their certification area. Change the Education Reform Act of 1993, taking the appointment power away from the superintendent and returning it to the School Committee.
Kemal Bozkurt
Age: 41
Address: 11 Woodland Court
Personal: Married, with three children.
Education: Master's degree, pursuing second master's.
Work experience: Reference librarian at the Lawrence Public Library for more than 10 years.
Political Experience: Zoning board member for eight years; Democratic Party State Delegate for two years.
Web site:kemalbozkurt.com
How would you improve the Lawrence Public Schools? Remove politics from the school system, open up more after school activities for academic support and also for sports. Raise the quality of the Lawrence Public Schools by offering more ESL programs so students can learn to speak English. Make connections with colleges and universities for more outreach programs to be available for students. Expand programs between colleges and schools.
School Committee District E Candidiate Profiles
Editor's note: Candidate Yoed Cameron Santos did not respond.
Preliminary election is Sept. 22. Choose one, for two-year terms: the top two will advance to the Nov. 3 final election
* Denotes incumbent
Peter R. Larocque
Age: 53
Address: 9 Boyd St.
Personal: Married 27 years to wife Pam. Three children, 2 grandchildren.
Education: A graduate of New Bedford Vocational High School.
Work Experience: Worked in the food services industry his entire working life, the last nine as a baker at Market Basket.
Political Experience: Seeks second elected two-year term. Finished second to the incumbent, Amy McGovern, in the 2005 election. City Council elected him in October 2006 to fill her unexpired term after she resigned. He was elected to the seat two years ago. Member of the Lawrence City Community Development Advisory Board.
How would you improve the Lawrence Public Schools? In order to improve Lawrence Public Schools, changes need to made at the top. I would approve a contract for the next superintendent that is fair to both the new superintendent and the citizens of Lawrence. For example, provide no vehicle and only pay for gas and mileage if living in Lawrence... Separate the superintendent's evaluation from compensation and only provide a contract for three years at a time.
Mark Gray
Age: 45
Address: 17 Groton St.
Personal: Three sons.
Education: High school graduate, miscellaneous military and civilian training.
Work Experience: Training, retail, account management, sales representative.
Political Experience: He was a candidate for School Committee in 2005, finishing third behind Amy McGovern and Peter Larocque.
How would you improve the Lawrence Public Schools? I will integrate the concerns of the community, such as firing (Superintendent Wilfredo) Laboy, books, after school programs, and parental involvement into an enforceable district plan, as is my duty as a representative of the people. I will provide for accountability and oversight while ferreting out corruption and politics.
Click here for Mark Gray's campaign fiance report filed in September.
Homayoun Maali
Age: 54
Address: 53 Chester St.
Personal: Married, two children in Lawrence Public Schools.
Education: Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering; graduate in management award from Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
Work Experience: Self-employed.
Political Experience: First-time candidate for public office.
How would you improve the Lawrence Public Schools? I will make sure we remove Superintendent (Wilfredo) Laboy by any legal means possible, immediately. I will make sure that we search the national market to find the best person for the Lawrence Public Schools. Starting salary — $80,000; no car, no funds for lecture or travel, and a three-year contract.
School Committee District F Candidiate Profiles
Editor's note: Candidate Jason Iarossi did not respond.
Preliminary election is Sept. 22. Choose one, for two-year terms: the top two will advance to the Nov. 3 final election
* Denotes incumbent
Gregory Morris
Age: 40
Address: 18 Market St.
Personal: Married, wife Stacey. Two children, Kaytlin, 16, and Nicholas, 11.
Education: Graduated from Essex Agricultural Technical Institute (1987).
Work Experience: Lawrence Department of Public Works, Home Depot, 12 years.
Political Experience: Seeks third, two-year term. Elected in 2005 without opposition. Lost by more than 100 votes to James F. Stokes in 2007, but later reclaimed the seat after Stokes resigned after being charged with the federal crimes of displaying a counterfeit military discharge document and making a false claim about receipt of military medals. Morris first ran for the seat in 2003.
How would you improve the Lawrence Public Schools? No response.
James F. Stokes
Age: 64
Address: 294 S. Union St.
Personal: Wife, Fern. four stepchildren, eight grandchildren.
Education: Lowell High School graduate; attended Southern Methodist University.
Work Experience: Retired.
Political Experience: Ran unsuccessfully for District F council seat in 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2005. Elected to the School Committee in 2007, but resigned his seat after being arrested by the FBI on federal charge of forging a military discharge paper filed with the veterans agent at City Hall. He later pleaded guilty to impersonating a Marine veteran and lying about receiving a Purple Heart.
How would you improve the Lawrence Public Schools? First by keeping a promise I made in 2007 that I would not extend (Superintendent Wilfredo) Laboy's contract and would fire him. Parents should have the right to visit schools on progressiveness of their children. Need more books for study. Move central office of School Department to old high school. Committee members should visit schools more often to look for improvements.
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Este miércoles 22 de Abril, declarado como el Día de la Tierra,
encuentra a comunidades científicas y a organismos internacionales
preocupados por el contraste entre el crecimiento de la población
humana y la reducción desproporcionada de los recursos naturales en el
planeta.
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