Revere mayoral debate a slugfest

REVERE – The first and only Revere mayoral debate proved to be a lively and vibrant event between opponents Councilor at Large Dan Rizzo and Councilor at Large George Rotondo.The debate Tuesday night at Whelan Elementary School?s auditorium began with opening remarks from both candidates as to why they should be mayor of Revere. “It is a very important election and you deserve to know where I stand on the issues and what the issues are,” Rizzo said.Rizzo feels that his experience owning an insurance company in Revere with his brother gives him a greater edge at being mayor. “I have met so many people in the community,” Rizzo said. “I am proud of the fact that I have owned an insurance business with my brother for 26 years on Broadway.”Rizzo believes in Revere?s potential. “The city of Revere is in a great position right now,” Rizzo said. “I believe the city of Revere is on the verge of greatness.”Rotondo also believes Revere is a great place to live. “I believe in Revere. Revere is an amazing place,” Rotondo said. “Revere is worth fighting for.”In his opening statement Rotondo said that he has the right skill set to be a successful mayor and wants to form a science technology center at Wonderland. “This is so people in Revere can have jobs in Revere,” Rotondo said.After the opening statements, the debate went into a question-and-answer period where one candidate would be asked to answer a question and the second candidate would have a two-minute rebuttal. Neither candidate had seen the question prior to the debate.The first question was to Rizzo concerning public safety and if a new contract will be offered to Revere Police Chief Terrence Reardon.?Public safety will be my No. 1 priority as Mayor,” Rizzo said. “I don?t just want people to be safe but to feel safe as well.”Rizzo said that if he becomes mayor that the police department as well as every other department in the city will be reviewed. “I will give the police department a stern review from top to bottom and that will happen on Day 1,” Rizzo said.Rotondo said he will be looking for another chief if he becomes mayor. “I like Chief Reardon,” Rotondo said. “However, I think we need a change.”The Councilors at Large then each answered as to why one was a better choice for mayor than the other.Rizzo stated that his excellent relationship with the other council members will help him get things done as mayor. He also said that the beloved current mayor, Thomas G. Ambrosino, had a good relationship with the council.?Tom Ambrosino had a terrific relationship with the city council,” Rizzo said. “I think that is important. We need the right individual in the mayor?s seat. I have the right temperament.”Rotondo believes his track record for getting motions passed during his time as a city councilor proves he should be mayor. “Unlike my opponent I have a track record of getting things done,” Rotondo said. Rotondo added that his time spent as a cardio-thoracic ICU nurse prepared him for being mayor.?I am the only candidate that has managed the most people for this job,” Rotondo said.The councilors then addressed the issue of a divided council. It is apparent to many that one councilor has the support of nearly all his peers while the other does not.?I hold everyone accountable. When someone on the council does something they shouldn?t, I hold them accountable,” Rotondo said. “The men on the council don?t always like that. My mother always told me to tell the truth, treat everyone like family and to be fair.”Rizzo disagreed. “There is a difference between accountability and combativeness,” Rizzo said. “I know how to work with people. I am proud to have earn the support of my colleagues.”Both candidates answered questions about allegations of corruption within Revere?s government and that the ethics committee is only slapping the perpetrators on the wrist.?In a Rizzo administration, corruption will not be tolerated,” Rizzo said. “However, unlike my opponent, I will not drag my city th