Revere mayor candidates trade barbs on leadership experience, public safety

REVERE – Councilors at large Dan Rizzo and George Rotondo both agree that public safety is a big concern for Revere residents.But that?s where the agreement ends.Rizzo and Rotondo are both vying to replace outgoing Mayor Thomas G. Ambrosino, who decided not to run for re-election.Two weeks ago, at the first and only mayoral debate, Rotondo stated that he thinks Revere needs a change when it comes to Revere Police Chief Terrence Reardon. “I think he has done a fabulous job and he is not going anywhere anytime soon because he has a contract,” Rotondo said. “I think we need someone outside the system who is able to take the reins and change the culture of the police department.” Rizzo believes what Rotondo said shows the difference between the two.?In what I thought was a really crazy off-the wall question, my opponent said I will fire Chief Reardon to make a statement,” Rizzo said. “I like to put myself in the other person?s shoes. Do I want to be the person that says, ?by the way chief, stand up, you?re fired, and you?re doing a terrible job.? It was very unprofessional and uncalled for.”Rotondo stands by his comment.?I really like Terry. I think he is a good man and I think he is good chief,” Rotondo said. “We need someone who is going to come into the police department and continue their great efforts, but change the culture of the police department ? Sometimes you need to go outside the department to change the culture.” Rotondo wants to aid neighborhood watch groups to encourage more citizen involvement and have a patrol officer on busy streets like Broadway and Revere street.Rizzo also questions whether reports by the police chief about a reduction in arrests actually means there?s less crime occurring in city neighborhoods.?A lot of that has to do with the fact that there are less police officers on the streets so therefore less arrests,” Rizzo said. “I don?t think that necessarily translates to less crime.”Rizzo wants to form a neighborhood advisory council that would consist of eight members – six from each ward and two at large councilors – working with the police department in a volunteer capacity.Rizzo also points to Rotondo?s comment about the police chief as showing how their temperaments are different.Different approaches??One of the major differences between my opponent and I is the way we handle things,” Rizzo said. “Our demeanor is completely 180-degrees polar opposite.” Rizzo believes that Rotondo likes to drag the city of Revere down when a problem happens.?My philosophy is, and will continue to be, to deal with problems when they arise professionally and effectively, but I don?t need to hold a press conference every time someone gets in trouble,” Rizzo said.Rotondo sees things differently.He believes he holds people accountable.?I hold everyone to a higher standard,” Rotondo said. “Accountability is not a ?gotcha? mentality. It?s making sure everyone is doing the right thing.” The councilors have been going door to door in Revere, talking to the voters and getting a feel for what the biggest issues are before next Tuesday?s election.The economy is another big issue the councilors have been hearing about.?A lot of people are struggling,” Rizzo said.Rizzo talked to a man who had to choose between paying for his son?s college tuition or the mortgage.He chose his son?s education and is now at serious risk of losing his home.?These are terrible options for people,” Rizzo said. “That is why the gaming bill is so important to me as a prospective mayor in the city.”Senate and House lawmakers are currently meeting in a conference committee to iron out the differences in their expanded gambling bills, which both include resort casinos in Massachusetts.Revere officials have long hoped to build one at Suffolk Downs.Economic developmentRizzo would like to see a certain amount of jobs reserved for Revere residents if a casino is built at Suffolk Downs.?It means a lot to me because I think of the people who are struggling