By THOMAS GRILLO
For the second time, Marven Hyppolite is hoping to replace Ward 5 City Councilor Dianna Chakoutis on the Council.
The 24-year-old caseworker for U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) who works with constituents on immigration and housing issues, said the city needs a new brand of leadership.
“We need someone who will represent the whole ward,” he said. “I am willing to give power to the people instead of just representing them.”
Hyppolite said while he has no complaints about the incumbent, he would do a better job. He was defeated by Chakoutis in 2015 by a nearly 2-1 margin.
“It’s nothing about her personally,” he said. “This is about the direction of the city and representing people. I don’t think all our voices are being heard, not everyone has access to the decision-making process.”
If elected, Hyppolite said he will promote transparency, a “holistic” approach to governance, and community empowerment. He pledged to make the Council more accessible through regular office hours and community listening events.
Hyppolite said he worked on President Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign, and served as president of student government at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth from 2013 to 2014.
Thomas Grillo can be reached at [email protected].
