Arthur “Arty” Henry DeMattia
Office running for: Revere Ward 6 City Councilor
Education: I graduated Revere High School in 2002; Wentworth Institute of Technology where I went on and get my Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.
Occupation: Architectural Designer
What are your accomplishments?
While I was at Wentworth, I was listed in the Who’s Who of college students. I currently work as an architectural designer for Choo & Company in North Quincy and have had several designs built in and around the Boston area.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
Locally in my ward, I would like to see the parks of North Revere improved, traffic issues taken care of throughout ward 6 and improvements to our roads and sidewalks along with general safety additions.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
As for the local ward issues on parks and roads, the money should come from where the rest of the city gets funding to repair their sidewalks, roads, and parks. Ward 6 is a large area in Revere, but there are parts of the ward I want to represent that seems to be the last on the list to get any improvements done.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
While in college and a few years after I had set a goal to see every major league baseball park before I was 30 and every state before I was 50. I got 33 parks in when I turned 29 and was up to date until this year where a new one was added. I have seen 49 of the 50 states and I will honeymoon in Hawaii with my fiancee.
Michael A. Ferrante
Office running for: Revere School Committee
Education: Revere High School, 1975; Northeastern University majored in business, 1980
Occupation: Accountant and tax consultant
What are your accomplishments?
I have 16 years of experience as a public servant. I was a City Councilor for four years. During my 12-year tenure on the School Committee, I served as the vice chair of the School Committee and my entire tenure as the chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
The biggest issue facing the public schools is the increased enrollment and in the population, increasing class sizes which makes it harder for teachers to individualize teaching to the students and for teachers to get to know their students individually. The increased enrollment has also caused budget constraints on the School Committee and required the City to construct a new high school.
How would you propose the City pay for your remedy to address that issue?
In my opinion, there are only two options to pay for any improvements: The City will have to issue a bond to fund the projects, or propose a Proposition 2 1/2 override. I do not recommend either of these options. However, these are the city’s only feasible options.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I am a local business owner of GSF Tax Service, Inc., which has been in business for 30 years. I am a lifelong resident of Revere who is involved in numerous community service projects.
Jessica A. Giannino
Office running for: Revere City Councilor at Large
Education: Salem State University
Occupation: Account manager at M & M Label Company
What are your accomplishments?
One of my greatest accomplishments since being elected was serving as City Council president last year. It was a great opportunity and an honor to be voted to serve by my colleagues.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
A major burden our residents carry is the high tax and water rates in the city.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
By increasing commercial development, the city would be able to work to lower tax and water rates. Commercial development helps to balance the city. If we invested more in commercial and economic development, we could then use that revenue to help balance the expenses our tax paying residents are responsible for. Commercial development does not drain our school systems or city services, it only brings in revenue and resources for our residents.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
Something voters may be surprised to know about is is I am an avid motorcycle enthusiast. My father is a motorcycle police officer and I began riding at a young age. I love riding my Harley Davidson in my spare time.
Susan Gravellese
Office running for: Revere School Committee
Education: Revere High School, 1982; American College of Sports Medicine – certified
personal trainer
Occupation: Independent personal trainer, administrative assistant and instructor at Revere Karate Academy
What are your accomplishments?
Being elected to the Revere School Committee was not only an accomplishment but an honor as well.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
The need for a new high school.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Our superintendent will be submitting a statement of interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority which (if approved) will help with a significant percentage of the funding.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I was born at the Revere Hospital. Most residents do not remember the Revere Hospital since it closed down in the early seventies. It is now the location of the Lighthouse Nursing Home.
Arthur Guinasso
Office running for: Revere Ward 3 City Councillor
Education: Revere High School, Bentley College
Occupation: Mass General Hospital financial grant manager
What are your accomplishments?
I helped secure council approval for the city to construct five new schools, a new police station, two new fire stations and to purchase six new fire trucks as well as Public Works equipment and to pay for construct the Lincoln Elementary School playground. I have made contribution to council actions required to help the city make water and sewer infrastructure improvements and construct new streets and sidewalks.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
The biggest issue is the regional traffic which we experience on a daily basis. We also need to build a new Public Works facility and, as always, stabilize our tax and water rates.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Fortunately with the income from new growth, including projects like the new PACE Health Center for Seniors and the redevelopment at Suffolk Downs, we will added city tax revenue. A long shot but still being discussed for Suffolk is the Amazon.com which will provide jobs and financial investment of over 5 billion dollars. Most recently, the City Council rezoned the old NECCO site to enable the use of robotics companies to be able to come to Revere. It will allow for advanced product manufacturing, research and development, biomedical facilities, technology warehousing and distribution activities. Going forward we look at the future growth at the old Wonderland Greyhound Park site.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
That I’m not a good golfer! I have a very serious vice, I love potato chips and popcorn on Friday and Saturday night.
Patrick M. Keefe
Office running for: Reelection Revere Ward 4 City Councilor
Education: Associates degree in Applied Science, Newbury College
Occupation: Regional Director for Legal Sea Foods.
What are your accomplishments?
I am the parent of two great children, Adrianna and Patrick, husband to my wife, Jennifer, and vice president of the Council. I am president of Revere Pop Warner and a coach of many youth sports. I stood strong against introducing recreational marijuana in our city and I worked on the council to help make possible approval of three new hotels and zoning changes to keep the NECCO Site 100% commercial use.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
The city needs to dedicate more resources to fight opioid addiction. We also need to reinvest in our local infrastructure including roads and the sewerage system.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Revere is in good financial standings and the growth of our commercial development (non-residential) will be the key to funding the greatest needs of our community
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I am a runner and ran the Boston Marathon for Childhood Nutrition studies with the Tufts Marathon Team. I also am a huge supporter of the National Kidney Foundation and National Organ Bank and donated a kidney to my mom in 2001.
Glenn P. LaCedra
Office running for: Revere School Committee
Education: Revere High School, 1979; Northeastern University, 1986; Concord School of Law – “attended” – 2005. Honorable Discharge United States Army 1988.
Occupation: Small collectibles business owner
What are your accomplishments?
I served as chairman of the Revere Republican City Committee from 2013 until the present. I was involved in the campaign to elect President Trump – Massachusetts and the 2014 campaign to elect Gov. Baker. I served from 1982 until 1988 in the United States Army and Reserves with honor.
What is the biggest issue facing your city or local schools?
The lack of accountability with the present Revere School Department, most importantly the failure of the Revere School Department and Committee to enforce the student residency requirement allowing hundreds of students from other cities to attend Revere schools at a great cost to the Revere property owners which is reflected in the yearly property taxes.
How do you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
It’s easy, and it wouldn’t cost a penny. Simply use the existing truant officers already on the school payroll to investigate, contact, and insure that each student is a lawful resident of the city of Revere. A savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars without any additional cost could be found in the spirit of true conservative fiscal accountability.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
In the late 1990’s the city of Revere had only 900 registered Republicans. Today, we have over 1,900 and Revere was the only city in last year’s presidential primary to obtain a majority for Trump, thanks to my leadership and committee work.
Eric Lampedecchio
Office running for: Revere Ward 5 City Councilor
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. I am actively working towards my Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership. I will be graduating in 2018.
Occupation: I am the training manager for the largest state chartered credit union in Massachusetts. I also work part time as a stand attendant and UFCW Local 1445 member at the TD Garden.
What are your accomplishments?
I am proud of my educational achievements and believe in the importance of education. I was recognized earlier this year in my industry as a Credit Union Rising Star by The Warren Group and by my organization last year as a service leader. I am an active member in the community having participated in the Oak Island and Lincoln School park builds, Row Row Row in Revere, and the Revere 5K.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
Overdevelopment of residential properties, public safety, and traffic.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Attract high quality commercial development at the Wonderland and Suffolk Downs sites. Commercial properties pay more in taxes and do not use as many city services. This would also help offset the tax burden our residents face.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
That I love to play softball! I was the home run leader in my division last summer.
Joanne McKenna
Office running for: Reelection Revere Ward 1 City Councillor
Education: Bachelor Degree in Art Education; Master’s Degrees in Educational Technology and Psychology with a certification in Guidance Counseling and a licensure in Administration.
Occupation: Retired Revere Public School teacher of 32 years. Currently, Ward 1 City Councilor.
What are your accomplishments?
I negotiated with the RedGate developers at the former Shaw’s site to extend a new water line to Beachmont. I worked to add 12 more resident permit parking streets to Beachmont and together with Councilor Jessica Giannino, drafted a new ordinance limiting the parking of commercial vehicles overnight.
Upon visiting Lee’s Trailer Park and Sullivan Tire, I witnessed horrendous conditions – people were living in squalor. I immediately contacted Inspectional Services, and both areas were forced to clean up their properties.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
The biggest issue facing the Revere Public Schools is the overcrowded schools with some teachers teaching 40 children in a classroom and the lack of funds to build a new high school to accommodate the these students.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
To build a new high school, I believe that the city should acquire mitigation money from the boom of developments happening in Revere
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
In 1981, I was hired as Boston police officer but because of Proposition 2 1/2, I was let go.
Steven Morabito
Office running for: Revere City Councilor at large
Education: Salem State University Bachelor of Science iin Business/Management
Occupation: Realtor
What are your accomplishments?
I appeared before the State Senate’s Joint Committee on traffic to get a reduction in tolls for
Revere residents. I as able to get the city to update parking meters to a smart parking system.
City business applications are accessible online because of a motion I submitted. I sponsored a motion to bring awareness to bullying with October declared as Anti-Bullying Awareness Month in the city of Revere.
I voted in favor of Question 1 ballot initiative. A yes vote on November 7th will give 1,000 senior citizens a property tax break who own a house and live in Revere.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
The biggest issue is to resolve are the citizen’s concerns about additional apartment buildings being developed in Revere. Some feel this will unnecessarily increase our population and our school’s student enrollment and this will create the need for more schools, which will cost more money for the city.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Revere should continue to remain one of the top cities in Greater Boston to live. We must capitalize on this reputation and brand our city correctly to bring in the right businesses to our city, especially those that add an entertainment component for our citizens, provide great career opportunities and significant revenue to our city.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
Most people who did not know me 21 years ago may not know that I was trained by Walter Kowalski to become a professional wrestler.
Nicholas Moulaison Sr.
Office running for: Revere City Councilor at Large
Education: Graduated Dom Savio High School 1989
Occupation: Construction millwright
What are your accomplishments?
Co-founded a nonprofit in 2014 called Recovery Thoughts. We help people with addictions get help or get into a detox programs. We also help people coming out of detox programs get i to sober homes by sponsoring them and help to pay for them to get in. We also spread awareness by holding Narcan trainings and school events to educate the community of drug addiction.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
Residential development we have too many buildings going up in Revere with no game plan in place. We need to plan for the future five years, 10 years and 15 years down the road. All these younger people moving into the city will eventually have children and they will be going to Revere schools which are overcrowded now.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
We need better planning and better developments less residential more commercial and industrial.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
Everyone knows a lot about me. I am father of seven children and grandfather of seven. I have been involved in youth sports programs for over 22 years.
Ira Novoselsky
Office running for: Reelection Revere City Councilor Ward 2
Education: Graduate Revere High School, 1965; attended Boston State College and graduated Lowell University, 1975
Occupation: Retired
What are your accomplishments?
City Councilor 17 years and I retired from a 27-year military career . I worked on the council to help the city build parks and playgroups in my neighborhoods. I worked to get 22 streets repaved and nine streets new sidewalks. I created a city ordinance to assist caregivers of homebound residents to park in the city without getting parking tickets. I worked to help adjust city zoning ordinances to restrict methadone clinics, medical marijuana clinics and marijuana shops in areas of the city away from the main flow of residents and children.
I worked with developers to bring the proper type of commercial business into the city and to best utilize commercial properties such as Suffolk Downs, NECCO and Wonderland.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
We are in need of a new high school. Our Public Works facility is in need of replacement. Our city-owned buildings are in need of upgrading. Some were damaged in the 2014 tornado.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Over the next few years we will work with School Department and School Committee to seek out funding. Some of the money can from the state and some through our stabilization Reserve Fund and some through bonds, federal and state grants and available free cash.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I have been a resident of Revere for 70 years and living in the same house I was born in, people know everything about me. I am a helpful caring person.
David Jose Ramos
Office running for: Revere City Councilor at Large
Education: Bachelor of Science in Finance, St. John’s University; Master’s of Science in Information Systems, George Washington University
Occupation: I am an executive technologist managing a big data product and engineering team in the healthcare industry.
What are your accomplishments?
I have attained the rank of Eagle Scout, played college football, and advanced in my career. My wife, Claudia, and I have five children and support our community and church through our volunteering efforts.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
The current infrastructure can barely support existing residents, nevermind keeping pace with new housing development. We must improve infrastructure, grow sales and corporate tax revenue by supporting and attracting businesses and preserving our remaining green spaces.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Residents bear the brunt of these challenges through the combination of high taxes and high stress. After decades of neglect this will not be easy or inexpensive to resolve and requires a carefully-crafted strategic approach. We have to use multiple tools including special infrastructure assessments for new large residential developments, increased tax assessments for non-resident multi-family property owners, and tax incentives for qualifying businesses. Additionally, it is critical to slow or even suspend new developments until a strategic plan is in place.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
God has blessed me with unique experiences: I trained Kung-Fu under a Shaolin Monk, climbed a volcano, rode my motorcycle across large parts of the country and my wife and I spent time living in Tokyo Japan.
Dimple J. Rana
Office running for: Revere City Councilor at large
Education: Revere High School, 1998; Bachelor of Science in Community Health and Education, Hofstra University, 2002; Master’s in Public Policy, Tufts University, 2017.
Occupation: Director of Healthy Community Initiatives and Revere on the Move, Revere
What are your accomplishments?
I am a union member. I am listed n Top 30 Under 30 Asian Americans in US, 2008. I helped establish the West Revere Neighborhood Group (2012), which counts among its successes the enhancement of the Urban Trail, mural plans, and Revere’s first dog park.
I was appointed by Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo as a commissioner to the Massachusetts Asian American Commission in 2016. I was named Youth Mentor of the Year by the Revere Chamber of Commerce in 2016.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
I want to see a Master Plan for the City that has been discussed for a few years now. I want residents and businesses to have a seat at the table to create plans for commercial and sound residential development for single and set income earners; a regional approach to traffic and transportation and workforce development resources and sustainable wages.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
In 2015, Revere paid to facilitate a master planning process. Two years later, we still don’t have a master plan as the city continues to develop without resident input and no long term plan. As your councillor a large, I will seek that the money you have already spent is used with all of us providing valuable input.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
Last November, I was diagnosed with cancer. It was a long journey to recovery. However, it did not stop me from graduating, being promoted, and launching my campaign for City Council.
Stephen F. Reardon
Office you are running for: Revere School Committee
Education: Boston College High School, 1970; University of Massachusetts Amherst, 1975, Bachelor of Arts in government; New England School of Law, 1995.
Occupation: Attorney
What are your accomplishments?
I am a past president of the Revere Chamber of Commerce; past chairperson, Department of Planning and Community Development Citizen’s Advisory Committee and a past advisory board member.
What do feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
The greatest challenge to likely face the School Committee is the need to build a new high school. But Revere has distinguished itself for excellence in public education.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
One half of the city budget is devoted to education. Efficient financial allocation is critical demanding the involvement of dedicated professionals. We have had the benefit of funding from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) in the building of our five new schools. We must present the MSBA with a sound and executable proposal to replace our high school. Without the support of the MSBA replacing it will be an impossibility. In the best of circumstances, the MSBA would only reimburse our building and outfitting costs at about 75 percent. The city will have to bond the remainder of the expense. Fortunately, our prior bonding is being amortized fairly rapidly and our bond rating is exceptional. We must see that all such spending and the development of a new high school is accomplished in the most efficient and cost effective manner.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I have no surprises for the voters. What you see, an educated, experienced and committed professional, is what you get.
Daniel Rizzo
Office running for: Revere Councilor-at-Large
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Emmanuel College
Occupation: President, Rizzo Insurance Group, Inc.
What are your accomplishments?
I served 6 years active duty in the U.S. Navy. I was elected to the Revere City Council for six terms (12 years) before becoming mayor in November 2011. I served from January 2012 to January 2016.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
There are many issues that face our community: How do we maintain a strong public safety infrastructure? What steps can we take to ensure we continue to deliver a first class education to our children? How do we work collaboratively with neighboring cities and towns and the Governor’s Office to tackle the problems surrounding opioids and addiction? And, what can we do to slow down the proliferation of large scale development going up around the city without ensuring adequate investments to public infrastructure?
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Some of these issues require money. Others require pure commitment to the residents.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
Unlike many others who aspire for public office early on in life, I never had the desire to run or even remotely considered getting involved in politics until I was in my late 30’s. I was encouraged by a few close friends, and from that decision, notwithstanding my military service, I found that public service was something that I loved and was passionate about.
Stacey Rizzo
Office running for: Revere School Committee
Education: Everett High School, 1975, Youville School of Nursing
Occupation: Revere School Committee Member and Realtor with Century 21 North Shore
What are your accomplishments?
Every year that I get to watch our students walk across the stage and receive their diplomas. That is more important to me than any individual accomplishments. Their accomplishments give me so much pride!
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
Our priority today is a new Revere High School. We have submitted a Statement of Interest to the MSBA (Massachusetts School Building Authority). Our high school facility was built in the 1970s when many students did not participate in lab science classes. Today our students are required to complete three years of science lab in order to graduate. We do not have enough lab space for all our science classes. Many are in traditional classrooms which doesn’t allow for lab work to be done properly and safely. This leaves our students at a disadvantage and possibly risk accreditation, down the road. Our cafeteria is also inadequate. It was designed around an open campus model. Now not all students have a seat at lunch.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
If we have the opportunity to be accepted into the MSBA program it is hopeful that we would be able to receive up to 75% funding.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
It is my honor to also have a seat on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. I am also proud to represent Revere for Shore Collaborative Schools, Revere Public Schools Health and Wellness Committee and chairwoman of the Policy Subcommittee and Special Education Subcommittee.
Wayne Rose
Office running for: Revere Councilor at Large
Education: Revere High School and Northeast Regional Vocational School
Occupation: City of Revere, special education school bus driver
What are your accomplishments?
My biggest accomplishment is my family, raising not only my own children, but other children whose families were unable to care for them. I am proud of all of my children. The importance of family is something passed down from my father, which I pass on to all my children with the dream that they will pass it to theirs. Family is where the home is and Revere is our home.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
I believe the biggest issue in our city is the opiate epidemic, it is killing our citizens at an alarming rate and it is poisoning our youth. The schools do their best to produce good, educated children but we fight the opiate epidemic first then the children have a better chance at making it in life, let’s give them a fighting chance.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Funding a cause is always difficult, no one wants to be taxed more for one thing or another. I would propose firstly, very hefty fines for dealers caught selling and distributing opiates and hefty fines for doctors illegally writing prescriptions and possibly a tax for out of town drivers parking in Revere.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
Most of the voters know that I don’t hold back, I speak what is on my mind and that I am very passionate about Revere. What you may not know is exactly how involved I am in the youth of Revere.
Frederick A. Sannella
Office you are running for: Reelection to the Revere School Committee
Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Salem State University; Master’s degree in Educational Administration – certificate of advanced graduate studies – from Boston State College, a part of the University of Massachusetts system.
Occupation: Retired sixth grade teacher, Lincoln Elementary School, Revere, and assistant principal, Whelan Elementary School, Revere.
What are your accomplishments?
I was an educator in the Revere School Department for 38 years and a member of the Revere School Committee for 16 years where I worked with colleagues to move forward plans to replace aging and inadequate schools, including Hill, Paul Revere and Whelan Elementary schools and Susan B. Anthony and Rumney Marsh Academy middle schools.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
The construction of a new Revere High School.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
The superintendent, with the approval of the School Committee, has applied to the Massachusetts School Building Authority. When approved, the city of Revere could receive up to 80 percent of the project cost.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I was chosen by former state Senate President Thomas Birmingham and state Rep. Mark Roosevelt to help draft the state Education Reform Act.
Albert J. Terminiello Jr.
Office running for: Revere School Committee
Education: Revere High School, 1971; New England Institute of Mortuary Science, 1974
Occupation: Customer service representative for Massachusetts E911, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
What are your accomplishments?
Fifty years of service to the Revere League for Special Needs; Co-founder of the Revere Veterans Committee and Scholarship Fund; Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors Revere Television. I sat on founding board of Revere TV setting regulations and startup financials.
I am a two-time president of the Revere Chamber of Commerce; a Revere Police Auxiliary member for nine years. I have helped cook Thanksgiving breakfast at Revere High School for more than 25 years. I have cooked for the Rumney Marsh Burial Grounds fundraiser for nine years. I am also an Eagle Scout.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
In my opinion, drugs is the number one problem. Addiction is bad enough but the type of drug on the street today is deadly. More and more young adults are dying from it and the scary part is that they are getting younger.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Money is always an issue but nothing beats education and involvement with your children at early ages. We already have police, but I think a better or special task force targeting this issue and harsher penalties for distribution is needed. Courts let these true criminals free too easily. Special meeting and classes for parents and teens are not that expensive and volunteers from local officials would also help keep costs down.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
That I am a nationally-ranked archer and shoot around the country. I also like to cook.
Carol A. Tye
Office running for: Revere School Committee
Education: Bachelors of Science – English, Education, Master’s of Arts – Literature – and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies – Administration.
Occupation: Retired Superintendent of Schools
What are your accomplishments?
I have served in the Revere Public Schools since 1960, as a teacher of English at Revere High School; a union officer/negotiator; superintendent of schools; and member of the School Committee. As the superintendent of schools in 1999, I began the project to construct five new schools throughout the district.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
Now we need to build a new high school. We have been told that if we don’t, we will not be accredited. We are overcrowded throughout the district. A new Revere High School will allow us to utilize our current building as a central middle school and redistribute our elementary population into the three middle schools. We cannot continue to provide a high-quality education in crowded classrooms. The state will again be our major funder. The city will have to bond the smaller portion as a commitment to the future.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
It’s always about the money. We need the state to correct the mistake it made last year in changing the formula for the distribution of funds to educate the poor. Under the new method, we lost funding for 2,227 children. We also need a new Education Reform initiative. The first Ed Reform committed major funds to provide innovative reforms. That was a huge success. We need an Education Reform II. I plan to continue to fight for such a measure.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I tracked mountain gorillas with Dr. Dian Fossey’s team in Rwanda.
Cheryl Ann Elizabeth Whittredge
Office running for: Revere Ward 1 Councilor
Education: Revere High School, 1981; Lincoln Technical Institute, 2008; Criminal Justice training to be a medical office terminology assistant; 2017
Occupation: Events Coordinator
What are your accomplishments?
I have many accomplishments, including continuing education upon graduating High school, teaching and working with children of all ages and backgrounds. I have four children plus a grandchild. I have had the opportunity to work in several careers including health and recovery for teenagers and adults. I have previously run for elected office.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
Continuing to develop and improve our community for our neighbors in Ward 1.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to fix that issue?
We have monies available for each ward. I also would seek community participation from residents to hold fundraisers. I would have to pursue all my options. We currently are discussing Suffolk Downs’s future (possibly retail stores offices). I would be attending council meetings and representing my ward and push to meet the needs of Ward 1 residents.
What is something the voters may not know about you but would be surprised to know?
I have since I was young girl thought to be first female to represent our country.
Michael Zaccaria
Office running For: Revere Councilor at Large
Education: 12 years in Revere Public Schools. Graduated Revere High School, 1987. Business Administration courses, Bunker Hill Community College. Firefighter Training at FEMA Training Facility in Beverly, MA. Certified in Emergency Response, Terrorism Response, Unified Incident Command, and Grief Management. Certified as Hazardous Materials Technician. Trained in Collaboration and Coordination in Times of Crisis at Boston University Medical Center.
Occupation: Ran a business for almost 30 years.
What are your accomplishments?
I consider my most accomplishment to be a very personal one, that of my family, my wife, my two children, the time we enjoy together, and raising my kids as part of the Revere community. I employ a great group of dedicated people from our Revere base, during which I have had the privilege of working closely with firefighters, police officers, and other first responders, and have seen the many daily challenges they face on their jobs, all of which has led to a great appreciation for the job they do every day and the resources and support they deserve from our government. In addition, I have always had a strong commitment to the civic pride of the city of Revere, and a commitment to its youth and trying to create and foster the best environment possible for their futures.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing the city (or local schools)?
Overall — public safety for all members of our community from senior citizens to youth, defeating the drug epidemic, and offering the best educational resources we can to help children and families.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Creating a strong pro-business climate to attract sustainable, quality enterprises and greatly enhance our commercial tax base going forward.
