Four Questions for the Candidates

Michael Mangan

Michael Mangan

With the Special Election to fill the vacancy left by State Representative Stephen “Stat” Smith’s indictment and resulting resignation from office less than a month away, The Everett Independent will be running a series of Question and Answer interviews with all seven of the candidates over the next several weeks, to help voters better acquaint themselves with the candidates, their views and what they hope to accomplish.

All seven candidates, five in the Democratic Primary and two Independents in the General Election, will be asked the same four questions, in order to give each a fair chance to answer.

Michael Mangan

Democrat Aldermen Michael Mangan’s answers.

Question 1 – How long have you been involved in city government as an elected or appointed official?

A: I served for two years on the Common Council and the last four years on the Board of Aldermen. Prior to that I was appointed for two years as a member of the board of the Everett Housing Authority.

Question 2 – What is the central theme of your candidacy?

A: Putting Everett first. That’s what I’ve done as an elected official and as a volunteer in the city for 14 years with youth organizations. My goal is to work to make Everett a great city to live and work and raise a family in. I want to see good development in the city, a commitment to improving transportation in the city, small business growth and proper funding for the Everett public schools.

Question 3 – What will be your top priority as State Representative?

A: My top priority will be to work to encourage development, and re-development, starting with Everett Square. It’s my main priority to see all Everett revitalized, but I’d like to start in Everett Square. . .and I think as a State Representative, in terms of building relationships, whether that is in the business community or in the political process, there is greater potential to influence development at the statehouse.

Question 4 – Why should voters choose you?

A: I’m a family man who is committed to making Everett a great place to live in, work in and raise a family. I think that’s what Everett voters want and I think I am the best person to do that.

Joseph McGonagle

Democrat Aldermen Joseph McGonagle’s answers.

Question 1 – How long have you been involved in city government as an elected or appointed official?

A: For 10 years, including two as a City Councilor and the last eight as an Aldermen. I’ve also been elected as President of the Board of Aldermen twice in that eight years.

Question 2 – What is the central theme of your candidacy?

A: Constituent services will be the (focus), no question about it. I will make sure that my office is open for constituents seven days a week. Some representatives, elected officials, have an office open one day per week, but I will make sure my office is open everyday to assist residents.

The needs of the people is what matters, not the title, what matters is what the community needs.

Question 3 – What will be your top priority as State Representative?

A: The (state) budget will be the major concern, whoever gets elected, the budget will be the major issue. Bringing money in for city services, working with the Mayor and the State Senator to bring funding in for our community and making sure that we can take care of the people of Everett, that’s the job.

Question 4 – Why should voters choose you?

A: My voting record along speaks for itself. I’m a lifelong resident of the city and a businessman. I’ve always handled budgets and created opportunities for employees. I’m a fierce advocate for tax relief and I don’t vote to ‘go along to get along.” I vote for the best interests of Everett, that’s just who I am.

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