My name is Rosa “Leo” DiFlorio, and I am seeking re-election to Everett’s City Council as your Ward 5 City Councilor. I am running for re-election because I continue to care deeply about the City of Everett and its residents. I care about the City of Everett because my friends, family and co-workers live and work in Everett, and all of us rely on a well-run city. That’s why I initially ran for Common Council in 2005, and why the voters of Ward 5 elected me then and have since re-elected me to represent them.
I know the City of Everett because I am from here. My parents came to this country from Italy when I was 7 years old and faced discrimination and economic hardship, so I am well aware of the challenges faced by our newer immigrant population. My parents held to their principles that hard work, dedication, and investment in the future would ultimately allow them and their extended family to achieve success and live the American dream. I have taught my children that those principals hold true. I attended the Everett Public Schools, graduated from Everett High School in 1975 and eventually started my family’s successful tile business in Everett in 1981. My husband, Michael, and I have been married for more than 40 years, and during that time, we have worked in Everett, have gone to church in Everett, and have raised our five sons in this city, all of whom attended Everett High School and went on to pursue higher education at colleges in Massachusetts. I also have several grandchildren and, therefore, I’m worried about how changes in the City of Everett may impact the lives of our new generation.
A very important reason that I was initially elected and then re-elected was that my constituents expected me to represent those who cannot vote – the children of the City of Everett. A strong commitment to public education is critical because our children and their futures are impacted by the quality of the education we give them in our schools. The City of Everett is very fortunate to have a school system that is rated as one of the best in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. However, funding from tax revenues alone does not support our school system. Federal and state grant monies are required continuously to maintain our high standard of education and to advance growth in other fields of education. While there’s still work to be done in amending the State’s school funding formula, I’m proud of the work the City of Everett has done in the past few years to fund our schools in difficult times.
If I am re-elected, my emphasis will be to advocate for similar funding for our senior citizens, a group that unfortunately hasn’t been the focus of as much discussion lately. We need to ensure that our senior centers and buildings are well-maintained and our City’s grant-writer captures every opportunity available – not only for education – but for city-wide infrastructure development, parks, recreation, senior services, veteran services and green space. I’ve also embraced many of the innovative changes that have propelled Everett into the national spotlight, such as the dedicated morning bus lanes, making it easier for commuters to get to the Orange line T stations and other local destinations, reducing traffic and pollution.
My constituents rely on me to make certain that the City of Everett is run properly and that services such as DPW, police and fire, trash pickup, street cleaning and many other City services are to the satisfaction of my constituents. I keep a close eye on all of the City’s services and am always available if there is an issue with any of them. As your Ward 5 City Councilor, I will advocate to provide more jobs, housing, medical services and counseling to our Veterans, hire more diverse and qualified police officers and firemen, reduce businesses taxes to create additional tax revenue streams and jobs, apply good business practices in adopting future capital improvements.
I have been an elected official for the City of Everett and the voice of Ward 5 on the City Council for more than 12 years, serving as the Chair of the Business and Community Development Committee for over 8 years. I also serve on the Legislative Affairs Committee (formerly known as Rules and Ordinances) and the Elections Committee. As a former Co-Chair of the City Council’s Finance Committee, I always read every line of the mayor’s City Budget and will continue reviewing every penny spent by this City to benefit the taxpayers of this City. I have also served as the Common Council President. In each capacity, I have embraced the philosophy that all tax revenues must be wisely spent and that there must be accountability.
My qualifications and experience as your Ward 5 City Councilor, coupled with my legislative knowledge, are just a few of the many reasons why I should be re-elected. I have always been available to my constituents during my tenure as Ward 5 City Councilor and will continue to be available to speak to any constituent about any issue at (617) 407-0860.
If you are not familiar with me, please ask your friends and neighbors about me and what I stand for. They will tell you that I have been a dedicated public servant to our community since day one as serving as your Ward 5 City Councilor.
On November 5, I am asking you for your vote to continue my advocacy on behalf of my Ward 5 constituents so that YOUR VOICE continues to be heard at City Hall.
Thank you very much for your consideration. Millie Cardello announces