It’s never easy to topple a sitting mayor, especially one who is an 18-year incumbent.
However, it was obvious from the results of this month’s city election that the campaign of Ward 5 City Councillor and Mayor-elect Robert Van Campen resonated deeply with voters as Van Campen was swept into office by an impressive margin of more than 700 votes, carrying 18 of the 20 precincts in the city.
Mayor-elect Van Campen ran a class campaign from the outset and his post-election message of unity (which was published in last week’s Independent) reinforced that perception:
“As we turn the page from campaigning to governing, I promise to lead with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to unity. Our work has just begun, and I invite each of you to stay engaged — to help shape the future we envisioned together,” Van Campen said. “As I prepare to take on the awesome responsibilities of Mayor, I want to take a moment to thank Mayor Carlo DeMaria for his many years of dedicated service and leadership to our city. His commitment to strengthening our community and fostering economic growth has left a lasting legacy of transformation in the City of Everett. I am grateful for his efforts, his vision, and his deep love for our city. I look forward to working together to take Everett’s progress to new heights.”
Mayor-elect Van Campen brings a wealth of experience to the post of mayor. He served 15 years in Everett city government on the City Council (including the former Common Council and Board of Aldermen) and for 14 years as a Deputy Mayor and City Solicitor for the City of Melrose. Mayor-elect Van Campen, who is a graduate of Suffolk University Law School, has been the General Counsel of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 93 for the past four years.
We look forward to the coming administration of Mayor Van Campen. We know we join with all of our fellow residents not only in wishing him well, but also in joining with him to move Everett forward as we confront the many challenges facing us as we head into the middle of the 21st century.