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PUBLISHED ON EDITION NO.
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324L
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11/8/2009 |
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Historic Election in Lawrence |
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POR ALBERTO
SURÍS
albertosuris@rumbonews.com |
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On
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009, State Representative William
Lantigua made history when he became the first immigrant from
Latin America to be elected to the position of Mayor of
Lawrence and the first in the State of Massachusetts.
In a heated contest, Representative Lantigua defeated David
Abdoo by more than a 1,000 votes. On Election night, Lawrence
City Hall never saw so many people filling the three floors
prompting the Mayor Elect to cut short interviews in the name
of safety.
Lantigua was born in Villa Consuelo, a neighborhood in the
City of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on February 19,
1955.
While working at Schneider Electric (formerly Modicom) in
North Andover, he became a familiar face at all Lawrence City
Council meetings by showing up branding a sign with his
telephone number, asking anybody with a problem to call him.
“Since then, I haven’t stopped helping people as often as I
could,” he said.
Lantigua was first elected to represent District 16, back in
2003. Since, every other year he battled long-time opponent
and today his ally, Engineer Marcos Devers.
Last Sunday, Rumbo had the opportunity to sit with the
newly-elected Mayor of Lawrence and hear from him what some of
his future plans are. Lantigua said that since he opened his
office next to City Hall he found himself helping people who
after visiting City Hall didn’t received the answers to their
questions or the treatment they deserve.
“That was reason number one for me to run for Mayor,” said
Lantigua.
Lantigua has a message for some City Hall employees: “To those
people (City Hall employees) who abuse their position in
anyway, I want to tell them that we are going to change the
City Hall philosophy. Those who insist in keeping the
‘business as usual’ philosophy I have a word for them: ‘start
packing’. They must understand that they work for the people,
not the other way around.”
Lantigua was quick to say that he will not tolerate any abuse
to city employees by patrons. “I know that sometimes that
happens, too; the public must understand that if they want to
receive a courteous treatment, they must treat our employees
with the utmost respect.”
Lantigua does not plan to police City Hall and its departments
by himself. “This work will be done by qualified personnel who
for years have been denouncing the philosophy I’m talking
about.” Lantigua said that among the many people he has been
considering and talking too, he has chosen Lenny Degnan, of
Degnan Insurance and Dalia Diaz, owner and editor of Rumbo.
Lantigua explained that both Degnan and Díaz will share the
responsibility of Chiefs of Staff.
Lenny Degnan has not returned phone calls. When questioned,
Dalia Díaz had no comment.
Lt. Gov. Tim Murray comments on
Lantigua’s Victory:
“When I campaigned for Willy Lantigua in Lawrence before the
election, I saw firsthand the incredible amount of energy and
enthusiasm for his candidacy and for the opportunity to make
history by electing the state’s first Hispanic Mayor.
“In the end, I think the people of Lawrence saw Lantigua as
not only a historic candidate, but as someone with the talent
and passion to lead their growing and dynamic city forward.
“I know from working with Rep. Lantigua in the State House
that he will be a strong and dedicated leader for all of
Lawrence and I look forward to continuing our important work
together in the future.”
Mayor Michael J. Sullivan’s passing
of the torch:
“After eight years of serving as mayor it is an interesting
and exciting time in the city. First of all, when one gets
into the ‘public’ life he or she realizes that these positions
come to an end sometime. In Lawrence the end comes due to term
limits...
I have total respect for the ‘Voters’ in this city... the ones
that actually make it to the polls and cast their vote... This
past election it was approximately 39% of the registered
voters. I also have deep respect for the candidates that ran
and did not make it... they should stay involved with the city
somehow.
As far as the 2009 race I give credit to all the mayoral
candidates and especially David Abdoo who ran a great
campaign. In the end it is always the voter who decides the
next leader. The voters were clear that Representative
Lantigua is the one that is chosen to lead for the next four
years. He is to be congratulated as running a campaign is very
challenging.
He (Lantigua) has generated a lot of excitement in the city
and it is important that he can capture that and keep lots of
people involved in his term. I look forward to helping him
transition over the next 60 days with him and his team... I
want him to be successful as we all should... The future will
be tough but working together will make Lawrence the great
city that we all want it to be...
Mike S.
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