By John Lynds
City Councilor Sal LaMattina was chosen by Council President Stephen Murphy to serve as the Council’s Vice President Monday, possibly setting up a future presidency run for LaMattina at the end of Murphy’s two year term.
LaMattina is the popular city councilor representing the North End – and doing it well.
“He has been a credit to his good name and for all of us in the North End,†said Eddie Santangello, a longtime resident.
LaMattina was touted as an early candidate for the presidency this time around but quickly abandoned the idea and threw his support behind Murphy. a key political ally and friend in the Council.
“I’m honored that Council President Murphy has entrusted me with this role,†said LaMattina Monday. “I believe that politics is about helping people. I have worked in these neighborhoods for most of my life helping people. When I was first elected my family and friends understood that being a Boston City Councilor would allow me to continue helping people and making a difference in a City that I am proud to call home.â€
A lifelong resident of East Boston, LaMattina, 50, is a product of the Boston Public Schools and graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He has worked in various capacities of city government for more than 19 years, serving as a coordinator for the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, the City’s neighborhood liaison to the Central Artery Project, and most recently as the Director of Operations for the Boston Transportation Department. LaMattina, along with his wife Lisa (Petraglia) and daughter Liana currently reside in Orient Heights.
“Since I was first elected to this position in the summer of 2006, I’ve never forgotten that I’ve been entrusted by the people of this district to be their voice in city government and I’ve never taken that trust for granted,†said LaMattina. “Now, Council President Murphy has trust in me to help lead the council during these tough fiscal times.â€
Like Murphy, LaMattina has put a priority on the prompt and competent execution of basic city services.
“We all want to see neighborhoods that are safe and welcoming, schools that kindle a love of learning and produce good citizens, and streets that are clean and quickly cleared of snow,†said LaMattina. “In order to stay on top of these issues, some of the strategies I’ll be looking at this year include year-round street cleaning, increased commercial recycling, and innovative approaches to rodent control. I will continue to work with the Neighborhood Response Teams to quickly address local issues and the Problem Property Task Forces to hold property owners accountable.â€
As Vice President LaMattina said he looks forward to rolling up his sleeves with each of his colleagues, and with countless residents and community groups, to address the issues that confront the city.
“Another issue that I remain focused on is development,†said LaMattina. “In the coming year there will be a number of projects moving forward throughout this district, and it is of the utmost importance that residents, businesses, and community organizations be deeply involved in decisions made in their neighborhoods. Development is, of course, important, but overdevelopment is something we must take steps to avoid. As a result, I will continue to insist that input from the neighborhoods be solicited and included in any and all projects.â€
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hey sal, why don't you really do something about all the trash in the north end. also, crack down on the people not cleaning after their dogs. i see at least a half dozen bags of poo poo on the sidewalk every morning. the north end is filthy except for commercial and richmond streets. i wonder why?