Maria Lanza Tops Ticket:NEWNC Election Draws 381 Voters

Nine candidates, including one write-in, were vying for six seats (two-year terms) on the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) in last Saturday’s 2015 community elections held in the Nazzaro Community Center from 10am to 2pm.

The candidates drew 381 residents to the poll site where once it was closed, the ballots were counted publicly.

Incumbent member Maria Lanza topped the ticket, picking up 223 votes, more than 50 percent of the votes cast.

Lanza captured a spot on the Council in 2013 finishing only seven votes from the top spot. She was the youngest NEWNC member ever elected to the board, maintaining perfect attendance during her two-year tenure.

The lifelong resident has served as NEWNC secretary and was the former chair of the Election Committee in 2014. She ran on a ticket of being a strong advocate for the community on issues of zoning, licensing and quality of life.

A write-in candidate, Luigi Natale, surprised everyone securing 136 votes finishing in a deadlock with Sean Hennessey, formerly with Channel 7 and an active participant in local sports. NEWNC did a recount at the polling site with the results remaining a tie.

However, there was one questionable ballot to decide on – if it is accepted it would give Natale a one-vote victory. If the ballot is found void, NEWNC will have to make some sort of decision regarding the sixth and final seat on the Council.

Long time Council member Jorge Mendoza picked up the second spot with 159 votes.

Philip Frattaroli secured the third position in the election with 152 votes. He is the current NEWNC President.

Fourth spot went to Carmine Guarino with 149 votes. He is a new member.

Ralph Verrocchi won his second term on the Council picking up 144 votes for a fifth place finish.

The six spot was a tie between two new candidates Sean Hennessey and Luigi Natali.

Incumbent David Marx lost his seat with 123 votes technically finishing eighth.

New candidate Alessandra Susi finish nine with 110 votes.

NEWNC is planning to call a meeting in the near future to make a decision regarding the tie for the sixth and final seat.

            NEWNC is an all volunteer group that meets the second Thursday of the month at 7pm in the Nazzaro Community Center. They interact with City Hall and elected officials to deal with proposals that relate to the neighborhood as an advisory committee.