Copyright NBC10 Boston
The mayoral race in Everett, Massachusetts, is in its home stretch, and Ward 5 City Councilor Robert Van Campen is challenging an 18-year incumbent in Mayor Carlo DeMaria for the second time. Van Campen cites an audit of the mayor's salary alleging overpayment as the catalyst for his entry into the race. "What I have heard from the people of Everett is an utter lack of transparency and accountability at City Hall today," Van Campen said. "The symptom of that is shown in the recent longevity scandal that Mayor DeMaria was involved in, that shows what an 18-year incumbent, and what machine politics, unfortunately, can result in." In an interview with NBC10 Boston, DeMaria defended that cost of living and longevity salary adjustments, citing a city ordinance which the mayor believes entitles him to those added funds. "The mayor appears to be the only person who holds that interpretation of the ordinance," said Van Campen. Beyond the audit, he points to a focus on immigration enforcement in Everett and coordination between the police department and ICE. "Coordination between the federal government and the Everett Police Department should only occur when dealing with the apprehension of hardened criminals," said Van Campen. A new waterfront soccer stadium for the New England Revolution will also be a critical issue for whichever candidate wins on Election Day. Negotiations have been ongoing between Everett and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. "I don't know that Mayor Wu has been unreasonable or not, I think she's doing what I would do, which is putting the people of Boston first," said Van Campen. "But I would put the people of Everett first." The project was courted and championed by DeMaria, who has long advocated for the revitalization of the Everett waterfront. "Mayor DeMaria deserves credit for some of the work he's done during his 18-year tenure," said Van Campen. "But our geography and the Greater Boston economy, frankly, are what drives investors making decisions like the Kraft Group, or even the Encore Boston Harbor." Polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
