Lawrence Mayor Rivera Endorses DeCologero's Rep Bid

LAWRENCE - Saying he trusted him as the best candidate to help make Lawrence better, Mayor Dan Rivera announced on Monday that he is supporting Phil DeCologero (D-North Andover) for State Representative.

“I know Phil, I’ve worked with Phil, and I am eager to work with him again,” said Rivera.

Speaking before a large crowd of supporters outside of Veterans Memorial Stadium in south Lawrence, Rivera spoke about DeCologero’s commitment to supporting Merrimack Valley communities.

“Phil is running in a district that is very much a Merrimack Valley seat,” said Rivera.  “He’s worked for these communities in the State House and in City Hall.  He has proven that his commitment to our communities and people doesn’t stop at one community’s border. No matter which town or city you call home, Phil has a track record of fighting to make our communities better.  I’ve seen the energy he brings to the job, and I know he will be the leader we can trust work hard for us each and every day.”

Rivera lauded DeCologero for his ability to build bridges while engaging residents and local leaders.

“It’s important to me that our legislators work with our residents, our activists, and our local officials,” said Rivera.  “We’re all on the same team, and Lawrence would certainly benefit by having Phil on the team and advocating for us in Boston.”

DeCologero thanked the Mayor for his support.

“It means a lot to have Mayor Rivera place his trust and support in me,” said DeCologero.  “I can feel the energy as I campaign, not just in Lawrence, but across the Merrimack Valley.  People want Lawrence to thrive, they’re excited about the direction it is moving in.  Much of that is because they trust Lawrence’s leadership, and if there is one word Mayor River embodies, it’s ‘trust’.”

If elected, DeCologero said he would focus on public safety.

“If we want businesses to invest in Lawrence, in the Merrimack Valley, then we need our communities to be safe.  We need to make sure our public safety officials have the resources they need,” said DeCologero.

DeCologero spoke about the importance of education, especially in making early education accessible and affordable.

“We need to make sure our children start their school careers on the right foot,” said DeCologero.  “Early education opportunities should be affordable and available to every child in Massachusetts.  Families are still struggling, and no parent should have to choose between putting food on their table, and putting their child in school.”

DeCologero, 27, is challenging Rep. Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen) for the Democratic nomination in the 14th Essex District, which includes pieces of Lawrence, Haverhill, Methuen, and North Andover. 

“It’s disappointing that two years ago Rep. DiZoglio made a list of promises to voters, but forgot those promises with the very first vote she took as our legislator,” said DeCologero.  “I know we in the Merrimack Valley will not agree on every issue, but I know we can agree that we deserve leaders – leaders like Mayor Dan Rivera – who the people of our communities can trust.”

DeCologero is a graduate of Merrimack College and most recently worked for Mayor Steve Zanni in Methuen.  DeCologero, who left his position with Mayor Zanni to campaign for State Representative, lives in North Andover with his wife, Sara, and 3-year old daughter, Sophia.