City Council honors former Councillor Rita Singer on her 90th Birthday

  The City Council often presents commendations and certificates of appreciation to groups and residents who have contributed something to the city or achieved something to make Revere proud. This week, they celebrated former City Councilwoman Rita Singer on the occasion of her 90^th birthday. Singer served as the Ward 1 councillor from 1976 through 1993.

  Councillor-at-Large Dan Rizzo had the honor of presenting Singer a commendation and a proclamation making her birthday, May 10, Rita Singer Day. “Rita got into politics at a time when it was not in fashion for women to enter politics,” said Rizzo. “The impacts she left on this city and her constituents are remarkable. People still talk about the work Rita did while on the council, and that’s an amazing tribute to what you meant to people during your tenure.”

  City Council President Pro Tempore Joanne McKenna said Singer had been a mentor and one of the strongest women she knows. “You were the Ward 1 councillor for 17 years,” McKenna told Singer. “You are a legend in Beachmont.”

  Singer said it was a pleasure and a thrill to come back to the city she loves. She now lives nearby in Chelsea. She did say she never had the chance to bang the gavel, and McKenna and Rizzo let her have at it.

  “I wish I could see the people I represented,” said Singer, adding that she sometimes sees their children. “They say to me, ‘I remember what you did for my mother.’”

  Singer wished councillors the best and told them to keep on doing what they’re doing. “Just No more building, I love my beach the way it was,” she said.

  Finally, she had one favor to ask. “Marc Silvestri, get out of my chair. I want to sit in my seat,” she said.

  Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky was the only councilor who actually served with Singer. “It was a pleasure working with her,” said Novoselsky. “It was unbelievable the things she pulled off; they will never be pulled off again.”

  Councillor-at Large Marc Silvestri told Singer, “I remember what you did for my mother. Growing up in Beachmont, everyone knew if you had a problem who to call.”

  Councillor-at-Large Steven Morabito recalled meeting Singer as a kid and being told by her to behave. “The second time I met her, I was running for council, and she told me, ‘You want to lead with respect, or you’ll never gain respect.’ Words I’ve never forgotten,” said Morabito.