~ Guest OP-ED ~ Facts Over Falsehoods: Setting the Record Straight

By Mayor Carlo DeMaria

For 18 years, I’ve had the honor of serving as Mayor of the city I love. In that time, I’ve worked tirelessly to earn and keep your trust. Now, a serious accusation has been made against me—that I took money from the city.

Let me be clear: this accusation is false. Every cent of your tax dollars is fully accounted for, documented, and routinely shared with the City Council. The facts show exactly how your money is spent, who receives it, and for what purpose.

These accusations are nothing more than an attempt to distract from the City Council’s failure to advance projects that could move our city forward. Members have rejected grant money for public safety, stalled on reducing class sizes, blocked affordable housing for seniors and veterans, and refused proposals to revitalize Everett Square. These are initiatives that would have supported small businesses and strengthened our community.

Too often, when they do vote, they’re forced to reconsider after realizing their efforts to target me only hurt the people they were elected to serve. That is not leadership.

For nearly two decades, we have built stronger neighborhoods, improved schools, invested in public safety, and created opportunities for families and businesses to thrive. We did this not by tearing others down, but by lifting our community up.

I will not allow baseless attacks to distract us from the work still ahead. I will not allow those seeking to undermine my leadership to hold this city back. And I will not allow lies to define the truth.

The truth is this: I have served with honesty, transparency, and dedication. Our city is stronger today than it was 18 years ago, and I remain committed to continuing that progress.

So, I ask you: look at the facts, not the falsehoods. Look at the record, not the rumors. And most importantly, look at the future we can build together.

Thank you, and may we move forward with unity, integrity, and purpose.