Van Campen for mayor rally kicks off headquarters grand opening

By Neil Zolot

Ward 5 Councillor Robert Van Campen and dozens of supporters kicked off his mayoral campaign on Broadway and the intersection of Chelsea and Norwood Streets on Saturday morning, August 9. “There’s an appetite for change in the City,” he said in brief remarks over a loudspeaker. “Change means bringing accountability, transparency, responsibility and ethics to City Hall. We’ve been going door-to-door, and the response has been overwhelming. Eighteen years is a long time, even if you’re doing a good job” — a reference to the tenure of incumbent candidate Mayor Carlo DeMaria.

“He’s been out there knocking on doors talking to people and has had a great reception,” Van Campen’s paid political consultant Peter Panos confirmed. “People are looking for change and feel he’s the right guy for the job.”

“He’s full of energy, which the city needs,” Van Campen’s campaign manager and longtime friend Chris Connolly added. “He’s educated and has experience. He has the perfect resume for the job” — a reference to Van Campen’s time on the City Council and work as a City Solicitor and Deputy Mayor in Melrose.

Among the many people holding signs that morning was Henry Murphy of Melrose, who said he met Van Campen while working as a volunteer at Melrose City Hall. “He’s a good guy,” he feels.

Van Campen entered downtown in a sports car bearing campaign signs followed by a truck full of teenagers waving signs. The truck made several trips up and down Broadway.

Supporters picked up signs in the function room of Sacro Plaza, an apartment building at 142 School St. where the candidate held his grand opening of his new headquarters. “We need a leader we can have faith in,” building owner and supporter Sal Sacro said. “I’ve known Robert for several decades. He’s a nice family man with wonderful children and has experience in law and understands the responsibility and liability of not doing the right thing.”

“We need change in Everett,” Robert Cogliano, who was shooting video for the campaign, feels. “The Mayor has been in office long enough. We think Bob can do it. I know he can.”

Cogliano’s 10-year-old son Giovanni was manning the speaker system as a DJ, playing many crowd-pleasing songs from the 1970s and 1980s. “I like DJing,” he said.

A number of City Councillors and School Committee members attended and wore Van Campen tshirts in support of the candidate. “The city needs a change,” Councillor-at-Large Stephanie Smith said. “Robert is the right person.”

Ward 4 Councillor Holly Garcia also stopped by. Ward 4 School Committee member Robin Babcock said, regardless of who wins, she hopes the process of relieving overcrowded schools can accelerate.