Mayor announces he’s leaving at end of year

City councillors offer praise of Arrigo’s tenure 

  Mayor Brian Arrigo jolted the city this week when he announced he will be stepping down from the Mayor’s Office at the end of this term.

  “After months of consideration with loved ones, I have decided to make 2023 my last year as mayor of this great city of Revere,” Arrigo wrote in a letter to residents. “This is a bittersweet decision, as I am sad to be leaving a position that has been so rewarding, but now is time to support the next generation with the energy and ideas to lead our great city.”

  Arrigo stepped onto the city’s political stage in 2012 when he was elected to the City Council. Three years later voters made him mayor over incumbent Mayor Dan Rizzo after a tight and contentious race that ended with a recount and a thin 108 vote margin of victory. In 2019, Arrigo won reelection after a heated rematch with Councillor-at-Large Dan Rizzo.

  Arrigo campaigned on and delivered municipal government that was efficient, responsive to all parts of the community and accountable. A life-long resident of the city, Arrigo’s love for Revere was always on his sleeve. It led him to imagine a modern city blessed with incomparable natural resources and plenty of nearby opportunity.

  “I deeply love our growing close knit coastal community,’ Arrigo told residents in his letter. “Revere is and always will be home to me.”

  Arrigo did not say specifically where he plans to head next. He said only that he intends to spend more time with his family and to continue to pursue public service outside of elected office in some capacity.

  “I wish him and his family the best,” said Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto. “We worked collaboratively on a number of big projects. Suffolk Downs is probably the best development we’ll ever get in this city.”

  Other councillors also noted the many positive changes Arrigo brought to Revere. “I think he has a lot of accomplishments on his resume,” said Ward 5 Councillor John Powers. “But I think the no vote on the high school was surprising, even displeasing to him.”

  Powers said Arrigo has done a tremendous job representing the city with honesty, integrity and performance. “Think of the things we’ve done in this city,” said Powers, who added that if Arrigo changes his mind, he would support him.

  Councillor-at-Large Marc Silvestri said it was a sad day for Revere. “The mayor has done a great job helping the city turn the page and move into the future. But people move on. I think the foundation he laid for us will continue to benefit the city.”

  Councillor-at-Large Gerry Visconti also praised Arrigo and his accomplishments. “Mayor Arrigo has been a catalyst for the growth in our city and it has been a pleasure to work with him over the years, whether it was during my time on the school committee or at the city council level. His dedication to the City of Revere is unquestionable and so is the impact he has made to our community as mayor. I wish him, his wife and his wonderful family all the best in their next endeavor,’ said Visconti.

  Still Arrigo has chosen an odd time to step aside. The high school building project is off schedule and in disarray. And the city is facing an eminent domain law suit from the owners of Wonderland.

  “In unifying a divided city, focusing on bridging the gap between historically overlooked neighborhoods and City Hall, bringing government closer to people with 311 and promoting more transparency into how our city operates and serves its people – slowly we built our team, we built trust, and our city thrived.”

  Arrigo thanked the community for their trust.