Mayor Keefe’s State of the City Address highlights progress, city’s momentum for the future

By Barbara Taormina

Mayor Patrick Keefe delivered an uplifting State of the City Address last Thursday that couldn’t help but make every resident, city employee and elected official feel Revere is on the right track. “Our city is on the path to greatness and I call to everyone to play a role,” said Keefe repeatedly throughout his speech.

It was a traditional ceremony with plenty of pomp and color, a lush rendition of the National Anthem and an eighth grader from Susan B. Anthony Middle School leading the Pledge of Allegiance. It took master of ceremonies Claudia Correa about five minutes to welcome dignitaries and elected officials who turned out for the event at the Susan B. Anthony Middle School auditorium.

Correa was followed by Pastor Tim Bowman, who gave a powerful invocation focused on Revere’s diversity. “What a gift it is to be in a place where immigrants become neighbors, and neighbors become friends,” said Bowman, adding that people have united to make Revere home for generations to come.

Former Mass. House Speaker Rep. Robert DeLeo continued praising the city’s diversity. “The city has three stops on the Blue Line and one stop on the American dream for immigrant families,” said DeLeo, who also highlighted the city’s natural beauty.

DeLeo introduced Keefe as a problem solver. “He’s willing to listen to different views and try new approaches,” said DeLeo. “He’s passionate about this city.”

And Keefe’s speech left no doubts about his love for Revere and his faith that the city’s best days are ahead. The mayor began with the new high school and said the City Council’s vote to move forward with the plan to build on the Wonderland site was the most important vote they’ll ever make. He commended councillors for their “political valor” and called the high school debate a “perfect example of collaboration.”

“Ultimately, we made the decision that’s best for our children,” he said. It’s a symbol of our progress and our future.”

But the high school was only the start of a long list of things that Keefe said foreshadow the city’s great future. Keefe mentioned many city departments, highlighting accomplishments and staff. He spoke about the evolving local economy that was once reliant on racetracks and said the city’s aggressive approach to expand and diversify the tax base with projects such as Suffolk Downs have brought new opportunities and improved the quality of life in Revere. And everyone has benefited. The value of single-family homes is up by 66 percent, he told an enthusiastic audience, who applauded throughout the mayor’s speech.

Keefe praised the Revere Public Library, Office of Elder Affairs and Department of Parks and Recreation, and he highlighted the ongoing progress made in the Police and Fire Departments. “We sleep easier knowing we have these fine men and women to protect our community,” he said.

“Public Works has a new facility, new equipment and new employees to serve the needs of residents,” he said, adding, “You deserve this.”

Keefe acknowledged affordable housing is still a challenge for the city, which endangers Revere’s character, but he said the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board had brought 20 affordable new homes to the city. “We understand the problem and are exploring every opportunity to keep Revere affordable,” he said, adding that the city wants seniors to be able to age in place with grace and offers a pathway to home ownership so young people can stay in the city and thrive.

“We need to make sure families are able to stay and call Revere home,” he said.

Keefe, who repeatedly stressed Revere is on the path to greatness, asked, “Do I sound optimistic?

“It’s because I am. I believe in Revere and I want to share that optimism with everyone no matter where you stand. That’s the unity I envision, the shared optimism, and we will build unstoppable momentum. We can make history beginning right now, right here. Join me and let’s launch Revere into the future.”