By JOSH RESNEK
Ward 6 Councilor Mike McLaughlin is going for an at-large council seat.
The popular councilor told the Leader Herald he will be running at large, keeping with the spirit of his belief that he wants to help people in all the wards.
“When the legislature signed into law the charter change regarding how we elect councilors in Everett, I made my decision. I want to continue serving the community as a whole. I want to continue moving the city for- ward in a positive direction as a bridge-builder with everyone including the schools, city hall, business owners, and residents. Everyone in this city has a seat at my table at city hall,” he said.
His decision to go at large set off a contest between Ward 6 local businessman and friend of the mayor, Al Lattanzi, and widely known local Ward 6 resident Ross Pietrantonio.
Ward candidates will no longer be elected by citywide votes from all the wards.
Ward races are again strictly, ward races.
The at-large race is coming to be where it’s at, after the three-member mayor’s race which includes the mayor, Gerly Adrien, and Fred Capone.
The at-large race includes Councilors at Large Richard Dell Isola, Jr., Michael Marchese, and hopefuls McLaughlin, Stephanie Smith, Angel DeNunzio, James Mastrocola, James LaVecchio, Keith Gianelli, and School Committeeman Allen Panarese.
Eight have so far pulled their nomination papers for at-large. Five will ultimately succeed.
In Ward 6, Lattanzi will again try to secure a seat.
He was beaten soundly by McLaughlin last time out despite being proclaimed the winner by the mayor and his forces before the election was held.
Pietrantonio is a first timer. However, he hails from a large and highly respected Ward 6 family.
This matchup is likely to produce a vigorous contest to succeed McLaughlin.