THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, ApRil 17, 2026 Page 3 Rent Control Ballot Question sparks widespread opposition from local offi cials Dozens join coalition to defeat ballot question that would decimate municipal budgets Special to Th e Advocate D ozens of mayors, city councillors and other local elected offi cials have joined Housing for Massachusetts, the coalition formed in opposition to the proposed rent control ballot question. United in their concerns about the one-sizefits-all question’s impact on municipal budgets and housing creation, the elected offi - cials together represent cities and towns across the Commonwealth that span a wide range of geographies, demographics and socioeconomic realities. In The Advocate readership area, mayors who have joined the coalition against rent control ~ letter-to-the-Editor ~ A Lifetime of Service Deserves Transparency and Respect To The Editor: The recent removal of Phillip new representation. This action is especially disapColameta from the Everett Housing Authority board raises troubling questions about transparency and fairness in local government. Mr. Colameta has served the Housing Authority with dedication for many years and was unanimously reappointed by the current City Council. Despite this, he was removed without any specifi c reason, without a public hearing, and without any evidence of misconduct. The only explanation off ered was a vague reference to “future needs” and the desire for pointing given the Colameta family’s extraordinary record of service to Everett. Four generations of lifelong residents have contributed to our city, serving in the mayor’s offi ce, fi re department, police department, and building department. Family members have served on numerous commissions and boards, and Mr. Colameta’s father served as purchasing agent under Mayor Connolly’s administration. Few families have given more to our community over so many decades. The Housing Authority is responsible for providing housing for some of our most vulnerable residents. They deserve experienced, stable leadership that prioritizes continuity and proven commitment. Mayor Van Campen has pledged to be a mayor for all the people of Everett. As a lifelong resident and dedicated public servant who has contributed alongside my family for decades, I must ask: am I not still one of those people? Sincerely, Phillip Colameta Everett, MA are Everett Mayor Robert Van Campen and Revere Mayor Patrick M. Keefe, Jr. A new study from the Center for State Policy Analysis at Tufts University found rent control would eliminate $300 billion of Massachusetts property values over the next decade, crushing municipal budgets and forcing local leaders to cut back on key services or drastically shift RENT CONTROL | SEE PAGE 4 “WE’RE STILL HERE!” Since 1947 MALDEN AUTO BODY Book online: Maldenauto.com 49 Robin St., Everett, MA 617-389-3030 * Maldenab@yahoo.com Over 79 years of exceptional service! Massone Family Owned & Operated SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM
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