EV RETEVT V E ER T Vol. 35, No.19 -FREET www.advocatenews.net Your Local News & Sports Online! Scan & Subscribe! ADDOCCO TEAT Free Every Friday McGonagle Honors Webster School with House Resolution State Rep. joined Mayor Van Campen, Schools Supt. and school offi cials to present the resolution 617-387-2200 Friday, May 15, 2026 Former Everett housing offi cial sues mayor, city, alleging political retaliation over election support By Th e Advocate A longtime member of the Everett Housing Authority has fi led a federal lawsuit accusing the city and newly elected Mayor Robert Van Campen of illegally removing him from offi ce in retaliation for supporting the mayor’s political opponent during the 2025 election campaign. Philip T. Colameta, who served Pictured from left to right: Mayor Robert Van Campen, State Representative Joe McGonagle, Webster School Principal Devon Abruzzese, former Webster Principal/current Asst. Supt. Chris Barrett and Supt. of Schools William Hart. (Courtesy photo) Special to Th e Advocate R ecently, State Representative Joe McGonagle joined Mayor Robert Van Campen, Superintendent of Schools William Hart and Interim Assistant Superintendent of Finance/former Webster School Principal Chris RESOLUTION | SEE PAGE 8 F. J. LaRovere Insurance Agency, Inc. 492 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 617-387-9700 phone 617-387-9702 fax INSURANCE FOR AUTO, HOME, AND BUSINESS We offer very competitive rates, and by representing many different companies we can shop for the best price for our customers. Call us today! Open Monday – Friday 9am-5pm and Saturdays 9am-12pm Messinger Insurance Agency 475 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 617-387-2700 phone 617-387-7753 fax on the Everett Housing Authority for 13 years, alleges in a complaint fi led in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts that his March 2026 removal violated his constitutional rights to free speech and due process, as well as state laws governing the dismissal of housing authority board members. The lawsuit seeks reinstatement to the board, back pay and benefi ts, punitive damages, attorney’s fees and other relief. Colameta was earning $10,000 annually as a housing authority member and had been appointed to a fi ve-year term running through February 2029, according to the complaint. The suit names both the City of Everett and Van Campen individually as defendants. At the center of the dispute is Colameta’s support for former Mayor Carlo DeMaria, whom Van Campen defeated in a closely contested November 2025 mayoral election. Colameta alleges city officials targeted him because he openly campaigned for DeMaria and opposed Van Campen’s candidacy. “The actions of the City of Everett and Mayor Van Campen in removing Plaintiff from his position were taken solely to punish Plaintiff for his constitutionally protected political speech and LAWSUIT | SEE PAGE 6 City councillors seek answers from Encore during license renewal process By Neil Zolot C ity Councillors are looking for information from Encore Boston Harbor during the casino’s innholder’s license process. “It’s a good time for that as they renew the license,” Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins said at the Council meeting Monday, May 11. “We haven’t had an update for a while.” She suggested the matter be referred to the Government Operations Subcommittee. In discussion she recognized that all members might like to participate and later agreed with a suggestion from Ward 5 Councillor Anthony DiPierro that the matter be brought before the whole Council instead. It will be on the agenda for the next meeting later in May. “I don’t know if Encore not having met all the requirements affects renewal,” City Council President and Councillor-at-Large Stephanie Smith added. She did not elaborate, but Councillor-at-Large Wayne Matewsky did about the lack of entertainment at the facility, as opposed to just having gambling. There has also been talk about Encore funding or partially funding a public safety facility in the area. “Maybe it’s a good thing ENCORE | SEE PAGE 7
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