Page 4 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2020 MCGONAGLE| FROM PAGE 1 District. “I feel confi dent that we are making great strides for the city of Everett and look forward to continuing those efforts,” he said. McGonagle said that during the past two years he helped pass the $1.8 billion housing bond bill, a portion of which will be used to build 77 units of aff ordable senior housing on Broadway. He also locked in $10 million to rebuild Sweetser Circle and more recently, garnered $1.5 million to bolster the distance learning initiative. McGonagle’s efforts have also included revitalizing the Malden River, expanding programming at the Connolly Center and obtaining funds for a new city clinician. “Beyond these are innumerable accomplishments in helping my constituents who call, email or stop by the offi ce every day needing help,” said McGonagle. “These people are frustrated, upset and exhausted, looking for my help, and I understand it is my duty and privilege to serve them. Taking the time to listen and help will always be a priority of mine.” McGonagle also described what sets him apart from McLaughlin. “I know how to get the job done,” he said. “I was able to secure $75,000 for the Eliot Family Resource Center and $100,000 for a grant to aid small businesses, geared towards those owned by women and minorities. With my opponent’s absence of experience, Everett would not receive these kinds of funds.” In addition, McGonagle emphasized that McLaughlin has an “extremely flexible relationship with the truth,” adding that the councillor lacks strong relationships with Mayor Carlo DeMaria and State Senator Sal DiDomenico. “My opponent cannot always be trusted to be honest and truthful,” said McGonagle. “He prefers to tell you what you want to hear with no intention of acting upon it and makes promises he cannot keep.” He also said he believes McLaughlin has motives that do not include Everett residents. “His inability to speak honestly, his lack of professional relationships and his unclear motives would make him an extremely ineff ective state representative that would hurt the whole city of Everett,” said McGonagle. In addition, McGonagle has taken issue with McLaughlin’s campaign tactics, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis. “Door knocking in the midst of a pandemic puts many of our residents’ health and safety at risk just for the possibility of a vote,” he said. Should he return to Beacon Hill for a fourth term, McGonagle said, aff ordable housing would continue to be a top priority. “Many of the people looking for public housing spend years on waiting lists and then cannot get housing in the city they’ve lived [in] their whole lives,” he said. “Much of the housing we’re constructing is far too expensive for the average worker or family. I really hope this is something we can continue to address and fi x in the coming years, and I want to be a part of it.” McGonagle also said he wants to continue the push for a commuter rail station in Everett. “Being so close to Boston, we need to make commuting to and from the city as painless as possible,” he said. Prior to his election to the House of Representatives six years ago, McGonagle served on the City Council and the Board of Aldermen. According to the Secretary of State’s Office, McGonagle has won every Primary Election since 2014 by an average of 13.6 percent. He has also been unopposed in every General Election.
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