THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, OCTObER 3, 2025 ~ Political Announcement ~ Page 7 Darren Costa Announces Citywide Run for School Committee At-Large F ormer Ward 3 City Councilor Darren Costa has officially announced his candidacy for School Committee At-Large, pledging to bring his financial expertise and community experience to the role. “I’m running because every child in Everett deserves the best education possible,” Costa said. “With my fiscal background, I know how to strengthen our schools by maximizing resources within budget constraints.” Costa pointed to the challenges Everett schools are facing: Overcrowded classrooms are limiting student learning. “We have a perfectly good school building sitting empty in the former Pope John High School while students are crammed into crowded classrooms. That doesn’t make sense,” Costa said. He pledged to work with the administration to find creative solutions for space and to advocate for grant funding to support students and teachers. ESL resources and enrichment programs need more investment. “Everett is a diverse community. No matter what language a child grows up speaking, they should have every opportunity to succeed,” Costa said. He emphasized his commitment to securing additional tools and funding to meet the needs of all students. Budget accountability is essential. “Every taxpayer deserves to know their money is being spent wisely,” Costa added. “I will push for competitive bidding, clear financial reporting, and open comUnlike his previous ward race, Costa is running At-Large, which means every Everett voter—no matter which ward they live in— will have the opportunity to vote for him. “Many residents have told me they wished they could have supported me before, and now they can,” Costa said. Costa, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), brings extensive experience in finance and accountability. An Everett homeowner of Azorean Portuguese descent, Costa is raising his two children in the city, volunteers in local youth programs, and speaks Darren Costa School Committee candidate munication so families know their dollars are going directly to benefit Everett’s students.” Portuguese. “My family’s story is Everett’s story,” he said. “My wife is a Haitian immigrant who proudly became an American citizen, and together we’re raising our kids with the The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute’s Senior Economic Justice Attorney, Deborah Harris — one of the leaders of the Lift Our Kids Coalition — praised Senator DiDomenico’s leadership: “Senator DiDomenico doesn’t rest on past values of hard work, service, and opportunity. I will be an accessible voice for parents, a strong partner for teachers, and a tireless advocate for our kids. Together, we can deliver safe schools, smaller classrooms, stronger academics, arts, and after-school opportunities.” Costa urged residents to make their voices heard at the ballot box: “I’m asking for your support this November. Let’s give our kids the future they deserve.” Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Contact Darren Costa for more information or to volunteer: DarrenForEverett@icloud. com | Darren4Everett.com | Facebook.com/Darren4Everett success. Together with Representative Marjorie Decker, he shows up and he stands up for very low-income people struggling to keep a roof over their heads, to put food on the table, and to keep the lights on. He is an inspiration to all of us.” Senator Sal DiDomenico testifying in support of his bill before the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. DIDOMENICO | FROM PAGE 1 “As one of the richest states in the country, we can do better,” he said. At the hearing, Senator DiDomenico emphasized the need to enshrine regular grant increases in state statute. “We need to get the bill FACTS | FROM PAGE 6 night was not an impartial audit. It was a PowerPoint presentation that glossed over critical supporting facts and opened the door for misleading statements by Councillors... the auditor was specifically asked to target a municipal employee... That request underscores the political and personal motivations behind the process.” passed now,” he said. “Families don’t have time to wait. They are living on the edge. In addition to the obstacles and challenges of living in poverty, they are being attacked at every turn. We need to pass legislation now to help people who need our help the most.” Rather than focusing on real issues facing Everett residents, the City Council appears more interested in weaponizing process flaws to discredit a sitting Mayor—despite a lack of any definitive finding of wrongdoing. In doing so, they not only risk damaging the reputation of public servants without cause but also undermine public trust in the very institutions they claim to protect. Over half the Senate has joined with Senator DiDomenico to cosponsor the bill. A coalition of more than 160 Massachusetts organizations actively supports the bill. On November 4th, Vote Joe Gaff Ward 5 City Councillor Join Joe and his supporters at his campaign kickoff fundraiser on Thursday, October 9th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the 8/10 Bar & Grill, 8-10 Norwood Street, Everett. Suggested donation: $50. $75., $100. Payable to the Committee to Elect Joseph Gaff. Email: Josephgaffward5@gmail.com 39 years of protecting our neighborhoods, leading with passion, diplomacy, and honesty. The voice our community needs. (Pol. Adv.)
8 Publizr Home