Valley Patriot

Reyes Makes it Official
Short on issues he says the campaign
is about "life experience"

Planning board member Israel Reyes made it official this morning that he will be a candidate for City Council At-Large in the fall elections.

Reyes said the "press conference" was to make his intentions known in the Latino community and would be having an official announcement for everyone soon.

Also present were Isabel Melendez, State Representative Barry Finegold, State Representative Willie Lantigua and Council President Marcos Devers. All but Devers (who is also running At-Large) publicly endorsed Reyes' candidacy.

Finegold said he was supporting Reyes because they are "friends" while Lantigua said he believes Reyes is the best candidate for Council At-Large. "Right now I am supporting Israel Reyes and Israel Reyes only. I know others are running for election but right now I am supporting Israel."

Isabel Melendez also endorsed Reyes. "I support Israel Reyes 100%."

As for why he is running, Reyes said "I know people right now who are living under a bridge because our local legislators are not addressing the issues."

Reyes spoke to the small group of supporters at the Everett Mills saying the campaign was more about life experiences than about the issues.

"During this campaign, in the next several months I will address the issues," he said. "I know Tom Duggan has talked about water privatization and I will address those issues throughout the campaign. But I think above and beyond all the issues, this campaign is going to be about life experiences not the political debate that goes on about the different issues. This campaign boils down to life experiences and how we as elected officials can relate to the issues people face on a daily basis."

Reyes talked about growing up on welfare and living in the Hancock projects as an example of how in touch he was with the average voter.

Reyes is no stranger to politics, he ran for District "D" Council twice before and challenged Jose Santiago two years ago after Republican Governor Paul Cellucci personally asked him to get in the race. At the time Reyes changed parties to run as a Republican for the seat. He later took a job working in the Cellucci administration after losing to Santiago. He said he is now working in Real Estate at Century 21 and is once again a Democrat.

Reyes also talked about prescription drug coverage and the high price of auto insurance. The City Council has no authority on either of these issues.

Reyes said his top priorities would be public safety and housing. He did not give specifics on any housing issues but he did address one pet peeve he has about the Lawrence Police.

"Some may consider this going against the establishment, a union at the police department," Reyes said, "In my opinion we have a police department now that is top heavy and loaded with bureaucracy up top, with a maze, and I want to assure people that if you have a concern with public safety your concerns will be addressed in an appropriate manner (if elected)."

"The average Jose and the average Maria need to be treated fairly," he said. Reyes said he supports the street cops "in the trenches" but also believes that there are too many people at the top levels at a time when Lawrence is laying people off. "We need to look at how top heavy the police department is. I know that my stand on this may draw 'heat' to the campaign but it is something I believe in."

Speaking for almost half an hour Reyes was emotional at times, showing tears as he talked about his childhood and upbringing, thanking his mother and wife for sticking by him in what he deemed as "tough times."

Voters will be asked to pick three candidates in what will be a crowded field of at-large contenders for November.

Council President Marcos Devers is expected to run for reelection. Also expected to run are incumbent Nunzio DiMarca, and fifth place finisher last year Barbara Gonzales. Gonzales will mount a credible campaign her second time around. City Councilor Mike Sweeney contacted at home after the event refused to say whether or not he was considering a run for reelection.

...column to follow