Update: Thanks supporters — Congratulations! Meet the new District 1 city councilor: Gabriela Gigi Coletta; defeats Tania Del Rio 57% to 33%

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Gabriela Coletta
Courtesy: Coletta campaign

Results (Link to the City of Boston’s Election Department)

The following statement was released by Gabriela Gigi Coletta on May 4, 2022

Friend,

You have heard me say this before, and I will say it again with great pride, as your Councilor-elect: I am a daughter of District One. Every opportunity, every relationship, every inch of support – I am so grateful for everything that this community has given me.

East Boston has given me so much and shaped me into the person I am today. This beautiful and diverse community has been the start of the American dream for so many immigrant families, including my own almost four generations ago when they climbed the Golden Staircase and settled on Cottage Street in Jeffries Point. I am so proud to be an East Bostonian.

Charlestown is a special square mile that exemplifies togetherness, community, and camaraderie. This community is so rich with history and legacy, united as generations have stayed and new families have begun, with a common purpose of making this a better place. It has been an honor working with Charlestown on everything from historic preservation to small business development, to strong education and opportunities for our kids. to the day-to-day constituent services that matter so much.

The North End is a passionate community with beloved traditions and character that we should seek to protect, support and share with the generations of families to come. The neighborhood faces a unique set of challenges that requires a City Councilor who can advocate effectively for this community. I will continue to build consensus and bridges to support our shared goal: Keeping the best interests of the community at heart.
I’d like to extend a particular note of gratitude to Tania. We elevated the dialogue to focus on policy and plans. I look forward to working together to ensure our communities thrive. Thank you.

We made some ambitious plans together and I am expecting every single one of you to hold me to them because I meant every word.

I meant it when I said that I will fight for affordable and workforce housing on Day One, because I know what it’s like to be priced out of our neighborhoods.

I meant it when I said that I will fight for accessible and responsive government that works for the people, because I know that the nuts and bolts add up to make a big impact on our quality of life.

And I especially meant it when I said that we need to govern with compassion, empathy and humanity at the center of decision-making.

I will do everything in my power to empower and amplify immigrant voices in City Hall and across Boston.

I will use my platform to protect our coastline from the high risk of flooding due to climate change, to expand our parks and tree canopy, and to hold MassPort accountable — because everyone has a right to green space and to breathe clean air.

I will push for a facilities master plan for our public schools marked by investments in healthy learning environments. And I will fight like hell to close opportunity and achievement gaps by directly supporting children with special needs and English language learners.

The work starts now. You saw the energy and dedication with which I approached this race, but that was just a hint of what you can expect from me as your next Boston City Councilor.

I cannot wait to get started.

THANK YOU for your support, your votes, and your love.

With gratitude & love,