Sal LaMattina Named City Council Vice-President

The new President of the City Council, Stephen Murphy, this week named District 1 City Councilor Sal LaMattina to be the new Council Vice-President.

This week’s Eastie Times speculates on whether LaMattina might be President when Murphy’s term ends in two years. LaMattina is also quoted about his neighborhood focus:

“We all want to see neighborhoods that are safe and welcoming, schools that kindle a love of learning and produce good citizens, and streets that are clean and quickly cleared of snow,” said LaMattina. “In order to stay on top of these issues, some of the strategies I’ll be looking at this year include year-round street cleaning, increased commercial recycling, and innovative approaches to rodent control. I will continue to work with the Neighborhood Response Teams to quickly address local issues and the Problem Property Task Forces to hold property owners accountable.”

LaMattina also talks about upcoming development projects:

“Development is, of course, important, but overdevelopment is something we must take steps to avoid. As a result, I will continue to insist that input from the neighborhoods be solicited and included in any and all projects.”

Below is the press release from Councilor LaMattina’s office:

District 1 City Councilor Sal LaMattina was named Vice President of the Council last week by President Stephen Murphy, a move that recognizes the hard work and collaboration that have characterized LaMattina’s time as a councilor.

“I am truly honored to take on this role,” said LaMattina, “and I want to thank Councilor Murphy for placing his trust in me. I will continue to work every day for the people of my district and for everyone throughout the City of Boston.”

LaMattina was also appointed to six standing committees of the Council, including the City, Neighborhood Services & Veterans Affairs Committee, which he will chair for a second consecutive term.

“Providing day-to-day services is an essential duty of city government,” LaMattina said. “People have a right to expect that basic functions – like having snow cleared, clean streets, potholes filled and street lights fixed – will happen without fail. When these things happen smoothly the public generally doesn’t notice – and that’s the way it should be.”

LaMattina will also serve on committees that oversee city policy on Economic Development & Planning, Education, Environment & Health, Rules & Administration, and Ways & Means.

“It’s always been my belief that public service is among the noblest callings that an individual can have,” said LaMattina. “I try to never forget that I have been entrusted by citizens to be their voice, and that is how I approach my work every day.”

LaMattina has represented the neighborhoods of District 1 – Charlestown, the North End, East Boston and downtown – since the summer of 2006. He is a native of East Boston.