As the May 17th election approaches, the seven residents running for North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) were invited to submit statements with their background and reasons for seeking one of the six open seats. Videos are from a Candidates Forum on May 12th. All North End / Waterfront residents, 18 or older, may vote for up to six candidates on Saturday, May 17, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Nazzaro Community Center, 30 N. Bennet Street.
NEWNC Candidate: John Pregmon, #1 on the Ballot
[responsive_youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx2qqkdbLOE]
Dear North End Community:
I am proud to announce my candidacy for the upcoming NEWNC election. I want to briefly introduce myself to those in the neighborhood who I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting. I am originally from Old Forge, Pennsylvania–a small town outside of Scranton. My hometown is very similar to the North End in that we have more than a dozen Italian restaurants lining our Main Street and share a deep sense of community pride. These restaurants specialize in their unique and aptly named “Old Forge” style of pizza, which is the trademark of the town. My family has been operating Agostini’s Bakery for over 100 years; handed down from my great-grandfather, to my grandfather, and now my uncles. The bakery has the honor of supplying loaves of bread and pizza shells to most of the local restaurants. I am grateful for the privilege to grow up in such a close-knit neighborhood. This was the same environment I noticed upon first moving to the North End when I relocated to Boston for school over five years ago. The convivial reception I received upon moving into the neighborhood made me eager to contribute to the community.
Since that time, I have had the pleasure of volunteering in the NEAA as coach of the Raptors, Dodgers, and the Grasshoppers baseball teams. I have had the opportunity to serve on NEWNC for the past two years, where I currently preside as Vice President, and previously served as Secretary. I also currently sit on the Board of Directors for the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy as NEWNC’s representative. This appointment has allowed me to create a dialogue between the Greenway and the North End in order to strengthen their relationship. I have facilitated two community meetings, which have resulted in improvements to the North End parks–most notably the addition of shade trees, umbrellas, new shrubbery, and fountain repairs that will take place this month. I have one year remaining of my appointment, and hope to be elected to NEWNC so that I can complete my commitment to the Board.
On a personal note, I am a renter here in the North End and, while I do not have any business interests in the community, my familiarity with my family’s business allows me to understand and appreciate the special bond between local businesses and the community they serve. We have an excellent mix of individuals on the Council who together reflect the makeup of our neighborhood. I believe that this diversity is critical to its success, and it is important to maintain that balance.
There are a lot of important issues that come before the Council. You may agree with my vote or you may disagree with it; but while I cannot guarantee that everyone will be satisfied with my vote, I can guarantee that my voting preference has been–and will continue to be–what I believe is in the best interest of this neighborhood. Thank you and please consider voting for me this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Nazzaro Center.
John Pregmon
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On May 17, 2014, a public election will be held for six open seats, each with a two year term, on the North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC). There are seven candidates running for six open seats on NEWNC, each with a 2-year term. All North End / Waterfront residents may vote for up to six candidates.
Who can vote?
Residents of the North End/Waterfront community who are 18 years or older as of the election. The area includes Precincts 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Ward 3 and the Waterfront Area’s Precinct 6 (Harbor Towers and Rowes Wharf). (View precinct map.) A resident of North End/Waterfront community is anyone who appears on the City of Boston’s most recent census list or anyone who does not appear on the most recent census list but can produce adequate proof of residency.
The NEWNC election poll will be open for voting on Saturday, May 17, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Nazzaro Center, 30 N. Bennet St.
More information on NEWNC can be found at their website, www.NEWNCBoston.org, or by emailing info@newncboston.org.
