EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA

Haverhill

September 18, 2009

Your guide to Haverhill's city elections

Click the links to go directly to the section

Election dates

Where to vote

Profiles of Council Candidates

Profiles of Mayoral Candidates

Election-related Stories

Profiles of School Candidates


Where to vote in Haverhill

Ward 1, Precinct 1: Consentino Middle School

Ward 1, Precinct 2: Washington Square elder housing community room

Ward 1, Precinct 3: Haverhill High School gymnasium


Ward 2, Precinct 1: First Church of Christ

Ward 2, Precinct 2: Hunking Middle School art room

Ward 2, Precinct 3: Moody School


Ward 3, Precinct 1: Citizens Center, Room 22

Ward 3, Precinct 1A: Washington Square elder housing

Ward 3, Precinct 2: Haverhill Public Library

Ward 3, Precinct 3: Universalist Unitarian Church


Ward 4, Precinct 1: Nettle Middle School

Ward 4, Precinct 2: Second Baptist Church

Ward 4, Precinct 3: Kennedy Circle elder housing community room


Ward 5, Precinct 1: Julian Steele elder housing, Washington Street, community room

Ward 5, Precinct 2: First Presbyterian Church

Ward 5, Precinct 3: Haverhill High School gymnasium


Ward 6, Precinct 1: St. James School cafeteria

Ward 6, Precinct 2: Whittier Middle School library

Ward 6, Precinct 3: Pentucket Lake Elementary School music room


Ward 7, Precinct 1: Elder housing community room, Greystone Avenue

Ward 7, Precinct 2: Hunking School Library

Ward 7, Precinct 3: Bradford Elementary School, Montvale Avenue

Primary Results
City Council
✔Michael J. Hart*2,304
✔Robert H. Scatamacchia*2,133
✔Michel P. Young2,039
✔William H. Ryan*1,987
✔Michael S. McGonagle*1,851
✔William J. Macek*1,837
✔Mary Ellen Daly O'Brien*1,741
✔Kenneth E. Quimby Jr.*1,646
✔David E. Hall*1,624
✔Sven A. Amirian1,602
✔John J. Curtin Jr.1,572
✔Colin F. LePage1,343
✔Malcolm D. Kimball Jr.1,133
✔Leonard A. Russo945
✔Christian Miller901
✔Anastasia E. Papaefthemiou770
✔David W. Langlois733
✔David C. Noyes717
School Committee
✔Raymond J. Sierpina2,155
✔Joseph J. Bevilacqua*2,023
✔Paul A. Magliocchetti1,679
✔Daniel A. DeRoche Jr1,546
✔Krystine S. Hetel1,198
✔Kerry P. Fitzgerald*1,110
*denotes incumbent

Haverhill Elections: Important dates

First debate between mayoral candidates: Sept. 9, 7 p.m., at Technology Center of Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, to air live on local cable TV Channel 22 and The Eagle-Tribune's Web site.

Preliminary election: Sept. 15, polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters choose six School Committee finalists and 18 City Council finalists.

Debate between School Committee candidates: Sept. 30, 6:30 p.m., City Hall auditorium on second floor of City Hall, 4 Summer St., to air live on local cable TV Channel 9 and The Eagle-Tribune's Web site.

Second debate between mayoral candidates: Oct. 28, 7 p.m., Technology Center of Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, to air live on local cable TV Channel 22 and The Eagle-Tribune's Web site.

Final election: Nov. 3, polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters choose the mayor for the next two years, three School Committee members for the next four years, and nine city councilors for the next two years.

Mayoral Candidiate Profiles

James Fiorentini

Age: 62

Address: 36 Macon Ave.

Occupation: Haverhill mayor, lawyer

Family: Married, three children

Political, civic background: Three-term mayor, former city councilor, member Elks and Sons of Italy clubs

Click here for James Fiorentini's campaign fiance report filed in September.

John Mitchitson

Age: 50

Address: 119 Kenoza St.

Occupation: Manager/engineer at Mitre Corp.

Family: Married, two children

Political, civic background: Former City Council president, chairman of trustees for Hillview Montessori Charter School, founder Danny's Mentoring and Tutoring program

Click here for John Mitchitson's campaign fiance report filed in September.


City Council Candidiate Profiles

Michel P. Young

Age: 48

Address: 266 Hyatt Ave.

Occupation: High school teacher

Family: Single.

Political, civic background: I have had the opportunity through education to sit on numerous committees and interact with parents, the public, school leaders and educators.

Why you are running: Because I believe public service is important. I have the time, ability, and desire to bring a common-sense approach to key issues. I also believe my military experience has prepared me well for leadership roles. I will be honored to represent the citizens of Haverhill.

David C. Noyes

Age: 47

Address: 46 Hazel St.

Occupation: Home Depot technician.

Family: Two children.

Political, civic background: Worked the polls in the last two elections; volunteer work for Team Depot at his place of employment, which included building picnic tables for the International Child Care Center on Cedar Street and trimming trees and other landscape work for the Haverhill Boys and Girls Club's Camp Tasker in Newton, N.H.

Why you are running: I believe I have an unbiased judgment not swayed by owning a business or being in a union — an everyman's perspective, brought up by a DPW father and a working mother.

Robert H. Scatamacchia

Age: 59

Address: 11 Revere St.

Occupation: Funeral director.

Family: Married, four children.

Political, civic background: 14 years on City Council; chairman of council's Planning and Development Committee; member of Knights of Columbus, Elks Club, Garibaldi Club and sons of Italy.

Why you are running: I've enjoyed my time on the City Council and want to want to continue serving the citizens.

Michael J. Hart

Age: 62

Address: 215 Brickett Hill Circle.

Occupation: Attorney.

Family: Married, three children

Political, civic background: Three terms on council, two as president; former assistant city solicitor; former chairman of Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce; former Rotary Club president.

Why you are running: I have the knowledge and experience to help the city navigate through these exceedingly difficult fiscal times. Having lived here all my life, I care about the city's future and I want to help.

Anastasia E. Papaefthemiou

Age: 48

Address: 306 Primrose St.

Occupation: Cookie baker, entrepreneur.

Family: One child.

Political, civic background: President of Ladies Philoptochos Society, 2003 through 2005; president of Daughters of Penelope, Rhea Chapter 136, 2006 to present; campaigned for Congresswoman Niki Tsongas.

Why you are running: I'd like to help Haverhill become the great city it can be with better community action and removing the deficit.

John J. Curtin Jr.

Age: 65

Address: 100 Willow Ave.

Occupation: Retired Massachusetts State Police officer with 20 years of service, 10 years as a narcotics detective and 10 years as a road trooper.

Family: Wife, two children.

Political, civic background: 10 years on the City Council.

Why you are running: My taxes have been going up, and I continually warned all the members of the City Council that we have to watch the spending because recessions are cyclical every 10 to 15 years and that there would be a day of reckoning. This was to no avail. I continually voted no on big spending issues and my voice was not heard. I want to continue my fight to stop this out-of-control spending.

Michael S. McGonagle

Age: 51

Address: 39 Newton Ave.

Occupation: Staffing agency owner and manager.

Family: Married, two children.

Political, civic background: First-term city councilor.

Why you are running: To use foundation I've learned in last three years to continue to watching how our tax dollars are spent.

Sven A. Amirian

Age: 37

Address: 45 Talmouth Ave.

Occupation: Serial entrepreneur, real estate broker/developer specializing in green properties.

Family: Married, three children.

Political, civic background: Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Winnekenni Castle Foundation for three years, participated in the mayor's Recycling Committee and Energy Task Force, member of Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce.

Why you are running: As a young resident and local business owner, I believe that I will bring fresh perspective and a well-rounded view to the council chambers. My ability to manage a family and two businesses has prepared me for the challenges associated with municipal finance and organization.

David E. Hall

Age: 71

Address: 73 East Broadway.

Occupation: Retired police sergeant.

Family: Divorced, one daughter.

Political, civic background: Three terms on City Council, chairman of Public Safety Committee, Salvation Army Advisory Board.

Why you are running: To continue serving the public and working full time on the council.

Kenneth E. Quimby Jr.

Age: 49

Address: 48 Gooddale St.

Occupation: Medical equipment delivery driver and therapist.

Family: Single.

Political, civic background: Three years on City Council.

Why you are running: To continue working hard for the city of Haverhill. People should give me another two years to serve the city.

Colin F. LePage

Age: 45

Address: 5 Sunrise Drive.

Occupation: Engineering representative for PEM fasteners.

Family: Three children.

Political, civic background: President of Riverside-Bradford Baseball League, Board of Directors for over 10 years; member of Team Haverhill; member of Recycling Committee, involved in single-stream curbside recycling pilot program; current/past member of the following city committees: Open Space and Recreation, Cable Advisory, Recycling Committee.

Why you are running: To improve the quality of city services provided to residents for our public safety and quality of life, to revitalize neighborhoods and increase community involvement in them, and bring new ideas and perspectives for effective management of both economic and natural resources in the city.

Christian Miller

Age: 29

Address: 658 S. Main St.

Occupation: Information technology, Windows systems administrator.

Family: Married, one child.

Political, civic background: Worked in both the purchasing and IT departments at Salem State College, which, at minimum, has given me the opportunity to see the way our tax dollars are spent.

Why you are running: I would like to restore faith in our local government while making Haverhill a better place to work, educate children and raise a family. I believe the key to success and moving Haverhill forward is through its educational system. Without a great school system Haverhill cannot become a great city.

Leonard A. Russo

Age: 60

Address: 20 Fairmount Ave.

Occupation: Self-employed owner of Russo Earth Care.

Family: Married, two children.

Political, civic background: Served on Solid Waste Committee in the late 1970s, donated time and materials for installation of Haverhill's youth baseball fields, active member of Haverhill's Brightside with cleanups and installations of various gardens, donated time and materials to the Korean War Memorial.

Why you are running: Based on the previous council, there are too many beliefs and not enough ideas. I feel fresh viable ideas are what's needed to extinguish the invisible struggle within our bureaucratic family.

William J. Macek

Age: 57

Address: 227 Concord St.

Occupation: Radio station owner, manager; attorney.

Family: Married, two sons.

Political, civic background: Seven terms on City Council; chairman of council's Natural Resources and Public Property Committee; former chairman and current member of Haverhill Housing Partnership; director of Massachusetts Association of Broadcasters; member of various chambers of commerce; former member Greater Haverhill Board of Realtors.

Why you are running: To continue my commitment to make Haverhill one of New England's best places to live.

Malcolm D. Kimball Jr.

Age: 54

Address: Home: 17 Wedgewood Drive.

Occupation: Licensed insurance broker and builder.

Family: Married, two children.

Political, civic background: Member of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, member of the Greater Haverhill Foundation, supporter of Haverhill High School sports and other community events.

Why you are running: Haverhill needs new direction, reform through new leadership and ideas. We have a wealth of nature resources, recreation areas and facilities that we need to develop as an asset and profit centers for the city of Haverhill. I would hope to bring a business approach to government operations with no more deficit spending.

David W. Langlois

Age: 43

Address: 567 Washington St.

Occupation: Contractor.

Family: Two children.

Political, civic background: Member of the Masons.

Why you are running: I am a first-time runner asking for the opportunity to join the fight in making our city the best it can be.

Mary Ellen Daly O'Brien

Age: 54

Address: 66 Webster St.

Occupation: Registered nurse case manager.

Family: Married, four children.

Political, civic background: Four terms on City Council, chairman of Administration and Finance Committee, past trustee of Stevens Bennett Home for women, former School Committee member at St. Joseph School.

Why you are running: To continue holding the line on spending and being a strong voice for fiscal responsibility and accountability.

William H. Ryan

Age: 71

Address: 16 Concord St.

Occupation: Consultant. lobbyist.

Family: Married, four children.

Political, civic background: Former mayor of Haverhill, former state representative, former School Committee member, former superintendent at Essex County Jail and House of Correction.

Why you are running: To help Haverhill move forward as a member of the City Council.

School Committee Candidiate Profiles

Krystine S. Hetel

Age: 58

Address: 106 River St.

Occupation: Real estate investor.

Family: Single, one child.

Political, civic background: Former city councilor; District Parent Council president; director Northeast Regional Tobacco Education Collaborative; school-based Management Oversight Committee; Girl's Inc. board member; past member of the Haverhill Planning Board, Housing and Community Partnerships, Team Haverhill, Recycling Committee, Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce.

Why you are running: Each student deserves a top quality educational experience, including art and music classes. Ensuring a good education for all children in the community is the most important responsibility we have.

Kerry P. Fitzgerald

Age: 59

Address: 3 Richmond St.

Occupation: Consulting, writing grants and fund raising for nonprofits.

Family: Married, two children.

Political, civic background: Seven years on School Committee.

Why you are running: To complete the work I have started such as strategic planning, development of a communications plan, Haverhill High School renovation and working with other communities to share ideas on how to better educate our students.

Joseph J. Bevilacqua

Age: 57

Address: 46 Lambert Ave.

Occupation: President and CEO of Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Family: Married, two children.

Political, civic background: Former trustee Northern Essex Community College; chairman of Merrimack Valley United Way Campaign; school building committee for Bradford, Pentucket Lake, Silver Hill and Golden Hill schools; in third term on School Committee.

Why you are running: To make sure Haverhill students are prepared for a better job and bright future. I have the education, experience, knowledge and courage to do what is right while being fiscally responsible.

Daniel A. DeRoche Jr.

Age: 37

Address: 62 Lakeview Ave.

Occupation: Civil engineer (Highway design and construction management).

Family: Married, two children.

Political, civic background: Sixteen years with the U.S. Army, deployed in Iraq 2004-05 and conducted humanitarian missions in Guatemala and El Salvador; four years with Team Haverhill, involved with the Soles of Haverhill and the playground projects; two years working with Haverhill Rocks; developed the mayoral candidate forums in September/October 2007.

Why you are running: To bring my skills and experience in leadership and problem-solving to strengthen the School Committee in order to better serve the schools and the city.

Paul A. Magliocchetti

Age: 43

Address: 15 Kimball Hill Drive.

Occupation: Attorney/partner with Sheehan, Schiavoni, Jutras and Magliocchetti, LLP.

Family: Married, three children.

Political, civic background: Member of the board of directors for the New England Shoe Foreman and Superintendents Association and Haverhill PAL Soccer, Crowell School Site Council member, Golden Hill School Title I representative, coach for Haverhill PAL Soccer and Riverside Bradford Little League, Whittier Middle School mock trial program director, CCD teacher at St. John the Baptist Church.

Why you are running: To improve our schools, create meaningful educational policies and provide the School Committee direction, leadership and purpose.

Raymond J. Sierpina

Age: 63

Address: 484 Kingsbury Ave.

Occupation: Retired Haverhill school principal.

Family: Married, three children, six grandchildren.

Political, civic background: Volunteer with the Haverhill Disabilities Commission, MS Walk volunteer, member of the Sacred Hearts Church Consultative Board, teacher/administrator for Haverhill public schools, 37 years.

Why you are running: To share my expertise in a positive way and help the school system during these difficult economic times.

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