City Council candidate Christian Miller said he opposes closing any of the city's four fire stations.
"We must once and for all pass a balanced budget that would eliminate the need to close, even if temporarily any of our four remaining Fire Stations,'' Miller said in a press release. "I call for a Fire Station relocation study along with a review of our current fire and emergency coverage before proceeding to close any Fire Station.''
Haverhill has four stations — the Central station on Water Street and stations on High Street, 16th Avenue and South Main Street in Bradford.
Mayor James Fiorentini has been considering closing the Bradford station to save money in the tight Fire Department budget, but Bradford residents and business people have opposed the closing. Firefighters have also opposed the closing, and have been battling the mayor over that and other issues.
"Why is it that our city feels the need to politicize a fundamental service, trivializing not only the jobs of the men and women who serve in our fire departments but also the lives that can, and do, depend on these services being provided at an adequate level of coverage,'' Miller said in his release.
Miller, a challenger for council, is one of 18 candidates for nine council seats available in the Nov. 3 election. Voters will also choose their mayor and three School Committee members.
Hetel has campaign reception
A campaign reception to raise money to help elect Krystine Hetel to the School Committee will be held Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the function hall at Maria's Family Restaurant on Essex Street.
The event features hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and live music by local performers Paul Prue and Mark Hayden. Suggested donations are $20 for a friend of the campaign and $50 for a sponsor. The event is organized by the Committee to Elect Krystine Hetel, 106 River St., Haverhill, MA 01832. More information is available online at www.krystinehetel.com.
Two incumbents kick off campaigns
The Committee to Elect Michael S. McGonagle held a campaign kickoff event Oct. 8 at the Garrison Golf Center.
More than 100 supporters attended.
McGonagle is campaigning for his second term on the City Council. He is a lifelong Haverhill resident and a downtown business owner.
McGonagle spoke to supporters about his concern for finding new sources of money for the city, while stressing the importance of public safety and the quality of education in Haverhill schools.
He said he plans to continue meeting with citizens and listening to their concerns.
School Committeeman Joe Bevilacqua held a campaign kickoff event at Diburro's function hall.
Bevilacqua thanked the more than 200 Haverhill parents, taxpayers and residents who attended to support his re-election bid to the committee.
He talked about his record of suggesting ways to save tax dollars.
Macek meets with residents
City Councilor William Macek had a "Meet the Candidate" night on Oct. 15 at The Tap's Pub Downstairs on Washington Street.
Macek, a lifelong resident of Haverhill and local attorney and business owner, served on the City Council from 1984 to 1992 and is currently running for his fourth consecutive two-year term on the council.
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Got campaign news? E-mail Bill Cantwell at bcantwell@eagletribune.com or call 978-946-2215.
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