Outgoing Revere City Councilor at-Large Juan Pablo Jaramillo celebrated his accomplishments on the council this past Thursday and emphasized the importance of local government at this moment in our history.
He was joined by leaders from Revere, Boston, and across Massachusetts and there was even a message sent to the group by U.S. Senator Ed Markey. Present at the event were Boston Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, Councilwoman Gabriela Coletta-Zapata (who reportedly has the votes to become the next City Council president), State Senator Sal DiDomenico, Revere Councillor Paul Argenzio, and Winthrop Councilman Joe Aiello. Former president of the AFL-CIO and former state senator Steve Tolman was also present in the crowd.
Jaramillo, a union organizer. spoke after words from State Senator Lydia Edwards and the message from U.S. Senator Ed Markey. He thanked the guests assembled in the packed downtown Boston office for their support of him and his wife, Crystal, who was present and reminded people of the victories he attained while on the Revere City Council around workers’ rights, affordable childcare and early education, feminine hygiene products, climate alluding to his first in the city municipal composting program, and affordable housing units in new development. The victories, he said, were collectively won by him and the supporters who have long believed in his vision for a pro-working family city.
Councillor Jaramillo made history after becoming the first immigrant to be elected to local office in Revere and missed his reelection by a margin of votes which can only be characterized as a statistical tie. Instead of opting for a gruesome recount he said in a statement later in November “Revere’s history has been marked by bitter recounts and infighting which ultimately has stymied progress,” and that he was “choosing to repurpose our energy into organizing for the future not agonizing.”