Celeste Myers will not run for state representative seat
Well-known East Boston resident and activist Celeste Myers said she will not be a candidate for state representative in the special election for the seat held by State Rep. Carlo Basile, who has accepted a position in Governor-Elect Charlie Baker’s administration.
Five candidates, Adrian Madaro, Joe Ruggiero, Lou Scapicchio, Edward Deveau, and Camilo Hernandez have announced their intentions to run for the seat being vacated by Basile, who will officially resign his seat Thursday at 5 p.m.
Myers, who waged a vigorous run in a defeat to Basile in November, said her previous campaigns over the last five years in opposing casinos, creating dialogue with elected officials, and in running for office herself, “has taken a lot out of me personally, professionally, and financially.”
Myers, 43, gave the representative’s race “serious consideration” but decided not to run.
“After serious consideration, at this point I just don’t feel I have the capability to launch a full-on campaign. I’m disappointed that I won’t be able to work on the many issues that I outlined during my campaign. I am not ruling out a run in the future. I’m going to turn my attention to my family, my career, and my few entrepreneurial initiatives.”
Myers said she has not decided whether she will be endorsing a candidate in the special election. “I hope to be a resource to all the candidates if they want my input on issues that need to be addressed in East Boston.”
Myers said she will continue in her position as operations assistant at Spinelli’s in East Boston. She has been working for the well-known food and catering firm for more than two decades.
Madaro proposes expanding Main Streets Program
This week candidate for State Representative Adrian Madaro began a listening tour of local businesses and stated that one of his top priorities if elected would be to extend East Boston Main Streets to Day and Central Squares.
“The East Boston Main Streets is a tremendous program, but right now it exists only in Maverick Square and in Orient Heights. We need to expand it to Central Square and Day Square so that all small businesses in Eastie have access to these transformative resources.” said Madaro.
Madaro toured businesses throughout East Boston, speaking with owners and employees about their needs. At Angela’s Café, Luis Garcia praised Adrian for his efforts to help set up the café’s first ever Cinco de Mayo celebration.
“Adrian understands that local and family-owned businesses serve as the backbone of our neighborhood’s economy. Supporting our local businesses directly supports the local families that own and operate them, making our whole community more vibrant.” said Stephen Scire, who owns Sammy Carlo’s Catering.
“As Chief of Staff to Representative Basile, Adrian was instrumental in helping us acquire 154 Maverick Street.” said Melissa Tyler, co-owner of the small business incubator Maverick Marketplace. “One of my top priorities as your next State Representative, will be to create jobs and promote economic opportunities for all East Boston residents. Extending Main Streets to other local businesses will be a step in that direction,” said Madaro.