Today, Joe Ruggiero officially announced his candidacy for State Representative for the 1st Suffolk District, representing East Boston.
“East Boston is my home, and I want to represent my family and neighbors in the Legislature to ensure that they have a strong voice – one of their own – on Beacon Hill,” said Ruggiero. “We need stronger middle-income housing options, increased support for our invaluable community organizations, and a master plan for design and development. I’m deeply dedicated to ensuring East Boston’s success, and I recognize that we can continue to grow on our terms, with development and investment that reflects the unique character of our neighborhood.”
Ruggiero is an East Boston resident with deep ties to the neighborhood. Ruggiero, with his family, is a small business owner; the Ruggiero family has operated the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home since 1999. Ruggiero is a member of the East Boston Chamber of Commerce, supporting other small and local businesses, as well as a recent appointee to the Downtown Waterfront Municipal Harbor Plan Committee, tasked with implementing Development Guidelines for the Rose Kennedy Greenway, to activate Boston’s open space and strengthen the area as a gateway to the Downtown neighborhood districts and the waterfront.
Ruggiero recognizes the importance of supporting our youth, and has been a dedicated volunteer for a number of youth-based organizations within East Boston. He previously served on the Board of Directors for East Boston Little League, and has been coaching youth sports for nearly a decade through the East Boston Youth Basketball League, East Boston Little League and the Archdiocese of Boston Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). He also previously mentored students as an employee of the East Boston YMCA.
In addition to his roles in youth mentoring and neighborhood business development, Ruggiero is an active member of St. Joseph & Lazarus Parish, and an active organizer of East Boston Substance Abuse Awareness Day and founding organizer of the Mayor’s Annual Family Fun Day.
Ruggiero is a graduate of Savio Preparatory High School and Mount Ida College.