Many supporters, colleagues, and friends attended a birthday reception for District 1 City Councilor Gabriela Coletta on Sept. 20 at The Bell In Hand Tavern, Boston.
Residents from across Coletta’s district (East Boston, Charlestown, and North End) packed the upstairs function room to celebrate the popular councilor’s 31st birthday.
Several of Coletta’s colleagues in government, including State Sen. Lydia Edwards, State Rep. Adrian Madaro, House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, State Rep. Dan Ryan, City Council President Edward Flynn, and City Councilors Michael Flaherty and Sharon Durkan attended the event.
Edwards lauded Coletta’s outstanding record of public service in her introductory remarks.
Edwards said, “I’m just so excited that all these neighborhoods are coming together, because that is essentially what Gabriela Coletta is: a bridge builder.”
“Gabriela is not only the city councilor today, but she’s been serving this City Council district since she was the Chief of Staff and actually served parts of the district when she worked for Rep. Madaro as well and Chair Michlewitz,” continued Edwards. “I couldn’t think of a better transition than from a staffer to an elected official, and a perfect, shining example of what that looks like is Gabriela Coletta. Her door is always open. She is literally a welcoming, humbling, kind human being, and at your service. And it’s her birthday, so let’s sing, Happy Birthday.”
Coletta, who is unopposed on the November 7 ballot, thanked the large crowd for their support and happy birthday wishes.
“I have a confession to make – it’s my birthday month,” Coletta said, smiling. “My birthday was Sept. 4, but there’s always a reason to celebrate, right? There’s always a reason to bring people together. I am humbled and I feel so blessed to so many supporters and so many friends here.”
Coletta, who has been a very effective voice for her district, spoke about how much she enjoys being a city councilor and having the opportunity to help people each day in her work.
“I absolutely love being a city councilor,” said Coletta. “I love municipal government. I love the inner workings of it. I love the fact that you can change someone’s life just by answering a call and being there and being responsive. I love the fact that you could better someone’s life through good, thoughtful policies and excellent constituent services. That is municipal government.”
Coletta told the admiring crowd, “It has been such a true pleasure to represent East Boston, Charlestown, and the North End.”