Endorsements
Governor Maura Healey & Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll
“We're proud to endorse Greg Verga's reelection as Mayor of Gloucester. It's important that we have strong local leaders like Greg on our side as we work to bring down the cost of housing, support small businesses, and make Massachusetts a more affordable place to live, work and learn."
Paul Tucker, Essex County District Attorney
“Mayor Verga’s leadership in giving Gloucester PD’s Community Impact Unit the tools and the resources it needs has helped make a real, positive impact and influence on the city’s young people. In this day and age, kids feeling safe at school is a really essential starting point for education getting better.
“The mayor and his team have worked extremely well with my office, and there’s perhaps no better example than addressing the problem of local scammers, particularly those who target the elderly. As a result, the city of Gloucester is THE leader in the Commonwealth on addressing the issue of an epidemic of scams, especially involving Bitcoin ATM machines. The mayor has taken bold action and the people of Gloucester, particularly the elderly, are going to be safer from these scammers because of it.”
Carolyn Kirk, Former Four-Term Gloucester Mayor
“Only the mayor knows day in and day out what it takes to lead this city. No matter how close to the seat of mayor you serve — on the City Council, for example — you are adjacent.
“It’s so easy to sit on the sidelines and critique. Speaking from experience, I can attest to the fact that until faced with the unique crises that occur only at the municipal level —challenges that a mayor’s leadership is central to solving — you are, quite plainly, untested.
“Having sat in that chair, I’m confident Mayor Verga remains the best choice for the city and I fully support his re-election to a third term.”
Bruce Tobey, Former Four-Term Gloucester Mayor
“I quickly learned during my years as mayor how easy it is for the day-to-day but nevertheless vital business of the city to freeze out everything else. And then there were the surprises — you never knew on any given day what might walk through the office door.
It was a constant challenge to keep your eye on the long-term issues that had plagued the city for years. To do it all required constant and high energy and focus, so that the long-term needs of the city could be resolved while the day to day work got done, too.
I am deeply impressed with how Mayor Greg Verga has brought just that approach to City Hall. The day-to-day work gets done, and so do the big projects: Here are just a few examples:
— The police station and courthouse have been restored, with the state now an active financial partner in its long-term future.
— The Legion Building/Old Town Hall has been restored again to the beauty it deserves.
— A new elementary school has been built and fully commissioned to perform its vital educational mission.
— The matter of upgrading our sewer service system to secondary treatment is being effectively engaged.
We need to keep Mayor Verga on the job for the benefit of the city and its future. I vigorously urge the voters of Gloucester to support him in the Sept. 16 preliminary election and enthusiastically endorse his candidacy.”
Valerie Gilman, At-Large City Councilor
Mayor Verga boasts a proven track record of solid leadership and vision. After hiring our City’s first sustainability coordinator, Mayor Verga and his current leadership team and his appointed Planning Board, then led a two-year, community-driven comprehensive planning process with over 3,800 resident engagements, resulting in a bold master plan published in July 2025. If re-elected he is the most qualified to execute this plan. Second, he has delivered many accomplishments. Under his leadership, Gloucester has tackled beach traffic, introduced free parking for veterans, offset municipal electricity usage by 50% with renewable energy, improved parks and roads, and invested in our vocational programs. His leadership also helped complete our Police/Courthouse renovation and supported the building of 73 affordable housing units. Third, like his predecessor, Mayor Verga has fostered strong partnerships with state and regional leaders. His excellent relationships and resulting endorsements with the current Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and District Attorney have helped and will continue to help secure funding, grants and advance economic opportunities for our City.
Scott Memhard, Ward 1 City Councilor, Budget and Finance Committee Chair
As our elected Ward 1 City Councilor for the past ten years, running now for re-election, I have worked with Sefatia as Mayor, Paul Lundberg as fellow Councilor & Council President, and now Greg Verga as Mayor for the past two terms. As a Councilor and Chair of the City Budget and Finance Committee, I can state that Greg has been by far and away the most effective and responsive leader at City Hall, and I hope my fellow constituents will join with me to re-elect Greg as our Mayor.
Greg Verga is consistently accessible and accountable, regularly reaching out to help us Councilors address constituent problems. Greg works closely with, and commands the respect of, our City Councilors and City Managers and staff.
Under Greg’s leadership we have responsibly allocated some $23 million of Federal ARPA funds, benefiting our City and infrastructure. He has acted to support the required and long -postponed new secondary Sewer Treatment Plant. Greg has allocated unprecedented funding support for Gloucester’s Affordable Housing Trust, and to investments in open space and recreation projects we all enjoy, including Stage Fort Park, the East Gloucester school open space site, and upgrades to neighborhood playgrounds.
As a City we have made major progress with Greg at the helm – finally instituting the on-line Beach Parking Reservation system that clear our neighborhood streets on busy summer weekends. The wonderful re-born Sawyer Free Library is now open, thanks to Greg’s leadership and support. The important City Boards and Commissions which help our City function have been re-constituted due to Greg’s commitment and outreach. His Private Road Taskforce studied and made recommendations, which we are implementing, step by step, to help fix potholes on “private ways” like Beach Road and Brightside Avenue.
At this point, Mayor Greg Verga has a good handle on what needs to be done, and how to do it, planning for the long-term to best serve our City. For the good of Gloucester, please join me to re-elect Greg Verga Mayor on November 4th.
Dylan Benson, Ward 2 City Councilor
“As a city councilor, so many things I’ve been able to deliver on would not have been possible without Mayor Verga’s support and assistance. Every time I reach out to the mayor and the administration, he works collaboratively with me in solving constituent problems. I’m about delivering for constituents and having a mayor who’s easily accessible to a counselor makes all the difference
“The mayor was instrumental in helping me get the local option of the state’s HERO Act adopted, which reduces property taxes for our Veterans. The Verga administration continues to support and show commitment to issues I care about, like making our community more welcoming and open to diversity, affirming LGBTQIA+ rights, and denouncing all forms of discrimination and hate including antisemitism, and making our community more accessible for people with disabilities.”
Rich Carlson, East Gloucester Resident
“I am pleased to endorse Greg Verga for Mayor of Gloucester because his leadership is rooted in integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to our community’s future. He brings a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, a collaborative spirit that unites diverse voices, and a clear-eyed plan to tackle Gloucester’s most pressing challenges—from housing affordability to sustainable development.
His track record shows not just ambition, but results: thoughtful zoning reforms, revitalized public-private partnerships, and a renewed focus on transparency. With Greg at the helm, Gloucester will continue to grow with purpose, preserving its character while embracing opportunity.”
Massachusetts Nurses Association
“Since becoming Mayor of Gloucester in 2022, Mayor Verga has been a strong supporter and good friend of nurses. We are proud to support him as he continues to build a Gloucester that works for everyone.”
-Katie Murphy, RN - MNA President
Joe Ciolino, Former City Council President
“I am voting to re-elect Mayor Greg Verga who has done an excellent job in running the city that we all love. The term for a mayor of Gloucester is just two years, a short amount of time to get the machinery of government running and humming. Mayor Verga has achieved just that. He has momentum going with picking good managers who run the day-to-day affairs. A new mayor — as history proves — takes a year otmore to get his or her administration off and running and then it time for a re-election campaign.
Gloucester needs continuity in government, Mayor Verga will give us just that. We can count on a proven track record for moving the city forward. We can count on a proven track record in crisis management. We can count of moving our city forward in these uncertain time. No learning curve here, experience counts.”
Rick Doucette, Gloucester Resident
As a lifelong Gloucester resident engaged in numerous local organizations and causes, I have witnessed firsthand the commitment and dedication Greg has for our community. Greg has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to advancing our city. Highlights include significant investment in our infrastructure, expanding housing options, supporting economic growth and preserving our history and culture. Now is the time for us to stay the course with Greg at the helm; he has been responsive to the feedback and needs of the community, navigated us through difficulties and has set sail for a brighter future for us all. I strongly support Mayor Greg Verga’s re-election on Tuesday, November 4.
Joseph Parisi III
I have come to feel that Greg Verga continuing as Mayor would be the best thing for Gloucester. He certainly convinced me that he has what it takes and has become a very good Mayor. We should want there to be continuity in the Mayor's office.
Greg is the right age to be able to serve as long as the voters want him with the energy needed. The city staff will benefit from not starting over in goals and message.
The projects that have happened and will be happening in the next several years are good for Gloucester. These types of programs like secondary sewer treatment and road improvements need leadership to remain in place to see them through.
I believe Greg has proven to us all that he is capable of getting it done for the good of all Gloucester residents.
other Voices for Verga
Letters to the Editor
Carol Hedges
“I’m writing in support of Mayor Greg Verga’s re-election. I’m a teacher in the Gloucester Public Schools, and I also know Greg personally. I know he cares deeply about educators and our schools. He’s proud to be a product of Gloucester Public Schools and wants his grandkids’ experience to meet and exceed his own. He truly believes teaching is an honorable and selfless profession.
It’s plain to see that Mayor Verga can see the whole field when it comes to managing a municipal budget. He’s fiscally responsible and makes decisions with the whole city in mind. While the strike was difficult for our community, and his handling of the strike wasn’t perfect (by his own admission), in my heart, I believe the city resolved the strike with the best possible agreement that circumstances dictated. Greg takes the long view, and our city’s financial health benefits from that.
Greg understands that educators deserve more, not just pay but strong support from the community as well. His entire campaign this fall has been about continuing to make Gloucester a place where residents benefit from as many resources and as much support as a city government can provide. As he said in a recent debate, he has to do his job knowing that “every issue in Gloucester can’t be the only issue in Gloucester,” and that’s why I’m with Greg on Nov. 4.”
Lynn Maguire
“We’d tried many times before to get the City of Gloucester to install deep water to provide fire protection and year-round drinking water—even as the City converted almost all other neighborhoods with City-installed, City-maintained seasonal water to deep, year-round water.
In 2024, we tried again.
Who listened? Greg Verga. Who acted? Greg Verga.”
George Roark
“I have personally knocked on over 1,300 doors in Gloucester for the Verga campaign and most of the residents I’ve spoken with have indicated they believe Mayor Verga is doing a good job. Many especially appreciated the trash being picked up ahead of the other 12 cities impacted by the recent strike and the fact he created a recycling drop off at the DPW yard. Now, that’s leadership!”
Harry Hoglander, LTC/Retired USAF
“During the time that Mayor Greg Verga has served our city, both he and his administration have placed veterans’ needs and services high on the priority list.
As a retired military veteran (33 years, US Air Force), I have taken particular notice of several examples of this dedication.
I was impressed by the thoughtful and solemn Vietnam Memorial at Stage Fort Park, and the substantial renovation of the Legion Building where veterans gather for many occasions. This is a stunningly beautiful new gateway to our city!”
Meredith Fine
“I have many reasons to support Greg Verga for mayor on Nov. 4. His policies and values, his many achievements in a short period of time, the exceptional team he’s built at City Hall. But most of all, he is one of the most decent people I’ve ever met.
The first thing I look for in a mayor is character. Do I trust this person to maintain his moral compass when the going gets tough? Does this person have a kind heart? Can this person resist temptation when no one is looking? With Greg Verga, the answers are a resounding yes.”
Carolyn Stewart
“I pride myself on keeping up with what’s going on in our community, but I have to say when I first heard Mayor Verga talk about all that has been accomplished during his time in office, I was pretty blown away.”
Charlotte Gordon
“As an educator, I’m supporting Mayor Greg Verga for re-election to a third term. The mayor strikes me as a thoughtful and pragmatic leader who brings a forward-looking point of view to governing a 400-year-old city — all while demonstrating deep respect for the wisdom of our past.”
Lizzie Mendola
“In my book, Mayor Greg Verga has earned our vote to serve a third term. It’s rare these days to find an elected official who seems more concerned with making peoples’ lives better than they are with angling for a soundbite or saying ‘I could do better’ without much basis for that claim or critiquing without offering viable solutions.”
Melanie Tobey
“Gloucester has been incredibly fortunate to have Mayor Greg Verga serving our city for almost four years now. We need to keep his momentum going.
Mayor Verga’s list of accomplishments for the past two terms is a long one. I don’t think people realize how many contracts he has settled with unions during his time as mayor. He has settled fire, police superiors, both city AFSCME unions, and Gloucester Municipal Administrators Association contracts. Mayor Verga has worked tirelessly with unions to maintain positive relationships throughout the city.”
Judith and Harry Hoglander
“When it casting our votes, we are guided by the principal of whether the candidate has or will fulfill the expectations of the term they are seeking.
Based upon his record of accomplishments, our votes will be for Mayor Greg Verga. Over the last 3 1/2 years he has brought a stability to our city that has not been seen for a long time.
He has kept the promises he has made and then some.”
Meredith Fine
“Mayor Verga is leading Gloucester with vision and integrity. He has strong, effective partnerships with the City Council, the School Committee, our delegation to the Statehouse, and the governor’s office. He is a good man doing a great job. Let’s stay the course.”
Joseph A. Ciolino
“Those who can, do. Those who can’t do, talk a good game. Being extremely familiar with the many behind-the-scenes machinations of City Hall business, I am very impressed with Mayor Verga’s competence and his efficient handling of these major issues. The recent strike by Republic Services is only the most recent example of his proficiency in handling the day-to-day concerns of residents.”
Naomi and Jeff Stonberg
“We believe that Greg Verga has done an excellent job as mayor. His team is vey responsive to any consumer requests or concerns. They solve the problem and if it takes a little longer. they provide frequent updates.”
Ruth Pino
“I urge voters to vote for Greg Verga in the upcoming preliminary election on September 16, 2025. I have known him for much of his life. I knew his parents. I know his brothers. I know his wife Kellie and her Lanesville parents, I know his children. His life has been about doing whatever he could to improve life for his family, the school his children went to and the community. He and Kellie put themselves through college with hard work and determination. Together, they raised their family by connecting them with everything they learned from their own upbringing and more. They are all alumni of Gloucester Public Schools and it’s where his grandchildren are today.
As a child of Gloucester, he’s done the things most of us did to grow and prosper. He understands how Gloucester works and the people who make it hum.
The Mayor has to look at the big picture and serve all taxpayers and not just a few. As Mayor, Greg Verga has done that. He has deep understanding of how the City’s people work at surviving every day and how best the City can serve them. Greg never forgets where he came from and that’s how he leads with passion and commitment.
All the pieces have to be in place, much like a puzzle, for the City services to work and get funded and Greg Verga has done what he needed to do to fit all the pieces together. Greg is getting things done.”
Claudia Schweitzer
“I am writing in support of Mayor Greg Verga for re-election.
I find him to be an accessible, responsive champion of the city. He cares about the environment and hired a sustainability coordinator to oversee Gloucester’s climate action and resilience plan. He is upgrading the Wastewater Treatment Plant. He has helped to launch and support a new Medical Assistance track at Gloucester High School, expanding vocational options in partnership with the Gloucester Education Foundation. He has strengthened the city in ways to numerous to list.
Let’s give him an opportunity to finish these much needed projects he has initiated.”
Brent Davison, MSW, MPH
“I am a practicing clinical social worker who treats children and adolescents in Gloucester. I am voting for Greg Verga because he has supported Gloucester school programs servicing preschool to high school kids that have directly impacted my clients in supportive and compassionate ways. This clearly reflects his caring for all members of our community. Please vote for Greg.”