Endorsements & Supporters
Scott Memhard
Ward 1 City Councilor & Cape Pond Ice
Endorsement Statement
“I feel it is important to weigh in on this Gloucester election: I am voting for Greg Verga for Mayor, and I urge fellow voters invested in the integrity and future of our City to join me.”
Gloucester Daily Times
gloucestertimes.com
Editorial Endorsement
“Our view: Charting a new course”
“As Gloucester emerges, hopefully, from the COVID-19 pandemic, it needs steady, principled management. In the mayoral race, the choice is Greg Verga.
Verga has the depth and breadth of experience needed for the job, serving long, productive stints on both the School Committee and City Council (as both a ward councilor and councilor at-large).”
Dr. Kevin Hutchinson
Former Teacher and Principal, Gloucester Public Schools
Endorsement Statement
“Greg will be a champion for the Gloucester Public Schools. I hope you’ll join me in voting for Greg Verga on Tuesday, November 2nd.”
John McCarthy
Retired Gloucester Police Chief and Current City Councilor
Endorsement Statement
"I served 39 years on the Gloucester Police Department. Greg was a City Councilor and School Committee Chair for 14 years. I was your Police Chief. We know this city. We know how it should operate. I spend time around the folks who actually make this city run properly. I can tell when someone is qualified and when someone isn't. Greg Verga is running for a more efficient, more transparent, and more collaborative Gloucester and that’s why I give him my full support to move Gloucester forward.”
Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA)
Largest Union and Professional Association of Nurses and Health Professionals in Mass.
Endorsement Statement
“The Massachusetts Nurses Association is proud to endorse Greg Verga for Mayor of Gloucester. Nurses and healthcare professionals have worked hard to protect our communities throughout this pandemic. We need local leaders who will work just as hard to protect and support healthcare providers and public health. Greg understands how to work with the various stakeholders and take a collaborative approach to ensure we keep Gloucester healthy and maintain safe and fair working conditions for all providers across the city.”
Carolyn Kirk
Former Mayor, Gloucester
2007-2015
Endorsement Statement
“I know what it takes to do the job of Mayor because I did it for seven years. Organizationally, Gloucester is a complex enterprise that needs professional leadership in the Mayor’s office supported by talented staff. Holistically, people have hopes and dreams for Gloucester from all across the city, and we need to find a more expansive way to listen to the voices who also want to shape the city’s future.
Greg Verga is honest and experienced. I know he can do the job, and I ask you to join me in voting for Greg Verga for Mayor on November 2."
Rob Russell and John Harvey
Former Preliminary Candidates for Mayor
Endorsement Statement
Rob Russell: “Greg was my opponent, but his leadership is evident on all issues…Simply put, Greg will get Gloucester back on track.”
John Harvey: “I’ve known Greg since high school, and I’m confident not only in his desire but also his ability to restore the transparency and dignity to both the office of Mayor and city government that our residents deserve…His commitment to listening to the concerns of the people is evidenced by the unprecedented door-to-door campaign in which he has been engaged. I heartily endorse Greg’s campaign for mayor.”
John Ronan
Professor Emeritus of North Shore Community College
Endorsement Statement
“I proudly cast my vote for Greg Verga today for Mayor of Gloucester, because I believe in his vision for a more efficient, more transparent and more collaborative Gloucester. I encourage my fellow residents who have not yet voted today to join me in supporting Greg to move Gloucester forward.”
Will Haberland
“Verga deserves your vote”
“This election is about bringing transparency and accountability back to city government. It’s about a clear vision for the future of Gloucester, a mayor ready and willing to take the necessary action to put that vision into place, and a mayor focused on the results of those actions that move the city forward.
I’m proud to ask you all on Nov. 2 to vote for Greg Verga for mayor of Gloucester.”
Bob Whynott
Former Gloucester City Councilor, Former City Clerk
“Verga will move the city in the right direction”
“Every one of Greg’s votes were for the good of the community and when he gave his word on any subject, you could take it to the bank! Greg served on the School Committee as a member and as chairman, so he knows the problems of both. I am sure that Greg will lead the city in the direction we need to go.”
George Roark
“Verga keeps his word”
“Gloucester needs Greg Verga, a person who served eight years on the School Committee, the last two years as chairperson, and who also served six years as a Ward 5 councilor and councilor at large. As a city councilor, he was a member of the Planning and Development Standing Committee for six years and was chair for three years (2013, 2014 and 2015). He has 14 years of experience serving the city.”
Linda Vaughan
Retired Director of Guidance, Rockport High School and Gloucester High School
“Verga understands schools, learners”
“As a former educator who worked in vocational and comprehensive high schools for 27 years, I am excited to see what the future holds for students when Greg Verga becomes mayor of Gloucester...The Gloucester Public School system deserves a mayor that is experienced, educated and actively participates in meetings. Greg is ready to tackle the current issues with qualified and dedicated staff by his side.”
Nadine Silva
“Actions Speak Louder Than Words”
“Greg Verga exhibits the highest level of ethical behavior and upholds the standards that I expect of a political leader. Actions do speak louder than words. For this reason, as well as his professionalism and deep understanding of how our city ticks, I fully support him as our next mayor and ask that you consider doing so as well.”
Meredith A. Fine
Attorney
“Verga has earned a vote”
“Greg offers common-sense, innovative solutions to Gloucester’s challenges…But more than his specific positions, I support his core values of transparency, efficiency and collaboration. He relies on facts and experts to help make decisions. His 14 years on the City Council and School Committee make him uniquely qualified to move the city forward.”
Dale Brown
“Verga can refocus Gloucester”
“I am voting for Greg Verga because the city needs a mayor with his deliberative and respectful approach to public service. Greg Verga has the needed experience through years of service on the City Council and the School Committee. His trademark is being well prepared and transparent in his decision-making…Greg Verga can refocus Gloucester on a positive path forward.”
Harry and Judith Hoglander
Former Chairman of the National Mediation Board
Former Opera Singer, Current Arts Advocate
“Verga has bold ideas”
“Greg’s leadership style is professional and respectful to those who wish to join him in moving our City forward…His service on the School Committee and as a city councilor for more than 14 years offers us a unique talent and experience in both leadership and administration. Greg has exciting, bold and innovative ideas on how to handle road repairs and Gloucester’s approach to development and planning.”
Kellie (Martin) Verga
RN, BSN, Wife of Greg Verga
“Gloucester needs an honest mayor”
“We can reset Gloucester with a new mayor. A mayor who is honest, listens to others and will work to build a more collaborative Gloucester. A city where qualified people are applying to work here, not resigning from their positions.”
Janet Mackay-Smith
“Letter: Verga the choice for mayor”
“We need a leader who is fiscally responsible and one who will put the needs of the city and ALL of its citizens at the forefront of every policy decision. Dignity and respect. They matter. I will be voting for Greg Verga for mayor in the Tuesday, Sept. 14 preliminary election.”
Paid for by the Verga Committee