Rob Russell and John Harvey 

Former Preliminary Candidates for Mayor

Endorsement Statement

From the campaign press release distributed on Oct. 14, 2021

Gloucester, MA — Robert Russell and John Harvey, candidates for Mayor of Gloucester in this year’s preliminary election, have formally endorsed Greg Verga’s campaign for Mayor in next month’s general election. Russell, who has stressed the importance of restoring the downtown district, including Main Street and Gloucester Harbor, and Harvey, who has emphasized the need for a Mayor who will work across all City departments and solve problems before they arise, share Verga’s vision for a more efficient, more transparent, and more collaborative Gloucester.

“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,” said Harvey, a marine construction project manager. “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.”

Verga, Russell, and Harvey all care deeply about the city, and they agree that new leadership and fresh vision are needed at City Hall. Both Russell and Harvey shined a light on important issues facing the City, especially the need to revitalize the downtown district, an issue that Verga believes is paramount to Gloucester’s economic success.

“Greg was my opponent, but his leadership is evident on all issues,” said Russell, a local real estate agent. “Simply put, Greg will get Gloucester back on track.”

Verga is determined to work hand-in-hand with businesses—big and small, new and established—across the downtown area and throughout the City to empower advancement and work toward optimal conditions for prosperity. All three strongly agree on the need for a Mayor who works seamlessly across all City departments. Verga also plans to streamline the public information-request process, which will ensure that citizens’ inquiries are heard, responded to, and acted upon with fluid communication from City government to residents every step of the way.

The trio believes their shared vision to improve Downtown Gloucester and work coherently across all city departments is pivotal to serving the needs of all Gloucester residents.