Mayor Linda Balzotti to run for second term

Incumbent announces re-election campaign

BROCKTON –  Linda M.  Balzotti, Brockton’s first female Mayor, announces that she is seeking re-election to her second term as Mayor of the City of Brockton.

“In the last 15 months, we have worked to set Brockton on the right course toward a better quality of life for residents and improved economic investment and development,” said Balzotti.  “I would like the opportunity to lead the next phase of Brockton’s future.”

During her first months in office, Balzotti faced a dramatic spike in violent crime, natural disasters, a significant budget shortfall, as well as high foreclosure and unemployment rates. Each of those challenges was met head-on.

Public safety took center stage during Balzotti’s first term, with a collaborative approach to quelling violence that resulted in two, large-scale raids, and the arrest of more than 40 individuals.  During Balzotti’s first term, nine new firefighters were hired – the first brought on board since 2007.

Concentrating on economic development, Balzotti re-established the Brockton Redevelopment Authority to replace the controversial Building a Better Brockton agency.  The move helped save the city $1.5 million in Neighborhood Stabilization funding that would have otherwise been redistributed to another community due to conflict of interest issues.  

In the last year, Brockton has been tapped for proposed new development – with an $8 million housing project downtown; a $100 million redevelopment of the Enterprise Building, and adjacent acreage; the $13 million Phase 1 expansion of the Westgate Mall by New England Development; a $20 million investment by Bernardi Auto Group on Manley Street; a $7-8 million investment at 560 Oak Street for the relocation of NorthEast Electrical Distributors.

During Balzotti’s first term, Brockton has also received significant support from the state.  That support includes the city’s designation as a pilot community for the Brownfield Support Team Initiative which will allow Brockton to team up with state and federal agencies to identify Brownfield sites in the city and determine remediation plans and potential future uses, as well as funding for a community planner and financial resources to combat foreclosure in the Campello area.

Balzotti instituted task forces to look into Brockton’s five most pressing issues: education and workforce development; street violence; public safety; economic development; and neighborhood stabilization; fostering thoughtful collaboration to find achievable solutions to meet all of Brockton’s needs not just now, but for years to come. The findings and recommendations of those task forces are being incorporated in development plans for Brockton going forward.

A life-long Brocktonian, Balzotti has a passion and enthusiasm for the City of Champions.

Focused on strong and responsive constituent services, Balzotti has worked to provide residents efficient responses to their questions and concerns through her office staff, and by the introduction of monthly constituent office hours.

Under Balzotti’s administration, core services and programming specifically targeted at youth and crime reduction were preserved.  During the summer, her office also launched a new partnership between the Old Colony YMCA and Boys & Girls Club of Brockton to facilitate a late-night basketball league for young people.  From the first Youth Summit held under her administration, Balzotti formed the Mayor’s Youth Council.

Balzotti followed through on her promise to redesign the city’s web site.  The project was done in house by city personnel and at no additional cost to the taxpayer.

Prior to being elected Mayor, Balzotti served as a member of the City Council for 12 years, one year as President (2000-2001).  

The Balzotti Committee will host a campaign kick-off for Linda on Friday, April 29th from 5:30-8 p.m. at the VFW on North Quincy Street in Brockton.  Tickets are $15 per person, while children under 12 are free.  Tickets will be available at the door. Pizza and salad will be served.  For more information, email: mayorbalzotti@gmail.com.