Haverhill’s election countdown is on, with just hours to go until Tuesday’s vote to determine the mayor, City Council, School Committee and the politician who will serve the 3rd Essex District as Brian S. Dempsey’s successor.
In the final weekend of campaigning, Democrat Andy Vargas welcomed Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Attorney General Maura Healey to Haverhill, in addition to securing endorsements from City Councilor Thomas J. Sullivan, School Committeeman Sven A. Amirian, Haverhill Firefighters Local 1011 and the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts.
In his endorsement, Amirian took aim at Republican Shaun P. Toohey, calling out his campaign’s “outrageous and false Trump-style attacks against Councilor Vargas.”
“Shaun has decided to run a negative campaign because he doesn’t have a record to run on, only a record to run from, and I know this firsthand,” said Amirian. “I think it speaks volumes that no local officials have endorsed Shaun. The choice for Haverhill is clear: Andy Vargas.”
Toohey does, however, have the support of Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, who will visit Haverhill on Monday in a final push for votes. Baker was scheduled to greet Toohey supporters at Mark’s Deli, 2 Railroad Square, at 10 a.m.
Elsewhere on the ballot, incumbent Paul A. Magliocchetti has earned Mayor James J. Fiorentini’s endorsement for School Committee in his bid for re-election.
“As we are about to begin the process of choosing our next superintendent, I believe it is more important than ever that we have experienced people like Paul on the School Committee,” said Fiorentini. Magliocchetti was involved in screening and hiring Superintendent James F. Scully, who will retire at the end of this school year.
“He has stressed academic excellence and has the commitment and values to make our education system better,” Fiorentini continued.
School Committeeman Scott W. Wood Jr. also threw his support to School Committee member Maura L. Ryan-Ciardiello.
“Since I have been a member of the School Committee, I have never endorsed a candidate for the office,” Wood said. “While I believe there are five excellent choices for the School Committee this year, I believe one sticks out, Maura Ryan-Ciardiello.”
School Committee candidate Rich Rosa responded to, what he called the “flurry of endorsements.” “While I appreciate and I am grateful for the support I have received from several local elected officials during my campaign for Haverhill School Committee, I have deliberately chosen not to seek out any endorsements,” Rosa said. “What voters want and what our schools need now is an independent voice on the School Committee.”