His choice is made! When former Haverhill Mayor James A. Rurak heads to the polls on Nov. 5, he’ll be voting for none other than incumbent James J. Fiorentini, after endorsing the city’s longest-serving chief and his one-time rival at a campaign fundraiser this week.
Rurak, who held the city’s top office from 1994-2001, said Fiorentini has what it takes to come out ahead of challenger Dan Trocki, a Haverhill Police officer who currently serves as the vice president of the Haverhill Police Patrolmen’s Association.
“I look around the city and I see great things happening. I see a vital downtown with residents and restaurants, I see streets paved. I see sidewalks reconstructed, and I see a mayor who has put together, through his heart and his mind, a city that works and it works well,” Rurak said of Fiorentini.
The men ran against each other in 2003 and 2007.
Calling Rurak a “class act,” Fiorentini tells WHAV he’s thrilled to have his former rival in his corner as he seeks a record ninth term in office.
“When you compete for the same job, you get to see the other candidate close up. I saw in Jim Rurak a hard-working man who, like me, loves the city and wants to do what was best for the city. Jim Rurak has always been a classy guy. I am deeply appreciative of his endorsement and support in this election. I will never take the support of the public for granted.”
Haverhill’s municipal election—where voters will also cast ballots for City Council and School Committee candidates—takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 5.