Council President Phil Boncore Seeks Re-Election

Special to the Transcript

Stating that he wants to continue providing leadership to the Town of Winthrop for the next two years, Town Council President Phil Boncore has officially announced his candidacy for re-election on Tuesday, November 2. The following is his statement.

“Two years ago, I ran for Town Council President because I knew that we needed strong leadership to activate many projects that had laid dormant for years. However, in March 2020, our world was turned upside down and we had to face unprecedented challenges.

As Town Council President, I led the immediate response to the COVID-19 pandemic with an all-hands-on-deck approach engaging all Town Departments in a collaborative effort for the health and safety of our community.

We established an Emergency Operations Center that was staffed 24 hours a day / 7 days a week with police, fire, public health, and school officials. We immediately set up a critically-needed testing site and a food bank providing meals and household supplies to families. We acquired vaccinations for the elderly, first responders, teachers, and other vulnerable residents. Once the situation improved a little, we supported our restaurants in town with swift approval of outdoor dining.

While we battled COVID-19, we began the Center Infrastructure Project, which is now nearing completion. Water system pipes were de-leaded for public health and safety, and several roads were repaired. We renovated the tennis courts, parking spaces and sidewalks near the high school, and we began construction on the much-needed dog park off Veterans Road. In addition, we advanced the Middle School site by rezoning it for attractive development.

I have always believed in the equality of all people in our community. I am very proud that we established the Commission for Diversity, Inclusion and Community Relations to advocate for human and civil rights in our town. We held the first-ever LGBTQIA event to demonstrate tolerance and acceptance in Winthrop. When a violent hate crime was committed earlier this year, we were prepared to respond with trauma services for our residents and a community vigil to state that hate has no place here.

For the past two years, I have worked with school leaders to keep our students safe. A free lunch program was established for all students who needed it.  Additional educational funding was secured from state government. Adequate compensation was secured for our well-deserving teachers.

Leadership is setting a course of action, and then having the ability to course correct when unforeseen or unexpected events happen. Even through a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, I have been able to accomplish much for our town with the help of dedicated town employees.

There is still much to accomplish in our community.  I want to extend the improvement of the Center to other corners of the town such as Crest Avenue, Magee’s Corner and Shirley Street. We need to plan to protect our natural resources and future growth with climate resilience in mind. We must fight for full funding of education for our students so that they can fulfill their potential.

Two years ago, I asked for your trust and your vote to lead the town that I grew up in, and where I raised a family. I want to see a better future for them and everyone else in Winthrop. As an experienced attorney, I know how to fight for what is right.  As a leader of local, state and national organizations, I know how to overcome obstruction, and get things done.

I have the desire and the passion to make Winthrop a desirable place to live for everyone. I humbly ask for your vote on November 2nd to keep me as your Town Council President.”