Haverhill, Methuen mayors endorse Gonzalez as next Lawrence leader

By Jill Harmacinski

LAWRENCE — Juan “Manny” Gonzalez’s desire to unify the city as the new Lawrence mayor got a considerable boost Tuesday when he won public endorsements from the mayors of Methuen and Haverhill.

“One Lawrence. One Merrimack Valley,” said Gonzalez, echoing and expanding his campaign slogan.

Methuen Mayor D.J. Beauregard and Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett both pledged their support to Gonzalez during a press conference Tuesday on the Campagnone Common with the Lawrence mayor’s office and City Hall in the background.

Gonzalez is challenging incumbent Mayor Brian DePena.

DePena received 53 percent of the vote (3,279 votes) with Gonzalez following at a close second (2.713 votes) in last week’s preliminary election. Both of their names are going the ballot for the Nov. 4 General Election.

Barrett on Tuesday she has “high hopes” Gonzalez will work for the betterment of all three communities.

Beauregard described Gonzalez as a hero firefighter and public servant who would improve Lawrence. His efforts would have a “ripple effect” across then Merrimack Valley.

Gonzalez said he was honored to receive the nod from Barrett and Beauregard.

“They came here to endorse me because they believe in me,” he said.

“We need a mayor willing to stand up to the corruption, fraud and waste that has run rampant through our city government for too long. As a firefighter, I know a thing or two about taking on the hard fights, but this is one I have no intention of losing. I want to thank mayors Barrett and Beauregard for their support and look forward to creating the regional opportunities we all need to make our communities thrive,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez has lived in Lawrence since 1982 when he moved here from Maunabo, Puerto Rico, with his family.

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