‘It’s Been a Self-Serving Culture’: DeMaria Ousted in Everett After Cascade of Controversy
Longtime Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria, who once enjoyed strong popularity and broad influence in the industrial city, has reached the end of his political career. His tenure spanned nearly three decades, beginning with his 1993 election to the Board of Aldermen while a student at Northeastern University, and extending through 18 years as the city’s confident and often controversial leader.
DeMaria’s attempt for a seventh term failed following a wave of scandals surrounding $180,000 in “longevity” bonuses that he allegedly arranged for himself and concealed in the municipal budget, according to a report from the state inspector general.
City councilor Robert Van Campen defeated DeMaria with 4,118 votes to 3,440 — despite being outspent by more than $600,000. Van Campen credited grassroots momentum for his success.
“The catalyst was an incredible people-power, grass-roots campaign for change. We talked about a community that was hungry for change, and they really were ready to usher in and write a new chapter after 18 years.” — Robert Van Campen
Interviews with city officials, immigrant advocates, and youth leaders suggest that the push for new leadership came from residents who felt neglected by an increasingly closed and self-serving local government in this city of 51,000 on the Mystic River.
Author’s Summary
After 18 years in power, Mayor Carlo DeMaria’s leadership in Everett collapsed under financial scandal and voter fatigue, leading to a grassroots-driven shift in city politics.