No matter who wins, Ward 6 will have a new city councilor this fall for the first time in six years.
Incumbent Mark O’Neill opted to step down from his post, clearing the way for a three-headed race to replace him. Billy Cardello, Ryan Cox, and Michael Higgins all sought to claim a spot on the council representing the ward. Cardello was eventually eliminated from the race during preliminary elections in September. In that election, Higgins emerged as the top vote-getter in the race, collecting 494 votes compared to Cox’s 315.
O’Neill endorsed Higgins as his successor, writing that his “business experience and education provide him with the skills to serve as an effective leader.”
“His work ethic and community service demonstrate to me that he will be responsive to help Ward 6 residents with their issues whenever possible,” O’Neill said.
Cox collected the endorsement of the North Shore Labor Council, a coalition of 51 unions representing 18,000 working people across the North Shore.
“We need city councilors that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting unions, workers rights, and economic justice,” the union wrote.
In advance of the Nov. 7 election, the Weekly News sat down with both candidates, who spoke about their visions for Ward 6 and why they want to join the city council.
