Candidate for Councillor-at-Large Bob Haas III Holds Campaign Reception at Marina at the Wharf

Bob Haas III, candidate for councillor-at-large in the 2023 municipal election, held a campaign reception May 24 at the Marina at the Wharf.

Lenore DiLiegro, Bob’s mother-in-law, delivered the introductory remarks.

“It is my honor to have this opportunity to say a few words about Bob Haas III,” said DiLiegro. “I first met Bob when he worked on the custodial staff at the Whelan School where I was a teacher. He made an immediate impression as a true team player, always approachable and ready to solve any problem with ease.”

DiLiegro’s said that Haas’ dedication and commitment extended beyond his custodial duties.

“On many occasions, I watched Bob supports co-workers in crisis,” said DiLiegro. “He would provide a sympathetic ear, encouragement, or whatever else was needed. He was a loyal and valuable member of the Whelan School family.”

DiLiegro noted her son-in-law’s move to a new job at the Rossetti-Cowan Senior Center.

“Bob continues to touch lives at the Senior Center in his role as assistant director,” said DiLiegro. “His dedication and benevolent nature were never more evident than during COVID when he devoted himself to the senior citizens of Revere.

“He realized, too, that he wanted to continue to make a difference, that he wanted to make things better for the people he cared about, for the city he loved – the City of Revere. It is now my privilege to introduce one of the finest people I know, a caring, supportive man that is dedicated to the City of Revere. Ladies and gentleman, the best choice for councillor-at-large: Bob Haas III.”

Haas, son of Juanita Haas and the late Bob Haas Jr., the beloved former Revere mayor and long-time public official, told the large gathering that he knew running for office would be “an incredibly emotional journey for me,” but it was one that I had to take.”

“Seeing the red and yellow [Mayor Haas’ well-known colors of his campaign materials] has brought back so much for me: a lot of good, a lot of hope, and a lot of people coming together,” said Haas.

Haas, who once worked as a superb writer and editor at the Daily Item, stated the two major reasons why he’s running for councillor-at-large.

“One is my son RJ, who will be five in November, and my daughter, Leni, who just turned two,” related Haas. “They are my world, and I want them to see an even brighter Revere, one that they can be proud to call home, much like I do.

“Sometimes following in footsteps can be intimidating, sometimes we lose our way until we get back on track,” continued Haas. Time tells us when we’re ready. Sometimes it takes one person to unlock something in us to help us get to the place we’re meant to be. For me, that is my wife, Nanci. Her love and warmth lead the way for our family. She is our heartbeat and Nanci, you are the light that I will follow through the darkest night.”

Haas said in his position at the Senior Center he has learned a lot about the issues that the senior population in Revere faces daily.

“Speaking of the Senior Center, I’d also like to thank Deb Peczka for taking a chance on me a little over two years ago. It’s been an honor to work with her, and to see her on a daily basis. I couldn’t ask for a better mentor.”

Haas pledged to be “a voice for our people and for those people that feel they’ve been left in the dark. I vow to be a voice for all the city’s most vulnerable populations.”

“And I’d like to dedicate this initial, rookie campaign to my father, Robert J. Haas Jr.,” the proud son’s emotional words drawing warm applause from the audience. “I remember helping him write his campaign literature, and going over reports, and coming up with ideas, just taking politics – and it’s kind of funny that I’m doing the same thing now. I know that he’s looking down, smiling right now, watching all of this, watching family and friends, even new friends. But I know he’d be proud.”

Haas said the support to his campaign “has been incredible.”

“I’ve had many great conversations with so many of you,” said Bob Haas III. “Thank you for believing in me and for believing in Team Haas. The red and yellow is back, and I can’t wait to do great things for our city. I take great pride in the past and where we have been. But I’m proud and excited to work toward our future. Let’s do great things together. Thank you.”