meet shane
Shane A. Burgo is a 2021 candidate for Councilor At-Large for the City of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Shane is running to bring back local government that is for the people, by the people, and of the people. He is a lifelong resident of New Bedford who has served our community through active participation in social, economic, and racial justice organizations, all in the name of equity, opportunity, dignity, and progress. Now, Shane wants to serve our community as a Councilor At-Large on the New Bedford City Council.
Our city motto is Lucem Diffundo, in English: "I Diffuse Light.”
Of course, a lot has changed in New Bedford, and in the world, since the days of the whaling industry, but there is one thing that hasn’t changed. New Bedford, we continue to diffuse our light.
Shane is no stranger to our city’s bright lights. He sees that light in our diverse communities, in our unique cultural celebrations, and, especially, in our youth.
Being brought up in the first Cape Verdean Roman Catholic Church in North America, Our Lady of the Assumption parish, Shane learned the true meaning of the hymn, “This Little Light of Mine.” In his beloved parish community, he learned from those who came before him how to be a leader, how to use his voice, and how to shine his light — to diffuse light.
Our campaign is about offering New Bedford residents something we have wanted for a long time: a new way forward and the absolute confidence that our elected leaders will make decisions based solely on what is best for New Bedford.
oUR PRIORITIES
opioid crisis
Opioid
Crisis
Massachusetts’ numbers, overall, regarding opioid related deaths have decreased. However, New Bedford’s numbers have shown an increase in the amount of opioid related deaths. We cannot police this issue away. We must invest in our community through treatment centers, economic development, affordable housing, job training, more funding in our education system and after school programs.
housing
housing
As your City Councilor At-Large, Shane will work to ensure our residents stay in their homes and are able to properly maintain them. Too many of our residents have experienced and continue to experience homelessness in our city. We must look at the zoning in New Bedford and work on incentivizing developers to build more affordable housing that would assist low-income individuals in spending no more than 30% of their income on housing. While also helping connect current New Bedford homeowners to the resources needed for home repairs or improvements.
Constituent Services
& Government Transparency
Constituent Services & Government Transparency
In his campaign announcement, Shane’s call to action was to bring back local government that is for the people, by the people and of the people. There is a growing epidemic of voter apathy, not only in our community but nationwide. The change must start here at home in our local city or town councils.
As a child, Shane was always taught that decisions were made by those in the room. But more specifically, by those with a seat at the table. It has been one of those lasting principles that have pushed him to always find that seat at the table. Knowing, however, that at times he may be required to bring his own chair.
As your City Councilor At-Large, Shane will continue his work in the community to not only bring more people to the table but make sure, those that need it, are met where they are and given the access they need to be successful here in New Bedford.
gentrification
Gentrification
Now that we have Southcoast Rail confirmed to be completed by the end of 2023, we must make sure we are protecting our elderly and low-income residents from possible rent spikes or property tax increases. We need to ensure planning involves participation of the entire community and that we preserve the historical areas of our city, particularly the Cape Verdean and Portuguese communities that are thickly settled here in New Bedford.
donate
Looking to support our campaign? Your donation will give our campaign a tremendous boost and help us in this movement to bring back local government that is for the people, by the people, and of the people!
We can accept donations in the form of checks, cash, or debit/credit. Use the link below to donate now!
Checks can be mailed to:
Shane A. Burgo Committee
c/o Deanne Marshall
P.O. Box 4081
New Bedford, MA 02741
We can only accept cash donations up to $50. Any donation larger than $50 must be paid via check, money order (limit of $100), or debit/credit card.
