×

Woman seeks Democratic nod for City Council seat

Matilda Noviello

Matilda Noviello, 34, of 363 Union Ave., has announced her intention to seek the Democratic nomination for Williamsport City Council.

Noviello has pledged to serve “everyday working people and their families,” as she announced her plan to mobilize a grass-roots campaign for council.

“The issues which our city face require bold, progressive solutions,” she said. She urged residents to “raise their voice and get involved with her campaign,” saying: “We can better our city, together”

Vital issues to her include reducing the burden taxpayers bear and finding solutions to get more people involved and aware of local government activities.

In outlining her purpose and reason for wanting to serve on council, engagement and inclusiveness were among her top priorities.

“My campaign manager and I are fleshing out issues such as greater government transparency and how city government can be more accessible to the people. We have council meetings that are televised, but the committees, whether open to the public or not are not listed on the city website. One of my overall goals will be re-engagement of the voter to be more involved.”

As such, she’s advocating for the exploration and adoption of a Home Rule Charter, to allow the citizens to take full charge of their local government. Excited to work with Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike in navigating this nonpartisan issue, she said: “We must find common ground to restore accountability and expand the accessibility of our local government.”

In addition, Noviello said she will be committed to empowering voters in all 17 precincts, with an early focus on increasing participation in the upcoming Democratic Primary on May 16.

In the weeks ahead, Noviello said she will spend her time interacting with those “everyday people and their families” and devoting her time to exploring fiscal solutions aimed at alleviating the burden taxpayers bear.

As an advocate for equal civil rights under the law, Noviello said she also is excited to introduce a resolution to the sitting council which would support nondiscrimination policies for our LGBTQ family, friends and neighbors, saying: “No person in our city should fear losing their job, housing or public accommodations because of their sexuality or gender identity.”

Noviello has served as an addictions counselor at Williamsport Family Medical Center since 2014, utilizing six years of direct care experience assisting the substance use disorder population in Pennsylvania.

Noviello said she’s no stranger to grass-roots organizing, serving in 2005 as a canvasser with Environment Colorado.

As a alumna of South Williamsport Area High School, Noviello went on to graduate magna cum laude from Kaplan University, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with an emphasis on applied behavior analysis.

Her campaign announcement first was made to family and friends earlier this year and then before the Lycoming County Democratic Committee and the Young Democrats of Lycoming County.

Noviello is the mother of two, Caruso, 3, and Evangeline, 8 months, and is engaged to her fiance, Joe Friel. Noviello is a second cousin to sitting Councilman Don Noviello.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today