Jeff Charnel, Brockton City Council candidate, highlights ties to Cape Verdean community

Brockton, MA - Councilor-at-Large candidate Jeff Charnel introduced his candidacy by reinforcing his long-standing commitment to the city's Cape Verdean community, which represents one of the largest diasporas in the country.

A resident and worker in Brockton for more than 32 years, Charnel says he has developed strong ties to Cape Verdean organizations, churches and small businesses. "I am proud to support initiatives and partnerships with associations that directly serve Cape Verdean residents," he said. He has already collaborated with the Cape Verdean Association of Brockton, the CV United for Women group, the YMCA, the New Heights Charter School, among others.

The candidate also highlighted his two trips to Cape Verde, where he met with local officials and deepened his knowledge of the archipelago's culture and traditions. "These experiences have increased my respect and willingness to continue advocating for greater representation and support for Cape Verdeans here in Brockton," he said.

Among his priorities, Charnel places affordable housing, investment in youth programs and the enhancement of cultural education in the city's schools. He also advocates greater participation of Cape Verdeans in leadership positions, city councils and commissions.

"Brockton is the first majority-minority city in Massachusetts, and that needs to mean something. Public policy must reflect the diversity of the population. I want to ensure that the Cape Verdean community has a voice and a space in the decisions that impact our daily lives," he said.

With professional experience in the banking sector, where he served as vice-president of commercial banks financing housing projects, Charnel says he is prepared to help expand the supply of housing.

Speaking directly to Cape Verdean voters, the candidate encouraged active participation in local politics. "It's critical that you get involved, use your voices and be a part of building Brockton's future. United with other groups, such as Haitians and other immigrant communities, you can ensure representation that cannot be ignored," he said.

For Charnel, success will be measured by an increased Cape Verdean presence in leadership positions, improved school graduation rates, strengthened youth programs and a city government that truly reflects the city's diversity.