Candidate Self-Profile – Alek Dernalowicz for Ward 5 Councilor – Gardner MA
Alek Dernalowicz is a candidate for the upcoming Gardner election on November 7th. He furnished us with the following self-profile. We will run submissions from any candidate. Simply email to News@GardnerMagazine.com.
Alek Dernalowicz Submission
“My name is Alek Dernalowicz and I am running for re-election as the Ward 5 City Councillor. I have served in this role since January of 2020. While I am running unopposed, I wanted to take the opportunity offered by The Gardner Magazine to reach out to the residents of Gardner.
It is my close ties to Gardner that motivates me to run for office. My family has always been active in the community and it was ingrained that public service was to be held in the highest regard. My role as a Councillor allows me to continue that tradition of service.
I grew up in Gardner and graduated from Gardner High in 2001. I graduated from UMass-Amherst and Suffolk University Law School in Boston. I am the fourth generation to own my family home, where I live with my wife, Angela, and our children.
I have been a licensed attorney since 2010, working in areas of the law ranging from Social Security Disability and Veterans Benefits to pursuing claims against the manufacturers of faulty medical devices and defective pharmaceuticals. Prior to that, I held jobs in a wide range of fields such as construction, customer service, and education that provided me with great experiences and perspectives.
Over my almost 4 years on the Council, Gardner has made great strides forward. The pairing of public and private money has spurred an extraordinary amount of investment throughout our City. In South Gardner alone we have seen Community Health Connections open a brand new Health and Urgent Care Center, the construction of Timpany Crossroads, and the old Pewter Owl building being replaced by Gardner Spirits. Prospect Street School has been sold with plans for new housing. At Timpany Plaza, new businesses have moved in, while others are in the construction or planning phases.
As we have all seen, investment and transformation is happening throughout Gardner. Downtown is seeing an unprecedented overhaul. There are new parks and playgrounds. Blighted buildings are being revitalized or demolished. All these actions are a group effort from private actors to employees of the City; elected or otherwise. It has been an honor to be a part of this effort. I am excited for the future of The Chair City and I appreciate your consideration when you head to the polls on November 7th.”