Former Mayor Joyce Savocchio announced she is endorsing Mayor Joe Schember for re-election.

Savocchio served as the first woman elected to Erie City Council. She served two terms from 1981 – 1989 and was the first woman to be Council President. She became the first woman mayor of Erie, serving for three terms, from 1990 – 2002.

Savocchio issued the following statement in endorsing Mayor Joe Schember for re-election:

“We live in challenging times, but I learned in my personal life and in my public life when I served as mayor that within every challenge is an opportunity, and Erie has that opportunity right now. We see neighbors and neighborhoods coming together. We see government and business coming together. We see city government and county government coming together. We’re coming together as a community. Mayor Joe Schember has worked very hard at bringing us together. His leadership, his willingness to partner, his willingness to work have brought us to a place where together as a community we can build our future now. That’s why I’m voting for Mayor Joe Schember this coming election.”

Incumbent Mayor Schember said he’s thankful to have her support. “Joyce Savocchio dedicated her life to public service and to giving a voice to all residents of the City. She always stood up for what was right, doing everything in her power to build community. I hope to follow in her footsteps, leaving a legacy with the same positive impact.”

“I hope that you will vote and cast your vote for Mayor Schember. Your vote is important. It counts and it will be counted,” said Savocchio.