The town of Sant’Agata dei Goti in Southern Italy voted unanimously to name New York City’s mayor-elect Bill de Blasio an "honorary citizen."
The town council adopted a resolution calling de Blasio "a man of sound moral values, always close to the needs of the poorest of the poor, who vigorously pursues battles of civilization, equality and dignity."
De Blasio's grandfather Giovanni de Blasio was from Sant'Agata, a small town near Benevento, 30 miles northeast of Naples. He emigrated to New York City in 1905. De Blasio’s maternal grandmother, Anna Briganti, arrived in 1909. Their daughter, Maria, de Blasio’s mother, was born in New York.
"I'm honored they've embraced us like this," de Blasio said. " It's such a special place for us. I've walked the streets with Dante and Chiara, and reconnected with family there. I’m moved by the support we received during the electoral campaign. I want to thank all the citizens of Sant’Agata for encouraging us these past few months and for the wonderful celebration they organized on the night of my election. My family and I wish to keep alive the bond with Sant’Agata in the years to come."
