I was a member of the City of Everett Government for 8 years and it was an honor and privilege.
I have great concern for the proposed changes that are being discussed. That the ward Councilors would be voted for only in their respectful Wards!!!
I attended the Charter reform committee meetings when we changed our form of government and I had made my position known at that time… That the Councilors at large and ward were not only voting on matters that pertaining to one ward but the entire City, therefore that councilors are responsible to the entire City voters!!! Not only that, but the campaigning cost for a Ward Councilor would be much less costly and would require less work than an At Large Councilor, and they would receive the same salary in the amount of $25,000 per year!!!!
In regard to the Mayor being a member of the School Committee… A BAD CHANGE!!
The School Committee has always been kept separated from CITY Politicians as long as I have been in this city, and for a very good reason.
The reason is we always want the best education for our Children and keeping politics out of is a MUST!!
The Mayor whoever he or she would be has enough power in controlling our city affairs, DO NOT GIVE THE POWER OF ANY MAYOR the control of their education!!!!