A new line-up certain to be noticed
By Josh Resnek
Predictions that not much was going to change as a result of last weeks election failed to materialize.
What happened last week represents a tectonic shift in the makeup of both the city council and the school committee.
Only 4,382 ballots were cast.
That is but 19.39% of the total vote.
There are 22,602 registered voters in Everett.
The predicted low vote impacted the makeup of both the city council and the school committee, and this will likely effect how both those bodies approach the great and minor issues of the day in this city.
The big winners were Councilors at Large Mike Marchese, Stephanie Smith, Guerline Alcy, Katie Rogers and John Hanlon.
Marchese topped the ticket. Smith was 50 votes away from him.
Alcy’s victory proves that a woman of color has gained substantial citywide traction with voters and won a convincing victory finishing number 3.
Rogers victory proves the popularity of the well-known local photographer who stands for animal rights and for environmental rights.
Hanlon’s fifth place finish proves once again, his durability.
At 86, he has shown no sign of slowing down.
Ward 1 Councilor Wayne Matewsky showed his strength in a race that was never in question beating Kenneth Gianelli.
Ward 2 Councilor Stephanie Martins won convincingly over Joetta Yutkins.
Ward 3 Councilor Darren Costa lost to former councilor Anthony DiPierro.
In Ward 4, Holly Garcia defeated incumbent Jimmy Tri Le.
Former Ward 5 councilor Robert Van Campen has returned. He defeated incumbent Vivian Nguyen after being out of local politics for a decade.
Ward 6 incumbent Alfred Lattanzi was defeated by Peter Pietrantonio. This race featured one of the mayor’s closest associates versus a newcomer to politics who defeated him.