Everett – Everett Leader Herald

Maryann Rindone

Maryann Rindone (Mietus) of Everett passed away on July 26 at the Kaplan House in Danvers at the age of 64. Maryann was born in New Bedford on May 11, 1955 one of three children of the late Alfred E. Mietus and Mary (Pokornicki) Mietus.

Mary Ann lived in New Bedford and Fairhaven before moving to the Boston area many years ago. Maryann taught for over 30 years in local parochial schools, including Our Lady of Grace in Everett and St. Stanislaus in Chelsea, where she also served as vice-principal. She was currently employed by the Everett Public Schools and she worked at the Madeline English School.

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Playing to a shrinking Voter demographic

With municipal elections arriving soon with the speed of the blink of an eye, there are indications that new challengers are far and few between. Voting office records kept at city hall reveal very few newcomers taking out papers for the municipal election in the fall.

There had been the belief that an entire slate of newcomers would dominate School Committee races during this period of School Department turmoil.

Although many residents complain about the City Council doing the mayor’s bidding nearly every time, neither the incumbents on the City Council nor those on the School Committee need be too concerned.

Is it a lack of interest holding people back from putting their name onto a city ballot? Is it the power of incumbency that causes newcomers to stay away? Is it nearly everyone’s frustration with a system that seems unto itself that keeps possible participants away from the political process?

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City well off financially If the casino doesn’t open?

By Josh Resnek

There is a great deal of speculation about what exactly happens if the casino does not open on time.

How are the city’s finances effected, if at all, if the casino opensseveral months later than expected?

Doss the city survive such a disruptive financial eventuality and isit prepared to deal with that reality?

These questions were asked by Councilor Mike Marchese and answered by the mayor Monday night.

Marchese’s questions were more clear than the mayor’s answers, which seemed tepid.

Marchese called the situation right now “worrisome.”

The mayor lost it a bit at this point, complaining rather loudly andwith animus about the Leader Herald fighting the resort and fightingagainst against the city of Everett.

On the one hand, the mayor said the city can stand on its own.

He said the city hadn’t factored in any expected revenues from the casino in the new budget being formed.

On the other hand, he said there will be no extra money for the public schools whether or not the money comes in.

He referenced having to give the public schools about $12.5 millionlast year, a situation he said, “Won’t be happening ever again.”

“There is new leadership and that won’t happen,” he added.

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Council rejects term limits; rejects life tenure

By Josh Resnek

Term limits for the mayor, and for city councillors, including a maximum of 8 years for the mayor and something similar for the council, was rejected at Monday’s council meeting.

Also rejected was a request for life tenure for the city clerk.

The preference was to leave both positions term requirements and how they are presently governed by the city charter as it presently is construed.

In other words, the mayor can be mayor forever along with councilors and the city clerk can have his 5 year term renewed every time it is coming to an end.

The debate was professional and calm.

There was nothing personal about it.

“Eight years is a good amount of time for anyone to be mayor,” said Councilor Wayne Matewsky.

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The mayor’s recent move: giving 19 inspectional services employees free automobiles

By Josh Resnek

The mayor’s recent move giving 19 inspectional services employees free automobiles has outraged Councilor Peter Simonelli and has led to vigorous debate among a number of councilors and city hall observers.

At Monday night’s council meeting, Simonelli decried the mayor’s decision giving 19 city employees free automobiles and gasoline.

“Thanks for nothing Mr. Mayor,” Simonelli said through his translator, former councilor Nick Saia.

Simonelli, who has been battling throat cancer for several years finds it difficult to speak. He had asked the mayor to come before the council to discuss parking issues in the Norwood Street area where residents were complaining that city vehicles parked in the public lots were taking up too many space making it hard to find one.

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