Special to the Journal Danielle Allen’s exploratory committee for Governor announced this week that they exceeded their fundraising goal by raising more than $200,000 in the first quarter of 2021. Additionally, committee officials are excited to welcome new key members…
When Councilor-at-Large Gerry Visconti requested that Mayor Brian Arrigo appear before the Ways and Means Sub-committee at its April 26 meeting to discuss the $30 million in funds that the city will receive via the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, there seemed to be some negative connotations.
In fact, Councilor-at-Large Steven Morabito stated during the ensuing discussion that he was sure that Visconti had ‘no ill intentions” with his motion.
And Morabito was right. Visconti, understanding like everyone else that $30 million is a lot of money to be added to the city’s coffers, just wanted to know the mayor’s plans for the spending of the funds. Other councilors inferred that the process should be “transparent” and all actions should be conducted in consultation with the Council.
Ward 4 Councilor Patrick Keefe completed a successful year as City Council President. The Council will elect its new leader at its first meeting of 2021 on Monday, Jan. 11.
Keefe led the 11-member Council through an unprecedented year that was dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic which had a major impact on all areas of life in Revere. Due to the coronavirus, the Council began holding its meetings on Zoom, giving councilors the opportunity to participate remotely from their respective homes. To their credit, Keefe and virtually all of his colleagues had perfect attendance records in 2020.
Keefe drew praise from his colleagues for his leadership and accessibility throughout the year. He was held in high esteem by the longer-serving councilors and the newer members such as Councilor-at-Large Gerry Visconti and Ward 6 Councilor Richard Serino.