THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2022 Page 3 Rep. McGonagle, DA Ryan testify on RMV fines and licensure On January 10, 2022, at a Virtual Hearing, State Representative Joseph McGonagle and Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan testified before the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Transportation concerning Rep. McGonagle’s bill H.3535, An Act allowing for partial payment of fines relating to driver’s license suspension or revocation. The bill has a Senate version, S.2307, which is sponsored by State Senator Sal DiDomenico. The bill allows those whose licenses have been suspended or revoked but who have completed all other requirements to regain their license except for payment of their fines to enter into a repayment plan. Currently, the Registry of Motor Vehicles cannot accept partial payments, so residents in these situations must either pay in full or not at all. According to Ryan during yesterday’s testimony, this causes more people to drive on suspended or revoked licenses, leading to further penalties. During his testimony, McGonagle spoke from personal experience, having former employees who faced continCOUNCIL | FROM PAGE 1 fore, he called upon the Inspectional Services Department to rectify the situation. Ward 1 Councillor Wayne Matewsky said he recently observed six tents and a campfire at Santilli Circle, adding that the situation “isn’t a homeless issue.” “These people choose to do this,” said Matewsky. He also said homeless encampments tarnish the city’s image. “We’re in Everett, here,” said Matewsky. “We’re up the street from a $3 billion casino and you’ve got people nesting.” Councillor-at-Large Richard Dell Isola said that while his heart goes out to those individuals, action is still necessary. “I don’t want to throw them out and take away their tents, but we have to do something,” he said. “I don’t know if the state has to get involved because it is their property, but it’s our city.” The City Council voted unanimously to refer the matter to the Committee on Public Safety. Mayor’s compensation In other news, Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins suggested a meeting of the Committee of the Whole to discuss the overall compensation package for Mayor Carlo DeMaria. Matewsky said that while the Joseph McGonagle State Representative uous roadblocks of not having their licenses due to their owed fees. He says the breaking point came a few years ago when a constituent approached him about his issue and reached out to DA Ryan to see what could be done. “This bill just makes sense,” said McGonagle. “You can only qualify for this repayment plan if you’ve met all the other requirements for license reinstatement, but this just lessens the burden of having to pay a sizable amount all at once. Instead of paying $2,000 out of pocket, you can pay a little as City Council has the authority to change the mayor’s salary, it would be four years before the new figure took effect. He also said there would be no purpose in referring the matter to the Committee of the Whole. “We can discuss it right now,” said Matewsky. “The mayor’s salary is set, pretty much, in stone. We’re not going to decrease it, that’s for sure.” Councillor-at-Large Michael Sal DiDomenico State Senator $25 a month and start driving again, which is critical for many in their daily lives. The bill also safeguards against defaulters – that if you miss a payment, your license is suspended again. We are trying to give our residents the help and support they deserve. I am grateful to DA Ryan and her office for their support and also to my colleague Senator DiDomenico and his staff.” The bill is before the Joint Committee on Transportation, which is led by House Chair William Straus and Senate Chair John Keenan. Marchese once again took aim at DeMaria’s longevity pay. “This is a travesty, what’s been happening,” said Marchese, adding that the longevity figure was increased without the City Council’s knowledge. “Somebody changed it somewhere. You either work for the corner office or you work for the people of Everett.” COUNCIL | SEE PAGE 5
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