THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – Friday, January 17, 2020 Page 3 Matewsky pursues change in election landscape C By Christopher Roberson ouncillor-at-Large Wayne Matewsky has continued his effort to change the city’s election format by having City Council and School Committee seats be specific to their respective wards rather than being voted citywide. The matter was initially brought before the City Council on September 9, 2019, with the discussion resuming on January 13. Matewsky said that Everett is the only community in Massachusetts that still uses this antiquated method to elect city officials. “It’s confusing to the voters,” he said. “In my view, this is undemocratic, it’s obof legal ramifications, adding that similar matters have been contested in court on two different occasions. “The city will be sued at some point,” said Matewsky. Ward 3 Councillor Anthony DiPierro said the ward vote does not carry much weight under the current election format. “How you do in the ward doesn’t really count,” he said. Therefore, Matewsky said Wayne Matewsky Councillor-at-Large scene. We have to fix this, it’s really not right.” He also cited the probability that the matter should be sent to the state as a Home Rule Petition so the necessary changes can be made to the City Charter. However, Ward 1 Councillor Fred Capone felt differently. “I’m not a big fan of sending things to Home Rule Petition Lafayette student presents check in memory of late Kiwanian anyway,” he said. “Any change to the Charter should absolutely go back to the people.” Councillor-at-Large John Hanlon said such a change is not needed. “I’m opposed to this; I’ve always been opposed to this,” he said. “You’re here to vote on all the matters in the city.” He also said that each councillor is paid $25,000 a year to serve Everett’s residents. Therefore, if a councillor is only going to vote on matters affecting their particular ward, their salary should be reduced to $4,111 per year. However, Matewsky said financial gain is not a reason to serve on the City Council. “I don’t think people serve here for the money to begin with, at least I don’t,” he said. “I was up here when it paid $999 a year. It’s not about the money and it’s insulting, to be honest with you; it’s totally insulting.” Lash Extensions Mega Hair Elite $20 OFF NEW CLIENTS Natural Classic Full Sets Only $60 Hybrid Full Sets Only $80 454 F 617-389-1900 www Everett Kiwanis Club President Rafael Santos presents Kiwanis Builders Club student Evelyn Gayhart with a Certificate of Recognition for service and leadership as she presented a check for $75 from participating in the 5K Walk for Ersilia last year, which will be an annual walk to raise funds for domestic violence. Evelyn, along with her proud mom, Eleanor Gayhart, who also happened to be the guest speaker during Tuesday’s luncheon at the EHS Crimson Café, is a student at the Lafayette School. (Advocate photo by JD Mitchell) 505 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 Tel: 617-387-1120 www.gkdental.com • Family Dentistry • Crowns • Bridges • Veneers/Lumineers • Dental Implants • All on 4 Dental Implants • Emergency Dentist • Kid Friendly Dentist • Root Canals • Dentures • Invisalign Braces • Snap On Smile • Teeth Whitening We are the smile care experts for your entire family 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 www.eight10barandgrille.com Kitchen Hours: Mon-Thurs: 12-10pm Fri-Sat: 12-11pm Sunday: 1pm-10pm Come in & Enjoy our Famous... $12 LUNCH Menu! Choose from 16 Items! Served Monday thru Thursday until 3:30 PM Grilled Rib Eye Steak! Only $22.00 includes Two Sides Every Friday In House Dental Plan for $399 (Cleanings, X-Rays, Exams twice a year and 20% OFF Dental work) Schedule your FREE Consultations today FRESH HADDOCK DINNER Prepared Your Way! Includes two sides Catch the NFL on our 10 TV’s!
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