THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2021 Page 3 Matewsky slowly recovering from heart attack DeMaria and DiDomenico successfully lobby for additional COVID-19 relief funding Carlo DeMaria Mayor Sal DiDomenico State Senator By Christopher Roberson A Wayne Matewsky City Council President By Christopher Roberson C ity Council President Wayne Matewsky continues to recover following bypass heart surgery at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Councillor-at-Large Michael Marchese, who was a daily visitor to the Florida hospital, said the operation went well and that Matewsky’s liver and kidney function have improved. However, he said Matewsky is still in a medically induced coma and on a ventilator. “He’s alive, that’s the important thing,” said Marchese. Matewsky had suffered a massive heart attack on March 18 while on vacation in Fort Lauderdale. At the time, Matewsky was able to call 911; however, when paramedics arrived, his heart had stopped and a defibrillator was needed to revive him. In addition to being the president, Matewsky is one of the senior ranking members of the council with more than 40 years of service. He also topped the ticket in many city elections during his time as a Ward 1 councillor. Editor’s Note: The staff at The Advocate Newspapers and the citizens of Everett wish Councillor Matewsky a full recovery. fter the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, Mayor Carlo DeMaria quickly discovered that Everett would only be receiving $4.5 million. In contrast, Newton was slated to get $65 million. “Disproportionate is an understatement,” said DeMaria. In addition to Everett, Chelsea, Randolph and Methuen were also shortchanged by what DeMaria called an “old and antiquated formula.” These are four of 20 communities identified by the state as being hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, DeMaria and State Senator Sal DiDomenico contacted Governor Charlie Baker to lobby for additional funding. Two weeks later, Baker announced that $100 million would be divided between Everett, Chelsea, Randolph and Methuen. “I would like to personally thank Governor Baker and his team for acknowledging and quickly responding to the inequitable funding of the federal formula,” said DeMaria. “I would also like to recognize the relentless advocacy of State Senator Sal DiDomenico who has stood by our side through this entire process. Everett deserves this funding and I’m proud to say that our persistence has paid off.” However, city spokesperson Deanna Deveney said the state has not indicated how much additional money Everett will receive. DiDomenico was also pleased with the new allocation. “I am relieved that we FUNDING | SEE PAGE 15
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