Page 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, July 15, 2022 City Council votes 7-3 to reappoint controversial City Clerk Cornelio to a five-year term By Tara Vocino T he City Council members voted 7-3 to reappoint City Clerk Sergio Cornelio to a five-year term during Monday’s Special Meeting at City Hall. Originally scheduled to be held in executive session, the decision came after a 7-3 vote to go back to the City Council floor. If they had voted the motion down, City Clerk Sergio Cornelio could have applied for the position again in a job posting. The three-term City Clerk commented on the favorable motion to the Everett Advocate after the vote. “I’m feeling a lot of emotions right now, but mostly, I’m ecstatic to continue my service to the community,” Cornelio said. During the meeting, Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins asked what a neutral and impartial City Clerk (regarding a controversial paternity leave attempt last June) looked like to him. “Paternity leave doesn’t exist, and to me, that’s state fraud, and the money should be returned to taxpayers,” Martins said, adding that working from home hasn’t been authorized. Attorney John Tocci, Esq., representing Cornelio, suggested that the questions that councillors asked were out of context, and declined to answer those. The City Clerk added that he used paid time off We Sell Cigars & Accessories R.Y.O. TOBACCO ---------TUBES CIGAR SMOKERS DELIGHT! 15 Handmade Churchill Size Cigars including a Cohiba - Long Leaf filler - wrapped $43.95 SUMMER SPECIALS! HUMIDOR SPECIAL! $99.95 Complete! Reg. Priced $149.95 * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Juuls * Vapes * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * CBD Infused Products * GIFTS UNDER $30 - GIFT CERTIFICATES A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 STORE HOURS: Monday - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday & Holidays: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM City Clerk Sergio Cornelio is shown with his parents, Margaret and Antonio. Take Advantage of all our HOLIDAY SPECIALS! Buy Cigars by the Box & SAVE! Competitive prices on all Brands, Great Selection City Council President and former City Clerk John Hanlon swore in City Clerk Sergio Cornelio to a five-year term on Monday at City Hall. for his paternity leave – which was during an election season. Tocci noted Cornelio wanted bonding time with his children. “He used his accrued, unused time,” Tocci said. “If he wanted more time, he was allowed to get it, but it would be unpaid.” Councillor-at-Large Michael Marchese said they’ve never not reappointed a City Clerk since 1996, suggesting to leave the politics out of it. Ward 1 Councillor Wayne Matewsky, who voted for Joetta Yutkins five years ago, said Cornelio has done a great job. Matewsky advised Cornelio to be a little less political. “The city is divided over this,” Matewsky said. “I think you’d be better off if you had less activity politically and socially.” Ward 6 Councillor Al Lattanzi said residents voted to approve a new charter, which removed lifetime tenure from the city clerk’s position. “If we did post this job, I’d like to see what’s out there,” Lattanzani said. Councillor-at-Large Richard Delli Isola asked why Cornelio serves on the Election Commission, requesting him to step down from the Commission. Cornelio responded that he requested three times not Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins asked what it looks like to have an impartial and neutral City Clerk. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) to be a member of the Election Commission but claimed the charter wasn’t changed when former City Clerk Michael Matarazzo passed away. “At some point, we can change that,” Cornelio said. Cornelio said he just wanted to do his job and go forward, adding that tension wasn’t anyone’s intention. “I love being here,” Cornelio said. “My family has been in Everett for 100+ years, and I intend to stay here.” Approximately 10 residents spoke in favor of reappointing CORNELIO | SEE PAGE 7
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