THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, SEpTEmbER 12, 2025 Page 7 Full Text of the mayor’s August 26 letter to the City Council regarding their August 11th vote for a Non-binding ballot referendum on the proposed Soccer Stadium: “I disapprove of this measure because this action was not taken by the City Council with the best interests of the residents in mind. This action was purely politically motivated. The comments made during multiple public meetings by members of the City Council refl ect that the intent behind this measure was to serve as an expression of personal opinions on my leadership. This is an inappropriate basis for any offi cial action. It is disappointing this Council continues to advance its own personal and political agendas instead of focusing on ways to support this community. I also disapprove of this measure because of the detrimental consequences it could have on future development interests in Everett. It is indisputable that as elected offi cials, we have an obligation to fi nd ways to attract new growth and revenue sources. Supporting a non-binding referendum on prospective development sends the wrong message to investors that this City favors lengthy processes over fi nding ways to attract new growth that could provide tax relief to our residents. As members of the City Council noted during the most recent debate on this matter, a non-binding referendum creates a false sense of infl uence for residents. Instead of using this time to engage in meaningful discussions about the benefi t that a project such as this should bring to the community and the issues that should be mitigated as part of this potential project, the City Council has chosen instead to take a stand on an item that will not have a meaningful impact to this community. It should also be noted that there have been multiple opportunities for residents to share their thoughts and opinions on the proposed project. There has been discussion about the proposed project at multiple City Council meetings and at community meetings specifi c to this project. Arguments that this referendum is the only way for the community to share their opinions and thoughts on this potential project have been proven false. Residents should be aware that no member of the City Council has reached out to me with thoughts or suggestions about this project. Senator (Sal) DiDomenico and I have shared information about this project with the City Council. No member of the Council has reached out to me to engage constructively on this issue. I would recommend that if you wish to engage in meaningful discussion about a project that, as the sponsor of this order publicly agreed has the potential to be transformative to this community, there are more eff ective ways to advance the best interests of Everett residents. I hereby request my objection to this matter be placed on the record of the City Council.” For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 VETOES | FROM PAGE 1 gust 27, proponents stressed that there will be public participation in local and state site plan reviews and permitting processes. On August 11, the Council approved a resolution asking for a nonbinding ballot question asking if the stadium “should be built at 173 Alford Street/1 Dexter Street (across Lower Broadway from the casino) by entering into a Community Impact Agreement with the (New England Patriots football team and New England Revolution soccer team owners) Kraft Group.” Placement of a ballot question requires the Mayor’s approval and the lack of approval can’t be overridden by the Council, but DeMaria sent the letter anyway. Normally a two-thirds vote of the Council would be required to override a veto. “Technically it’s not a veto and couldn’t be overridden,” City Clerk Sergio Cornelio explained. “It’s both sad and comical at the same time the Mayor would affix his name to this rant,” Van Campen reacted. “I hoped this Mayor would handle this in a more professional way, but I’m not going to ask for an override. I understand there aren’t enough votes to do that.” Point by point he added that he never said the nonbinding resolution was the only way to gather or gauge public opinion, and accusations of Councillors’ being politically motivated are hypocritical given the Mayor is suing the Inspector General’s Office over allegations he received $180,000 in undue longevity pay. Van Campen also accused the Mayor of “cozying up to developers,” citing inadequate contributions by the Encore casino to the City as an example. “It was politically motivated to say we haven’t given feedback,” Councillor-at-Large Stephanie Smith agreed. “We have and I’ve asked for specifics for a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA).” “City Councillors shouldn’t have to attend community meetings to give feedback,” Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins added. “The democratic way is for the Mayor to provide information.” Ward 1 Councillor Wayne Matewsky thinks a ballot question would pass. “I think it would have won,” he said.” It appears most people are in favor of it.” Ward 4 Councillor Holly Garcia feels, “If we’re not going to have it on the ballot,” we need to continue to have community meetings.” * Life-Long Resident * Dedicated Family Man * US Navy Veteran * Experienced City Councillor “Everett is on the threshold of unprecedented growth and development. Vote to elect an experienced leader for a changing city” PETER A. NAPOLITANO COUNCILLOR, WARD 1 Sponsored by the Committee to Elect Peter A. Napolitano. Contact us at 617-389-7340, panward1@aol.com, or Facebook Law Offices of JOSEPH D. CATALDO, P.C. “ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW” • ESTATE/MEDICAID PLANNING • WILLS/TRUSTS/ESTATES • INCOME TAX PREPARATION • WEALTH MANAGEMENT • RETIREMENT PLANNING • ELDER LAW 369 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 (617)381-9600 JOSEPH D. CATALDO, CPA, CFP, MST, ESQUIRE. AICPA Personal Financial Specialist Designee Elect
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