Page 2 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, OCTObER 3, 2025 ~ Guest OP-ED ~ Facts Over Falsehoods: Setting the Record Straight By Mayor Carlo DeMaria F or 18 years, I’ve had the honor of serving as Mayor of the city I love. In that time, I’ve worked tirelessly to earn and keep your trust. Now, a serious accusation has been made against me—that I took money from the city. Let me be clear: this accusation is false. Every cent of your tax dollars is fully accounted for, documented, and routine8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! ly shared with the City Council. The facts show exactly how your money is spent, who receives it, and for what purpose. These accusations are nothing more than an attempt to distract from the City Council’s failure to advance projects that could move our city forward. Members have rejected grant money for public safety, stalled on reducing class sizes, blocked aff ordable housing for seniors and veterans, and refused proposals to revitalize Everett Square. These are initiatives that would have supported small businesses and strengthened our community. FACTS | FROM PAGE 1 regarding ongoing investigations by the Inspector General’s office and state Ethics Commission, as well as a lawsuit involving the Mayor’s longevity pay—allegedly totaling $180,000 since 2016. However, new fi gures presented placed the total closer to $260,964— though MDD’s own representative Kevin Flaherty admitted, www.810bargrille.com Cedar impression half rounds Harvey Vinyl Replacement Windows Custom Aluminum Trim work Windows & Doors Top quality Vinyl Siding! •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Roofing •Free Estimates •Replacement Windows •Fully Licensed •Fully Insured Everett Aluminum Supplies pp Celebrating 66 Years in Business Since 1958! “We haven’t determined what’s appropriate and what isn’t.” Despite that key disclaimer, several councillors treated the information as damning evidence, rushing to judgment without the necessary context or understanding of the city’s payToo often, when they do vote, they’re forced to reconsider after realizing their efforts to target me only hurt the people they were elected to serve. That is not leadership. For nearly two decades, we have built stronger neighborhoods, improved schools, invested in public safety, and created opportunities for families and businesses to thrive. We did this not by tearing others down, but by lifting our community up. I will not allow baseless attacks to distract us from the work still ahead. I will not allow those seeking to undermine roll system. Councillor-at-Large Stephanie Smith zeroed in on account transfers, suggesting wrongdoing because funds were shifted from longevity to salary accounts in 2018. However, this change was made specifically to ensure proper federal and state tax withholdings—a routine administrative adjustment, according to the Mayor’s offi ce. No additional money was paid to the Mayor, nor was any rule violated. Yet, Ward 6 Councillor Peter Pietratonio dismissed this explanation, asking sarcastically, “He’s the only one whose taxes couldn’t be adjusted?”—ignoring that the system used at the time my leadership to hold this city back. And I will not allow lies to defi ne the truth. The truth is this: I have served with honesty, transparency, and dedication. Our city is stronger today than it was 18 years ago, and I remain committed to continuing that progress. So, I ask you: look at the facts, not the falsehoods. Look at the record, not the rumors. And most importantly, look at the future we can build together. Thank you, and may we move forward with unity, integrity, and purpose. had known limitations and required fl exibility. Smith further criticized the Mayor for receiving Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) tied to infl ation, despite this being clearly stipulated in his employment terms. Her rhetorical line, “Why does the highest person in Everett government get more than anyone else when the cost of living is the same for everyone?”, disregarded the fact that senior executive compensation often includes such adjustments, especially for elected offi cials with complex responsibilities. Councillor-at-Large Guerline Alcy-JaFACTS | SEE PAGE 6 Monogram D4 Double siding
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