Page 16 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021 FIRST LADY | FROM PAGE 4 ily. I often encourage my daughters to never settle, dream big and always surpass expectations.” DeMaria also spoke about her role as Everett’s First Lady. “As many of you know, my husband serves as the mayor of the city of Everett, and as his wife, I walk beside him, not behind him,” said DeMaria. “We are truly equals.” Since her husband became mayor 14 years ago, DeMaria has always made a point to join him at various events around the city. These have included the Walk For Ersilia 5K, the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and flag raising ceremonies, just to name a few. She has also put a tremendous emphasis on improving the city’s aesthetic appeal. These efforts have included repainting City Hall, refurbishing the city’s parks and creating flower boxes for the Police and Fire Departments. In addition, during the conference, DeMaria shared her belief in “women helping women.” “It is imperative that we support one another, respect one another and uplift one another,” she said. “I challenge all of you to encourage the women in your lives each and every day. We need to celebrate each other’s accomplishments and offer support during difficult times. This is empowering women.” In a follow-up interview, DeMaria said life with three children is “all about balance,” adding that she and her husband have always had an extensive support system. “It really does take a village,” she said. She also said her children have grown accustomed to campaigning and being around politicians. DeMaria said this is especially true for her youngest daughter, Alexandra, who was born in 2009 when her father was already serving his first term as mayor. In addition, DeMaria said social media continues to play a large role in this year’s election, spreading “inaccurate and libelous information” about the mayor. She said those falsehoods are also compounded by an “infamous local newspaper that is on a mission to discredit Carlo.” “Nobody ever sleeps with that,” said DeMaria, adding that for the first time in eight years, her husband has an opponent going into November. “Campaigning is hard, but we remain strong and will continue to persevere.” Looking back on the mayor’s current term, DeMaria said one of her proudest moments came in June 2019 when she stood beside her husband for the grand opening of Encore Boston Harbor. “I was so proud of him, he worked so hard to bring that here,” she said. “It was surreal, it was just incredible.” Going forward, DeMaria said she would like to do more to assist those residents afflicted by mental illness. “I like that I have the ability to make Everett a better place,” she said. DeMaria also shared her thoughts about the city’s housing crisis, which continues to be a top priority for the mayor and his administration. “It’s the whole supply and demand thing,” she said, adding that Revere Beach Parkway could certainly accommodate more housing. “Affordable housing is what we need.” TENSION | FROM PAGE 6 of contaminated, industrial sites while creating employment opportunities for residents. Not changing the zoning is a sure way to keep the area as it is.” Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins said the focus needs to be on the greater good. “While I agree that it might impact potential buyers, it is our job to be a voice for the city and as the city, we no longer wish to welcome heavy manufacturing to the area,” she said. “It might limit marketability for the current land owner, but it goes in line with our vision for the future of the city and that should be our priority.” In addition, DeMaria said the assemblage already has the attention of companies who would continue to accelerate economic development in the city. “The life sciences industry is expanding at a rapid rate in the Commonwealth and Everett is uniquely situated to help meet that demand,” he said. “In June, the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council predicted that there will be 40,000 new jobs created by the biotech industry by 2024. Everett is uniquely poised to support this expansion by providing space for development and a workforce to help fill these jobs.” The amendment proposal will go before the Planning Board of October 25.
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