Page 14 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE–Friday, November 1, 2019 City councillors and candidates address Everett’s immigrant community By Christopher Roberson A group of incumbent city councillors were recently joined by their political challengers to answer questions about housing, schools, jobs, municipal access and equity as well as immigration and diversity. Speaking about municipal access and equity, City Council President Richard Dell Isola said the city needs more bilingual employees. “You can’t go into City Hall and not be able to speak to someone,” he said during the October 23 candidates’ forum, adding that bilinShown from left to right during the candidates forum are Councillor-at-Large candidate Renee Solano, Ward 5 Councillor candidate Vivian Thuc Nguyen, Ward 1 Councillor Fred Capone, Councillor-at-Large candidate Catherine Tomassi Hicks, Ward 2 Councillor candidate Stephanie Martins, City Council President Richard Dell Isola, Ward 6 Councillor Michael McLaughlin, Councillor-at-Large candidate Joseph LaMonica and Councillor-at-Large Peter Napolitano. gual first responders are vitally important as well. “It’s something we have to work on.” Councillor-at-Large candidate Joseph LaMonica said he would support an incentive program for employees to learn a second language. One resident asked how the Shown from left to right are Ward 3 Councillor Anthony DiPierro, Chrissy Agosto and Ward 6 Councillor candidate Al Lattanzi during the candidates forum on October 23. (Advocate Photos by Christopher Roberson) councillors would respond if federal officials ordered them to provide a list of residents who are undocumented immigrants. “We’re not required to hand that information off,” said CouncilSKATING CENTER www.Roller-World.com | 781-231-1111 ATM on site Sunday Located Adjacent to Rite Aid Pharmacy in Saugus Plaza, South Bound Route 1 MBTA Bus Route 429 FREE WI-FI - 2 WIDE SCREEN TV’S FULLY AIR CONDITIONED WINTER SKATING SCHEDULE ATTENTION! 12-8 p.m. $7.50 Monday Private Parties Tuesday School & PTO GROUPS 7:30-10:30 p.m. Adult Night 18+ only $8.50 Wednesday Private Parties Thursday Private Parties 3-11 p.m. $7.50 Friday Saturday Admission after 6 p.m. $8.50 12-11 p.m. $7.50 Admission after 6 p.m. $8.50 Skates included in price/Blades $3 Bowling Alleys, 2 snack bars, video games. Ice cream shop, 2 skating floors (group rates call ahead) Private parties every day. 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Shown from left to right are Councillor-at-Large candidate Gerly Adrien, Ward 1 Councillor Fred Capone and Councillor-at-Large Peter Napolitano fielding questions from Everett’s immigrant community. lor-at-Large Peter Napolitano. “These people are a part of our community.” Ward 1 Councillor Fred Capone said he would also resist submitting a list to the federal government. “I would oppose it as much as we could legally,” he said. “You get a judge to tell me we have to turn it over.” Napolitano said there have been discussions about protecting immigrant residents by making Everett a sanctuary city. “It’s a very dangerous time right now; we don’t want people to be afraid,” he said. However, Napolitano said that Mayor Carlo DeMaria has not favored the idea of becoming a sanctuary city. Speaking about housing, Councillor-at-Large candidate Gerly Adrien said the state’s threshold for affordable housing needs to be increased. “Ten NAPOLITANO | FROM PAGE 3 perience, we can move Everett forward together. My name is Peter A. Napolitano and I respectfully ask for one of your five votes to reelect me back to the City Council as one of your Councilors At Large. If you would like to assist me in my campaign or have an issue percent is way too low,” she said, adding that it is “ridiculous” that the market rate for a studio apartment is $2,000 per month. Adrien also said the council approved the redevelopment of Everett Square without considering the request for low-income housing in that part of the city. Ward 5 candidate Vivian Thuc Nguyen said she would like to see the city have a rent cap, adding that the cap could take effect after a tenant has been in the same unit for four years. “It’s definitely important to cap rent,” she said. In addition, Adrien said more guidance counselors and social workers are needed in the schools. She also said that right now the district spends “$9,000 to $10,000” per student as opposed to Cambridge, which spends $17,000 per student. or question, I can be reached at 617-389-7340, friend me on Facebook or email me at panward1@aol.com. Remember, on Election Day, November 5th, please vote for me, Peter A. Napolitano as your Councilor At Large, Number 3 on the Ballot, elected city wide. Together we can continue to move Everett forward. Thank you.
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