Page 4 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, DECEmbER 30, 2022 American Rescue Plan Act funding in mayor’s hands By Tara Vocino T he City Council requested that the administration allocate one million from the American Rescue Plan Act funds for youth-led initiatives in a participatory budgeting process – led by the Everett Youth Initiative Council – during Tuesday’s council meeting at City Hall. Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins, who sponsored the item, referred the matter to the Mayor’s Offi ce, asking that they respond by the next council meeting on Jan. 9. “The youths came to the table also at the last meeting,” Martins said. “They’d be responsible for outreach.” During public comment, Youth Initiative Council members Kien Lau and Aeshah Mohammed spoke favorably on the motion. “Youth have been the most $4.05 GALLON We accept: MasterCard * Visa * & Discover Price Subject to Change without notice 100 Gal. Min. 24 Hr. Service 781-286-2602 affected by the pandemic,” Mohammed said. “Suddenly, we had to stay at home and learn from a computer.” Mohammed said struggles included uncertainty about where the next meal is coming from. Lau said the message is clear. “We are yearning to be heard,” Lau said. “We all understand that money is power, so when will money be given to youths, who need it the most? Ward 6 Councillor Al Lattanzi said he’d support helping the youths, adding that they must oversee what they’re goDuring Tuesday’s City Council meeting at City Hall, pictured from left to right: Everett Youth Initiative Council members Aeshah Mohammed, Simran Tamang, Kien Lau, Shreeya Musyaju and Thalia Patiño Molano asked the Mayor’s Offi ce to allocate one million from the American Rescue Plan Act fuding for youth-led initiatives in a participatory budget process. ing to do. City Clerk Sergio Cornelio said this resolution is simply the beginning part, adding that the mayor could reject their proposal. “They would form a larger team to facilitate budgeting,” Cornelio said. “Their ultimate goal is to gather a representative team of young people.” During public comment, Youth Initiative Council members Kien Lau and Aeshah Mohammed spoke favorably on the motion. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Dance Party Thursdays at the Connolly Center M ayor Carlo DeMaria and the Council on Aging are pleased to announce the “Dance Party Thursdays” in January. The dances are free of charge for seniors over the age of 60 years and take place at the Connolly Center (90 Chelsea St.) beginning at 12:45 p.m. The Schedule is as follows: Thursday, January 12: DJ Chris Fiore; Thursday, January 26: DJ Tommy Sheehan. For additional information, please call Constituent Services at 311 or 617-394-2270. A trusted family name combined with exceptional craftsmanship & professionalism. Call for a consultation & quote. 64 Years! • Vinyl Siding • Carpentry Work • Decks • Roofing • Replacement Windows • Free Estimates • Fully Licensed • Fully Insured
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