Page 6 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2025 VETTING | FROM Page 1 individuals in a hotel in Revere, which Rose added jeopardizes the safety of citizens of Revere. Rose also asked if there is any way to change the Commonwealth’s status as a sanctuary state. City Council President Marc Silvestri responded that these are state issues and not within the City Council’s purview. Governor Maura Healy has said state offi cials will review the right to shelter law as well as other aspects of the emergency shelter system, including time limits on shelter stays. There were two motions filed in response to the arrest at the Quality Inn. Ward 3 Councillor Anthony Cogliandro called for the police to work with the management of Revere hotels to investigate each occupied room in the city for suspicious or illegal activity. Cogliandro, however, asked that his motion be placed on fi le. He said he had spoken with the mayor and the police, and everyone is working together to ensure public safety. In a statement released on Jan. 7, 2025, by Mayor Patrick Keefe following the incident at the Quality Inn regarding 10 pounds of fentanyl and the AR-15 seizure at Quality Inn Emergency Family Shelter: “The Revere Police seizure of 10 pounds of deadly fentanyl and a high-capacity weapon at the Quality Inn Emergency Family Shelter in Revere refl ects the good work of our police and law enforcement partners to keep all in our community safe. We cannot let individuals who prey on vulnerable people and who seek to do harm access our country through systems meant to help those fl eeing the same violence in their home lands. We will continue to work in partnership with our state and federal leaders to uphold the laws of our commonwealth and our values of protecting Donate Your Vehicle Call (866) 618-0011 to donate your car, truck, boat, RV, and more today! Support Veteran Nonprofi ts. Free Pickup & Towing. Top Tax Deduction. Donate Your Vehicle Today 866-618-0011 While we appreciate every donation, in some cases, we fi nd that we are unable to accept certain vehicles, watercraft, and/or recreational vehicles due to the prohibitive costs of acquisition. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (866) 618-0011. children from sleeping on the street. The City of Revere has increased the police presence at this facility and will continue to hold the operator of the property responsible for any and all fees or costs associated with this additional enforcement support. We are in lockstep with our state leaders in calling for better controls at the federal level to stop those who seek to do harm from gaining entry into our communities.” A second motion — fi led by Councillor-at-Large Michelle Kelley — called for representatives from the state’s Executive Offi ce of Housing and Livable Communities to appear before the council to discuss the vetting process for people who are given rooms at emergency assistance shelters and what steps are in place to ensure individuals engaged in illegal activity are not in the shelter system in Revere. Kelley gave a blistering critique of the state’s failure to SECURITY | FROM Page1 stall metal detectors at the high school. Cogliandro said he was torn about whether to keep the motion in committee or fi le it. He suggested that portable detectors that could be moved as needed might be a possibility. Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya acknowledged that a lot of people don’t like the idea of metal detectors in a school, but she stressed that the safety and security of students was the maproperly vet and oversee the shelter system. “The public’s anger is justifi ed, and I stand with them in demanding answers,” she said. Kelley called the state’s failure to conduct background checks on people in emergency shelters “a prime example of common sense being thrown out the window.” She said it is appalling that a state-run resource, funded by taxpayer dollars, operating under a unique right-toshelter law is so fundamentally fl awed. Kelley is also looking for answers from state offi cials who may be looking to place people in permanent housing within the city. “It’s imperative we have a full discussion,” she said. “Our community deserves transparency.” Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto called the state’s right-to-shelter law a noble and well-intended mistake that was never meant to provide shelter for a wave of new jor concern. “Just the awareness of a metal detector will be enough to keep weapons out and protect our children,” she said, adding that she wanted the motion to remain in committee where it can continue to be discussed. “Keep it in committee,” said Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto. “I think we need to talk about it. There’s a way to get it done.” Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna noted that 6,300 weapons went through semigrants, but rather for citizens in need. “Sanctuary cities protect criminals and we have to wake up,” he said. Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya said the arrest at the Quality Inn highlighted the need for thorough background checks, which should have been implemented in the beginning. “Residents deserve a community where safety and security is held at all levels,” she said. Council President Silvestri called the issue a touchy and emotional topic. He acknowledged that there were protections and guidelines in place that were missed. But he stressed it’s a situation that has a lot of moving parts and added that it is time to rally together and make sure the problem is solved legally and morally. The council voted 10-0 in support of Kelley’s motion with Councillor-at-Large Juan Pablo Jaramillo being recused from the vote. curity at the airport. “I always believed in metal detectors. I wanted them here at City Hall,” said McKenna. “If we are going to keep our children safe, this is the way to do it.” City Council President Marc Silvestri said it was the will of the council to keep the motion in the public safety committee. “Metal detectors may not be the answer, but a conversation involving everyone — parents, teachers, students — on keeping our schools safe is important,” he said.
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