RE R V RE EVERE E R Vol. 32, No.15 -FREEREE Subscribe to Local News in 7 Languages: www.advocatenews.net OCATOCAT www.advocatenews.net Free Every Friday Two female superior officers file MCAD suit against chief, mayor By Barbara Taormina R evere Police Captains Amy O’Hara and Michelle Mangino, the first two female officers hired in the history of the Revere Police Department, have filed complaints of discrimination against police Chief David Callahan and Mayor Brian Arrigo with the Massachusetts Commission against Discrimination. The lengthy and detailed complaints include numerous instances of how Callahan, since becoming chief, has systematically sidelined O’Hara and Mangino in favor of lower-ranked less-qualified male officers. According to the complaints, as female officers in a male-dominated public safety profession, both O’Hara and Mangino have experienced gender discrimination at various times during their careers. However, the extent and degree of such discrimination has become unbearable during the nearly three years under Callahan. What makes this discrimination particularly insidious is that it takes place primarily through subtle but discernible acts of disparate treatment that build up to create a work environment permeated by stress, anxiety, and hostility. “Captains Mangino and O’Hara only want to bring change to the Revere Police Department,” said attorney Joseph Sulman who is representing both women. “They reported Chief Callahan’s conduct to the city, but nothing was done. They participated in an investigation for six months, but nothing changed. This lawsuit was a last resort. After over nearly three years of having their expertise disregarded and authority openly undermined by Chief Callahan day after day, they needed to take action.” According to the complaints, Callahan has repeatedly failed to communicate or brief O’Hara and Mangino on operational matters which affect the safety of the city and officers. Callahan has repeatedly reasSUIT | SEE Page 17 It’s official: Arrigo named new DCR Commissioner by Gov. Healey By Barbara Taormina W eeks of rumors and speculation about where Mayor Brian Arrigo would land when he officially resigns on April 21 came to an end this week when it was announced on Monday that he would be the new Commissioner of the state’s Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR). “It’s time we think bigger about the role of the Department of Conservation and Recreation in our state,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca L. Tepper, who made the announcement. “DCR manages 450,000 acres of land in Massachusetts – from forests to urban oases. We need a Commissioner like Mayor Arrigo who understands the vital role our parks system, tree planting efforts, and conservation work intersect with public health and the climate crisis.” Gov. Maura Healey praised Arrigo’s experience transforming Revere’s waterfront and managing public lands. “Policymaking is about more than laws and budgets – it’s about building happy, healthy communities for our residents. Mayor Arrigo understands, as I do, that DCR is central to those efforts,” said Healey. CAROL TYE BRIAN ARRIGO New DCR Commissioner “I know he will work tirelessly so everyone in our state has access to well-maintained green spaces and fun activities for all ages.” Arrigo said he was honored to join the Healey-Driscoll administration at this pivotal time for public lands. “I believe DCR lies at the nexus of the climate crisis, economic competitiveness, public health, and equity,” said Arrigo. “Access to wellmaintained, healthy outdoor space promotes tourism, builds healthy families, and helps us nurture the next generation of environmentalists. We did this in Revere, and I’m looking forward to stepping up our tree planting efforts, improving park maintenance, and ensuring that every Massachusetts resident can access our beautiful natural resources.” Tepper’s announcement also highlighted Arrigo’s accomplishments in Revere, including the development of the master plan – Next Stop Revere – the creation of a 311-constituent service office, a Human Resources Office, a new Department of Public Works facility and a new Point of Pines Fire Station. She also noted Arrigo had brought in hundreds of millions of dollars in public and private investment along Revere Beach, Shirley Avenue and Suffolk Downs. City Council President Patrick Keefe will become Revere’s Acting Mayor for the remaining months of Arrigo’s current term. School Committee member 781-286-8500 By Barbara Taormina S chool Committee members voted unanimously to have Schools Superintendent Diane Kelly work with city CFO Richard Viscay to arrange $2.3 million in funding for a second schematic D CTE E Friday, April 14, 2023 School Committee votes to fund study of existing high school site DIANNE KELLY Supt. of Schools design for the new high school at the existing site during their meeting of the whole this week, but they weren’t happy about it. The committee was voting on the city council’s decision to study the needs and costs of moving the project back to the high school’s existing site. SCHOOL | SEE Page 10 Remains of infant found outside Dolphin Ave. apartment building By Barbara Taormina P olice are investigating after the possible remains of an infant were discovered on Dolphin Avenue in Beachmont Tuesday night. A neighbor who was outdoors playing with his children discovered a grocery bag with what appeared to be an arm, hand and fingers of an infant in the driveway at 86 Dolphin Ave. Isaias Anibal said he called 911 immediately. Revere Police responded to the scene shortly before 6:30 p.m. They were joined by the State Police Detective Unit for Suffolk County and troopers from the State Police Crime CRIME | SEE Page 18 $3.29 N e a ep as erCar isa Dis o er C 100 Gal. Min. 24 Hr. Service 781-286-2602
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