LONGTIME REGIONAL SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER RON JANNINO PASSES SEE PAGE 17 Vol.29, No.26 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Free Every Friday City says Hail to the former Chief 781-286-8500 Friday, June 26, 2020 Community confronts racism in Revere By Barbara Taormina R evere will rally against racism on Friday, June 26, at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Organized by Moroccan American Connections In Revere (MACIR), the Association of Islamic Charitable Projects (AICP), and the youth organizers of the Revere Black Lives Matter march, the rally is being held in response to a recent racially motivated act of vandalism. CITY SUPPORT — Shown from left to right are, Council Vice President/Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky, Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo, Council President/Ward 4 Councillor Patrick Keefe, retiring Police Chief James Guido, Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna, Ward 3 Councillor Arthur Guinasso, Councillor-at-Large Steven Morabito, Ward 6 Councillor Richard Serino, School Committee member Anthony D’Ambrosio, and Mayor Brian Arrigo. See pages 6 for photo highlights. (Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) Councillors call for muscle at meetings By Barbara Taormina D espite concerns about cost and public perception, the City Council seemed inclined to support Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna’s proposal to provide security for the council once City Hall reopens and live meetings return to the Revere City Council Chambers. McKenna introduced her proposal and followed up with a story about a Revere resident who threatened Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Governor Charlie Baker in a post on his Facebook page. “The incident was so serious, police tracked him down and now he’s in jail,” said McKenna. Security measures – such as metal detectors, check-in points and identifi cation checks – are JOANNE McKENNA Ward 1 Councillor in place at the Statehouse, in schools and in other public and civic buildings, she said. “After hours in City Hall anyone can come upstairs, and there’s no stopping them if they want to take some kind of action,” said RICHARD SERINO Ward 6 Councillor McKenna, adding that a security guard or police offi cer could keep the council safe. “I know this has been said before, but we were in diff erent circumstances then,” said McKenna. “Now we are in serious times. Ward 6 Councillor Richard Serino, who co-sponsored the proposal, works at the Statehouse, and he is grateful for the security in that building. “We live in a really messed up world,” said Serino. “In 2020 we should have a security guard or an armed police offi cer for the council because crazy things can happen, and if they can be prevented, they should be.” SECURITY | SEE PAGE 15 $1.55 GALLON We accept: MasterCard * Visa * & Discover Price Subject to Change without notice 100 Gal. Min. 24 Hr. Service 781-286-2602 ~NOW OFFERING~ 30 HOUR ONLINE CLASS INSTRUCTION STARTING JULY 6 REGISTER ONLINE HENRYSAUTOSCHOOL.COM or call 617-387-9121 AUTO SCHOOL E EVERETT A “Successful Key To Driving” Since 1938 Gift Certificates Available Early on June 11, police were called to Lantern Road, where they found swastikas spraypainted on four sides of a car belonging to a local Muslim family. Nearby, the words “white power” were spray-painted on the street. Police are investigating, and the FBI, the civil rights division of the U.S. Attorney’s Offi ce and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s offi ce have been asked to assist with the case. Over the weekend, Mayor Brian Arrigo said hate will not be allowed in the city in a statement responding to the crime. “Those who are responsible have no place here – they do not represent our people or the strong community of immigrants and diversity of people in race, culture and gender identity and we must continue our work together toward an anti-racist Revere,” said Arrigo. At their meeting last Monday, city councillors joined together to support Ward 6 Councillor Richard Serino’s motion that condemned the hate crime and called on the community to stand up and denounce atrocious acts of racism. “I was sick to my stomach when I saw what took place on Lantern Road in my ward,” said Serino. “Sadly, racism is alive and well in Revere.” Serino said residents need to recognize that racism is a problem in the city. “We need to call it out when we see it, and heal the divisions within our city,” he added. City Council President Patrick Keefe asked anyone who might have video footage of the area to share it with police to help with the investigation. “This shames us all, and it’s not something we want to be associated with,” he said. Councillor-at-Large Jessica Giannino said she was appalled when she saw photos of the vandalism. “I agree with Councillor Serino that the fi rst thing we need to do is acknowledge there is a problem in our city,” said Giannino, adding that Revere’s young people have been focusing attention on racism within the city. City Council Vice President Ira Novoselsky said the despicable act of hate targeted toward a Muslim family had a profound eff ect on his family, who are descendants of victims who were murdered in gas chambers by the Nazis. “I know what hatred and evil are; I know what prejudice is, and I have chosen to live my life fi ghting against hatred,” said Novoselsky, who questioned when the hate and evil will stop and when will people RACISM | SEE PAGE 13 DRIVER EDUCATION Our 81st Year Next Classes
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