Vol.29, No.27 -FREEwww.advocatene Council approves $209M budget; Mayor calls cuts “shortsighted” By Barbara Taormina A fter hours of confusing and contentious debate, the City Council approved the $209.6 million budget proposed by Mayor Brian Arrigo this week after trimming $127,296 from the bottom line. The council approved 10 cuts, most of which were proposed raises included in Arrigo’s plan to reorganize city government with a cabinet of key personnel heading up certain divisions, such as chief of infrastructure, chief innovation offi cer and chief of health and human services. There were also cuts to overtime budgets for the Offi ce of Innovation and Data Management and Information Technology. “The mayor can still move forward with his cabinet,” said Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto, adding that most councillors supported Arrigo’s plan to restructure city government and create effi ciencies. “We are just asking that he defer the salary increases until next year,” he said, adding that it isn’t the right time to approve substantial raises while the city is struggling with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Arrigo said he was disappointed and called the council’s cuts shortsighted. Councillor-at-Large Gerry Visconti, who also voted for the cuts, agreed with Zambuto that Arrigo’s plan to create new cabinet-level positions is not a problem. “The mayor wants to reBUDGET | SEE PAGE 20 Callahan takes the helm as new police chief BACKING THE BLUE: Revere residents Sherry Rose holds a sign as her husband, Wayne Rose waves the US fl ag to passing motorists during a rally in support of police offi cers outside the Revere Police station on Wednesday. See page 12 for photo highlights. (Advocate photo by Josh London) Arrest made for alleged hate crime that sparked a rally and demands for change By Barbara Taormina R evere Police have arrested a local man for allegLt. David Callahan takes his oath as Revere police chief administered by Chelsea District Court First Justice Matthew Machera at the Revere city hall council chambers on Wednesday. See page 5 for photo highlights. (Courtesy photo by Mayor Arrigo’s Offi ce) edly spray-painting swastikas on a car belonging to a Muslim family on Lantern Road and for painting “white power” on the street in front of the vehicle. Jason Pagliuca, 38, of Revere, was arraigned in Chelsea District Court on Wednesday for the hate crime that was discovered on June 11. Pagliuca was charged with the defacement of real or personal property and assault or property damage for the purpose of intimidation based on the victim’s race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability. Pagliuca was released on his own recognizance and, according to the Suff olk County District Attorney’s Offi ce, is being monitored by GPS. Revere Police said information from members of the community allowed them to obtain a search warrant for Pagliuca’s home, and during that search they found evidence linking Pagliuca to the crime and he was arrested. “Sadly, this crime is an example of the racism many of our residents experience on an ongoing basis,” said Mayor Brian Arrigo in a press release announcing the arrest. “We will not allow hatred in our city and we must continue to call it out and address it. I look forward to the continued work with leaders and stakeholders across our city toward an antiracist Revere.” News of Pagliuca’s arrest comes in the wake of a rally held last week at Revere City Hall in response to the Lantern Road hate crime. Organizers – which included the youth group which led the Black Lives Matter march through the city last month, Moroccan-American Connections in Revere (MACIR) and individual members of the community – criticized city offi cials for their response to the crime. “City offi cials have failed this family. They have failed all of us here,” organizer Seba Ismail told the crowd gathered at City Hall. “They failed to adequately inform us of this crime. They failed to off er us safety when our lives are threatened. They failed to acknowledge racism in this city. They failed me and they failed you.” Speakers also criticized Arrigo for taking down a Black Lives Matter banner at City Hall and replacing it with an American fl ag. Arrigo’s offi ce repeatedly explained the fl ag was displayed for Police Chief Jim GuiARREST | SEE PAGE 19 DRIVER EDUCATION Our 81st Year Next Classes news.net ee Every Friday Free E 781-286-8500 Friday, July 3, 2020 In Support of Police $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
2 Publizr Home