THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023 Page 11 COUNCIL | FROM Page 5 portation Bond Bill that retained $25M of bond funding for a new regional rail station in Revere that would be directly linked to the Blue Line. This has since been advanced by the $4M of federal planning funds for the new rail station sponsored by Cong. Katherine Clark; and it will be further leveraged by the new DOT commitment to prioritize the electrifi cation of the Boston-to-Beverly section of the Newburyport regional rail line, which would permit transit frequency and transit fares on this regional rail line comparable to current Blue Line fares and schedules. All of which will reduce regional commuter traffi c through Revere on Route 1A and North Shore Road. • Climate Resiliency: Supported the Revere Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program that will focus on practical strategies to address storm-surge and sea-level-rise impacts and will include completed and planned fl ood control barriers on Mills Avenue and more adequate and eff ective water and sewer pumping and drainage systems throughout the fl ood-prone Riverside community. • Local Parking and Bus Service: Worked with Mayor Brian Arrigo to successfully oppose DCR parking meters on Revere Beach Boulevard and argued against elimination of the MBTA bus stop at the Jack Satter House, which had been established some years ago due to my advocacy with the MBTA and which will now continue to be in operation at least through 2025 – and hopefully beyond. • Local and Regional Traffi c: Advocated for a Revere Waterfront Traffi c Study that has become the basis for evolving DCR, DOT and MBTA strategies to reduce commuter traffi c congestion along Revere Beach Boulevard and North Shore Road, particularly at their Revere Street intersections. • City Revenues and Jobs: Supported appropriate commercial/residential development at Suff olk Downs and elsewhere in Revere to generate the signifi cant new property tax revenues required to fi nance a new Revere High School and other necessary public investments. These include support for the Amazon reactivation of the former NECCO and Showcase Cinema sites, as well as ongoing Logistics redevelopment of the Global Petroleum property on Lee Burbank Highway as the new Trident Logistics Center, all of which will generate the hundreds of new jobs and the millions of new property tax payments that will maintain the economic and employment recovery of Revere. ~ OP-ED ~ Let’s Talk about Childcare in Revere! By Alexander Rhalimi Childcare is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a fundamental building block of a thriving community. As a candidate for Revere Councillor at Large, Alexander Rhalimi understands the critical role that accessible and aff ordable childcare plays in supporting families, promoting economic growth, and nurturing the well-being of our youngest residents. In Revere, like many communities, working parents often face the challenge of securing reliable and affordable childcare options. This issue has farreaching eff ects, impacting not only parents’ ability to work but also the educational and social development of our children. Rhalimi is dedicated to addressing these challenges head-on. Rhalimi’s approach to childcare is rooted in collaboration and practical solutions. He envisions a community where parents can pursue their careers with peace of mind, knowing that their children are in safe and nurturing environments. To achieve this, Rhalimi proposes working closely with local organizations, businesses, and educational institutions to expand childcare options and create innovative programs that cater to the diverse needs of our families. Rhalimi will advocate for so many state’s licensed day care providers to ease Revere barrier regulations so these providers can care for 10 enrollees instead of four children as long as safety requirements are met. “The Revere city requirements are intimidating,” Rhalimi said. There are so many women who rely on their day care home businesses. But Rhalimi’s vision goes beyond policy. He understands that meaningful change requires an ongoing dialogue with our community. Rhalimi proposes regular town halls and forums where parents, caregivers, educators, and local leaders can come together to share ideas and concerns about childcare. By amplifying the voices of those directly aff ected, Rhalimi aims to shape policies that truly refl ect the needs of our community. Childcare isn’t just a family issue—it’s a collective responsibility that impacts us all. With Alexander Rhalimi as our advocate, we have a chance to transform childcare in Revere into a model of accessibility, quality, and inclusivity. Let’s join hands and work together to ensure that every family in our city can thrive. (Editor’s Note: Alexander Rhalimi is a candidate for Councillor at Large.) REVERE The Revere summer feeding program would like to thank our Revere families who came out to have breakfast and lunch with us this summer! We would also like to thank our staff and all who helped make our program a success this summer. See you all next year!
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