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Vol. 3, No. 2
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Friday, January 12, 2018
City celebrates changing of the guard Charest named City Council president By Christopher Roberson
A
fter a decisive win by Ward 4 Councillor Edward Charest in last November’s election, his colleagues agreed that he was best suited to be the City Council president in 2018. The results of the General Election showed that Charest received 1,134 votes while his opponent, Bukia Chalvire, received 571 votes. “I’m very excited and very honored,” said Charest following the city’s Inauguration Ceremony on Jan. 8. He was also slightly surprised. “A year ago, I had no thoughts and no intentions of being the council president,” he said. As the new leader, Charest said he wants the council to be welcoming not only to residents but to city employees. “We have great city workers; I want the public to know that,” he said. In addition, Charest said he intends to keep up with the is-
FOUR MORE YEARS: Mayor Edward Bettencourt is shown taking the oath of office from City Clerk Tim Spanos while his wife Andrea looks on at the city’s Inauguration Ceremony January 8. (Advocate photo by Laura Jolly)
sues in Ward 4, such as the sale of J.B. Thomas Hospital and the water pressure problems in the Brooksby Farm neighborhood. Outgoing President Joel Saslaw will remain on the council for another two years representing Ward 5. “One year ago you put your
trust and faith in me to lead the City Council,” Saslaw said during the inauguration. “I promised that we would conduct the business of the city in an open and transparent way and I believe we did. Every person who wished to speak was granted that opportunity.” Looking back on 2017, Sa-
slaw spoke about events such as the Ball at the Mall and the U.S. Senior Open. He also highlighted the improvements that were made at the high school and the city’s recently paved roads. Saslaw then called attention to Peabody Square as the city delves into 2018. “Peabody
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SOLO EFFORT: Junior Guard Kristina Rossingnoll makes a flying over three Saugus defenders during the Tanners 51-35 away game loss to the Sachems Tuesday. See story and photos inside on page 6. (Advocate photo by Laura Jolly)
Square has continued its revitalization, and more restaurants and housing [are] yet to come,” he said. “The Black Box Theater is now within our sight, and it is just a matter of time before they have their grand opening.” Speaking about the latest happenings in Ward 5, Saslaw said the revitalization project at Bonkers Plaza is “well underway” and the Sprinter Commercial Truck Dealership on Route 1 is “fully under construction.” “So as you can see, as usual, Peabody is moving forward,” he said. Saslaw also shared a message for the Peabody Municipal Light Plant (PMLP): “To our fellow PMLP commissioners who are loved and endeared by all, the citizens of Peabody just have two words for you: Cable TV.” New Councillor-at-Large Ryan Melville said Peabody Pride was in the air throughout the inauguration. “I am looking forward to working with all of the elected officials. I believe the mayor and council president will set forth a formidable agenda,” he said. New School Committee Member Andrew Arnotis said he “can’t wait to get to work.” “It took months of hard work to get to tonight, and I am incredibly grateful to the people of Peabody for giving me this opportunity,” said Arnotis. “I would also like to thank my fellow committee members for the warm welcome and the opportunity to serve as secretary.” Returning School Committee Member Beverley Griffin Dunne said she appreciated the recognition that was given to outgoing City Councillors Thomas Walsh, Barry Sinewitz and Michael Garabedian, adding that they served for a combined total of nearly 50 years. “The Inauguration Ceremony was an upbeat and uplifting evening,” she said. Mayor Edward Bettencourt said he is proud of the prog-
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