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Vol.29, No.4
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City explains reasoning behind four terminations By Tara Vocino
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our city staff members were let go earlier this month, despite decades of service to the city. The mayor’s spokesperson, Chief of Staff Robert Marra said the move is not politically motivated, contrary to rumors on social media. Effective Jan. 10, Janine Ellis will no longer serve as Consumer Affairs Director. Business-related questions may be directed to Ray Nickerson. Glen DeRosa will no longer serve as MIS Director. Until a new director is appointed, MIS-related questions should be directed to Vedran Skero. Kevin Sheehan will no longer serve as Library Director. Until a new director is appointed, libraryrelated questions should be directed to Diana Luongo. Stephen Fielding will no longer serve as Elder Affairs Director. Until a new director is appointed, Elder Affairsrelated questions should be directed to Camille Ciambelli, according to Mayor Brian
Arrigo. It was reported on social media that the employees were terminated because they supported mayoral candidate Daniel Rizzo; however, Marra said this is not the case. “It doesn’t have to do with which candidate they supported,” Marra said. “Part of Brian’s position as mayor is to select personnel who are consistent with what his objectives are.” Human Resources Director John Viarella broke down the years of service for each terminated employee: Ellis – 19 years; DeRosa – 21 years; Sheehan – six years; and Fielding – six years. Purchasing Agent Marie Zelandi – 37 years – was also let go since then, according to Viarella. He forwarded rationale questions to the Mayor’s Office. Marra said the terminations were related to job performance in a general sense, but it was more about what the mayor’s vision is for various departments, and how they interact with his administration, adding that Arri-
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Friday, January 24, 2020
School board honors Row Row Row in Revere
WITH GRATITUDE: On Tuesday night the School Committee recognized members of Row Row Row In Revere and the owners of Marina @ The Wharf Restaurant owners who host the annual event for their book donations, sensory walks, and resurgence of the rowing fundraiser from regional in the ’70s to reinvesting locally in Revere. Pictured from left, are, Vanessa Molle, Asst. Supt. Josh Vadala, Victor Molle, Jay Bolton, Stacey Livote, Jill Simmons-Wetmore, Andrea Molle, and Victor Molle, Jr. (Advocate Photo by Tara Vocino)
go is thinking long-term in the days and years to come. “The mayor felt some changes were necessary to meet his goals, so that’s what he did,” Marra said. “The City of Revere is at a historic crossroads as we begin a new decade,” Mayor Arrigo said in a staff email. “It is going to take a lot from all of you to pursue the plans and
achieve the objectives that await us.” Arrigo went on to write that during some recent discussions a mutual decision was made to make some changes to his leadership staff. “Make no mistake these decisions were not made lightly; however, I believe that they are necessary in order for us to meet the am-
RHS fall sports all-stars honored
bitious goals we have set for ourselves,” Arrigo wrote. Marra said permanent appointments to any of the vacant positions haven’t been made. Arrigo and the city’s Human Resources Department are in the process of recruiting qualified individuals to fill the positions.
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E EVERETT A AUTO SCHOOL Shown from left to right are Greater Boston League Volleyball All Stars Olivia Winsor, Isabella Martinez, and Coach of the Year Lianne Mimmo. Missing: David Del Rio and Lynzie Anderson. The volleyball team won the Greater Boston League Championship. See page 10 for story and photo highlights. (Advocate Photo by Tara Vocino)
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