Amesbury mayoral aide pick for Election Commissioner

  Paul Fahey, the current chief of staff to the Amesbury mayor, is Mayor Brian Arrigo’s pick as Revere’s next Election Commissioner. Fahey is expected to go before the City Council’s appointments subcommittee for approval at its meeting on Monday, Dec. 6. If approved, Fahey will replace retiring Election Commissioner Diane Colella.

  “Paul has several decades of experience as an executive in both state and local governments, most recently serving as the Chief of Staff for the City of Amesbury,” Arrigo stated in a letter to the City Council. “A graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School, his expertise in municipal operations also enabled him to operate a consulting firm that supported government agencies. His proven track record of government compliance and innovation will serve him well as we tighten our election protocols and work to expand voting access.”

  Prior to serving as the Chief of Staff in Amesbury, Fahey was the Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer in the Mayor’s Office in Methuen. As the president and principal consultant of Fahey Consulting Group from 2013-2017, Fahey provided administrative, fiscal, legislative and policy support to government agencies, consulting firms and nonprofit and trade associations. Fahey also worked in the State House, managing the staff of the Senate Chair for the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Public Safety from 1999-2001 and as an administrative assistant to the House Committee on Ways and Means from 1995-1999.

  Ward 6 Councillor Richard Serino, who said he will be unable to attend the Dec. 6 appointments subcommittee meeting, spoke in favor of Fahey’s appointment at last week’s City Council meeting. “Not many of you may know of Mr. Fahey or know Mr. Fahey,” said Serino. “I’ve known Paul working through state government, and he’s an utmost professional and a very intelligent man. I think he will make a phenomenal election commissioner, and I would ask my colleagues that when you consider him on the sixth that you support his appointment.”

  Serino’s recommendation was good for City Council President Anthony Zambuto. “Thank you for your recommendation and I will follow your advice and vote for him,” said Zambuto.