City Council votes to hold meeting on reappointment of city clerk

The Everett City Councillors voted Monday to hold an executive session meeting to consider the reappointment of City Clerk Sergio Cornelio.

  Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins said the city’s Legislative Affairs Committee met earlier to consider the reappointment, adding that she wants a public session to be held on the matter. “For those of us not in committee, we have questions,” Martins said.

  The councillors later agreed to refer the matter to an executive session due to sensitive personnel matters that would be held in the near future, unless the employee chooses to waive that right and have it in open session.

  But at-large Councillor Michael Marchese was critical of the way the issue was being handled. He praised the work done by Cornelio, adding that he supports his reappointment. “I don’t believe we should be hit men for a person who has done his job,” said Marchese. “Personal politics have to stay out of what’s going on here. He’s done a heck of a job.”

  Marchese, who has served since 1996, said the council has always reappointed city clerks in Everett. “He’s a personal friend and I never voted against anybody,” said Marchese. “Anybody who comes up for reappointment, we reappoint them.”

  Martins said she believes a diverse group of candidates needs to be considered for appointed positions in city government, adding that she feels the council needs to be held accountable for the candidate chosen. “I’m not about nepotism,” she said. “I’m in favor of opening up the position where everyone can apply and the most qualified person can win.”

  Cornelio, who was originally appointed Everett City Clerk in 2018, also serves as president of the Massachusetts Town Clerk’s Association.

Costa takes City Council seat

  The Everett City Council on Monday appointed Darren Costa – replacing former Ward 3 Councillor Anthony DiPierro after DiPierro admitted to sharing a racist meme. The councillors unanimously accepted the resignation of DiPierro.Costa took his seat on the City Council immediately after the appointment.

  Earlier this month, he called out councillors for their inaction on the matter.

  “I have a special gratitude to all the residents of Ward 3 for putting their trust in me,” Costa told fellow councillors. “For those who did not vote for me, I hope to earn your trust, and I look forward to working with my colleagues as we serve our city together. I’m passionate about my community and will rely on Everett and its residents.”

  Costa placed second behind DiPierro during the November election.

  The son of Portuguese immigrants, Costa is married to a Haitian woman and has a son and a daughter who is due in July.