City Council taps Amesbury mayoral aide as new Election Commissioner

  Paul Fahey, the chief of staff to Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove, was recently chosen as Revere’s new Election Commissioner. The City Council approved Mayor Brian Arrigo’s pick to replace retiring Election Commissioner Diane Colella at its Monday night meeting.

  “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 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 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 was unable to attend the Dec. 6 appointments subcommittee meeting, but previously spoke in favor of Fahey’s appointment. “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 6th that you support his appointment.”

  During last Monday night’s subcommittee meeting, Fahey said he is looking forward to serving in Revere. “I want to make sure that elections are being run properly, that the election system is being maintained and respected for anyone who votes or wants to vote and is eligible to do so, and I sort of see everything flowing from that,” Fahey said.

  Councillor-at-Large Jessica Ann Giannino said that some of the councillors were nervous about the city finding a qualified new elections commissioner, and said it was a relief to see someone come aboard with such an impressive resume and who was highly recommended.

  Monday night’s appointments subcommittee meeting was the last one to be chaired by retiring Ward 3 Councillor Arthur Guinasso. “I want to congratulate you and on behalf of the rest of the council, and I know they feel the same way, congratulate you on the wonderful job you have done for the many years as the appointments chair,” said Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky.