Caferelli appointed Revere’s top cop

REVERE? City Councilors were met with opposition from their side of the bench during a motion to skip the normal procedures and appoint Acting Police Chief Joe Cafarelli to Police Chief during Monday’s City Council meeting at City Hall.Though all other councilors voted to approve the decision, Councilor Stephen Reardon voted not to skip the process, calling it “a dark day in Revere” when politicians chose to work outside the system.”I think you have been disadvantaged to not have engaged in the normal process,” said Reardon to Cafarelli after the vote had passed 9-1 in favor of Cafarelli being appointed. Reardon made it clear that his decision to vote no had nothing to do with Cafarelli occupying the position, but with the actual act of skipping the assessment process. Reardon said Cafarelli and the council would have benefited by being able to ask more questions of each other.All other councilors agreed that since Cafarelli had already been acting chief for five months and had performed well, it made sense to skip the process.”I don’t see it as deviating from the normal process,” said Councilor Anthony Zambuto. “It’s not like this came upon us tonight.”Councilor Arthur F. Guinasso said he is “going to be pleased to have Cafarelli appointed as chief.”Councilor Robert Haas added that Cafarelli “has the respect of the police officers daily.”Mayor Dan Rizzo made his own remarks to the councilors on the subject. “After listening to the council, I hope and trust this will not be a blemish on the City Council by taking this vote,” he said. “I think this is going to be a good night for the council because, God willing, you are appointing a good chief.”Cafarelli and Reardon made it clear that there were no hard feelings between the two. “I have heard nothing but good things,” said Reardon about Cafarelli. Cafarelli responded to Reardon that he understood his negative vote on the appointment. “I certainly believe in rules,” he said to Reardon. “I have spent my life upholding rules.”Later, a unanimous vote was given to install Cafarelli in the position of Police Chief for the next five years.Another issue that was discussed at the City Council meeting was the motion to involve city officials in reducing the size of the bird sanctuaries at Revere Beach, to which all city councilors who spoke up agreed.Kait Taylor can be reached at [email protected].