Item Photo By OWEN O’ROURKE
Revere City Clerk Ashley Melnik, left, swears in Brian M. Arrigo as mayor of Revere.
By GAYLA CAWLEY
REVERE — After being inaugurated as Revere’s new mayor Monday night, Brian Arrigo is looking to hit the ground running and help the city realize its potential.
Arrigo was inaugurated along with 11 city councilors and six school committee members in front of a packed City Council Chamber.
Jessica Giannino, Arthur Guinasso, Robert Haas Jr., Patrick Keefe Jr., Joanne McKenna, Steven Morabito, Ira Novoselsky, Charles Patch Sr., John Powers, George Rotondo and Anthony Zambuto were inaugurated as city councilors.
In an city council organizational meeting following the inauguration, Giannino was voted City Council President.
Michael Ferrante, Susan Gravellese, Dan Maguire, Stacey Rizzo, Frederick Sannella and Carol Tye were inaugurated as school committee members.
Prior to defeating former Mayor Dan Rizzo in the the Nov. 3 election and the subsequent recount on Dec. 29, Arrigo served on the City Council.
Arrigo said the recount process, being so long, “prevented us from having the full transition we would have liked.
“I’m confident the people I have around me — the staff I’ve picked — will make sure we can hit the ground running starting tonight,” Arrigo said.
Arrigo has hired two new aides: Omar Boukili and Joe Gravellese. He said hiring staff is important for the start of any administration.
The top priority for the new mayor is the budget, he said, and that one has to be worked out in the next few months. Arrigo said that would involve getting the budget in a place where he’s comfortable with any deficiencies and issues there may be.
Following the budget, his next priority is to make sure the Department of Public Works (DPW) is ready for the snow. Arrigo said that would involve making sure the DPW employees have the resources to do their job.
While taking the oath of office, Arrigo said he was excited to share the moment with so many of his supporters. He said each member of his campaign committee owns a piece of the Monday celebration.
“It’s been a surreal process, but it’s starting to sink in,” Arrigo said.
Arrigo said he plans to be a hands-on mayor and ensure residents get the most out of city services.
