For one night, at least, the new Everett City Council was in complete agreement as they voted unanimously on all three votes that were taken.
Veteran Everett Alderman Michael Marchese was unanimously elected as the first President of the new City Council on Monday night, as the new government officially took power by electing its first president, clerk of committees and adopted council rules.
The entire organizational meeting and business of the council took less than 20 minutes to complete. Councilor At-Large Joseph McGonagle nominated his long-time friend Marchese for the Council Presidency and nominations were closed just moments later, with no challengers.
“I’m proud to be elected as the first president of the new City Council. . .” said Marchese after his election. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart and say thank you to the voters of Everett. . . I’m very proud and humbled to be sitting here before you now.”
Following the meeting Marchese said he is looking forward to working with Mayor Carlo DeMaria Jr. to move the city ahead.
“In the event that we get the casino, we’ll have a big change ahead,” said Marchese. “In the event that we don’t get the casino, we’re going to have to reach across and work together to move the city forward. . .either way there is a lot of work to do and I’m looking forward to helping to find a way to move forward.”
Marchese also jokingly referred to past political differences with the Mayor and others in city government.
“I’m done,” he said, with a smile on his face. “I’m too tired to fight anymore. I want to see us work together.”