Frank Champi recently passed away. I found out about it the morning of his funeral and rushed out of work to be there. Frank was the original director/investigator for Code Enforcement which was initiated by the Common Council I proudly served on in 2006. Frank was a great choice. Franks greatest quality, of which there was many, was his ability to give anyone he was speaking with 100% of his undivided attention. A quality sadly lacking in this day.
I thought about that quality, and the people I proudly served with at that time. Some of who are still serving in office, and others who are serving the city as department heads or our State House delegation. I thought about it as I looked around the church and saw none of these people there. With few exceptions, other than myself and one current and one former official, I didn’t see any one I recognized . No current or former coworkers, some of whom he even hired, no one.
Sadly, I thought this isn’t the Everett I remember. When I see Everett on the local news now there never seems to be a lack of officials, current or former (or former looking to be current again) available for camera time. Have we become a city that only shows up for events when there is a camera, microphone or reporter around? I remember hearing after last months casino vote that “you won’t recognize Everett 10 years from now”. Looking around the church I couldn’t help but think that I don’t recognize it now.
Frank did receive a moment of silence from the new Council. Considering how Frank always treated everybody with respect and class I thought he deserved better. Much better.
This time of year can be very hectic and stressful. It’s easy to forget what’s important……so don’t.
James Keane
Former Everett City Council 2006-2007