By Mayor Carlo DeMaria
As I sit here tonight with my wife, Stacy, this week we are reflecting on this past year. How difficult it has been for all of us; how our lives were turned upside down; and how in an instant our normal lives became so scary and even more stressful.
I remember hearing from our family in Italy about how bad the virus was and I had no idea what to think. Come to find out that I would have had to make one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever made as Mayor.
In an instant Everett City Hall became remote and our children were told they couldn’t go back to school for three weeks. We were condemned in the news for being so bold in deciding this. In hindsight, the Superintendent and I took a huge risk, and I’m happy to say that we were on the right side of the risk.
We lost so many loved ones during the pandemic. Our family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. My heart goes out to every single person who has lost a loved one to this pandemic.
One of the most important things that I have learned during this time is that Everett is not just a City. We are a community – a community that takes care of each other when we’re down.
We came together as a community to feed those who needed it, provide funding to those who experienced hardship, and most importantly compassion for those who were struggling.
Thank you to our healthcare heroes, our food panty workers and volunteers, our social organizations, our grocery store workers, our USPS employees and of course our first responders. And to your families who have sacrificed so much. You are truly admirable.
The year 2020 was a long year for all of us but 2021 is a year of rebuilding and I couldn’t be happier to do so as your Mayor.
May God bless you and God bless your families.
Carlo DeMaria is the Mayor of Everett.