Public Comment

Transcript (~7 min @ 1:00:55)

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▶ 1:00:55 Maya Jamaleddine: This provides notice to the of the Quorum for the record in accordance to the open meeting law at this time. If there is no objection, I will open the floor for public comment.

▶ 1:01:09 Maya Jamaleddine: If there is and this is a time where any one of the public can come forward and speak.

▶ 1:01:19 Speaker 3: Okay. Hi, good evening. Julie deloveo 13 Circuit Street. I'm before you regarding the appointment of Mr. Right to the board of registrars. As you know, I came before the city council back on September 19th asking that the appointment.

▶ 1:01:34 Speaker 7: not move forward At that time both the Democrat and Republican City committees had received letters from the mayor dated September 1st requesting three names from each committee. And allowing 45 days to submit those names according to the Massachusetts general laws chapter 51 section 15. I showed you that letter. The 45 days expiration had not occurred when Mr. Wright's name was placed on the agenda for

▶ 1:02:01 Speaker 3: appointment.

▶ 1:02:03 Speaker 7: I spoke to the Council on that night stating that the Republican City committee be allowed to submit their three names as requested by the mayor in accordance with Mass General law. this matters now before you I'm asking again that this not be moved forward. I know time is of the essence that we have an election coming up. But we need to abide by laws. and fairness as a committee of the council, who is the government body for the city. I'm asking again that Mr. Right not be put forward. Since the meeting on September 19th, a list of three names was submitted to the mayor by the Melrose Republican City committee. The list was received by the mayor on September 30th by certified mail. Well before the expiration of the 45 days. The mayor should be required to review all six names.

▶ 1:02:56 Speaker 3: And then make a decision.

▶ 1:02:58 Speaker 7: While the outcome may not change it is critical that the mayor be held to the highest level. Of ethical integrity and Vibe and abide by the laws. For which he cited in his letter to our committees. Why send the letter if there is absolutely no intention of even considering our nominees. But also like to note that I don't believe the mayor had any intention. of even thinking of a republican candidate on September 12th the date on the letter submitted by the Democratic City committee with their nominees. The mayor texted Mr. Wright at 3:49 pm. It's go time for the on the appointment. Are you If he was serious about the process and following at least the spirit of the law if not the letter of the law. That he put in his letter. He would have taken the time to allow the Republican City committee to reply and submit their names. I went back and reviewed the finance committee meeting where Brigid alveson was put forth as the Democratic nominee. As the mayor was presenting Ms. Elverson. He spoke as around the role of the board and said the following.

▶ 1:04:14 Speaker 2: quote

▶ 1:04:15 Speaker 7: to make sure elections registrations and the process are run according to the law. And then he referenced the following.

▶ 1:04:28 Speaker 7: Fund I quote fundamental fairness.

▶ 1:04:32 Speaker 7: That's what I'm coming up forward about abiding by the law. and fundamental fairness if the mayor truly believes in abiding by the law and fundamental fairness. Then why did he behave in the manner? He did when it came to this most recent nomination. Why did he not allow the Republican City committee to submit their three names? in addition during my time before you the mayor said three times We need to get a legal opinion as to whether the position has to be filled with the demo with a Republican. Three times while I sat beside him as his nominee. three times after officially selecting a nominee Where is the fundamental fairness? Where is the abiding by the law?

▶ 1:05:28 Speaker 7: If you do move forward I ask that you question Mr. Right to the extent you questioned me. I ask that his personal beliefs his first amendment rights be questioned. Well, this appointment is partisan you as a committee are non-partisan. And must act objectively as a committee governing body for the city. It is your duty to ensure the mayor acts within the law and with integrity and fundamental fairness. Your partisan beliefs should be put aside and you should take an objective approach. To your questioning it overseeing of the process. To ensure ensure fairness you should have a list of questions that you ask all candidates.

▶ 1:06:11 Speaker 7: It shouldn't matter whether you know them. Or you have the same political beliefs? And I would ask you to go back and

▶ 1:06:18 Speaker 2: watch.

▶ 1:06:20 Speaker 7: the questioning of Bridget Albertson and the questioning of myself

▶ 1:06:30 Speaker 2: any nomination should expect quest to be questions. the mayor for my nominee Nation Made it quite clear.

▶ 1:06:41 Speaker 2: That he told me I should expect questions. He didn't say any such thing.

▶ 1:06:45 Speaker 3: With Ms. Elverson

▶ 1:06:47 Speaker 2: She had two questions. One before the vote then you

▶ 1:06:53 Speaker 7: voted in. Another question was asked. I sat before you for 45 minutes.

▶ 1:06:59 Speaker 2: I asked you.

▶ 1:07:01 Speaker 7: To take the same line of questioning.

▶ 1:07:02 Speaker 2: And ensure that Mr. Right Is who you want? regardless of your partisan beliefs

▶ 1:07:15 Speaker 2: and I will never forget the one statement that was made Mr. Rights and attorney. But somebody said in this meeting.

▶ 1:07:21 Speaker 7: There are good attorneys and they're bad attorneys. And I'm not saying I don't know Mr. Right at

▶ 1:07:28 Speaker 2: all as an attorney. He's probably a very good one. But if you take that stance with me.

▶ 1:07:33 Speaker 3: Then I ask you to take it with him.

▶ 1:07:36 Speaker 7: for fundamental fairness

▶ 1:07:38 Speaker 6: you

▶ 1:07:42 Maya Jamaleddine: Thank you, Ms. Delillo. Is there anyone else wishing to speak? Do we have anyone online? There's no online at this time? Okay, thank you. And at this time I would entertain more if there is no objection. I would like to close public comment. Seeing no objection public comment is now closed moving to our agenda. Order 2023-19 appointment of Francis X right mattress Board of registrars of Voters offered by mayor Paul brother and sponsored by him as well.