Vacant Seats Filled at Common Council Meeting

Mayor Carlo DeMaria welcomed Cheryl Landry, new Councilor for Ward 1, and Leonard Jordan, new Councilor for Ward 3, to the Everett City Council. Landry and Jordan were selected to fill vacancies in their respective wards at the Common Council meeting on Monday, August 20th.

In a surprise underdog taking of the Ward One seat, Cheryl Landry defeated former Councilor Peter Napolitano to become a councilor in Ward One by an 11-3 final vote. The vacant seat in Ward Three was filled by Leonard Jordan who ran unopposed. Napolitano seemed to be the popular vote amongst residents who approached the microphone, speaking words of praise for their former leader for all to hear.

“He’s done a lot of work on his service here in the city of Everett,” voiced supporter Molly Cahill. “I think that he’s a voice of the people,” added resident Catherine Mack.

A lifelong resident of Everett, Napolitano first served on the Everett Common Council in 1999 after serving eight years on active duty in the United States Navy. He lives in the house he grew up in on Cottage Street with his wife Vivian and their four children, and showers his family and neighbors with his 53 years of Everett pride. His dedication to the city can never be challenged as he is an active member in the community, serving on various boards and committees.

“I served six consecutive years on Ward One and took a break to pursue higher office. The bottom line is I’ve earned the confidence of people in Ward One…When my residents call me up and they have a problem, they get action. All I’m asking of you is an opportunity to come back and do what I do best—serve my constituents,” Napolitano said.

And while Napolitano’s knowledge and enthusiasm for the city of Everett was invaluable to council members charged with the task of choosing a leader for Ward One, they chose to go in a different direction.

Councilor Wayne Matewsky recommended the modest Cheryl Landry, speaking of Landry in good faith based on their longtime friendship. “She is a good person and I can qualify that because I’ve known her for 54 years,” said Matewsky.

Landry is a registered nurse and currently serves as a Board of Directors member for the Infusion Nurses Society, which focuses on support and educational development of the clinician to improve the practice of Infusion nursing. Her profession allows Landry to connect with Everett friends and residents in a very emotional way, and she always takes time to visit with anyone who may be sick or ill, according to Matewsky.

“I’ve been a Ward One resident since 1962. My husband and I have been active with the youth of the city…I continue to work as a professional RN and at present I serve on the Board of Directors for Infusion Nursing Association,” Landry said in a more docile and shorter public address than her opponent. Once the councilors voted in favor of Landry, she and Napolitano shook hands agreeably before she approached the bench to join her new council members.

Despite the lack of competition for the Ward Three spot, Jordan received two very positive reviews from Councilors Miller and Matewsky. “Mr. Leonard Jordan has put in the time and the effort to be in this seat,” said advocate Miller. “He has been an Auxiliary policeman for the past 17 years…[as well as] a lifelong resident, living in the house he grew up in.”

“He’s a family man,” Matewsky followed up. “His wife is here with him this evening. He’s run for this seat three times and he’s come closer and closer. Having known him personally…he’s a smart person. He’ll be a great added addition to this city government.”

After a swift acceptance speech by Jordan, him and Landry were sworn into their newly appointed positions. They solemnly swore to faithfully and impartially perform the duties required of them to the best of their abilities and understanding. The promising leaders expressed an open invitation for their fellow ward neighbors to approach them with any daunting questions or qualms that demand the attention of Everett’s Common Council. After all, they are now the voices of the people.

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