First Day on the Job:Brian Arrigo Inaugurated As Mayor of Revere

Brian Arrigo was inaugurated as the mayor of Revere in an impressive ceremony Monday night at a packed Council Chambers inside City Hall.

City Clerk Ashley Melnik administered the oath of office to Arrigo, who was elected as mayor in November in a close race with incumbent mayor Dan Rizzo and then officially declared the victor following a recount held Dec. 29.

Arrigo, 35, did not give a formal inaugural address, saying that he would do so at a citywide event in a larger venue later this month. The former two-term councillor-at-large said he was excited to be the city’s new mayor.

“I’m very honored, it’s an exciting time, and I’m hitting the ground running,” said Arrigo after the ceremony. “I’m real excited about the staff I have assembled so far and I’m excited about the opportunities we have to help the city reach its full potential. My job right now is to start to unify the city. It was a very close vote and I look forward to getting people together and understanding that we need to move forward together.”

After taking his oath, Arrigo, 35, received a standing ovation from the audience that included his wife, Daveen, their baby, John Joseph, and his parents, former Revere city councillor John Arrigo and Paula Arrigo.

“I’m very excited for Brian to fulfill his dream,” said Daveen Arrigo. “We’ve had such an exciting year – we got married and had a baby (on Oct. 27) and Brian started thinking about the future. It all worked out well and we’re very happy to represent Revere and good things are to come.”

State Sen. Anthony Petruccelli, State Rep. RoseLee Vincent, Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins, and former School Committee member Ann Raponi were among the dignitaries in attendance. Speaker of the House Robert A. DeLeo joined the many residents congratulating Arrigo following the ceremony.

“I look forward to working with our new mayor,” said Vincent. “I wish him all the best. I know we’re going to work together for a better Revere.”

“I’m looking forward to working with Mayor Arrigo and Council President Giannino, two young people who I’ve known for a long period of time even before their involvement in politics. I think they’re going to be great leaders Revere,” said DeLeo.

 “It must be a thrilling day for Brian and his family,” said Petruccelli. “I wish him and the city of Revere nothing but the best. He has a tremendous skill set and he has well-rounded experiences in government that will serve him well as mayor and he’ll do a wonderful job.”

Councillor-at-Large Robert Haas, who previously served as mayor, welcomed Arrigo to the prestigious circle of those who have been the city’s chief executive.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for Brian to be the mayor and I’m looking for favorable things to be happening in the future for Revere.”

Arrigo announced Monday that he had made two appointments in his administration. Omar Boukili has been named the chief administrative officer for the city. Joe Gravellese has been named policy aide to the mayor.