By Sue Ellen Woodcock
Now that the courts have decided there should be a recount of the Mayoral race that was held Nov. 3, officials are preparing themselves for it to begin in two sessions next Monday, December 28 and Tuesday, December 29.
According to Election Commissioner Diane Colella, the first session of the recount will begin after a meeting of the Election Commission on Monday morning in the City Council Chambers at 10:15 a.m. At that time the commissioners will address the Open Meeting Law Complaint filed on behalf of Mayor Dan Rizzo on Dec. 11. At that time they will acknowledge receipt of the complaint and determine a resolution.
Rizzo’s attorney had previously filed an open meeting law complaint form with the office of the state attorney general saying that the commission met in the election office prior to meeting in public.
The commission will vote on the minutes of the Nov. 23 commission meeting.
At 11 a.m. in the City Council Chambers the session will continue with the recount of the votes cast on Nov. 3. This first session of the recount is solely for the purpose of dividing the ballots cast into blocks of 50 ballots.
On Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 9:15 a.m. in the Revere High School Field House (at the rear of the building) the detailed portion of the recount will begin and continue until all votes are read and recorded. During this time votes may also be taken by the commission.
Brian McNiff, spokesman for the Secretary of State’s office, said there will not be a representative from the secretary’s office at the recount because it is a local matter.
The city election took place on Nov. 3 with the incumbent Mayor Rizzo garnering 5,091 votes and Councillor-at-Large Brian Arrigo receiving 5,209 vote – a difference of 118 votes.
