State officials, municipal leaders, and community members gathered on Jan. 6 at City Hall for the City Council/School Committee Swearing-In Ceremony, where they marked the city’s accomplishments. At the podium stood City Council President Matt Frank, who addressed the assembled crowd with remarks befitting his new role wielding the gavel.
“The City Council, as a body of politicians, will surely take responsibility for those policies that led us here,” President Frank said. “I am confident that we can work together to make Chelsea a stronger place.”
Frank took the opportunity to acknowledge former President Dan Cortell’s contributions to the Chelsea City Council and praised city officials for their sound financial stewardship and progress. He then outlined his priorities for the coming council year, emphasizing procedural improvements.
“Having procedures in place is the best way to prepare for sudden change, which is why I will make a straight line sub-committee process a priority,” Frank noted.
Among his agenda items, President Frank called for partnerships with local organizations to develop televised forums ahead of future elections, raised questions about potential casino development, and suggested expanding liquor licenses as a means to encourage restaurant expansion.
Town Manager Jay Ash brought the remarks to a close, stating: “We need to continue to support each other and make sure every person in Chelsea gets to enjoy the success of what we may produce,” “I am excited to work with this outstanding group.”
City Manager Jay Ash, Chris Cataldo, City Council President Matt Frank, Vice President Clifford Cunningham, and Massachusetts State Treasurer Steve Grossman.