The City Council is expected to consider a motion on Dec. 2 that would mandate newly hired public safety and 9-1-1 personnel to reside in Chelsea for at least five years.
This week, Councillor Giovanni Recupero introduced the order as part of an ongoing effort he has pursued in previous years. His earlier attempts faced significant pushback from experienced police and firefighters who would have been required to move back to Chelsea after spending years living elsewhere.
“That was the old plan and now I have a new plan to get Chelsea people working for Chelsea,” Recupero stated on Tuesday. “No one should be mad because we’re only talking about new and recent hires.”
According to the order, all police, fire, and 9-1-1 personnel hired from 2012 forward would need to live in the City for a minimum of five years to be employed by Chelsea. The measure specifically exempts current employees and those hired prior to this policy, Recupero noted.
The councillor views the proposal as a way to generate employment opportunities for young residents, particularly given current high unemployment rates among young people in the area.
Opposition has emerged, however, with some arguing that limiting the applicant pool to Chelsea residents could reduce the number of qualified candidates available for these positions.
“I’m tired of people saying there are no qualified applicants who live in Chelsea and would work in these jobs,” he said. “I believe there are. Some Councillors are saying there are none. I believe there are and I have faith that there are plenty of qualified people in Chelsea. Furthermore, why do these councillors want to represent people who they think are unqualified to work for the City?”
While Recupero anticipates support from several councillors, he is introducing the order to gauge broader interest among his colleagues.
“If I’m good enough to live in Chelsea with my family, then so are the people we hire to work in public safety for the City and who take the City’s money,” he concluded.