Finance Committee tables Sylvester P. Fortes appointment; approves Dr. Maria Fernandez to Brockton Advisory Council on Health

The Finance Committee tabled the nomination of Sylvester P. Fortes to the Brockton Advisory Council on Health after Mr. Fortes did not appear; councilors voted to postpone the matter. The committee then considered the nomination of Dr. Maria Fernandez and recommended her favorably to the full City Council.

Dr. Maria Fernandez introduced herself and described two decades of service in Brockton in alternative, higher and secondary education and work in workforce development. “My name is Dr. Maria Fernandez. I am thrilled at the opportunity to start on the Mayor's Advisory Council on Health,” she said.

Councilor Isaac asked whether Fernandez had medical or clinical health credentials. Fernandez said she had served on the board of Signature Health Care about six or seven years ago for approximately two years but otherwise does not have a medical background. After discussion, a motion to recommend her nomination favorably was made, seconded and passed.

The chair announced congratulations to Dr. Fernandez and the committee moved on to other agenda items.