An Open Letter
Congratulations students! I was so impressed to read about your most recent ranking as a top high school in the US News & World Report. Malden High School’s ranking of 51 and the Mystic Regional Valley Charter School’s ranking of 6, proves to me yet again that you are well on your way to achieving great things. From half of Malden High School’s students participating in Advanced Placement coursework to Mystic Valley Regional Charter School’s 80 percent participation in International Baccalaureate exams, you have shown what it means to work hard in the classroom and be successful. Even more remarkable is that you have accomplished these rankings despite the challenges and pressures that all too often face our young adults today. Again, congratulations to you, your teachers and staff for providing the foundation you need to succeed, and to your families for being the backbone of who you are and all that you will become. Keep up the great work!
GARY CHRISTENSON
Mayor, City of Malden
A Day of Reflection and Appreciation
As we continue to work day and night on the fiscal year 2015 budget, I thought it important to take a moment and reflect on the tragedy that occurred just one year ago at the Boston Marathon. The loss of Lu Lingzi, Martin Richard, Krystle Campbell and Sean Collier and the impact on all those injured and affected by the event will forever be remembered as will the courage and resiliency demonstrated by the City of Boston and the entire State. Together, we embraced the phrase “Boston Strong” to represent our strength and solidarity. These are the same qualities that come to mind as we also commemorate Patriot’s Day and honor those who fought for our freedoms. As a nation, we continually prove that we may be knocked down but we always come back bigger and stronger and that is what makes me proud to be an American.
Speaking of being proud, I was pleased to be a part of the recent Wounded Warriors luncheon sponsored by the Irish-American Club. I was awed by these heroes many of who lost limbs so that I could have the opportunity to lead this great city. I was not alone in that feeling as I was joined by Malden’s-own 2014 Miss Massachusetts Renata De Carvalho whose first event since winning this prestigious title was to spend time at the Irish-American thanking these freedom fighters. It was a reminder of why despite the negativity that seems to permeate our every action that there is no better place than the United States of America.
I’m sensing that more and more people are working together and appreciating what we have when just this past week, I see a person like Al Myles working with 7th and 8th male students at the Beebe School to keep them from falling through the cracks; Mystic Valley Public Health Coalition meeting to work on ways to prevent and reduce opiate use; Linden STEAM Academy students advising me on ways to improve the viability of the Bike Path; Malden Access Television rolling out the red carpet for the Annual Kids Video Adventure Workshop Premiere; Malden Little League’s Annual Opening Day Ceremony; and Bread of Life feeding the homeless on Easter Sunday.
As we observe Patriot’s Day and also remember the lives lost and those forever changed by last year’s events, let’s also pause to reflect on all that we have to be grateful for and show our appreciation by trying to make a small difference.
Sincerely,
GARY CHRISTENSON
City of Malden, Mayor
Looking Back at 2013
1. Hard to believe 2013 has come and gone. What accomplishments are you most proud of from the past year?
After two years in office, I am convinced that resident engagement and participation as well as easy access to information and services are essential to the continued success of our community. This past year, we have made significant strides in the utilization of cutting edge technology in the areas of constituent services, public safety and education.
First, we launched the reporting tool known as SeeClickFix which allows residents to report issues they see around the city on either a computer from home or on any mobile device. Malden joined a multi-community initiative in Massachusetts known as Commonwealth Connect where now over 50 communities have the same tool for reporting issues to their local government. I am proud to say that not only did our City rise to the top user/responder in the entire state of Massachusetts, but we are currently ranked "Number 1" in the entire country among all SeeClickFix's clients with over 7,000 issues reported and 85% of them resolved (visit SeeClickFix.com). The City also implemented the RTT Mobile Interpretation System which allows police officers and first responders access to interpreters as well as Coplogic which provides an online police reporting option. Additionally, I was proud to join Superintendent David DeRuosi and Footsteps2Brilliance, Inc. in launching a city-wide initiative that provides a library of eBooks and educational games to assist our students in achieving academic success.
Another goal we set out to accomplish from the beginning was to make it easier for businesses to navigate the process and to try to increase the number of jobs available for our residents. I think in looking back at the number of grand openings and ribbon cuttings we have had, we realize that we have become very business friendly and are reaping the benefit. Whether it is a 3-person real estate brokerage or a 300-person employer like Cambridge Health Alliance, we have tried to be responsive to the needs of businesses.
I am also proud of the opportunities we afford our youth. The Malden Teen Enrichment Center continues to thrive and with the support of the City Council we were able to employ over 300 teens this past summer. I am also pleased to say that we have received funding to employ some of our youth year round.
Finally, I am proud of the joint efforts and progress made in developing the Bike to the Sea Path, installing the Community Gardens, and in the work accomplished to make Malden more walkable and pedestrian friendly. We have also competed significant improvements to our infrastructure, including the paving of 42 streets, the planting of over 150 new trees, the replacement of approximately 5 miles of water main and the installation of ADA compliant crosswalks and sidewalks with new curbing and handicap ramps.
2. I think a wise man once said politics is the art of the possible. Were you frustrated by any initiatives that stalled in 2013? If so, can you mention the ones you're likely to retry in 2014?
I was disappointed that we were not able to make headway with the proposal to unite the Malden Redevelopment Authority, City Planner and Business Development Officer under one city department. I believe the proposal presents a more unified, efficient and cohesive approach to planning and economic development. The plan submitted also includes the creation of a new department that combines the various elements of parking that currently operate independently. Whether it's parking enforcement or better management of our garages and lots, our residents and businesses deserve to have an efficient and accessible parking program. The entire proposal is currently in Ordinance Committee for review and the dialogue had started prior to the close of the year. I am hopeful that we will continue to move forward on this in 2014.
3. The city budget for Fiscal Year 2014 was built with several million dollars of one-time funds, which won't be available for the coming year. Do you have any indication on how that will impact budget building for FY 2015 or predictions of how that process will go?
The last budget process involved a lot of hard choices and difficult decisions and I am anticipating that the upcoming cycle will present even more challenges. During the last cycle, through a combination of cuts, restructuring and one time revenue resources, we were able to address a major shortfall without utilizing City's reserves. I am planning on starting the deliberation and analysis of the new budget immediately at the start of 2014.
4. Any chance of getting a preview on some of the initiatives your office has planned for the coming year?
The City Council has recently authorized the necessary funding to effectuate the critically needed security upgrades in our schools. The implementation of the plan will be a primary focus heading into the New Year. We are also actively moving forward with the plan to demolish and relocate City Hall, reopening Pleasant Street and developing the remaining parcel as a means of realizing the true potential of the downtown.
In an effort to further increase transparency, we will also be the implementing a new technology that will publish agendas, videos and meeting minutes in a centralized, easy-to-use online portal. This will allow residents easy access to what is taking place in City government. We also hope to launch the redesign of the City website and implement 311.
Additionally, public safety will continue to be a top priority. I am pleased to note that we have recently reassigned officers to create a police presence in our schools and in the downtown and MBTA areas. In 2014, we will also have the benefit of a crime analyst who will not only enhance our ability to focus resources on reducing crime, but will also assist us in better informing the community about public safety.
5. Anything else you'd like to add?
The most enjoyable part of my job as Mayor is connecting with concerned residents and business owners who want to get involved and make our City the best it can be. I am confident that our shared commitment to improve our community will go a long way as we move forward.