~ Letter to the Editor ~ City Council Colleague recognizes service, devotion of Councillor at Large Craig Spadafora to our community

I would like to take a moment to recognize and thank Councillor at Large Craig Spadafora for his 22 years of dedicated service to the City of Malden.

It wasn’t the outcome we had hoped for, and there’s no easy way to put that into words. But what I do know is this: I am incredibly proud of my friend and colleague.

For more than two decades, Craig has devoted himself to Malden. Not just through votes and policies, but in the everyday moments that often go unseen.

He is the person who shows up when no one is watching — early mornings, late nights, and every weekend in between. If there was a need, Craig was there. And he didn’t do it for praise, recognition, or a headline. He did it because he genuinely cares.

Together, we have stood side-by-side organizing toy drives, backpack giveaways, turkey pick ups, feeding the homeless at the warming center on Friday nights, community clean-ups, kid events, senior events, and neighborhood meetings.

We co-founded the Malden Community Fridge Program so families wouldn’t have to choose between dignity and hunger.

We’ve dressed up for trunk-or-treats, organized public safety days, sponsored National Night Out, and built programs that brought this city together — not just in celebration, but in compassion.

Craig leads with humor, patience, heart, and humility — qualities that matter more than any title ever will. His dedication to this community runs deep, and the impact of his service will continue to be felt for years to come.

Elections come and go. Titles change. But who someone is — their character, their integrity, their commitment — that remains.

I am proud to call Craig not only a colleague, but a friend. A friend who has lifted others up, who has steadied this city in good times and hard ones, and who has given so much of himself to Malden.

This may not be the next chapter we expected — but the story isn’t over. The work continues. The friendships continue. The service continues. And Craig will always, always be a part of the heart of this community.

Thank you, Craig — for all of it. It’s been one hell of a ride!

Jadeane Sica

Malden City Councillor

Ward 8