~ Editorial ~ Malden voters: When our city is in good hands, we will keep it that way

Four times, in just over a decade, Malden voters have had an opportunity to make a decision when it comes to choosing a leader for their city. Each time – in 2011, 2015, 2019 and now, in 2023 – Malden has come up with the same answer: Gary Christenson. In four mayoral elections, residents of Malden have said “yes” to Gary Christenson for Mayor over 20,000 times as the now four-time Malden Mayor has totaled a 21,304-8,618 margin of votes over those years.

That means that in just under 30,000 votes cast, voters have marked his name on the ballot nearly 72 percent of the time – unprecedented in city history – in three of four consecutive mayoral elections where the race was contested. It is safe to say that Gary Christenson has been the overwhelming choice, as evidenced again by his latest victory, a 5,530-2,087 vote decision in Tuesday’s mayoral election, a convincing 71-28 percent win. The 71 percent of votes received and the 43 percent margin of victory both represent highwater marks in Mayor Christenson’s personal campaign highlight reel. In fact, the newest benchmarks are believed to be among the highest in Malden municipal election history for a contested race.

Of course, when a three-term incumbent is challenged in an election, the opponent’s mantra is that change is needed, and “time for a change” is offered as the utmost priority for the good of the community. It was no different in this election, as supporters of Mayor Christenson’s opponent put out a number of false claims and unfounded negative statements on social media.

This Mayor, reelected to a fourth term by a personal highest margin of votes and one of the largest percentage victories ever in Malden election history, simply ignored the negativity and false noise and stood on his track record of providing effective, compassionate leadership for all residents of the Malden community.

— In three terms of office Mayor Christenson has created and championed perhaps the most transparent municipal government in Malden’s history, its inner workings explained and detailed for all to see.

— Since he was first elected in 2011, the City of Malden, under Mayor Christenson’s leadership, has established new highs in maintaining an inclusive, equitable and welcoming city government, specifically in language accessibility to all city resources in what has become one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

— When he now will enter his historic, fourth consecutive four-year term in January, the Mayor continues to lead a city government based on widespread arms and an unwavering, encouraging call to all of Malden’s residents and diverse cultures: “Come with us, be a part of our mission of improvement and progress! We admire and respect you, we see you, please join us as we grow together, as one!”

There is not a day in office, since he first began serving as Mayor of Malden on January 1, 2012, where Gary Christenson has not given his all as this city’s leader.

Change – solely for the sake of change – is not progress, nor was it for the city of Malden at this time, as Malden’s voters confirmed in Tuesday’s election. For the third time in three opportunities, voters have decided that when the city of Malden is in good hands, they will keep it that way. Time will tell that once again, they have made the right choice in reelecting Mayor Gary Christenson.