~ Guest Commentary ~ Keeping Malden Affordable – The Need To Vote No On Questions 1a and 1b

On March 31st, the City of Malden will hold a special election asking Malden residents to vote on two ballot questions that would place new financial burdens on residents at a time when affordability is already a growing concern. City leaders say these overrides are necessary but the facts raise a very different question: Why ask taxpayers for more when the city is already sitting on approximately $21.8 million in free cash reserves?

Families in Malden are feeling the pressure of higher rents, rising taxes, inflation and everyday costs. Residents are cutting back, stretching budgets and making difficult choices. Yet instead of using the funds already available, Mayor Christenson and most of our City Council are asking voters to approve additional spending through PERMANENT overrides that will increase long-term costs for everyone.

The core issue is simple: need vs. choice. We are told these overrides are necessary, but voters have not been shown clear proof that Malden has exhausted its existing resources. A city with millions in reserves should be explaining how that money deserves to sit untouched while taxpayers are asked to pay more.

Free cash reserves exist for a reason, providing stability when challenges arise. If now isn’t the time to rely on those funds, then when is? Before demanding more from residents, our city leaders must demonstrate that they have fully explored using available resources and cutting or prioritizing spending where possible.

Instead, voters are being asked to take officials at their word. But words alone are not enough. Residents deserve hard numbers, detailed plans and clear evidence, not just repeated claims that an override is required. Trust in government is earned through transparency and accountability, not assumptions that voters will simply accept what they’re told.

The consequences of approving Questions 1A and 1B would be real. Higher taxes often lead to higher rents, putting additional strain on renters and working families. Those families, with students in our schools, will be forced to move to more affordable cities and towns, reducing our students enrollment even more than the recent loss of almost 300 students. Seniors on fixed incomes and small business owners already navigating rising costs would feel the impact immediately. Once taxes go up, they never come back down.

Malden has worked hard to remain a diverse, welcoming and affordable city. Approving overrides while millions sit in reserve sends the wrong message: that asking taxpayers for more is easier than using the resources already available.

Voting “No” is not a vote against city services, it is a vote for responsible budgeting and fiscal common sense. It is a demand that city leadership use the tools already on hand before asking residents to dig deeper into their pockets.

On March 31st, Malden voters have a clear choice. If you believe the city should use its $21.8 million in free cash before raising costs on residents, the answer is simple: Vote NO on Questions 1a and 1b.

William “Billy” Spadafora Jr.

Keep Malden Affordable

www.keepmaldenaffordable.com

https://www.facebook.com/keepmaldenaffordable