INSIDE INFORMATION: Malden City Council bids adieu to three of if its own, totaling some 40 years of service

Councillors Anderson, Camell and DeMaria participate in their final meeting

  One City Councillor was first elected in 1983 and served in parts of five different decades. Another served for much of the past decade and became a vocal supporter of some previously less heralded topics, such a civic engagement and the arts. A third took up the mantle of promoting and preserving what has become a growing issue of concern – energy efficiency and sustainability – and made it a leading light of his two City Council terms. On December 21, three Malden City Councillors made their final appearances behind the rostrum: longtime Ward 7 Councillor Neal Anderson, Ward 6 Councillor David Camell and Councillor-at-Large Debbie DeMaria. All three Councillors announced earlier this year they would not seek reelection this past fall.

  Anderson, who was first elected in 1983, served as a City Councillor in parts of five different decades, a total of 14 terms and 28 years. He was on the City Council for parts of the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s and now, just into the 2020s. Camell was first elected in a special election as Ward 6 City Councillor to fill an unexpired term, then reelected in 2017 and again in 2019. DeMaria was first elected to the City Council at-large in 2013, after one term as a School Committee member from Ward 3. The three departing Councillors total 40 years of City Council service.

  With his 28 years, Anderson may be the longest serving Councillor in municipal history. On Dec. 21, Anderson, who served as City Council President for the fifth time in his lengthy tenure, was specially feted with appearances from his family members and others from the public who spoke before the meeting, and again at the conclusion of the meeting, by some of his colleagues.

  Councillors Camell and DeMaria also spoke briefly near the conclusion of the meeting, expressing their thanks to both their colleagues and constituents over the years.

  “I have taken a lot of inspiration from everyone on this Council; we have not always agreed on everything, but I’ve tried to listen to everybody whether we agree or not,” Camell said. Everyone’s heart is in the right place, trying to take care of the residents. It’s been both a pleasure and a challenge, having faced things I never would have thought of facing as a Councillor.”

  “For the last 10 years I woke up every day excited to represent Malden; not too many people can say that about their job,” Councillor DeMaria said. “Even in divisive times, working toward solutions is both exhausting, invigorating but always rewarding. There has been immense growth in Malden in the past 10 years, and I am happy I have [played] a role in helping shape Malden for the future.

  “Being a Councillor-at-Large has been the experience of a lifetime,” DeMaria added.

  Anderson said, “I really feel honored to have served on the City Council. I haven’t regretted a moment and have enjoyed working with all of the City Councillors I have served with through the years.”

  “I am grateful that the citizens of Ward 7 in Malden have continued to elect me. The employees of the City of Malden and the manager, the rank-and-file make this a great city and make our jobs so much easier to serve the city of Malden,” Anderson added.

  Anderson recalled the many events he had hosted through the years, such as Easter and Christmas parades through Ward 7 as well as the Fourth of July events, and how his family members played intricate roles in making them a success.

  “Aren’t we all so fortunate to have such a caring community to serve with citizens who show so much compassion for each other,” Councillor Anderson said.

  Then he banged the gavel. “For the last time!” Anderson said, “Happy Holidays.”

  To recall and hear all of the comments at the Dec. 21 meeting visit the following link:

  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsBndjZYjyyWcmO5-yr3n0w

****

Malden’s 2022 Inaugural Ceremonies set for Mon., Jan. 3 at Jenkins Auditorium, MHS

  The City of Malden has announced that the 2022 Inaugural Ceremonies will take place on Monday, January 3 at 6:00 p.m. at Malden High School’s Jenkins Auditorium (77 Salem St.). The event is open to members of the public: They are invited to attend and see members of the City Council and School Committee as they are sworn into office for two-year terms by Malden City Clerk Greg Lucey. There will also be the opportunity to recognize outgoing members who have served the community as well. The event is open to the public; however, it will be recorded for later viewing for those who are not comfortable attending. All in attendance are required to wear facemasks in accordance with COVID-19 protocols.

****

Malden City Council will meet at Inauguration Ceremony to select a Council President

  The Malden City Council will formally meet on Monday evening, January 3, during a recess in the Inauguration Ceremony to select a City Council President for the 2022 year. Outgoing Ward 7 Councillor Neal Anderson served as City Council President this past year. Longtime Councillor-at-Large Craig Spadafora appears to be a candidate for the 2022 City Council leadership post. Another candidate could be Ward 4 Councillor Ryan O’Malley, who sought the position following the 2019 municipal election.

  Monday’s meeting will be held during a recess in the Inauguration Ceremony in Room J278 at Malden High School, which is adjacent to the Jenkins Auditorium. As in the Inauguration Ceremony, the meeting is open to the public and masks are mandatory.

  Members of the public and members of the Malden City Council who wish to attend the City Council Meeting remotely can do so using the following information: The webinar is available at https://cityofmalden.zoom.us/j/95888838678?pwd=OEZaZExlNU5iU0FzNWlxOXpERCtWZz09. Passcode: 529012.

****

Malden School Committee will meet on Monday night to select a Vice-Chair

  The members of the Malden School Committee will meet to select a Vice-Chair for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. The Chairperson of the School Committee, by municipal ordinance, is the Mayor of Malden (at this time Mayor Gary Christenson). The Vice-Chair is elected to a three-year term by the members. The meeting will be held on Monday, January 3, at a time to be determined – during a planned recess in the Inaugural Ceremony. It will be held in Room J280, which is adjacent to the Jenkins Auditorium at Malden High School, where the Inaugural is being held. The meeting is open to the public and masks are mandatory.