Local City and State Officials Respond to Letters to the Editor

~ Letter-to-the-Editor ~

State Rep. Donato’s Response to Letter to the Editor

In last week’s edition of The Malden Advocate, a letter was written to the editor by a reader relative to the Proposition 2 ½ Override. This letter suggested that I was not in favor of the override. I want my position on this matter to be clear. I never indicated to this individual that I am not in favor. I believe this question should be decided by the voters of Malden.

Thank you,

State Representative Paul Donato

City Councillor Sets Record Straight on Override Vote

Dear Editor,

I would like to set the record straight to my constituents and the voters of Malden. I did vote in favor along with my city council colleagues to hold a special election proposing a Proposition 21/2 Override. I did so because I felt the voters had a right to be able to choose for themselves if they supported or opposed an override.

However, I want to make it perfectly clear that I personally do not support an override at this time and will be voting no on both ballot questions come March 31st. There are a number of reasons why I am not in favor of an override. The main reason is the timing. I do not feel enough due diligence has been done prior to asking for an override to seek pro-active ways to cut expenses within the city without the potential threat of cutting essential services.

At this time, I believe a proposition override will have long term detrimental effects on all our residents. Let’s take the time to get it right before asking our residents to dig deeper into their pockets and help Keep Malden Affordable for all.

Sincerely,

Chris Simonelli

Councilor Ward 7