~ Political Announcement ~ Vote for Malden’s sustainable and thriving future

By Carey McDonald, Malden City Councillor At Large

In this year’s local elections, Malden voters have the chance to ask their leaders about the big picture. So, what does a sustainable, thriving future for Malden look like?

First, this means protecting our community from the changing climate, one of our biggest future threats. The bad storms we had this past summer show what’s ahead, as temperatures rise, floods increase and weather gets worse. The good news is that there’s a lot we can do for climate action at the local level: improving our homes and businesses to be more energy efficient, planting more trees, maintaining our storm runoff plans and drain systems, installing more electric vehicle chargers, and making it is safe and easy to take the bus, walk or bike. I’ve helped us start Malden’s first Climate Action Plan, and I hope you’ll get involved in planning for our local climate future! Learn more at cityofmalden.org/cap.

Second, a sustainable future for our city requires a stable, growing tax base. As chair of the Finance Committee, I helped us pass this year’s $215 million annual budget that continues our city services and makes big investments in our schools. But we balanced that budget with one-time income sources. Property taxes are the largest source of city revenue, yet increases are capped by the state. To keep up with inflation we actually need new growth and development of residential and commercial property. If we do nothing, we will likely be facing tough choices to reduce city services in the next 3-5 years. Working with the Mayor and my colleagues on the City Council, we’ve started to rethink our zoning and long-term master plan for the city. Let’s ensure we get the sustainable growth we want and need, which respects our current neighborhoods and creates jobs and business opportunities for our residents.

I’m a parent, my kids are at Forestdale School in first and third grade. I ran for office to make sure this community is inclusive, imaginative and dynamic for them as they grow up. Our city should expect leaders to take the long view and plan for the next generation. When you think about how you’ll vote on November 7 (or vote early at City Hall through November 2), I hope you’ll ask every candidate what their plan is for Malden’s sustainable future for our climate, our finances and our values.