Your Local News, Sports and Information Online. Scan & Subscribe! Vol. 35, No. 3 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday Malden keeps Rev. Dr. King’s dream alive on his birthday L 617-387-2200 Friday, January 21, 2026 Malden City Council votes down bid for $36 million debt exclusion ballot question Majority of Councillors say planned Proposition 2 1/2 override ballot question should stand alone By Steve Freker The 97th birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the 40th annual observance of MLK, Jr. Day was celebrated with “The Urgency of Now: Keeping the Dream Alive” at Emmanuel Baptist Church on Sunday. Pictured front row, from left to right, are: Eric Henry, former city councillor Neal Anderson, DEI Director Kashawna Harling, Councillor-At-Large Karen Colón-Hayes, Kristy Magras, Ward 3 Councillor Amanda Linehan, Councillor-At-Large Michelle Bucci Luong, and Ralph Long. Back row, shown from left to right, are: Jillian Harvey, Mayor Gary Christenson, Rev. Wayne Gadie, Council President/Ward 6 City Councillor Stephen Winslow, and Councillor-At-Large Carey McDonald.See page 9 for photo highlights.(Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) eave it to Ward 7 Councillor Chris Simonelli to show out a hidden talent during a Malden City Council meeting: “Art critic.” During a discussion of a proposed addition of a third ballot question to a planned Proposition 2 1/2 special election on Tuesday, March 31, Simonelli said it might be too much to ask of the voters, who were already looking at two. On March 31, Malden voters will be deciding on either a $5.4 million override DEBT | SEE PAGE 6 Chris Simonelli Ward 7 Councillor As He Retires, Malden VSO Kevin Jarvis Leaves a Lasting Legacy of Honor and Service By Tara Vocino A fter 15 years of dedicated service, Malden VeterU.S. Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps from Mass., and Malden VSO Kevin Jarvis on the island of Guam in February 2015. Dunford and Jarvis are linked through their involvement with the Iwo Jima Association of America and events commemorating the Battle of Iwo Jima, some of which involved travel to Guam. (Courtesy photo, Kevin Jarvis) ans’ Services Officer Kevin Jarvis is retiring, leaving behind a legacy defined by advocacy, remembrance and deep respect for those who served. Jarvis’ final day with the City of Malden is Jan. 29. While he said he will miss helping veterans most, he expressed confidence that the Executive Office of Veterans Services in Boston will ensure a smooth transition by training and certifying Malden’s next Veterans’ Services Officer. As Malden’s Director of Veterans’ Services, Jarvis has worked closely with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, serving as a tireless advocate for veterans and their families. His office has guided clients through state and federal benefits, provided financial assistance to veterans and surviving spouses in need and helped secure disability compensation, pensions, medical care, education benefits, home loans and burial assistance. Jarvis also played a central role in coordinating the city’s Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Flag Day observances. Each Memorial Day, his office — joined by volunteers and students — placed more than 10,000 flags on veterans’ graves throughout Malden cemeteries. He additionally oversaw the dedication of streets, squares and parks named in honor of Malden veterans, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. Among his proudest accomplishments, Jarvis said, is Malden’s collective commitment to honoring veterans. “I know of no other city or town in Massachusetts that has done more to honor and remember its veterans than the city of Malden,” Jarvis said, quoting remarks made by Brig. Gen. Leonid Kondratiuk LEGACY | SEE PAGE 5
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