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THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 27, 2026 ~ Guest Commentary ~ Page 9 Keeping Malden Affordable - The Need To Vote No On Questions 1a and 1b O n 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 M 75 Passcode: st2Mv9iB Proposition 2½ is a state law alden residents are invited to an educational onOnline educational forum to discuss Proposition 2½ ballot initiative — Feb. 28 1. Thursday, March 5, at 6 p.m.: line forum focused on the upcoming Proposition 2½ ballot initiative special election taking place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The Teams forum will take place on Saturday, February 28, at 10 a.m.: Meeting ID: 220 839 895 687 that gives voters the power to raise additional funds for City services through property taxes. Last year, facing a significant budget gap that could greatly reduce City services, the Mayor and the City Council worked together to put a Proposition 2½ question on the ballot. The Feb. 28 forum will be the second of five forums designed to provide residents with clear, factual information about Prop~ Letter-to-the-Editor ~ Proposition 2½ Override Vote on March 31 T o the Taxpayers of Malden Do not be fooled by political threats about what will happen if Malden’s Proposition 2½ override fails on March 31. Before the Mayor and City Council talk about budget cuts or municipal layoffs, the City should first clean up its own financial mess, starting at the top. Here is the reality: Malden has a spending problem and a hiring problem. Once again, the City is taking the easy way out by sticking residents with a tax override. It is not bad enough that Malden taxpayers were hit with the “tiny trash barrels” and a $100-per-year fee. Now the City is coming back for more. That vote was pushed through with little notice, and I want to acknowledge Councilor Simonelli and Councilor Sica for standing up for constituents. Bravo. Mr. Mayor, before March 31, you should sharpen your pencil with Mr. Hogan and find a better solution to Malden’s spending problem. I also want residents to know that, based on a conversation I had with State Representative Donato, he does not support this override. If passed, this override would mean an additional $400 to $600 tax increase on every Malden homeowner. That is absolutely appalling. On March 31, Malden taxpayers have one clear message to send: Vote NO on Proposition 2½. Signed, Kevin Larson 63-year resident of our Beloved City of Malden osition 2½, explain how it affects local government services and school funding and outline what the ballot question would mean for the community. The forums are intended to be informational only and will offer attendees the opportunity to ask questions and gain a clearer understanding of the issue before the March 31 Election Day. The remaining forums will be held: Beebe School Auditorium, 501 Peasant St., Malden. 2. Monday, March 16, at 6 p.m.: Ferryway School Auditorium, 150 Cross St., Malden. 3. Wednesday, March 25, at 6 p.m.: Linden STEAM Academy Auditorium, 29 Wescott St., Malden. Presentations will be made by Mayor Gary Christenson, City Councillors and City Finance employees. They will discuss Proposition 2½ and the potential implications of the proposed ballot initiative. The forums are open to the public and accessible to all residents. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact Maria Luise, ADA Compliance Coordinator, at mluise@ cityofmalden.org or 781-3977000, Ext. 2005. ~ Letter-to-the-Editor ~ In opposition to Proposition 2 1/2 override Dear Editor: I am writing to express my strong opposition to Proposition 2 1/2 override that will be on the ballot on March 31. I have owned a house in Malden for nearly 14 years and am proud to call Malden home. I work full time at a grocery store and live by myself. In order to make ends meet, I need to be frugal and budget my money carefully. As someone on the autism spectrum, I face a lot of challenges. But owning a home and being financially self-sufficient are important to me, so I have worked hard and made sacrifices in order to accomplish these goals. With the prices of so many things going up, making ends meet is increasingly difficult for me and for other hardworking people. An increase in my property taxes is the last thing that I need. Personally, I will always prefer that government at all levels cut spending rather than raising taxes. No government program or service is more important to me than keeping as much of my own hardearned money as possible. Just as I have had to make difficult decisions in order to cut back on my expenses and stay within my means, I think that the City of Malden should do the same, rather than asking hardworking people like me to contribute more. I strongly urge voters to say NO to both override proposals. Sincerely, Marissa Babin Highland Ave Malden

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