Page 12 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, April 3, 2026 VOTERS | FROM PAGE 10 The Finance committee is the body that is responsible for vetting the financial requests made by the Mayor (where all financial requests originate). I can definitely state that the Finance committee has failed in its role since Neil left in 2017. Dissent isn’t easy in the moment, but we are now learning that being a rubber stamp can lead to much more difficult conversations. Solution #3: Voters should demand and encourage their elected officials to make the hard decisions even when - especially when - it involves matters that are politically perilous. Doing the right thing is always worth the risk of losing. Whether it is losing a 10-1 vote or the Council Presidency, maintaining one’s integrity and being able to fall asleep easily is so worth taking an L from time to time. Over the next few months, hard decisions will need to be made to course correct after a long time without meaningful financial oversight. The Next Steps The Mayor will propose a budget which will likely include some use of our $22M in reserves (Malden’s savings account) and some amount of cuts. I would like to state that these cuts should not be made in a vindictive manner that would maximize pain for our community. We should not turn our backs on rank-and-file workers, economic development initiatives including public art, and climate resilience. Front line workers, art, and environmental investments pay off in dividends by making our community safer and more livable. In order to preserve jobs, I suggest we reduce or eliminate overtime because it is unfair to pay overtime when others could lose a job. Terminate frivolous and vindictive litigation against lawful businesses and families. Reduce/eliminate part-time consulting agreements. Re-bid or re-quote services provided to the city by longtime vendors to ensure compliance with public procurement rules. These are just a few ways we can try to minimize the impact without decimating staff and derailing economic growth. If we can come together, then it is possible to reform education funding, encourage high-quality economic development, and correct the course of our local finances. Earnestly, Ryan O’Malley City Councillor Ward Four Carrijo Home Improvement, Inc. General Contractor * Interior & Exterior Carpentry * Kitchen & Bath * Roofs * Painting * Decks * Siding * Licensed & Insured * Free Estimates Carrijohomeimprovement.com We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! Call 781-710-8918 * Saugus, MA BUDGET SERVICES RUBBISH REMOVAL * Interior-Exterior Demolition Bathroom/Kitchen/Decks, Etc. * All Types of Debris Removed * Pick-up Truck Load of Trash starting at $239. ~ Licensed & Insured ~ Call (978) 494-3443 Clean-Outs! We take and dispose from cellars, attics, garages, yards, etc. Call Robert at: 781-844-0472 J.F & Son Contracting Frank Berardino MA License 31811 ● 24-Hour Service ● Emergency Repairs BERARDINO Plumbing & Heating Gas Fitting ● Drain Service Residential & Commercial Service 617.699.9383 Senior Citizen Discount ~ School Bus Drivers Wanted ~ 7D Licensed School Bus Drivers Malden Trans is looking for reliable drivers for the new school year. We provide ongoing training and support for licensing requirements. Applicant preferably lives local (Malden, Everett, Revere). Part-time positions available and based on AM & PM school hours....15-30 hours per week. Good driver history from Registry a MUST! If interested, please call David @ 781-322-9401. CDL SCHOOL BUS DRIVER WANTED Compensation: $28/hour School bus transportation company seeking active CDL drivers who live LOCALLY (Malden, Everett, Chelsea and immediate surrounding communities). - Applicant MUST have BOTH S and P endorsements as well as Massachusetts school bus certificate. Good driver history from Registry a MUST! - Part-time hours, BUT GUARANTEED 20-35 HOURS PER WEEK depending on experience. Contact David @ 781-322-9401. AAA Service • Lockouts Trespass Towing • Roadside Service Junk Car Removal 617-387-6877 26 Garvey St., Everett MDPU 28003 ICCMC 251976 Snow Plowing No Job too small! Free Estimates! Commercial & Residential 781-656-2078 - Property management & maintenance Shoveling & removal Landscaping, Electrical, Plumbing, Painting, Roofing, Carpentry, Framing, Decks, Fencing, Masonry, Demolition, Gut-outs, Junk Removal & Dispersal, Clean Ups: Yards, Garages, Attics & Basements. Truck for Hire, Bobcat Services. FIRE • SOOT • WATER Homeowner’s Insurance Loss Specialists FREE CONSULTATION 1-877-SAL-SOOT Sal Barresi, Jr. - Your fi rst call 617-212-9050
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