THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, April 8, 2022 Page 9 ~ Editorial ~ City Council President initiates focus on key financial issues First-ever committee on longterm fi nances begins meeting W ith the election of a new Council President each year comes the tradition of assignments to City Council Committees, where much of the debate and vetting is done on City Council papers. This year, the election of Councillor-at-Large Craig Spadafora as City Council President saw the creation of several new committees, including one focused on long-term critical fi nancial challenges facing the city. “Each year, we spend a lot of time focusing on short-term fi nances through the budget and day to day council business,” commented Spadafora. “However, some of the most critical items facing the city just don’t get the focus they need because they don’t necessary require a decision today. This new committee is charged with a dedicated focus on these matters so that our short-term planning is done with the full knowledge of the long-term issues facing the city.” Spadafora recently asked that Chief Strategy Offi cer Ron Hogan provide an overview of the top items that will be the focus of this new committee. From the city’s OPEB liability of over $200 million, to an escalating pension payment, to a school funding formula that leaves Malden disadvantaged as compared to other communities, the public was given a preview of the critical fi nancial matters facing the city in the coming years. “Each of these topics on their own is complex,” stated the City Council President, adding, “I expect this new Committee to start by creating an educated awareness of the topic, followed by discussion and ideas of steps we can and should take today to plan for the impact of these.” Spadafora’s goal seems to be to ground the city in the reality of what is coming fi nancially, perhaps as important now as ever during a time of unprecedented federal spending that could lead cities and towns to lose discipline. The formulation of committees each year is one area where a City Council President can really relay to the public the goals of the council presidency, and Spadafora has sent a clear message that one of his priorities is to make sure city offi cials are always keeping their eyes on the future of the city beyond the next year or two. Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma Everett Aluminum 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Owned & operated by the Conti family since 1958 • 57 Years! family since 1958 • 64 “Same name, phone number & address for over half a century. We must be doing something right!” •Vinyl Siding •Free Estimates •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Decks •Roof ng • Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! Spring is Here! Maplewood Baptist Church announces Easter celebrations First ever joint Easter service with First Baptist Church T he Maplewood Baptist Church invites the Malden community to join us for a special joint, family-friendly Easter Worship Service on Sunday, April 17 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Malden at 493 Main St.“One hundred fi fty years ago, the Maplewood Baptist Church was born out of the First Baptist Church that stands in the center of our city.On the most celebratory day of all on the Christian calendar, these two churches will be coming together to praise the God of both,” said Pastor Gary McClenthen.“My message will be about the 'Living Hope” the Apostle Peter wrote about in the Bible. By way of song and story, our hearts will peer one more time into a dark and damp tomb – only to find that the body of the One who once lay there – is gone – and because of that, we have hope!All are invited to attend; the young, the old, the believer and the doubter.There will be something for everyone.” On Thursday, April 14 at 7 p.m., we will be celebrating the “Last Supper” during our Holy Thursday Service at the First Baptist Church in Melrose, 561 Main St. in Melrose. “Together, in solemn refl ection, we will attempt to experience at least a little of what that night might have been like for Christ’s disciples to hear Him say, ‘This is my body,’ as He handed each a carving of unleavened bread,” explains Pastor McClenthen. “This service is intended to turn hearts and minds heavenward and prepare us for our EASTER | SEE PAGE 20
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