Page 2 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, July 25, 2025 ~ Political Announcement ~ Karen Colón Hayes announces reelection for City Councilor-At-Large H ello, my name is Karen Colón Hayes, and I am seeking reelection as your City Councilor-At-Large. It has been a true honor to serve our community in this role over the past few years. I have dedicated myself to ensuring our city government remains accessible to all residents. Transparency is a core value for me, as it fosters trust between the community and Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 our local government. We need leaders who are honest, hold one another accountable, and conduct themselves with professionalism. At the same time, we must move beyond division and avoid wasting time on petty disputes. By working together, we can navigate the challenging times ahead. I am proud of the work I have done for affordable housing both in my role on the city council and through my personal commitment. I have been dedicated to advancing affordable housing initiatives in Malden by serving as a board member on the Metro North Housing Corporation and on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Housing Committee. The combined efforts on both resulted in 14 units at the Bread of Life for home ownership, which is fully occupied today, the Bryant Street affordable housing project and a project at the former Salvation Army site in Malden. Transparency and public trust in local governance is crucial and one of my top priorities. Since being elected I post weekly agendas on social media channels and led the charge for a City Council Hybrid Technology policy. As part of the tech committee, we helped make it possible for the community and elected officials to have remote access for all our meetings. Access to green space is vital, particularly in urban areas. It is essential to protect our parks and ensure they are available to Karen Colón Hayes Councilor-At-Large everyone. One of the reasons we bought our home in Malden over 30 years ago was its proximity to the Middlesex Fells Reservation and the Malden River. That is why when I was approached by community members, I advocated re-establishing the Parks and Recreation Commission. I am also the council liaison for the open space committee and have attended all meetings to support the roll out of this plan. Walking in nature is something we do as a family often and we are also a family who uses public transportation and bike riding as a means to travel. None of our adult children own cars, and two of them don’t even have drivers licenses. That’s why ensuring safe streets is incredibly important to us, and why I am committed to continuing to collaborate with organizations like Malden Safe Streets and Bike to the Sea. My career has been deeply centered on working with youth, beginning with supporting at-risk young people in an outward bound program, tripling the size of the summer youth employment program and continuing today with the establishment of the Malden Youth Council to increase youth civic engagement. Mentoring our young people helps them navigate challenges with greater confidence and it’s why I will continue to provide this support to our youth in any way that is helpful. Finally, I am proud to be the daughter of a union president, and the director of the Hispanic Inmate Needs Department in the federal prison system in New York - among the first Puerto Ricans to hold such a position. Because of this legacy, I stand firmly in support of our unions, openly demonstrating my solidarity by joining picket lines and offering assistance wherever it’s needed. We have much more to do together! I remain steadfast in moving forward, regardless of the challenges and obstacles put before me, with my focus firmly on the people of Malden. Your needs will always be my top priority. I would be deeply honored to have your support and humbly ask for your vote on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Follow me on Instagram: @kchmalden Facebook: @kchformaldencitycouncil X: @colon_hayes
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