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Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, August 12, 2022 Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $3.879 Mid Unleaded $4.359 Super $4.739 Diesel Fuel $4.649 44 Years of Excellence!! 1978-2022 KERO $8.99 DEF $4.75 9 DYED ULS $4.149 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS Hours: Mon. - Wed. 6AM - 6PM / Thurs. & Fri. 6AM - 7PM / Sat. 7AM - 5PM / Sun. 9AM-1PM Need a hall for your special event? The Schiavo Club, located at 71 Tileston Street, Everett is available for your Birthdays, Anniversaries, Sweet 16 parties and more? Call Paul at (617) 387-5457 for details. J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. A ~ Guest Commentary ~ A Democracy Under Siege By Richard Umbro s the midterm elections for the U.S. Representatives approach, we will soon be inundated by political rhetoric on a grand scale. Fueled by blind ambitions and campaign financing, the ego-driven aspirants will take to stage and media outlets with speeches of grandeur and bombast. They will employ catchphrases, such as “gaslighting,” “revolving door;” “push back the curtain” and references to “cool-aid” and “rabbit holes.” Also egregious names association to: Marx, Trotsky, Axis Sally, Rita Zucca, Chou En-Lai and Pol Pot. You will hear strange sounding words, sometimes very diffi - cult to pronounce or understand unless you are attuned to political jargon, words such as Autocrat, Bureaucrat, Populist, Hawk, Dove, Fascist, Nationalist and last yet not least, the word “Gerrymander.” A term that is associated with the intent and purpose of destroying the foundation of a democracy that we all embrace regardless of party affiliation. A word that future generations will refer to as political profanity. The origin of the term “gerrymander” can be traced back to 1812, when the governor of Massachusetts – named Eldridge Gerry – devised a plan to manipulate congressional districts geographically, in order to send more members of his party to the US House of Representatives, in an attempt to become the majority. The device has geopolitical complexities. However, rather than dwell on intricate machinations, the simplifi cation of the process is in order. Each State has congressional districts according to the population, each district has an elected representative, the more districts, the more reps. Legislative maps are drawn after each 10-year census. Expanding or shrinking the boundaries, by the party in power is the key factor. Governor Gerry distorted one district on the map that resembled a salamander, hence the term “Gerrymander.” Redrawn districts can be reconstructed by “splitting” or “packing” the constituents, usually aff ecting minorities, rendering their vote ineff ective, mute or “wasted.” This practice if left unabated will soon allow our beloved democracy to devolve into a Third World Autocracy, ripe for insurrection, led by a “Willie Stark” or “Elmer Gantry” type. Several lawsuits were presented to challenge the ploy, and one, in particular, reached the Supreme Court in the form of a suit tilted “Rucho vs Common Cause.” In one of the most controversial decisions made in the history of the Supreme Court, including “Dred Scott” and “Citizens United,” the court ruled 5 to 4 that federal judges cannot block “Gerrymandering.” This decision in eff ect allowed each state legislature the path toward the loss of credibility. The fl oodgates of partisan polarization were opened, and the tentacles of political discourse found democracy to be an easy prey. Complaint without remedy is counterproductive, and a solution may be possible by assigning an independent commission to draw legislative maps. Supreme Court Justices are only human and at times those long black robes they wear allegedly become porous from long use and have lost their “Solomon” perceived wisdom. In summation, when the time arrives, be sure to rise up off that couch and get out to vote. However, be careful when you fi ll in that oval; that darkened sphere may result in dire consequences if you had listened to those who will sow seeds of division. Be cognizant of some that advocate Nationalism garnished with the foul rhetoric of Jingoism. Be aware of the Oligarchs who spread “Dark Money” around under the cover of anonymity. Sever ties with those who march to the beat of a diff erent drummer. They chant slogans of discord, division and insurrection that are out of tune with mainstream America. When that kind of political carnage is allowed to fl ourish, then a Democracy is Under Siege. Malden receives $127K to address S • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 speeding and pedestrian safety concerns Advocate Staff Report T LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping he City of Malden has received $127K from the Shared Streets & Spaces Program of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to replace antiquated school safety equipment, improve city communications and collect speed data. The City will use $85K to install two new fl ashing school zone signs at the Beebe School and fi ve new fl ashing school zone signs at the Ferryway School. The existing signs at these schools are in poor condition compared to those at Malden’s four other K-8 public schools. These devices are important toward reducing vehicle speeds, increasing the visibility of students and reducing the risk of pedestrian crashes. Replacing the existing school zone flashing signs with up-to-date equipment will not only help calm traffi c where students travel the most, but it will address a gap in Malden’s school safety infrastructure. The new equipment will alert drivers of the school zone 20 mph speed limit with fl ashing lights and show their speed when entering the school zones. “Student safety is a priority for our community,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “This award and the fl ashing school zone signs we will be able to purchase with it will help protect young people and make the roads safer for some of our most vulnerable users. Malden looks forward to continuing this important work in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.” Malden will also use $42K to purchase two trailer-mountSAFETY | SEE PAGE 5 Prices subject to change Ask about our Heating Oil Conditioner! FLEET

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