Maldden alld a Vol. 29, No. 19 den AADD -FREEU nder a new proposal by Mayor Gary Christenson, Malden residents will now have a choice on how to dispose of their trash each week. From the outset of the implementation of the Pay As You Throw (PAYT) disposal system – often referred to as the “Blue Bags” – some have sought changes to make the program more convenient for residents while maintaining the positive benefits that came with the original change. Former Mayor Richard Howard introduced the PAYT system in 2008, in an eff ort to both reduce the city’s cost of municipal disposal as well as increasing Malden’s recycling. Both initial goals were accomplished, but through the years, both residents and members of past and present City Councils have spoken out for and against the PAYT system and requested changes. At present, Malden residents Mayor pushes forward on trash and recycling changes Residents will have a choice on how to dispose of their trash By Steve Freker Malden Primary Election Results see page 10 CTE OCAT AT www.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday 617-387-2200 By Steve Freker F Gary Christenson Mayor put out recyclable items in blue plastic bins each week and dispose of other trash in blue-colored bags which are purchased in local stores and supermarkets. A number of residents still support the existing system. In February, Mayor Gary Christenson submitted to the City Council a proposal to modernize the solid waste program. “When PAYT was implemented, the City’s recycling rate skyTRASH | SEE PAGE 7 HOMETOWN HERO: U.S. Senator Ed Markey celebrates his win over U.S. Congressman Joseph Kennedy III in the September 1 Primary Election. (Advocate photo by Josh London) Malden Board of Health Director: 'We will be ready if COVID-19 vaccine becomes available' CDC announces that states should be preparing to receive it potentially later this fall By Steve Freker I f and when a vaccine for COVID-19 becomes available, the city of Malden has already begun work to be prepared to receive and administer it. That is what Malden Board of Health Director Chris Webb told those in attendance at the Aug. 26 COVID-19 Update and Information meeting. The meeting was hosted virtually by Malden Mayor Gary Christenson via MATV/Urban Media Arts. Webb's statement last week took on greater importance and more clarity over the past couple of days when it was announced the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has told public health officials around the United States to prepare to distribute a potential coronavirus vaccine as soon as late October. It also provided planning scenarios to help states prepare. A caller to the show had inquired about the status of a vaccine and at what point it might be available to residents. Webb said there was no defi nitive timetable for the creation and subsequent distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, when it was ready, Webb said it would be imperative that individual states and local communities would have to be ready with plans in place to receive and administer a future vaccine. "If we get word it's ready, we have to be ready to go — and we will be ready," Webb VACCINE | SEE PAGE 10 $1.59 GALLON We accept: MasterCard * Visa * & Discover Price Subject to Change without notice 100 Gal. Min. 24 Hr. Service 781-286-2602 * Mulching * Spring Clean-ups * Trimming & Maintenance NOW BOOKING NEW CUSTOMERS! Call 781-321-2074 or someone other than Ed Markey, it might have raised an eyebrow when the victorious candidate strode to the openair podium, arm-in-arm with his wife and a radiant gleam in his E Friday, September 4, 2020 Markey scores big reelection win over Kennedy Incumbent U.S. Senator comes full circle from underdog to commanding winner eye as he began to speak. The tall victor looked resplendent WIN | SEE PAGE 9
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