Our Revolution Malden

We, the undersigned residents of Malden, have different backgrounds and political ideals. Despite our differences, we all are deeply troubled by the recent actions of City Council President Jadeane Sica. Councillor Sica has admitted she held a party which brought together 50 people in the parking lot of a local business, including a DJ. It appears she used her sway to obtain the permission of the venue owner. Additionally, there is evidence that alcohol was consumed in the parking lot. Were there adequate designated drivers, as no one should be sharing a car with someone living in a different home? Finally, when a concerned resident called the police, Councillor Sica claimed that this person was simply trying to embarrass her. Leaders lead by example, and Councillor Sica is telling the community with this action that COVID-19 is an inconvenience, not a serious threat to this community, nation, and planet. Not only might this party become a spreading event for the coronavirus, but it has the effect of inspiring other such events, as community members say, “if the council president can have a party, I can too.” The social distancing protocols we are trying so hard to follow are designed to keep us all safe in these trying times. It is only reasonable to expect that our elected officials follow the same rules. Councillor Sica’s choice to disregard the state’s mandates comes with consequences. We trust that she will realize that given her actions she can no longer ethically serve the Malden City Council. We would expect the same of any other councillor in this situation, but the council president especially can not lead us in this critical time. We request that she resign from her position immediately to demonstrate that she understands and accepts the consequences of her actions.    References: https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2020/05/17/malden-city-council-president-parking-lot-party

An Open Letter from the Members of Our Revolution Malden We are exceedingly concerned by the direction our city council seems to be heading in during this crisis. Items on tonight’s agenda include: A vote to suspend public comment. Items to reappoint two members of our Community Preservation Committee (CPC) who have exceeded their term limits, a clear ordinance violation. An order to suspend the public hearing on CPC funding recommendations and rush a vote without oversight. It would appear that during this time of uncertainty the council would prefer to work in the shadows, work towards ends that will only hurt the most vulnerable members of our community. Equally troubling- the members of our council who are consistently champions of the people are not named as sponsors of any of the items on the agenda, because they were not allowed to contribute to the process we elected them to. Last week, there was an attempt to change the rules that would have fast tracked major items without appropriate scrutiny or oversight. Five councillors voted against that. This week, the council president denied these five councillors with the opportunity to put any items on the agenda. At a time when partisan gridlock at the federal level is literally killing Americans, we seem to be devolving to the same behavior locally. The members of Our Revolution Malden wish to state in no uncertain terms where we stand on these items: “Vote to suspend Council Rule # 5.03 allowing public comment at this evenings [sic] meeting” Public comment is necessary in a functioning democracy. Councilor DeMaria passionately advocated for the residents of this city to be heard at council meetings, and that need is more important, not less, now that those residents cannot speak with their representatives in person. 109-20: “Communication on Council Re-Appointment: Lisa Sulda […] as a member of the Community Preservation Committee; term to expire March 15, 2022 […]“ The appointee of the ward 1 councillor to the CPC has exceeded their term limit and is not eligible for reappointment. Spending the time to find an adequate replacement will not delay CPC business. 110-20: “Communication on Council Re-Appointment: Julianne Orsino […] as a member of the Community Preservation Committee; term to expire March 15 2022 […]“ The appointee of the ward 8 councillor to the CPC has exceeded their term limit and is not eligible for reappointment. In addition, this member lives in Ward 3. Ward 8 has no representation on the CPC, and we are aware of plenty of eligible appointees. The residents of Ward 8 contribute to CPA funds and deserve a voice. Spending the time to find an adequate replacement will not delay CPC business. 113-20: “Order to dispense with the requirement for the Community Preservation Committee to hold a public hearing […]“ CPC funds belong to this community. The notion that determinations about these funds should be made without community input is simply outrageous. There have been no public hearings regarding these funds up to this point. If anything, there should be an order on the agenda to require the public be heard. Among other items, the CPC is poised to vote on rental assistance. People’s lives are going to depend on these funds. What’s more, the council is seeking to bypass the finance committee- while on the surface it might sound nice to get this done quickly, this is a discussion that deserves meaningful consideration. Bypassing the committee also sets a dangerous precedent. At best, the council’s actions suggest a panicked, rushed response when we need steady hands. At worst, this crisis is being weaponized to undermine the will of the people. We need collaboration in our city government, and we need it tonight. Take the time to find appropriate appointments for the CPC. Do not silence the residents of our city. Sincerely, Our Revolution Malden

An Open Letter from the Members of Our Revolution Malden Our lives have been disrupted by COVID-19 in Malden, as have the lives of our neighbors throughout the region, state, & nation. However, for too long we have been waiting on our city council to adapt to this unprecedented threat. While our own school committee and the governing bodies of surrounding communities are holding virtual meetings, we find ourselves heading into this escalating crisis with reckless uncertainty. Recently the Malden council president stated, “We can focus on what’s within our control,” essentially claiming the council is powerless to take any meaningful action in the face of this pandemic. We strongly disagree. That’s why we are calling on our elected leaders to be proactive. Not only should a virtual city council meeting be conducted at the earliest possible time (for instance, Tuesday, April 7, at 7 p.m.), but we would like the following items to be taken up: Rental Assistance The council should assess the use of federal grants to fund a rental assistance program. Additionally, the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) should be directed to meet immediately, as community preservation funds are appropriate for use in rental assistance as well (committees in other communities have also held such virtual meetings). The lapsed appointees of the CPC should be replaced or reappointed to ensure ongoing productivity. Secure Housing Homeowners are not immune to losing their jobs or their health. The council should assess a freeze on property tax collection, at the very least until Governor Baker’s nonessential business order is lifted. The council should seek a moratorium on evictions, and ensure that utilities are not cut off due to missed payments. These things may not be happening currently, but residents will not suddenly be financially stable when the courts decide to reopen. Assistance For Our Homeless Population With government buildings and businesses closed, we must provide the homeless with a place to spend their days, use a restroom, or eat a meal. The council should work within the region to make sure those most vulnerable are treated with dignity. The city’s portable toilets, currently locked and unused due to public park closures, should be repurposed immediately for use at one or more accessible location(s). Open Streets As the weather improves, we will see unprecedented pedestrian and cyclist use of sidewalks, streets, & trails. It will quickly become unsafe to practice social distancing. The council should enact a plan to prohibit nonessential vehicles from roads which will be most affected by this change. Sanitation And General Wellbeing The council should work with all parties to ensure trash pickup. In the short term, this means a way to dispose of trash without an in-person trip to buy sanctioned Pay As You Throw (PAYT) bags. In the medium term, it means the elimination of the PAYT program. The council should do everything in its power to accommodate experts when it comes to establishing healthcare overflow sites. The council members should host virtual office hours to maintain the level of accessibility expected of their constituents. Members of this community, of all backgrounds and technical abilities, have been working and communicating remotely for weeks now. It’s time for our elected officials to join us. It has never been more important to advance a bold agenda, one which will secure the future health and wellbeing of all Maldonians. We will get through this together, but we must be set up for success when we do. Sincerely,  Our Revolution Malden