Welcome and thank you for visiting ElectGary.com, the official web site for Gary Christenson, Malden City Councillor - Ward 1. I have been honored and privileged to represent the neighborhood where I grew up these past four years on the Malden City Council and I look forward to continuing doing so with your help the next two years.
Since taking office in January 2004, I have focused on improving neighborhood communication and quality of life issues, including the raising of our pride and spirit. In the area of communication, I have made it a policy to return every phone call (hopefully, there is no one reading this that can dispute that policy) and I frequently make site visits to neighbors homes to see firsthand the issues that concern them. I am also proud to say that we have close to 400 residents on our neighborhood e-mail system.
On quality of life issues, I have found that the people of Ward 1 are concerned with the appearance of their property, their streets, and their neighborhood. I have established "The Neighborhood Sweep" to keep Ward 1 clean. I also have a direct line to Super Stop & Shop to have shopping carts removed and I have been working with National Grid to have our streetlights repaired quickly. Also, I have worked with the city to go after those residents who will not work with us to keep our neighborhood presentable.
One quality of life issue that I am particularly excited about is the Green Street Park renovation. After holding a ribbon cutting ceremony on the refurbishment of the baseball field in May 2007, we are now awaiting the complete renovation of the tot lot which is expected to be completed in August, 2007. Phase III, the renovation of the basketball and tennis court, will take place in 2008.
Working with the neighborhood, we have raised the pride and spirit of our neighborhood by holding events such as Mother's Day Breakfast, Flag Day, July 4th Celebration, Jazz Night, and the Annual Back-to-School Bowling Party. Our most crowning achievement was the return of the Malden Holiday Parade which still continues today.
On the City Council, I have served on the Ordinance, License, Public Safety, and Finance Committees. In 2006, I was named Chairman of the Finance Committee. I have voted to minimize our property tax rates as much as possible and led the city council in passing the first ever residential tax incentive to reward homeowners living in the city. I also worked hand-in-hand with my colleagues to keep Palmer Manufacturing in Malden for the next 15 years. Finally, I have stated that if City Hall is relocated, it be relocated with ample public parking.
I have thoroughly enjoyed representing you on the City Council. With your friendship and support, I look forward to continue representing you the next two years.
Best regards,
