Council Meeting 3/13/2008

Malden - What happened to the voice of the people?
To the editor:
I attended the council meeting (on Tuesday, March 4) in support of the Friends of McFadden Manor. I thought the allowed speakers made a very good presentation “in a limited way.” My concern was that the councilors respectfully listened, but there was little reaction or questioning on what was being said.
Most councilors have said that “they needed more information” before deciding their plan of action. We had a “nice” warm reception, but, really, no substance in what is the problem and how it can be solved.
Mass Senior Action Metro North members have advised the Friends how to proceed in organizing and proceeding through the steps to get recognition at City Hall and dealing with the departments. They have been able to get people to listen, but no substance.
We have made money the issue in making 42 Malden residents homeless. We are now seeing the city about to stop taking responsibility for the welfare and care of even more frail and vulnerable Malden residents because we need to remove them from the tax rolls, while we benefit the more affluent citizens with a modern assisted-living complex.
Keep McFadden open. Find the money in the budget.
I was disappointed that we had a closed hearing and more of the citizens were not allowed to express their concerns. I guess the unusual numbers maybe in attendance showed the feeling of the voters of the city, and that this issue is to be remembered as to what the City Council will do.

Howard McGowan
Pleasant Street
Malden