Take initiative and schedule something! :)

Hey Joe seems like sour grapes to me. Perhaps you should go down to the Ward Six Fourth of July Celebration at Trafton Park this week. You'll see a celebration as good as anyone's. You can't be serious about complaining about what your Ward is getting though. So much of the City money pouring in its ridiculous. Yea you can complain about that meals tax money, mostly paid for by outsiders who drink and eat in Malden, but your poor old Ward is getting a four and a half million dollar park renovation, (South Broadway), Hanover Street drainage issue fix for how many millions?, and that real estate caper called High Rock for how many more millions. Plus take a look around at all the streets getting done. You've got to be kidding me. You can take the apple cider and the feels good meetings with ten people I'll take your Wards results. Lets make a trade.

Joe, I like your letter. And this is America and you can have your opinion no matter what it is. I also like the fact it upset people and made them comment. Even the IT guy got upset :)

I know Mike but it's funny

Nice letter Joe.

I’ve lived in Ward 6 for nearly 20 years. I can say without doubt this ward has changed significantly. When we first moved here the neighbors talked to each, and looked out for each other’s properties. Today the dynamics have totally changed. I’m one of the few residents left on my street from 20 years ago. At one time you could walk down the street and you knew who your neighbors were. Today most the neighbors don’t talk to each, or even say hi.

I know Michael pointed out all the money being spent in this ward. But, for me it’s not really the money that concerns me the most.

I think there are two big things we need in Ward 6.

1) We need to get our character back. Get back to knowing our neighbors and make this the family friendly place it was so long ago.
2) We need a new City Councilor. Our current Councilor has spent way too much time worrying about his Pet Peeves (Dog Muzzles, Parking Permits, etc.), instead of using his time to understand the wants and needs of the people he is supposed to represent. Without proper representation who knows if all the money being spent in Ward 6 is even in the peoples best interest.

Ken so are you saying its the Ward Councilors job to get you to know your neighbors on your street? That's one heck of a stretch, how about you go out take the initiative and meet your neighbors or organize a cookeout for your block. As for understanding the wants and needs well pretty sure those Hanover Street residents or the ones up there in Maplewood Highlands or the dog park people got their wants and needs met to the tune of millions of dolalrs my ward didn't get. I think Ken you need to get out of your house. What street do you live on. If its in Ward Six probably getting repaved or on the list to get done. Don't ask me how that is happening. Every where I turn when I drive through your ward streets are getting torn up.

Thats the way it was when I was a kid. I grew up in ward 8 but spent many days in Maplewood. Everyone knew everybody. If you were lookin for your dog or kid yhey would tell ya Sure saw him in Linden Park and you were in Maplewood. In the 30's to Late 60's there were actually farms up in the Linden Highlands with all kinds of people pickin blueberries and wild rasberries grapes and lots of wild life. Then City Hall with the Flately Co Decided OH ! This is a Depressed area. We got to develope it. Well They paved Paradise and put up a parking lot. Same happened to Maplewood and Linden and just about everywhere in Malden. Greed at city hall back in those days. Build Buld Build. Now its a big hole for drugs. Personalities were replaced by ConCrete.

I don't get the animosity between people in different wards. Is there a list somewhere of people I'm supposed to like, I just want to make sure I'm following the rules!

Yes Phe I agree your right but had you have lived in my generation early 60's you could see that Maldenites were more freindly ..neighborly and caring..There was no violet crimes. We had Industry here people from all walks of life and all colors and everyone got along. Example Everett Has lots of industry look at there equipment. The Police Cruisers are beautiful same with the Fire Department. There streets are very clean. I hope your correct about the negatives and thank you for responding. A Trip down Memory Lane is good for you sometimes.

I miss the way that Ward 6 used to be when I was growing up in Malden in the 70's and 80's. I miss the cameraderie that used to exist, but I think that part of it is because the kids knew each other so the parents knew each other. Once the kids moved on, the neighborhoods changed. There are virtually no kids in my neighborhood anymore.

I do wonder though -- there have been a few comments on this thread about how High Rock is some sort of cool thing that brings revenue to the city. How so? It used to be a place for us kids to play, pick blueberries, pretend and use our imaginations -- now its just a mess. How is this a good thing for the Ward? (Not trying to be mean, just curious.)

Malden Res no disrespect. I wasn't saying it brought Revenue just that it was bought with the meals tax money. I agree with Mr Mokal about Malden being paved over so in that respect buying High Rock was probably a good thing seeing as now it will be preserved forever as open space which this city needs so badly. Pretty sure that the people up in that area were dead set against blasting from the meeting I attended last year when they wanted it purchased. Just reading this article set me off since Joe there says nothing is happening in his Ward and from where I sit all I see is big things happening in his Ward and its pretty hard to denie. I grew up in Malden too and you are right just not as many kids but I see them at the parks and don't think they are all that different today.

If you want to meet your neighbors go to your ward 4th of July celebration.

Streets all over the city are being torn up for new water pipes, and whom ever is in charge had better speak with the contractor because he has no idea how to repave a street, because all they have done is patch them, worse than before. Street work is not unique to Ward 6, and spending tax money to buy High Rock was a travesty. The City owned that land at one time, only to sell it to a developer....same clowns, different circus!

Joe, on Tuesday night we'll be setting up tents and getting the park ready for the 4th of July celebration at Trafton. We'll meet up Wednesday am at 6 to start the days work. Of course, much of the real work has been done before then securing donations, running around picking up food etc, but regardless, we can always use the help at the grille. We feed literally hundreds of guests who all rave about how its the best put together celebration in the city. Many of those same neighbors you say you want to meet will be there.....the Tommy O'Rourkes setting up the tents, the Antonucci's pitching in wherever needed, its many of the same group year after year. The pay isn't great, but we have some laughs and enjoy the people enjoying themselves. We should be wrapped up by 3pm. The rest of the day is yours to do as you please.

Won't you join us? I was hoping after you ran John's campaign that we'd see you more involved in things like the 4th celebration. Heck, I'll even bring the cider if that will make it all worthwhile.

Ward 6 is anything but inactive . Although the focus has been on infrastructure improvements as opposed to social events the results are the envy of the city . The ammount of funds that have vastly improved the quality of life in the ward are stunning . Councilor Kinnon has used a strategic multi year plan to rebuild Trafton park, repave streets and renew water pipes , purchase over 7 acres of pristine wood lands to stop a development that would have devastated a neighborhood and address the Hanover Street flooding .
I am the leader of the Maplewood Highlands Neighborhood Assosiation as well as a former candidate for Ward 6 City Councilor . Councilor Kinnon has always worked closely with my group as we navigated the creative High Rock purchase as well as the development at Trafton Tot Lot ( Named after our former leader, Joan Callahan ) A former rival, I now appreciate his work and efforts to build coalitions within the ward to forward his aggressive initiatives . I don't always agree with the approach but the results are tangible .
Social events are an important fabric of neighborhoods . We have hosted several Block parties in the Highlands as well as a few fundraising events . With the purchase of High Rock and the resolution of that issue we look forward to broadening our focus on other areas and renewing Maplewood .

Mr. Cipriano, let's not forget that you also worked "behind the scenes" for the Ward 6 councilor acting as his "yes man" by making phone calls and promising a copy of the Maplewood Station contract.
Mr. Cipriano there is merit in getting "results". There are many leaders who "get results" and many of them are people few of us would ever want to emulate. Results can be had through hard work, integrity, and being forthright OR results can be had by fearful intimidation, calling in favors, and inequity.
So which is it Mr. Cipriano? Results by integrity or results through intimidation and strong arming. The latter does not warrant respect.

Oh Boy ! Sounds like that old movie "War Of the Worlds" War of the Wards is more like it. lol Hey Doesn't America Run on Dunkins? I think Ill Run down and get one ..no secound thought Ill walk too old to run. Hey Everyone Have a great 4th of July and please stay safe.

Strange morning with the rain. Arrived at Trafton about 6AM and Charter students were milling around. By quarter of 7 they all left. The Malden Wire Inspectors showed up and chuckled at me standing in the rain by myself. It was funny. Trafton has power, if needed. Break is over. Heading back in a few to see if 4th of July celebrations still happen or get moved. See everyone there!!

Time for Ward 6 to join the City of Malden on issues!!!

Well, I have to say, we had a fantastic turnout at the Trafton Park 4th celebration!! We had a large turnout, best in the city I hear. I stood side by side with Joe as we cooked and handed out over 400 cheeseburgers, a few hundred sausages, countless hot dogs, 40 or so pizzas....it was impressive. Got off to a bit of a late start due to the rain (sorry you had to wait around Joe!), but once things got going, they really got going! Things are alive an well in Ward 6, and kudos to Joe Gray for backing his words up with action!! I hope we've added him permanently to the list of people who I see year in and year out at Trafton helping out and sharing a few laughs with.

Good Morning Mike C. I did say previously that there are pockets that still have that old neighborhood feel. But Highlands isn't the rest of the ward. And we're not talking about the fiscal issues specifically. An debate over "how" much money is pouring into the ward is best left to another area. I'm not going into that issue right now. Please re-read the article.

Good Morning Robert S. Mike C. and I have been on opposing teams in previous elections and may end up on opposing teams in future ward wide clashes. But I hope everyone understands that this is just business. Friendly competition and nothing more. When the dust settles after the latest clash in city hall over something or other, we are all neighbors again living next to each other.
Neil probably doesn't even realize that I'm deeply involved around the edges on the latest big clash in city hall that was reported in the papers recently.
I may be idealistic in sympathizing with Robert Sullivan's point of view of how things should be run, but that's just me. If we can't change things from the top down, I'll keep talking about the way things are run from the bottom up.

It's a small ward after all!!! Ron H. and my wife were classmates and graduated Malden High together. The shocked look on Ron's face was priceless. She says it's the same old Ron from back in high school.
4th of July was amazing. Good to get out from behind a desk. Started feeling like I was back in the old Hay Market with my folks in the 70's. Neil throws a good party but is too scattered. I filled in wherever asked and informed Neil of pressing issues, occasionally during the event. Maybe we can get more people involved to share the planning burden. More people from the ward involved, might help lessen misunderstandings from small issues to big ones.
My wishful thinking hopes more residents volunteer and attend to make ward 6 Independence Day events the envy of the town. Then maybe move on to planning other ward 6 events.

I can tell you that there is certainly a chaotic feel to the 4th of July celebration....despite all the planning that goes into it, its unavoidable, its a product of having a mass of people gathered in a very short window, and was compounded this year by pouring rain right up to the start of the event. But the feedback I get from guests and even the city workers who see every celebration for every ward tells me that the Ward 6 one is the envy of the town already, which is fantastic.

As for other events, I think its a fantastic idea, and honestly, it starts with someone like yourself taking the lead on putting together something to bring everyone together, like a movie night or something. Historically grass roots efforts to bring neighborhoods together have always been more successful when started by a member of the community (versus an elected official). Its clear you are already well engrained in the Ward and would be well received. I bet the response would be fantastic!

Ron: Where in ward 6 do you live? Are you telling us our ward councilor is abdicating his position of leading those who live here? Too much on his plate again?

Isn't he given money from the city and all those donors to provide an "enviable" July 4th party for his ward in this CITY? How many of his volunteer staff for this party come from the charter school? You can bet the other councilors are "envious" of that!

It is not up to Joe Gray or anyone else to host or organize events for the citizens of this ward. Neil Kinnon was elected and is paid to serve us. We can certainly lend a hand and get involved in the goings on here but it is up to Neil to set up the ward meetings and events. He hasn't had one ward meeting in many years and this is the only event he does each year. He should check out what the other ward councilors do to interact with their citizens. I get some of the other councilors newsletters -Gary is the champ here! Neil does a lousy job of keeping ward 6 citizens informed. He's an embarrassment compared to what the other councilors do for their ward citizens. I think Neil likes to fancy himself better than just a ward councilor and more like at-large or Mayor material.

Oh, and as far as the city workers: they tell ALL the wards they had the best event! LOL

Good Morning Annie. Ron is just throwing out suggestions. Everyone in the ward needs to feel their way forward into the next generation. Any official ward event obviously needs the support and official seal of approval of the ward councilor. We will find a way to make this all work.

Good Morning Marc L. Trying to explain, but it seems you're missing the point. The only one suggesting leaving the ward or city is you. Others here are simply recounting their memories of years gone by and observations of other places.

Annie, Yes, they are given money. A very small amount, something like $1,500 I think. Then we raise about $4 for every $1 the city gives us by going door to door to our business partners. This takes effort, and lots of it. And the vast majority of the guests who attended truly appreciate it.

Lets face it, every councilor in the city has things they excel at and those areas where they could do a better job. Go to ward xx and they are complaining that all they are doing is having meetings and they instead want money invested in their ward. It all balances out in the end. Keep in mind it is not a full time job with full time pay, but instead, most of them have to squeeze this in with raising a family and working. I know I know they took the job, but you have to be a realist and can't expect 50 hours of work a week for $17k a year.

Interesting choice of words when you say Neil is there to 'serve' you. Maybe I'm just new school, I tend to not use those terms, but instead think of my politicians as there to represent me, and I consider it my responsibility to partner with them.

You and Neil obviously have a long and storied history that I certainly don't pretend to appreciate or want to get in the middle of. But I stand by the fact that Ward 6 had one heck of an independence day celebration, that a TON of work goes into it, and that more people should get involved.

I totally agree with Ron's comments

Ron: How about full disclosure here. Aren't you Neil's campaign manager? And besties with him and your wives are very close? And where in ward 6 do you live? No, Neil does not "represent" me. Perhaps that is why more people do not get involved and he has to rely upon the charter school to do the heavy lifting.

The last one I went to was for the dedication of the Joan Callahan tot lot. I saw the sign for buying chances and noticed something very wrong. (See above and can you find the error?) When I spoke to the people taking the money, they all were flustered and said they didn't have the authority to change the sign and I should go to Neil which I did. I told him he should look at the sign as there was a mistake. He started yelling at me in front of, as you know, quite the crowd there. Blaming me for always looking for trouble and making things bad. He did not go over to look at the sign and dismissed me with a wave of his hand, like "get outta here" gesture. So, I do not feel welcome at his party. If he wants to rip people off, have at it.

Makes me wonder if there is an accounting for all the money raised and spent. So, you can keep drinking the koolaid but I'm going to pass on it.

AnnieO, I don't know the history of a lot of things here, and I'm sure it goes back quite a ways. And I do admire how you stand up to things that you don't agree with... but what's up with getting personal with comments like your leading few sentences? Don't you think it diminishes your argument a bit?

To me, a casual outside observer, it does.

No, I believe it diminishes Ron's comments when you find out more about him and his agenda. It's Ron's turn at bat to polish Neil's apple which has gotten quite ugly of late with his rude behavior toward our Mayor during a televised public meeting, among other things. Keep your eyes and ears open MIchael. Sit back and learn.

BTW: I enjoy your column on IT issues and have learned quite a bit myself!

All the complaining you do. However, it is thru the efforts of Kinnon that we can walk bearfoot thru the grass at Trafton and safer in Maplewood square in the evenings. I'm not a Koolaid drinker but I can understand why your approach would get you dismissed. You can do allot worse than Kinnon, and you won't do much better. He represents well...

Hi Annie. We remember the machinations of the past, but we have to come up with a way to move forward. The disagreements with Neil are legendary in town and you don't always agree with me either, but Malden and the ward needs your help. I need your help. We can argue offline and even arm wrestle. And don't think I'll let you win, just cause you're a girl. You may be wiry, but I won't underestimate you.
Please Annie, let's ratchet this down a few notches and find a better way. Gary is tough enough to handle City Hall & Neil. Call or email me offline, if you have any questions.

Micheal, you of course have hit the nail on the head. At no time did I make it personal in my posts, but Annie has to respond with personal attacks on me. I'm done, I have made my point in a courteous way and I'll leave it at that.

GO PATCH!! :)
Have a good weekend all

Whoa! Will the real Joe Gray please raise your hand?? What have they done to you? I warned you about the koolaid!

Ron: I suspected you wouldn't answer my questions. Were you able to figure out what was wrong with the sign over the table (from the above picture) selling chances?

I haven't changed at all Annie. Nothing has changed. Everyone sees what they want to see.
Neil now sees me differently. Ron sees me differently. Now you see me differently. John has seen the real me from day one. And I never changed.
I'm still trying to understand the system and change things for the better in this town, regardless of how wildly perceptions shift.
If that puts me at ground zero in the middle of everyone, soaking up incoming fire from all directions, oh well.
Everyone have a great 4th of July weekend. Have a cold one on me.

After all this does it matter the kids had a blast. enough said

Joe, I thought your letter was great. I do not live in Ward 6, but I agree with you. I have a youngster as well and I am always looking for community things to do, there is not much...and if there is, it is not advertised well. I too look at the city calendar in hopes of finding something, I don't mind crashing another Wards party if they have something going on. It is about the kids...having fun, getting to know your community and your city. I did not grow up in Malden, but we chose Malden as a place for our children to grow up. I do love this city and sees what it has to offer and many great things to come I am sure. We had a great July 4th celebration in our Ward 5, it was awesome and they did a great job. But now what? Is there nothing else? I like that you have sparked good conversation and getting people to look at all aspects of their Ward and the city as a whole.
Kiersten

Contact me if you want to brainstorm ways to get ward and/or city projects going that we can all be a part of(like 4th of July, budget or crime meetings).
I'd obviously like to start with ward 6 and import good ideas from around the city and export good ideas, that we may come up with.
Not necessarily block parties, but ideas more geared towards the community as a whole. Each neighborhood(block) is organic in its individual cohesiveness, so do not want to micro-manage that sort of issue.
gutclencher@hotmail.com

Why not in Ward 6? Well, its all about sacking Neil Kinnon. Is there any other reasons?