Debbie DeMaria ~ Candidate for Councillor-At-Large

After retiring from Delta Air Lines boasting a 32 year career as an Employee Leader and Advocate, I hit the ground running serving as your Ward 3 School Committee Representative.  My energy and tenacity offered me lots of challenges serving as Vice Chair of Policy and Procedures.  I joined in on the Budget Sub-Committee, was the Malden delegate for Shore Collaborative and proudly the District PTO group.  With much effort from our PTO groups, I led an active citywide contest which engaged all students to choose and vote for our very first school brand:  "Malden Public Schools, Where Futures Begin"

I am the President of a non-profit foundation which directly supports Malden, a member of our  Chamber of Commerce and the owner of DDsDRESSING, Inc., where I employ Triangle of Malden.  I am a past President of Junior Aid Association, core member of Malden Reads; and support Bread of Life, the YWCA and Bike to the Sea.

But my most endearing and important role in life is that of mother of three, grandmother and wife of 33 years to my husband Al.

I believe Malden is at a cross roads between what was and what will be.  There are more things happening in Malden than one can list.  Proudly we are diverse.  Disturbingly we are congested.  Anxiously our schools are bulging.  And, creatively we are reaching for a stronger and larger business base.

Now having said that, I believe we need more effective strong leaders to navigate this journey.  We need to work together and encourage positive dialog, problem solving and respect.  And, anyone who knows me; will confirm that I am a problem solver!  During my career in the airline industry, I was so fortunate to work within many divisions.  In my final three years, I played a key role in merging and blending two companies together ~ Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines.  Each great company had different cultures, best practices and core values.  Through three years of continuous respectful positive dialog and commitment, two companies became one.  I am very proud of my role in their outcome!  What decisions we make as leaders will pave the future of our City.

Working on 9-11 at Logan Airport and seeing first hand what can happen when we are NOT prepared, confirmed my belief that SAFETY must come FIRST.  We must continue to foster confidence within our DPW, Fire and Police specialists that they are the finest any City could ask for!

There is so much to do, and so many platforms to address.  It has been my honor to serve the residents of Ward 3 on the School Committee, and now I will work to have the honor to serve YOU, the residents of the City of Malden on the City Council.

THANK YOU for considering me for one of your three votes. Debbie DeMaria ~ Candidate for Councillor-At-Large.