Malden Election Profile: Julianne Orsino For City Councilor

MALDEN, MA — There are three contested City Councilor races in Malden's municipal election Nov. 5. Julianne Orsino, 55, is running against Amanda Linehan in Ward 3.

Orsino lives in Malden with her wife, Emily Rivera, and their daughter. She has over 20 years of experience as a senior project manager with a focus on implementing multi-million dollar global software solutions for Fortune 100 companies.

Orsino has served as the chair of the Malden Community Preservation Committee and a member of the Malden Complete Streets Task Force.

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The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The most common concern discussed by residents is moving forward with a solution for the Malden Hospital site. For the past 5 years, I have organized resident meetings with decision-makers to make sure a large apartment complex was not developed at the site. As the Ward 3 City Councillor, I will continue to represent the will of the people and work with decision-makers to implement the long standing community vision of open space accessible to all with a component of affordable housing for senior/veterans. The community has clearly indicated there is no appetite for a large, at-market rate apartment complex at this location. With the recent communication from Hallmark Health, there appears to be an opportunity for Hallmark, leaders and the community to work toward a viable solution.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have a vested interest, not conflicts of interest. As a resident, I have real accomplishments in Ward 3 and throughout the city. These have been applauded by many. I bring concrete experiences of implementing solutions, working with all stakeholders in a productive/positive manner and managing large budgets. My campaign is 100% grassroots, completely volunteer driven and has no paid staff or PAC support to help manage the demands of the campaign. We have focused on direct resident contact while staying true to a positive and Malden-focused message.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

It is important that Malden measures both the positive and negative impact of the 2,200 new housing units on city revenue, school funding, traffic, MBTA assessments and affordable housing to develop a long term vision and plan for the city. Included in the plan will be how we grow commercial development to balance out these at-market rate apartments that have been added to our housing inventory.

Other issues include 1) finding an acceptable solution to the "blue bag" contract; 2) adding much needed solar on demand pedestrian lights and other safety measures by using ride share revenue to pay for these improvements; 3) using data metrics to prioritize lead line replacement in areas that have the greatest concentration of children; 4) investing in our open space and parks; and 5) contracting with an arborist to provide expertise in how best to manage and improve our tree inventory needed to beautify our city. You can learn more about my campaign platform at www.orsinoward3.com and on Facebook at Julianne Orsino Ward 3.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I will bring to city council concrete work and personal experiences in negotiating, budget management and working well with groups with differing interests.

As a Sr Project manager at Fortune 100 companies in Boston, I successfully managed software projects of global scope and implemented on time and under budget. If you are in the technology field, you know that software projects are rarely delivered on time or on budget yet I was known by my peers and leaders to be able to do both successfully.

As Chairperson of the Malden Community Preservation Committee I have been leading an amazing team of resident, unpaid volunteers (like me) to develop a CPA program specific to the needs of Malden. In record time, we created the governance and application process by which residents submit projects for affordable housing, open space and /or historical preservation and funded 8 CPA projects throughout the city. This committee has received many public compliments about our accomplishments, how dedicated we are, how hard we work, and how well we operate as a team.

As co-founder of Malden Community Action Group, I have organized/led over 14 park cleanups, and organized/led several community events including the most recent Haunted Hike at Fellsmere Park on Oct. 25 which was attended by an estimated 250 people!

As a community member, I gathered 160 resident signatures to remind state and city elected leaders that fixing the intersection at Fellsway/Highland Ave need to be a priority. For 2 years, I consistently followed up with leaders of the need to implement the long term solution outlined by DCR. We live in close proximity to this intersection and have witnessed many accidents, near misses and "wrong way" driving. Supporting adaptive lights at one of the top 10 most dangerous intersections in the state is a common sense and life saving solution.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

I was camping in Alaska and riding a bus that takes visitors through Denali National Park. While on the bus, the park ranger told me, "you've got to get off the bus." I did and will never forget the amazing experiences I had with nature. It was scary because I was in remote wilderness, in the middle of nowhere by myself and with no cell phone. I remind myself of this advice whenever I need to challenge myself to do something that is difficult and risky. Without taking risks, you limit yourself of potential experiences that are life transforming or sometimes just fun!

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

On a personal note, I have walked many paths in my life and there is much to know about me. My inner strength was built from facing adversity and growing from it.

I am a fierce community advocate in Malden and I have many accomplishments to show for it!

As a candidate, I believe I have the right skill set, temperament, professional experience and common sense, logical problem solving approach that Ward 3 needs now. I ask for your vote on Nov. 5.