Campaign Cleanup

After Veteran’s Day observances 11/11/2011, please start gathering up campaign posters and signs.  Drop materials off at 9 Waite street or at 295R Lebanon street(white house with black trim and large red star on garage).

Concession Speech

November 8, 2011

Election Eve

My name is John Robillard and I’m running for Ward 6 City Councilor.  I’m 63 years old and retired from the retail future business.  Along with my wife Cindy, we’ve owned a home here in Malden for the past 23 years, where we raised our 3 children.  I’ve never run for public office before, but decided to get involved, when I became more aware of what was going on in Ward 6 as well as Malden as a whole.

I firmly believe we need openness and transparency in our government, where citizen’s voices are heard.  We must cater to the needs of our constituents without any catering to any special interest or businesses, while keeping our city fiscally sound.

If elected I will make this my full time job, keeping regular scheduled office hours and conducting more ward meetings in order to keep everyone informed, as well as listening to their input.

I look forward to TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 08, 2011 when the citizens of Malden and Ward 6 can have their voices heard.

If you want change, vote for John Robillard, Ward 6 City Councilor this coming Tuesday.

Sign Rally Monday November 7

Sign Rally in Maplewood Square Monday November 7,  7:30AM – 8:30AM
Sign Rally in Maplewood Square Monday November 7,  4PM – 5PM

Ballot Question #3

Question 3:

Summary:

State statute prohibits a person from simultaneously holding multiple elective city offices. However, provisions of the city charter do not restrict a person from simultaneously running for multiple elective city offices. If a person were elected to two municipal offices simultaneously, he or she would have to choose between the two offices, creating an immediate vacancy in the other office.

A YES vote would prohibit candidates from simultaneously running for multiple elective city offices.

A NO vote would leave in place the ability to run simultaneously run for multiple elective city offices.

John Robillard Response:

“Even though no one is currently running for two offices at the same time and no one has in recent memory, this is an easy yes vote. Taking a pro-active approach would offset any future issues.”

http://www.cityofmalden.org/Election-Resources/

Ballot Question #2

Question 2:

Summary:

The proposed amendment would modify the manner for filling of vacancies in all municipal elective offices. Vacancies in all elective offices would be filled in a uniform manner by special election, unless the vacancy arises between May 1st and July 1st of a municipal election year. If the vacancy arises between May 1st and July 1st of a municipal election year, it would be filled at the regular election, with the person elected assuming office immediately upon certification of election results. For Ward Councillor, Councillor At Large and School Committee member, a person elected at the regular municipal election or at a special election held after July 1st of a municipal election year would fill the unexpired term and the subsequent term. For Mayor, a person elected at the regular municipal election or at a special election held after July 1st of a municipal election year would hold office for the balance of the term if a Mayoral election was not scheduled for that year and would hold office for the balance of the term and for the next regular term if a Mayor election was scheduled for that year.

Special elections would be held not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days from the date the vacancy occurs and the person elected would assume office upon certification of the election results. The offices of Ward Councillor, Councillor At Large and School Committee would remain vacant until a special election was held. The office of Mayor would be filled by the City Council President until a special election was held.

Currently, a vacancy in the office of Ward Council is filled by special election, except in the last 6 months of a term; a vacancy in the office of Mayor is filled by the President of the City Council; a vacancy in the office of Councillor At Large is filled by the defeated candidate who received the next highest number of votes in the last election and is eligible and willing to serve or, if there is no such defeated candidate, by anyone who is eligible and willing to serve and is chosen by a majority of the remaining City Councillors; a vacancy in the office of School Committee is filled by the defeated candidate who received the next highest number of votes in the last election and is eligible and willing to serve or, if there is no such defeated candidate, by anyone who is eligible and willing to serve and is chosen by a majority of the remaining school committee members and the President of the City Council.

A YES vote would modify the manner for the filling of vacancies in elective office.

A NO vote would leave in place the present system for filling vacancies in elective office

John Robillard Response:

“Even though the cost of having a special election would be costly, it is absolutely necessary that we do so. The resignation of Councilor Michael Sheehan in 2008 is a good example, when he was eventually replaced by someone, who only received 23 votes, this is not majority rule. I do believe that any elected official, who vacates their elected position before their term is completed, should be replaced using the election process but not when the remainder of that term is less than 6 months.”

http://www.cityofmalden.org/Election-Resources/

Ballot Question #1

Question 1:

Summary:

The proposed amendment would reduce the number of votes required to pass an initiative petition. If the amendment is adopted, an initiative petition would pass if 25% of the total number of registered voters voted in the affirmative and there were more affirmative votes than negative votes. Currently, an initiative petition is adopted if 33% of the total number of registered voters votes in the affirmative and there are more affirmative votes than negative votes.

A YES vote would reduce the requirement for passage of an initiative petition.

A NO vote would leave in place the present requirement for passage of an initiative petition.

John Robillard Response:

“Lowering the threshold of registered voters needed to pass an initiative petition from 33% to 25% is a step in the right direction, but still sets the bar too high. This, if passed, would still require 7,000 yes votes based on the city’s 28,000 registered voters. In the last election in 2009, there was only a 30% voter turnout of 8,508.
I would like to see the threshold set to a majority of those, who actually vote.  In this case, it would require 4,255 yes votes to pass.”

http://www.cityofmalden.org/Election-Resources/

In Their Own Words

All candidates for office were asked to make a final Question of the Week statement, by a well read local newspaper.

“This great city of Malden needs change with more openness and transparency, especially in Ward 6. A person, holding the position of Councillor, should be working solely for those he or she represents and not have any conflict-of-interest.

A councillor should inform and above all listen to their constituents and not bully or shut them out of the process. When a 19 year local business owner is told he has no say regarding the meals tax, because he doesn’t live in the city or when the abutters at the Trafton dog park try to get the parks hours reduced, it gets increased instead, that’s being a bully and not listening.

A Ward Councillor’s first responsibility is to the Ward he or she represents, but also to the City itself. That person must bring the police, fire, and school departments at least up to minimum Federal standards, including equipment and building structures. That person must find ways to meet the needs of all our citizens. Elderly, minority groups, business owners and others have a stake inMalden and must be listened to.

I believe we can make this city one of the best in the State, while still staying fiscally responsible.

I do not have all the answers and no one person does.  That’s why citizen input is so important and necessary.

If you want change in Ward 6, vote for John Robillard this November 8^th.
This will be my full time job and passion.“

Firestation Inquiry

“I went to the Fire Station Building Committee meeting in the Mayor’s office, scheduled for October 27, 2011 (4:00 PM). I got there at 3:55pm.

The fire chief, Lucci, Howard and three others were present. One I think was Toomajian. Councilor Kinnon called in and said he could not attend, because he was tied up at his regular day job.

The group members present at the committee hearing briefly discussed the new roof for the main fire station and said it should be done by November 15. They’re using a local contractor from Malden. They next voted on discussing an interim station just before I was asked to leave. I was asked to leave because it was a closed executive session at 4:10, or so I was told.  I found this unusual, since I was informed that such meetings of public interest were open to residents.”

–John Robillard

Question of the Week October 21, 2011

All candidates were asked the following Question of the Week by a well read local newspaper.  “What groups and organizations are you involved with?”
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John Robillard, Ward 6 Challenger
“while I have done some volunteer work for other organizations, like Oak Grove Improvement Association, most of my free time and dedication is with Bread of Life. Along with being a board member, I do a lot of hands on work helping to feed the less fortunate in our area. I look forward to many years with this great organization.”

Immaculate Conception Breakfast

“The charity breakfast yesterday at Immaculate Conception was very worth while. They put out an incredible spread that included eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, toast, pancakes, coffee and juice. We went early but people were starting to roll in after Mass. We got to talk for some time with one of the representatives of Housing Families. Cindy and I were so impressed, that we told them that after the election, we would like to see about getting involved in their organization.  Their web site is www.housingfamilies.org.
§

I’d also like to thank Gene Pinkham and the Knights of Columbus for all the great work they do for Housing Families and other great organizations throughout the city.
§

The highlight of the morning is when unexpectedly, Senator Scott Brown walked in. Cindy and I were able to chat with him for about 5 minutes. Did you know, he once lived on Como St and is very familiar with Maplewood?”
§
-John

Responsibility

“With the fantastic news of additional state aid being given to Malden, it is the duty and responsibility of Malden’s elected officials to shepherd these funds to the needy in terms of infrastructure, education and balancing the city’s financial coffers.  The State is giving nearly $770 thousand dollars to Malden.
It will be my full time job, as Ward 6 Councilor, to help balance the city’s budget.”

http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/malden/2011/10/state_gives_malden_770k_local.html

Question of the Week October 14, 2011

All candidates were asked the following Question of the Week by a well read local newspaper.  “Describe your political philosophy in 60 words or less.”  The Ward 6 incumbent failed to respond, once again, for unpublished reasons.
********************
John Robillard, Ward 6 Challenger
“An elected official is chosen by the citizens as their representative.  He or she has the responsibility to inform and above all listen to those constituents.  Sometimes tough choices need to be made.  We must weigh those decisions and their impact on those we serve not only now, but in the future.  Above all, we need to be fiscally responsible.”

Pancake Breakfast

John and Cynthia will be attending the Pancake Breakfast at the Immaculate Conception Church. Every bit of charitable help to the neediest among us is appreciated.

“The Immaculate Conception Knights of Columbus Council 13966 is sponsoring a Pancake Breakfast to benefit Housing Families/Rodman Ride for Kids.
Sunday October 23, 2011  9am – 1pm
Immaculate Conception Church
600 Pleasant street, Malden MA”

Ward 6 Election Debate?

Sadly not.  The Robillard Committee inquired as to the possibility of a Ward 6 candidate debate being scheduled by MATV or other media outlet.  John Robillard expressed his desire to air issues and willingness to schedule a one on one debate on TV with the incumbent.
With the election quickly approaching and the breaking news today that MATV is only scheduling a debate for the At-Large councilors, John wishes those candidates well.  John will continue preparations and hopes to see each and every one of you at the voting booths on election day, November 8, 2011.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/malden/topstories/x888172557/Debate-shakeup-in-Malden

Question of the Week October 7, 2011

All candidates were asked the following Question of the Week by a well read local newspaper.  “What advice would you give the next Mayor of Malden“  The Ward 6 incumbent failed to respond once again for unpublished reasons.
********************
John Robillard, Ward 6 Challenger
“The Mayor has to be open, transparent, accessible and not aloof. I believe he or she should have at least six open forum meetings a year, so the citizens are aware of what direction the city is headed and in turn they can voice their concerns.  It is important that the people are involved in the decisions that affect them.”

Question of the Week Sept. 30, 2011

All candidates were asked the following Question of the Week by a well read local newspaper.  “Given your druthers, how would the city improve services or save money?“  The Ward 6 incumbent failed to respond once again for unpublished reasons.
********************
John Robillard, Ward 6 Challenger
“The first thing I would do is conduct a line by line analysis of the city budget and make cuts where possible without jeopardizing essential services.  We should also accept grants, that require little or no cost on our part, like the recent Safer grant.”

Bob DeBerardinis

Message from Bob DeBerardinis, former Ward 6 candidate for city council:

“Citizens of ward 6, my name is Bob DeBerardinis. I was running for ward 6 city council, because we need a change in this city. My vote is now going to John Robillard. I have spoken to John many times.  I believe he is the right man for the job. John cares deeply about Malden, ward 6, our neighborhoods, our individual and our neighborhood concerns, unlike our current councilor, who had a serious concern brought to his attention by a number of residents in a neighborhood. Our current ward 6 councilor had the nerve to tell these residents that he would not discuss this concern. He would not discuss this concern, because it would affect the field at Trafton Park, that he had taken over for his Charter School. He is not working for us. He has special interests in ward 6. In my eyes, this is a conflict of interest.

As a ward, we need to get out and vote on November 8. We need to open city hall to the people. No back room deals. Accountability of our elected officials. We need to bring open and honest discussion and solutions to our ward and more of the city’s concerns. I believe JOHN ROBILLARD is the man to bring the voice of the people back in to city government. He will hold regular ward meetings to get our input and work with us to make Malden a safer and better place for all.”

Bob DeBerardinis

VOTE FOR JOHN ROBILLARD WARD 6 CITY COUNCIL

Penny Sale

John accepted an invite last evening to the Annual 630 Penny sale at 630 Salem street on October 8, 2011.  It was good to meet many fellow senior citizens and speak to many of the issues faced by seniors in Ward 6 and the city of Malden.  Vote for Change.    🙂

Cynthia on the Economy

Message from Cynthia on the Economy:

Times have been looking down for the economy, businesses and Malden residents. I have first-hand experience now in the uncertainties of the times, that we live in. The week before the Primaries, here in Malden, I was let go from my accounting position at a local business. It was sudden and unexpected. This was a job I held and loved for the past seven years. This economic downturn affects all of us in one way or another. For John and myself, uncertain Healthcare coverage and watching every dime have become high priority facts of life.

While I spend most of my days sending out resumes and going on job interviews, the upside is that I am now able to give my husband, John Robillard, more help in his bid to be elected the next Ward 6 City Councilor this coming November 8th.

As a family, as a Ward 6 resident and as a Maldonian, we will do everything possible to help revive the local economy so that we can all enjoy better standards of living. Thanks to everyone for all your support.

Candidates Breakfast w/Malden Chamber

The Malden Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidates breakfast at the Irish American club on September 22, 2011.  Business owners and residents had an up close chance to see and ask questions of the candidates.  The Malden business community has an excellent opportunity to help determine if Malden will have more of the same old, same old with the ward 6 incumbent or a fresh young senior citizen(John Robillard) with business experience and the wisdom to work towards making the city an environment to attract jobs and stable families.

Question of the Week Sept. 23

All candidates were asked the following Question of the Week by a well read local newspaper.  “From a facilities standpoint, what should Malden do with City Hall?”  The Ward 6 incumbent failed to respond once again for unpublished reasons.
**********

John Robillard, Ward 6 Candidate
“The City Hall site should be developed into residential office and retail space.  Opening up the area would also help drive more foot traffic to existing shops on Pleasant Street.
Relocating City Hall departments to existing vacant office space in the downtown area would help fill the void left by downsized companies like Bank of America.”

Cooking for Charity

John and Cynthia will be cooking dinner tonight in their regular charity work at St. Paul’s this evening October 5, 2011.  Helping those in need is always a high priority.

FireFighters Meeting Request

The Malden Firefighters Union sent out an impromptu request for meeting last night to discuss relevant citywide issues.  Both Mayoral candidates and many top candidates for city council attended the Public Safety Meeting with Malden Fire Fighters at the Jackson Suite Function Room, September 28.
John was fortunate to get word and be able to attend.  John listened to the various concerns about the shortage of manpower, which forced requests to temporarily seek help from surrounding towns for the recent rash of fires.  The current ward 6 incumbent was not able to attend this important meeting.
The various discussions about funding and support of the varied aspects of city safety are sure to rate high on every city leaders’ agenda.

Yard Signs

It’s the season for yard signs.  Contact the campaign and let John know your wish for a

"Vote November 8"

decorative yard sign.  Let your voice be represented for Malden.  Come out on November 8th and make a difference.

7th Annual Harvest Moon Festival

John will be volunteering at the Harvest Moon festival.  He will be manning a cash register and helping with any other duties assigned by event organizers.

Oak Grove Improvement Association and the Chinese Culture Connection invite you to enjoy a day with the community at this family-price-friendly event!

The theme of the festival is based on combining a traditional “Harvest Fest” with the Chinese “Moon Festival” to create the Harvest Moon Festival!

Fellsmere Pond Fellsway E & Savin St, Malden, MA 02148 (Plenty of Parking!)
September 24, 2011 
10:00am–4:30pm
http://­www.­oakgro­vemalden.­org
Carol:  781-321-6504 or Mei: 781-321-6316
carol.­oakgrove@­verizon.­net ­or ­mei@­chine­secultureco­nnection.­org
Free admittance

“Meet the Candidates” Business Breakfast

John will attend the chamber of Commerce event and answer questions from local businesses:

The Malden Chamber of Commerce Presents

“Meet the Candidates” Business Breakfast
Featuring all Candidates Running for Malden City Council

A Candidate will be seated at each table.
Those reserving tables may request a specific Candidate.

Members $20
Non-Members $25
Tables of 9 + Candidate $180

Program Sponsor $100
Contact the Chamber for information on Gold Sponsorship.

7:30 AM, Thursday, September 22, 2011
Irish American Club
177 West Street

RSVP today to meet the candidates before the November 8^th, 2011 Malden City Council Election.

781-322-4500 or info@maldenchamber.org

Click here to download the flyer and order form.

http://www.maldenchamber.org/site/922-meet-the-candidates-business-breakfast/

City Council Docket-September 20

Summer break is finally transitioning to Fall sessions for city councilors.  The real end-of-Summer work session begins this evening.  To get a sense of the council and how it functions, John will continue attending regularly scheduled city council meetings.

Meeting of September 20, 2011 at 7PM
Malden Government Center, 200 Pleasant street, Malden MA
City Council Chambers

https://imageserv3.team-logic.com/mediaLibrary/181/DOCKET_19.pdf

Preliminary Election Story

A well-read local media outlet requested a closing statement from all the candidates before the Preliminary Election that occurred on September 13.  For reasons unpublished, councilor Kinnon failed to respond.
Here is John’s published response to the media request:

John Robillard
Occupation:  Retired Retail Manager and Business Owner
Education:  Xavier High School Concord, MA; Fisher Jr College; US Military
Experience:  Managing retail furniture stores for most of my life has taught me to deal with almost every issue imaginable, while always keeping an eye on the bottom line.

Closing Statement:  If you want change, vote for John Robillard Ward 6 City Councilor this coming Tuesday, September 13.  If you want more openness and transparency, your voice heard on the issues that affect you, an increase in our protective services, both police and fire, a balanced budget without raising fees or taxes, a person who will assist our local businesses, someone who will try and keep more money in your pockets, someone not affiliated with any businesses or organization, vote for John.  I will treat the office of City Councilor as a full-time position and not a part-time job.

Malden River Festival

John and Cynthia will be working as volunteers at the Malden River Festival, Saturday September 17.

Preotle, Lane & Associates, Tufts University, and Tri-City Community Action Program, Inc. (Tri-CAP) are teaming up to host the Second Annual Malden River Festival at the Park at River’s Edge on Saturday, September 17, 2011.  Sunday September 18^th is the rain date.  From 10AM to 4PM.

Come.  Get a taste of Malden’s arts, delicious foods and wonderful entertainment.