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City eliminates upper age limit to become a Malden Police Officer

By Emma Siebold  Previously, if you were 32 or older, your hopes of becoming a Malden police officer would be a distant dream. Until now.  There is no longer an upper age limit for one to become a Malden Police Officer, thanks to a petition proposed by a Malden resident and backed by Mayor Gary Christenson and Police Chief Glenn Cronin.  Bill H.2546, signed into law by Gov. Maura Healey on August 23, removed the upper age limit of 32 years to apply as an entry-level police officer, specifically for the city of Malden. Many surrounding communities, such as Revere, Everett, Medford and Somerville have no upper age limit for entry-level firefighters or police officers. The provision in Malden also previously blocked transfers from other public safety groups; a sheriff or corrections officer could not transition to the Malden Police Department if they passed the age cap.  Cronin hopes that less restrictions will open the door to a more diverse and experienced candidate pool.  “Things aren’t black and white, it’s about making decisions in the […]

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John Matheson mulling challenge against Christenson for mayor

Story by Diti Kohli John Matheson, four-term city councillor for Ward 3, said he will decide whether to launch an official bid for mayor before May. In a phone interview, the prospective candidate stressed his self-identification as a “populist and idealist” and said his potential platform would include policies that would expand commercial development. The councillor also plans to focus on increased ticketing, worsening street and traffic patterns, city beautification, and environmental issues, like challenging the contentious mandatory use of blue trash bags and eliminating lead pipes in homes.   Matheson announced the formation of his exploratory committee to the public on March 16 via Facebook. “Residents have said the administration has ignored their issues,” said Matheson. “And the government we have now is not a government that’s for the people.” Matheson is no stranger to local politics; in addition to his four terms on the city council, he ran an unsuccessful race for state representative in 2014.  If he officially posits himself as a candidate this month, Matheson will be the first to challenge the […]