Ryan J. O'Malley

Education

Second, I approach education funding reform as a former Title I early reading intervention student. Thanks to dedicated elementary school teachers, I was able to get it back on track with the resources that I needed. This help allowed me to attend the College of the Holy Cross for undergrad and I recently graduated from Boston College Law School becoming an affordable housing attorney. I am honored to have the endorsement of the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) who understand first hand the need to reform education funding, so that state aid matches student need. Learn more

First, as a municipal official (Malden City Councillor 2016 to present), I have seen the impact of dwindling state aid on our communities. The lack of adequate state funding forces cities and towns to ask residents for property tax overrides which are divisive even when they are necessary. Overrides pit retirees and limited income families against families with children. This is not how you strengthen the fabric of a community. Learn more

Environment / Energy

When it comes to utilities, it is a privilege to operate a public utility in Massachusetts. As such, the Commonwealth through the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has the ability to control skyrocketing utility rates through its regulatory powers. At a time when utility companies are making record profits, the DPU should prohibit utility companies from passing lobbying expenses, excessive executive compensation, and deferred maintenance costs onto ratepayers. I will also defend MassSave which helps with weatherization and energy efficiency for residents. Learn more

Whether it is our environment, our parks, our school, our libraries, or our public finances, it is essential that we protect and conserve them, so that we have the resources to educate our students and maintain our public assets. Learn more

Housing

The Commonwealth can and must encourage more affordable homeownership opportunities to give residents more control and stability around most people's largest monthly expense - housing. Affordable homeownership allows seniors to age in place, young adults to start their lives, and for families to grow. Learn more

Infrastructure / Transportation

I am the lead sponsor of the Spot Pond Brook Greenway, which is a part of the Mystic Highlands Greenway vision. I will support the inter-connection of a regional shared use path network including the Northern Strand, the Tri-Community Greenway, and the Wakefield-Lynnfield Greenway. As a daily commuter on the MBTA, I will also fight for improvements to the T, Commuter Rail, and bus network, so that residents have various options to get to work! Learn more

Legislation

Additionally, I propose we extend the Open Meeting Law to the legislature, so that all formal, informal, and committee meetings and hearings are open and accessible to the public. It's just common sense! Learn more

Massachusetts is the only state in the nation which exempts the legislature, governor, and judiciary from public records laws. We are the least transparent which is why I support the upcoming ballot question to extend the Public Records Law to the legislature. I also support the Audit Law championed by State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, and when I am elected, I will comply with the will of 72% of the voters and stand up to state house leadership on this important good governance issue. Learn more