Politics & Government
Maya Jamaleddine To Replace Lipper-Garabedian On City Council
Jamaleddine, the first runner-up in the at-large City Council race in November, has accepted the seat vacated by Lipper-Garabedian.
MELROSE, MA — Maya Jamaleddine will replace State Representative-elect Kate Lipper-Garabedian in an at-large seat on the City Council.
"I was offered the opportunity to fill the vacant seat on our City Council, and I have accepted," Jamaleddine said Thursday. "It will be an honor to serve this community in a new role, to continue to represent diverse voices, to build bridges, and to advocate for all."
Jamaleddine was the fifth-place finisher in a race for four at-large seats in November, finishing 537 votes behind Chris Cinella for the final seat.
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The city charter says that in the case of an at-large vacancy, the first runner-up in the last election can fill the seat, provided that person got at least 40 percent of what the highest vote-getter — in this case Lipper-Garabedian — got.
Jamaleddine finished had 4,041 votes, far more than necessary to hit the threshold.
Find out what's happening in Melrosefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
She is expected to be sworn in before Monday's City Council meeting.
Below is Jamaleddine's full statement:
For the past eight years, I have served Melrose by advocating for individuals and connecting them with the resources they need. As a Human Rights Commissioner since 2015, I have organized and led events, working to spread cultural awareness and acceptance of the diversity of our city.
When I ran for the City Council last year, I met with many local groups, individuals, administrators, and elected officials to better understand our community’s strengths and weaknesses and to build bridges among organizations. Over 4,000 Melrosians voted for my vision for our city and I know we can get there together.
After the election, my dedication and love for my community did not change as I continued to serve and work with our neighbors to make Melrose a better place for everyone.
I was offered the opportunity to fill the vacant seat on our City Council, and I have accepted. It will be an honor to serve this community in a new role, to continue to represent diverse voices, to build bridges, and to advocate for all.
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