Malden appoints new town officials

The Malden Town Council has filled four vacancies in the last few months, filling the mayor’s seat and three council seats.

Councilwoman Christina Ferrell, who has served on the council for seven years, was appointed Malden Mayor June 1.

“It’s kind of crazy, but we’re getting there,” she said. “I’m learning the ropes.”

Ferrell replaces Mayor Fran Maxwell, who had been serving in the position vacated by her husband, Ted Maxwell, who had been mayor from 2008-2015. The Maxwells plan to move to be nearer to their grandchildren.

Ferrell grew up in Malden and graduated with the Rosalia High School class of 1980. She was previously a banker for 29 years and has been working as a para-educator and in the high school office of the Rosalia school.

“It’s totally different from banking,” she said.

Ferrell said one of her first orders of business is to get the town park in shape. The council is currently working on plans to redesign and restructure the park.

“I have a couple projects I want to work on. I want to get the park cleaned up and worked on, and I really want to get that going,” she said. “I’m trying to do the best I can and learning the ropes and getting into the swing of things.”

The mayoral change was not the only recent change to town leadership.

“We’ve had quite a few changes,” said town clerk/treasurer Karen Wallace. “It all happened rather suddenly.”

Also recently appointed was Krista Nybo, who took over council duties from Ferrell after her mayoral appointment. Nybo was sworn in at the June 8 council meeting.

At the July 13 council session Robert Law was appointed. Law was sworn in to take the council seat vacated by Ted Maxwell. The Maxwells both resigned at the May council meeting.

At the April council meeting, Lori Dickinson was sworn in to replace Diana Totten, who also resigned from her council position.

Council members Tami VanDyke and Dan Harwood remain on the five person council.

“We’re very excited to have a full council,” said Wallace. “It’s always good.”