Meredith Garris, 36

Meredith Garris was elected as a Malden City Councilperson for Ward IV in 2013. Her primary goal as a Councilperson has been to assist with the annual budget and continue to help ensure that good financial decisions are made for the City and that the budget remains balanced.

From 2002-2008, Meredith worked as Malden's Deputy City Clerk and Treasurer. She felt that experience in City Hall could be a benefit in a City Council position and assist with budget concerns.

She was encouraged by former City Councilperson Ronnie Dell to run for the position he was vacating.

Currently, Meredith does not work outside of the home and feels this is a benefit in her City Council position because she has extra time to devote to the work of the Council.

One of the goals Meredith hopes to accomplish while part of the Council is helping to draw industry to the area.

Meredith enjoys being involved in her hometown and in its future and her Council position allows her to accomplish that. She also, very much enjoys the extra communication with Malden citizens that is offered to her as a Councilmember.

Meredith explains that she was, early on, inspired by her grandfather John Downing, Sr., who was very active in Malden City and Airbase functions, to pursue politics.

She remembers that he taught her to treat others how you want to be treated.

Meredith and her older sister Susan grew up in Malden and attended the local school district where she was involved in band and cheerleading.

The two sisters also enjoyed playing golf and swapped turns playing in the annual Father's Day Golf Tournament held in Malden. They continued that tradition even after the girls were married.

Meredith remembers that her dad would joke after her turn that "Hope was on the way" because he was up next and would improve their score.

While in high school, Meredith most enjoyed math and algebra and especially appreciated one of her teachers, Mrs. Chidister, who made the subject interesting.

Meredith graduated from MHS in 1997. She was married that same year.

In 1999, she gave birth to her daughter Kailee.

In 2002, she began her job at City Hall then in 2008, she was able to go into the family business.

She became office manager at Farm and Home in Malden and worked each day with both her father and grandfather. Following the deaths of both men, the business closed in 2011.

In addition to her City Council duties and caring for her family, Meredith still enjoys golfing and swimming and is particularly fond of designing and painting signs and distressing furniture.

She also enjoys baking and is one of several family members who is known for their chocolate rolls. Meredith's grandma, Pat Johnson, for many years owned and operated Patty Cake Bakery in Malden, and it is through her, that Meredith, her mother, Susie, and other family members have developed the baking gene.

Fifteen year old Kailee keeps them all busy with her many activities- Beta, Student Council, SADD, and piano lessons.

Meredith hopes to be an asset and help in all that she does, whether working for the people of Malden or helping her family, and each day, she tries to be and do the best she can.