The Melrose Free Press asked each of the five Mayoral candidates to answer a series of five questions, which were published in the days leading up to the September Preliminary Election. My answers to the questions are included here, along with links to the Melrose Free Press series (if you click the links, you may encounter the newspaper’s paywall).
MFP Candidate Question 1, published August 15, 2019: What in your background—professional, educational, personal, or otherwise—do you feel has prepared you to be mayor?
My answer: “As a professional city planner, project manager, and local advocate, I have in-depth knowledge of local government and the experience to bring a bold, creative, and professional approach to Melrose’s challenges. For over 15 years, I have worked with cities and towns to shepherd change while preserving what makes them special. I have listened to diverse voices, led difficult conversations, and delved deep into budgets and data. I am known for my ability to quickly digest detailed technical information and translate it, using narratives and visuals, in ways that are easily understood but also accurate.”
“I have a proven ability to ‘zoom out’ to see systems and how they interact with each other as well as to ‘zoom in’ and drill down to details. I am skilled in convening collaborative conversations with stakeholders to solve problems and improve people’s daily lives. The traits and skills required for success as a Mayor are in my wheelhouse, and I am ready for the job. As the elected chief executive officer for the city—this role requires strong managerial skills, political savvy, vision, and bold leadership.”
https://melrose.wickedlocal.com/news/20190815/melrose-mayoral-candidate-questions
MFP Candidate Question 2, published August 20, 2019: What are some of the most important factors differentiating you from your opponents, politically, philosophically, or otherwise?
My answer: “My city planning background allows me to grasp the complexity of government that impact the lives of constituents, and my plans to make government more inclusive will make Melrose a leader in Metro Boston and beyond.
“We can take local action on daunting regional and global challenges such as housing affordability, transportation infrastructure, and climate change. My work at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Massachusetts Housing Partnership, and as faculty at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, illustrates an in-depth understanding of these issues and facilitates relationships with other leaders. Recently I participated in the #UnfairHikes action protesting MBTA fare increases. I partnered with surrounding communities to advocate for better ways to invest in the T and reduce greenhouse gasses, cut traffic congestion, and support a stronger and more equitable economy.
“Ensuring fellow community members feel safe and included is foundational to me. Last September, I filed a resolution for the City Council to endorse Yes on 3, the ballot question to uphold rights for transgender and gender non-conforming people. By passing it, we reaffirmed our values and influenced other cities and towns to follow. I’ve built bridges and understanding in our community by helping to organize Melrose’s annual Ramadan Community Iftar and our first Diwali celebration. I have spoken at community vigils and other events, pledging my commitment to affirming the rights of immigrants and people of color in our community. I served on the Melrose Human Rights Commission, bringing cultural proficiency and implicit bias training to City Hall.”
https://melrose.wickedlocal.com/news/20190820/melrose-mayoral-candidate-question
MFP Candidate Question 3, Published August 27, 2019: What concerns have you heard most often from residents during your campaign, and what would you do to address them?
My answer: “The recent override is certainly top of mind. I’ve spoken with parents concerned that our schools work for all students, that teachers and school staff have the resources they need to deliver an excellent education, and that we prioritize social and emotional learning supports as integral to this academic excellence. I’ve also spoken with many seniors on fixed incomes who are feeling a pinch on their monthly budget, not only because of the override, but also as a result of increased property values. People have asked me questions about the unallocated funds we have at the end of the year (“free cash”) and what we use it for, and they’ve asked about what we plan to do about vacancies Downtown, about our police and fire stations, about road and sidewalk repairs, tree removal and replanting, our library, Memorial Hall, and more.
“All of these questions point to the opportunity to better communicate our budget and capital improvement priorities. We can provide information more regularly, going beyond spreadsheets to include easy-to-understand narrative and visuals, and involve the public in these conversations. We must be accountable for the new funding received through the override and we also need to have honest conversations about how we will budget for significant infrastructure and facilities investment needs. While we do all this, we will also find ways to provide tax relief for those who are at risk of being pushed out of the community because they can’t afford it, such as seniors on fixed incomes.”
https://melrose.wickedlocal.com/news/20190827/melrose-candidates-on-constituent-concerns
MFP Candidate Question 4, published September 2, 2019: What would you do to maintain Melrose’s standing as a highly desirable place to live
My answer: “Melrose has much to offer — our vibrant downtown, walkable neighborhoods, and transit access to Boston. We invest in our local organizations — supporting arts, culture, events, and charitable causes. I love living in an intergenerational community where long-time residents and newcomers alike come together as neighbors and form strong ties. We strengthen our community every time we meet at block parties, the Summer Stroll, and the Victorian Fair. We honor the fallen on Memorial Day, and we join at Ell Pond in vigil when tragic events occur. We are an incredible community, and I am proud to be a part of it.
“This year, we have an opportunity to embrace our future. By electing me, you’ll be hiring a proactive leader ready to work with you to keep what we love about Melrose while we invest in our future together. I know we can do more to leverage the incredible talent and passion in this community, and will work with our Boards and Commissions to do so.
“No one should be left out of the process of moving Melrose forward. I will continue to speak with veterans, firefighters, teachers, people with disabilities, people on fixed incomes, renters, and many other groups in our community to learn how we can better serve them. As Mayor, I’ll be a strong voice for inclusive, accountable government that aims to make positive changes in the lives of constituents.”
MFP Candidate Question 5, September 6, 2019: Which aspects of Melrose do you hope remain the same, and which would you want to change?
My answer: “Melrose is a great place to live for many people, but I believe we can do better to hold government accountable, increase transparency and communication around the complicated inner workings of the city, and integrate inclusivity in all the work we do.
“If I’m elected Mayor, local policies and practices will be updated using a framework that considers their economic, environmental, health, and social equity implications. Our local government will communicate budget and capital improvement priorities more clearly and the public will have more opportunities to help shape these decisions. We’ll make changes together to build a bright future for the intergenerational, diverse community we love.”
https://melrose.wickedlocal.com/news/20190906/mayoral-candidates-on-what-to-change-about-melrose