Melrose City Councilor-At-Large Campaign Kickoff, April-May 2017

On May 1, 2017, I formally launched my campaign for Alderman-At-Large (City Councilor-At-Large) in Melrose, Massachusetts by pulling campaign nomination papers at Melrose City Hall. I’d announced my candidacy on social media and launched a Facebook page a few days before. After announcing my candidacy, we had a campaign launch party on May 11, 2017 (pictures below), launched our campaign newsletter, and later in May, was interviewed by local reporter Jeannette Hinkle and received more in-depth coverage in the Melrose Free Press.¹

Press release, palm card, and pulling papers

Press release announcing my candidacy in the Melrose Free Press, May 4, 2017. #manishaformelrose

Campaign launch party photos, May 11, 2017

Campaign launch party on May 11! Thanks to all who came and to the Committee to Elect Manisha Bewtra for coordinating the event, Joy Yoga for hosting, and to my husband Ravi and friend Dennis for drumming up volunteer support!

Text of the press release announcing my candidacy:

Melrose Human Rights Commission Vice Chair Announces Run For Alderman-At-Large Seat
May 1, 2017 (MELROSE, MA) – Melrose Human Rights Commission Vice Chair Manisha Bewtra today announced her candidacy for an At-Large seat on the Melrose Board of Aldermen.
Bewtra said her deep neighborhood relationships, combined with her work on diversity initiatives across the city, make her a strong voice for everyone in Melrose.
“My vision for Melrose is for a city with stronger ties among neighbors, where long-time residents and newcomers come together in support of a thriving, interconnected community,” she said. “I will work to make our city more inclusive and accessible, where more residents feel like they have a voice at City Hall.”
As part of the Human Rights Commission, Bewtra has worked tirelessly to increase awareness around diversity and inclusion through community events and workshops.
“My voice, informed by my own identity as an Indian-American woman, as well as my education and training to combat racism and promote social justice and LGBTQ+ rights, will add a different perspective to the Board of Aldermen, and build bridges throughout the community.”
Bewtra works full time leading a team of regional planners and researchers as the Analytical Services Manager for MAPC, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council in Boston. In that role, she has worked on numerous local and regional planning initiatives throughout the Greater Boston region.
In her time at MAPC, she has worked with the Melrose Office of Planning and Community Development to develop and adopt transit-oriented zoning changes around the city’s three commuter rail stations, to promote economic development and neighborhood revitalization around those train stations. She has also played a key role in the developing the Melrose Master Plan, “Melrose Forward: A Community Vision and Master Plan,” a community-wide effort designed to help shape the future of the city over the next decade. As part of this project, Bewtra assessed the city’s assets, competitive advantages, and challenges.
Bewtra said she plans to use the knowledge gained through these projects and experiences in the city to work with residents of every ward to help shape the future of Melrose.
“Over the coming years, we will weigh options for how to invest in our roads, infrastructure systems, and facilities,” she said. “My experience in local government and specific knowledge of Melrose give me an understanding of the nuances of the decision-making that the Board of Aldermen oversees and weighs in on. I’m thrilled to be a new voice for the city and can’t wait to get started.”
City elections are scheduled for Tuesday, November 7, 2017.
For more information on Manisha, visit [campaign Facebook page], email [campaign phone number], or call/text at [campaign phone number].

“Bewtra Enters Melrose Aldermen Race with Perspective on Planning” by Jeannette Hinkle, Melrose Free Press, May 25, 2017. Available with digital subscription at https://melrose.wickedlocal.com/news/20170525/bewtra-enters-melrose-aldermen-race-with-perspective-on-planning