Anthony Preston Running For Braintree Town Council

BRAINTREE, MA — A second candidate has entered the race to represent District 5 on Town Council. Anthony Preston, who works as the director of legislative and media relations for the Massachusetts Department of Veteran services, announced Tuesday he's running for Braintree's Town Council, and will face off against Meredith Boericke for the open seat. The current seat holder, Councilor David Ringius, decided to run for the open At-Large Town Councilor seat.

Preston said he's running because he wants to give back to the community he grew up in, calling Braintree the foundation of his life.

"I’m running because I believe our community is strongest when people get involved. After all, an effective local government starts with residents and neighbors," said Preston. "From my days playing Braintree Little League until now, Braintree has been the foundation of my life, and I want to give back."

Preston said Braintree has some issues that could affect its small town character, especially a re-zoning proposal from the planning board, which has been met with criticism from hundreds of residents. He said any decisions about re-zoning, traffic, and public safety need to keep Braintree's identity in mind.

"When it comes to issues like re-zoning, traffic, and public safety, we need to make sure every decision preserves the character of Braintree, and has our community's best interests at heart," Preston said in a statement. Like many families, my parents didn’t move to Braintree because of what the community could be, they moved here because of what it is, a community built on character and purpose."

Anthony plans on walking the neighborhoods of District 5 and getting to know as many of its members as possible.

"Throughout the coming months and beyond, I look forward to meeting and talking with the residents of District 5," Preston said. "Whether I’m knocking doors in your neighborhood, attending an event, or just grabbing a cup of coffee, don’t hesitate to let me know what I can do to help."