Braintree Candidate Profile: Thomas Bowes For Mayor

BRAINTREE, MA — With Mayor Joseph Sullivan not seeking reelection, four candidates have emerged and will run to be Braintree's second ever mayor. In preparation for September's preliminary election, Braintree Patch asked the candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Town Councilor Thomas Bowes is among the candidates running for mayor. Preliminary elections are Sept. 17 and will narrow the field to two candidates before the town election on Nov. 5.

Are you running for office in Braintree? Contact Jimmy Bentley at jimmy.bentley@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Braintree Patch.

Previously on Patch:

• Braintree Candidate Profile: Lisa Fiske Heger For Mayor
• Braintree Candidate Profile: Thomas Reynolds Jr. For Mayor
• Braintree Candidate Profile: Charles Kokoros For Mayor

The single most pressing issue facing Braintree is _______, and this is what do you intend to do about it?

As Braintree continues to grow, our most prominent issue relates to rezoning. As Town Councilor, I have already advocated to withdraw the proposed Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. It quickly became evident that this would not be best for our residents. It is critical to maintain the sense of community that has kept our town such a desirable place to call home. As mayor, I will continue to gather the input of our residents as we ensure smart growth that will not harm our neighborhoods.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have served the residents of Braintree for the past twelve years as District Three Town Councilor. Prior to that, I was a member of our Town Meeting. I have been involved in town activities for twenty-plus years and built relationships with residents all over town. I credit my wife for her success as a Braintree school teacher. She is a wonderful role model and dedicated to helping students succeed. My two children allowed me to become involved in youth sports, thus furthering my connections within this great town.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Braintree continues to experience rapid growth. It is one of the most desirable communities on the South Shore. We must use caution so as to maintain the suburban town atmosphere that residents find so desirable.

Traffic remains a major concern, and as mayor I will promise to establish a committee to determine ways to alleviate our crowded roads.

Maintaining a balance within our public schools is another issue associated with growth. Teachers and faculty must not be burdened with overcrowded classrooms.

It is no secret that Braintree is dealing with aging infrastructure. Early on, Mayor Sullivan successfully pledged to repair roadways in town. We must develop a similar strategy to deal with aging buildings. Together, we will arrive at a solution to determine how we will fund these critical projects.

We must look to establish affordable 55-plus housing within Braintree. Our town is so desirable in large part due to the hard work and dedication of our older residents. With more affordable 55+ housing options, we can guarantee the opportunity for these great residents to remain in Braintree.

As mayor, I will also continue to fight against the proposed Weymouth Compressor Station. Many residents have fought tirelessly against this issue, and I will seek to prevent this health and safety hazard from being constructed.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Serving as Town Councilor since Braintree adopted its new form of government has certainly provided the skills and knowledge necessary to become mayor. I am familiar with the ins-and-outs of our town and its residents. We have successfully guided Braintree for twelve years and I am confident that I can continue that trend for at least the next two years.

What's your favorite thing about Braintree?

Nothing is better than the small town suburban atmosphere of Braintree. Residents are always outgoing and look out for one another. The many tight-knit neighborhoods come together to make our town the best place to call home.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am passionate about Braintree. I care deeply about our town, and wish to continue to guide our residents through these times of change. Together, we can grow smart and guarantee that suburban Braintree is enjoyed for generations to come.