Councilor Thomas Bowes Running For Braintree Mayor

BRAINTREE, MA — Town Councilor Thomas Bowes has announced he is running to be Braintree's second ever mayor. Mayor Joseph Sullivan announced last month he wasn't seeking re-election, leaving November's race wide-open.

Bowes has lived in Braintree for the past 25 years with his wife Kathy, and raised their two children there. He's represented District 3 as a Town Councilor for the last 12 years. He currently works as Director of the Merit Rating Board for the Registry of Motor Vehicles and has over 30 years experience working in the insurance industry. His wife Kathy is a second grade teacher Hollis Elementary School and both, along with their two children and two nieces, said they enjoy taking part in community events in their East Braintree neighborhood and across all of town.

"My family and I all take great pride in our Braintree roots, and feel fortunate to call it home," Bowes said in a statement.

While serving on Town Council, Bowes highlighted several projects he's proud to have taken part in including revitalizing Braintree-Weymouth Landing, improvements to Watson Park (including the addition of the Peterson Splash Pad), and the Hayward Street truck ban he said protects students during school hours.

"Our diligent efforts, alongside of the continued support of constituents have propelled this town as one of the most fiscally solvent on the South Shore," Bowes said. "We have successfully produced a balanced budget while continuing to grow our reserves."

Despite these accomplishments, Bowes said there are still issues that need to be addressed, specifically creating more affordable for seniors. Bowes said he also wants to take a step back on a re-zoning proposal that many residents have objected to because of fears of overcrowded housing and Braintree losing its small-town feel.

"I believe that it is critical to give pause so that we may initiate an open and constructive dialogue with residents and stakeholders alike," Bowes said in a statement. "We must continue to seek educational improvements for our children. Braintree is a town with great history, but with such history comes aging infrastructure. We must diligently address the most appropriate means by which we invest in our infrastructure such as school buildings, fire and police stations, and other town owned properties. Traffic and transportation also remains a topic of concern, as we continue to see more cars on our roads."