John McKinley Running For Braintree Town Council

BRAINTREE, MA — The following submission is from John McKinley, who is running for Braintree Town Council District 1:

My name is John Francis McKinley III and I am running for the Town of Braintree's District 1 Councilor's seat. I am a life-long resident of District 1 and have been very active in the town since I was young.

I am an active, life-long member of the Saint Francis Assisi Parish community. When I was 15 for my Eagle Scout Project I rebuilt the Highlands School Playground. Since 2013 I have participated in most Braintree Day celebrations and have volunteered to help out at National Police Night Out and summer cookouts on French’s Common. In recent years I have assisted with the town's annual Christmas toy drive, which I look forward to continuing for many years to come. I have also worked for the parks department and interned with the police department.

I am a graduate of Xavier University with an honors degree in philosophy, politics and the public. Through my studies and hands on experience, I have gained the knowledge necessary to communicate the concerns of the public through the proper government channels to be an effective public advocate. Now I wish to continue my commitment to Braintree by picking up where Chuck Kokoros will be leaving off.

I am committed to following Braintree's master zoning plan and finding an amicable solution for our district. I am committed to addressing District 1's traffic troubles through Braintree Five Corners and its connecting streets. Finally, I am committed to making the South Shore Plaza a safer place for our community and working with the members of our community to help mold any proposed plaza expansions.

I believe that I am qualified to serve District 1 because I have been actively engaged in working with various town departments and politicians and I am ready to take on a more direct leadership role through this office. I hope that you will join me in addressing these issues facing District 1 and I humbly ask for your vote this November.