Thomas Reynolds Jumps Into Braintree Mayor Race

BRAINTREE, MA — Thomas Reynolds, the chair of the Braintree Electric Light Board, has announced he's running for mayor. The announcement makes Reynolds the fourth candidate to join the race since Mayor Joseph Sullivan announced he's not seeking re-election, a race which includes District 3 Town Councilor Thomas Bowes, At-Large Town Councilor Sean Powers, and school committee chair Lisa Fiske Heger.

Reynolds brings over 30 years of experience in Braintree town government. He started as as a Parks Department commissioner, before serving two terms on the Board of Selectmen (Braintree's old form of government), and now serves as the chairman to the Braintree Electric Light Department Board.

Reynolds said he plans to focus on several key issues during his campaign including, ensuring public way accessibility for all, upgrading the town's zoning ordinance, addressing aging school and town infrastructure, increasing the senior workforce and housing, and making a plan to reduce traffic.

"The Town of Braintree’s next Mayor will be faced with numerous challenges that must be addressed adequately if we as a community are to maintain a solid financial footing while at the same time demonstrating a proven ability to balance the quality of life issues that make Braintree the envy of many communities across Massachusetts," Reynolds said in a statement.

Nomination papers for mayor are will be available, beginning on June 12. The deadline to return papers with the required signatures, to the town clerk's office is July 30. If three or more candidates get enough signatures to qualify, Braintree will hold a preliminary election on Sept. 17, and reduce the race down to two candidates. The general election is Nov. 5.