Alanna Nelson Ward 1 Alderman Candidate

What local issues are important to you? After listening to my neighbors in Ward 1, traffic, transparency, infrastructure and schools are top of mind. With the opportunities and challenges in the City's future, I'm stepping up and will run for Ward 1 Alderman. If elected, you can count on me to be an active and responsive representative.

Join me for a meet and greet on Sunday, September 15 from 10:30 to noon at Dunton Park (157 Franklin Street). And I will go door to door to introduce myself around the neighborhood. Check out the campaign web site alanna-ward1.com for more information, an email newsletter sign up, and social media links.

My campaign slogan of "listen, connect, represent" would continue as Alderman/Councilor while working with the Mayor and Board of Alderman.

Currently serving as Co-Chair of the Energy Commission, I was on the Melrose Cultural Council for six years, High School Site Council for three years, helped establish the Global Education in Melrose certificate and volunteered at the Winthrop School. I spearheaded the December 2018 Melrose History Quilt project and help organize the Melrose Open Studios Tour.

After living in Italy for 11 years, my husband Mourad and I chose Melrose in 2005. We wanted a home where our family could safely use sidewalks and public transit, and a strong sense of community. I also wanted a yarn store in walking distance of home.

Since 2005, I’ve been a volunteer and an advocate in Melrose. It’s time for me to step up the commitment. Participating in local decision making is a right and responsibility you don’t have when you are an expat, and you don’t get when you’re not a citizen in the country where you live. Before moving overseas, I worked with the Washington State Department of Ecology, helping local governments strategize and finance water quality improvement projects. I know the important job that local governments have.

Having worked in small businesses, non-profits and government, my experience, ability to create connections and frugal tendencies will be useful as Melrose charts its future.