Alderman Manisha Bewtra First To Announce Candidacy For Mayor

MELROSE, MA — Alderman-at-Large Manisha Bewtra has become the first to announce her candidacy for mayor. Bewtra, 38, became the city's first person of color to be elected to public office in 2017. She would be the first woman elected mayor in Melrose.

"As an Alderman, city planner, and a mother, I have the energy and experience to juggle the many challenges and opportunities facing Melrose as your next Mayor," Bewtra said in a press release. "As Mayor I will be an active listener and a strong voice to help keep our excellent schools and city services, invest in infrastructure, and be an inclusive community."

Bewtra chairs the city's finance committee. She also played a key role in the Metropolitan Area Planning Council's Melrose master plan.

Bewtra's campaign filed papers with the Massachusetts Office for Campaign Finance Wednesday, as first reported by Steve Koczela of the MassINC Polling Group. She is the first person to take an official step in declaring intentions to run for mayor in what is expected to be a crowded field without an incumbent.

Mayor Gail Infurna, who replaced Rob Dolan when he took a the Town Administrator job in Lynnfield, has said she will not run for reelection.

"I will continue to knock on the doors of Melrose residents and talk with my neighbors about the issues that concern all of us," Bewtra said. "As Mayor, I want all residents to feel they can knock on the doors of City Hall and trust their government is working for them."

State Rep. Paul Brodeur said in December he is exploring a run for mayor. No one else has publicly announced their intentions, though candidates may begin popping up once Melrose gets past Tuesday's override vote.

The mayoral preliminary is Tuesday, Sept. 17.