Sam Hammar to bring decades of public service experience to Melrose

As someone with 20 years of experience working in state and local government, I understand the importance of good management and the real-life impact of government policy.

I started as a Boston Public High School teacher, that’s how I know that we need to rebuild a fractured relationship with our Melrose educators and how to work with parents as our partner. In Economic Development for the City of Boston, I’ve helped business owners, that’s how I know how to support small businesses already in Melrose and how to recruit businesses that we want and need.

Most of my Executive experience was in the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Technology Services and Security. I was at the table deciding how to spend a $1 billion bond to improve technology services at the state and local level. That’s how I know how to leverage funds for capital investments of all sizes, including my own project: to build and manage a Digital Services team who I recruited to leave their market-rate corporate jobs to work for the state government. Additionally, I engaged Technology Leaders and IT Investors to review our spending on a Capital Oversight Board and managed those relationships, which is comparable to our City Council.

Later, I worked at the Massachusetts Treasury on Economic Empowerment for Seniors, Veterans, students, and equal pay for women. That's how I know how we can support working families by scaling the city services we already have and how to help Melrosians build equity through economic opportunities including affordable housing.

Having been someone who’s done the work at all levels, in multiple agencies, I want city staff and educators to be proud to work for Melrose and our residents to be proud of our services. I believe our city staff needs a leader who is a partner, and I will gladly roll up my sleeves to support the hard working folks who keep our city running.

I haven’t only worked in government. My other professional roles can be found on SamforMelrose.com. However, what I have gained through all of my public service experience, and what I am the most excited to share with Melrose, is the ability to bring a new approach to how we make decisions, manage our staff, and deliver services to you all. We can no longer afford to do business as usual, and understanding the intricacies of how the business of government works and how it could be done better is what will solve our modern issues and serve the needs of Melrose.

I’m running to be your next Mayor because it’s time I turn my experience, commitment, and belief in great local government toward my hometown. It starts with your vote on September 19.

If we’re together today, we’re stronger tomorrow. Learn more at Samformelrose.com.