School Committee Member McAndrew Endorses Brodeur: Letter

The following was submitted by School Committee member Jen McAndrew. Let your voice be heard by signing up for a free account and posting.

As we look ahead to the September 17 preliminary election, Melrose is fortunate to have a strong field of candidates. But elections are about choices, and my husband Dave and I are proud to support Paul Brodeur for Mayor.

As many have noted, Paul has the most experience in state and local government as a State Representative and an Alderman. To me, what matters most about that leadership is the deep knowledge of public policy issues that this experience brings. These are issues that directly affect Melrose today, including: education and education funding, public safety, pensions, elder affairs, parks and green spaces, sustainable development, and transportation.

I have had the privilege to work in local, state and federal government service, and I can tell you that Paul embodies a rare combination in public life: a policy wonk who gets results. As just one example, consider his knowledge of labor law. In granting Paul an “honorable mention” for “Bostonian of the Year” in 2018, the Boston Globe appropriately recognized his work on family and medical leave as one of the “Massachusetts politicians who actually got something big done,” noting that it was “no small feat getting the various labor and business groups to yes.” As the City negotiates major contracts, we want this experience in City Hall.

Paul has built a large network across our region and state to make things happen, which will serve the City well if we have the opportunity to implement Paul’s many good ideas (see http://www.paulbrodeur.com), including expanding regionalization. In all he does, Paul will work collaboratively with our City Department leaders and will recruit and retain top talent to serve the residents of this great community. He will listen to all residents and assess our shared progress with an eye to continuous improvement.

As a Member of the School Committee and a longtime school and community advocate, I know that Paul has always championed public education. He has always been there for us, and worked tirelessly for us, even when it was hard.

Finally, I want a candidate like Paul with an upbeat attitude about the power of smart, efficient local government to help people and keep us moving forward. Not everything needs fixing. Paul is not naïve about our challenges, but he also knows where we can build on what’s working, and where we must focus on change.

I know that all five candidates care about Melrose, and I’m very grateful for their public service. Paul is the one who can take that love for our community and turn it into action. He can get things done, and he will get going right away. Please join me in supporting Paul Brodeur for Mayor.