Zwirko’s Vision, Ability To Bridge Divide Earned My Vote: Letter

The following was submitted by Shannon, Ward 7-2 resident. Let your voice be heard by signing up for a free account and posting.

Melrose has an important decision to make on September 17th as we take the first step toward electing a new Mayor. This election is coming on the heels of some divisive times and we need to be able to call on our elected leaders to bridge this divide. Like many, I have followed the conversations on the override, budget, infrastructure, public safety buildings, schools, real estate market, etc. Regardless of where residents fall on the issues at hand, it is great to see such a high level of civic engagement. It shows that residents care, we’re paying attention and we are demanding a high-level of accountability from our leaders. But with discourse comes divide. Mike Zwirko has earned my vote because I feel as though he has set forth a comprehensive vision for the City of Melrose that will expand beyond the mayoral term in question. I also see an innate ability in him to help bridge the divide, as he places an emphasis on openness and collaboration.

The first time I met Mike was several years back when he pulled up in front of my (Harley Davidson enthusiast) home on his bright red Vespa and just struck up a conversation. I still laugh at the irony of the Harley/Vespa combination. But this is the kind of person Mike is the I-am-who-I-am, genuine, neighborly person. He proactively visited our neighborhood to talk with residents about a proposed large-scale residential development opposed by many abutters. He stood there, listened to our story and took everything in. There were no sides, no labels…just conversation. He listened to our concerns as homeowners regarding the negative implications such a large-scale development would have on our home, particularly as it pertained to the significant ledge blasting that would have been necessary to ready the land which abuts our property. From there on out, Mike made it a point to keep in contact with us and really helped navigate residents through the arduous process between the developer and the City. Fast forward several years later to yet another large-scale Chapter 40B development proposal in our heavily-wooded/heavily ledge-filled neighborhood and Mike was right there for residents once again. We didn’t even have to ask, he was on it. Through both processes, Mike has been an advocate not only for hardworking families like ours who are trying to protect their life’s biggest investment, but equally an advocate for the retention of essential greenspace in Melrose that is rapidly dwindling.

My story is not unique. There are certainly others who have attest to Mike’s character. What you see is what you get with Mike. He is a neighbor first and foremost and he wants to talk with all of us. If you support his viewpoint - great, he wants to hear it. If you don’t support his viewpoint - great, he wants to hear it. He understands his viewpoint is just one of many in our City. His Vision for Melrose places an emphasis on openness and approachability. He respects residents as stakeholders in our local government and thinks our ideas are crucial to sustainable growth. That really matters to me as a voter, particularly given the divide I see. Mike has demonstrated that he knows which angle to lead from depending on the situation at hand. When I see him out and about, I know he is not grandstanding. He’s involved because he wants to be involved. And when I do see him, he always goes out of his way to say hello, ask about my family, life, etc. He never acts like he’s too busy or important to stop and have a conversation with me.

His experience in the private sector at Fidelity Investments and his service on the Board of Alderman (including his tenure as President), coupled with his approachability make him a strong candidate in my opinion.

The plan he has set forth for economic development is compelling, particularly his call to hire an Economic Development Director as well as prioritize tangible improvements for our Public Safety Buildings. Mike’s pledge to exercise fiscal responsibility with the tax override funds and greater financial transparency with residents is promising. I also like his detailed plan to be more responsive to residents by means of open Q&A sessions and designating a social media and communications director.

I would certainly encourage voters to visit Mike’s campaign website for more detailed information, but I would further encourage you to just directly reach out to Mike and talk. That is who I know him to be, approachable and ready to talk with residents. I have heard him say on more than one occasion that “this is a campaign of we, not me.” I would typically scoff at this type of phrasing, but in coming to know Mike over the past number of years, I know he really means it and that is really what he stands for.