Melbourne Moran Jr., Nashua Alderman At-Large Candidate

Melbourne Moran Jr.

Age (as of Election Day)

34

Position Sought

Alderman at Large

Party Affiliation

Democratic

Family

My wife Lisa (a Nashua native), daughters Summer (6), Violet (4), and Autumn (1)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

Education

Master of Social Work from Boston University, Bachelor of Psychology from University of Massachusetts

Occupation

I own a mental health and addiction counseling agency based here in Nashua

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

State Representative of Nashua Ward 7 / Hillsborough District 34

Campaign website

https://www.melbournefornh.com...

Why are you seeking elective office?

As a social worker my profession is dedicated to civil service and community engagement. I hold the same values as my profession. I'm seeking the office of Alderman at Large to serve my community through government.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

I believe the most pressing issue in our community is our aging infrastructure. I am hopeful the bi-partisan infrastructure bill will pass with the federal government. This bill will send much needing financial resources to our city. If elected - I intend to advocate for these funds to be used to upgrade, repair, and maintain our critical infrastructure services in the city. I would specifically fight for a micro-grant program for these federal funds to be used to allow fixed income homeowners and landlords to make energy efficient upgrades to their homes. This would improve the quality of life for our residents and help reduce our carbon footprint.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Quite of few of the candidates that are seeking to serve as Alderman at Large are low information candidates who are running on catch phrases and grievances. Their campaigns bring little to the table in the way of ideas or plans that will benefit the people of Nashua. Three also could not be bothered to participate in a public forum with all the At Large candidates, many residents I spoke with while canvassing found this to be disrespectful to the people of Nashua.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

The current board has done a fine job in supporting the successful day to day operations of the City. We are one of the safest cities in the United States, have a AAA bond rating, and we continue to grow and thrive under competent leadership. I can't say that the current board has "failed" the community, but there could be more of a focus by board members to support affordable housing.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

The Mayor and the BOA performed very well in an unprecedented global pandemic. They put their absolute best in doing what they could to support the local economy and put reasonable public health measures in place. Since this was an unprecedented pandemic, I feel it would be foolish of me to suggest I would have done anything different under the circumstances.

I will say my father died of COVID 19 at 52 years old. This virus is vicious, and mitigation efforts during a time when vaccines did not exist or we not readily available were absolutely needed.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

As a small business owner I feel that public/private partnerships are key to advance strong economic activity in our city. When government partners with business we have a unique opportunity to be innovative and grow our local economy.

Fiscal responsibility is another key platform of my campaign. We must be wish in funding our city projects and reduce the burden of cost to city residents whenever we can. By maintaining our AAA bond rating and utilizing low interest bonding we can continue to grow our City, allowing it to thrive.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I'm currently a State Legislator which has given me experience in government. Several of the bills I co-sponsored and that have been signed into law, have directly impacted the residents and businesses of Nashua. I created and built a very successful business here in Nashua, which operates in multiple states. The tenacity needed to grow and lead a business and people is hardwired into my brain.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Hold your ground" - advice from my dad

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I'm a straight shooter who is willing to work on behalf of the people of Nashua. I participate in government on behalf of my constituents. I am dedicated to civil service and civic engagement. In making a decision or a casting a vote I like to take the feedback of all my constituents under advisement whether I personally agree with them or not.