Published September 20, 2019
MELROSE — State Rep. Paul Brodeur and Alderman-at-Large Monica Medeiros will face off in November’s mayoral race after getting the most votes in Tuesday’s preliminary election.
Brodeur topped the five-candidate ticket with 2,576 votes, followed by Medeiros’ 2,397. Jackie Lavender Bird, formerly an at-large alderman and one-time director of Community Services for current Mayor Gail Infurna, finished third with 1,455 votes. Alderman-at-Large Mike Zwirko was fourth and Alderman-at-Large Manisha Bewtra finished fifth.
About 40 percent of the city’s 19,939 registered voters participated in the first-ever preliminary election in Melrose.
Brodeur and Medeiros, both Melrose High graduates, proved they can certainly get their people out to vote. But Brodeur, a Democrat, also had his base split among Bird, Zwirko and Bewtra. Medeiros, a state Republican Party activist who serves as an officer with the Mass. Municipal Association, got the most votes in half the city’s 14 precincts.
The successful April vote to override Proposition 2 1/2 is expected to play a part in the November 5 general election, as many older residents on fixed incomes will have a chance to express their disappointment in the outcome, which will raise property taxes for everyone. Both Medeiros and Brodeur alluded to this during the preliminary election campaign. Brodeur said older folks “feel they’re not welcome here anymore,” while Medeiros spoke of the need to address the “income inequality” among Melrose residents.
Medeiros has said that if elected mayor she would shake up the office in order to better communicate with the public about future decisions and how they’re made. As an alderman and before that as a member of the School Committee, she has consistently talked of the need for much more transparency in city government.
Brodeur, who also was formerly an at-large alderman, said he has proven in his long public service career that he can build consensus among diverse viewpoints. He said now that talent is needed more than ever before.
On the morning after his preliminary election victory, Brodeur said, “I would like to thank all of my supporters who spent countless hours working tirelessly on my campaign. I would not have been able to do this without them, and especially without the unwavering support of my family.
“I also thank all of the candidates who contributed to a great discussion about the future of Melrose, showing that our city matters to all of us.
“I look forward to moving on to the general election and having the opportunity to speak with even more Melrosians in the coming weeks about what matters most to them. I’m proud of what we have accomplished but it’s time to get to work. Onwards to November!”
Medeiros commented after Tuesday’s election, “I want to thank the voters of Melrose. I am excited to move on to November and honored to receive this support from our community. I will be working hard every day to ensure that each one of your tax dollars is accounted for and well spent, and to make our government more open and transparent.
“Many thanks go out to my all volunteer, grassroots team of supporters, many of whom have given up great summer beach days, time with family and even taken time from their jobs to help me knocking doors, holding signs, making phone calls, hosting house parties, and more. I would not be here without them, and I am so grateful.
“I congratulate Paul Brodeur and look forward to focus on a vigorous campaign focused on the issues we face locally here in Melrose.
“Congratulations also go out to Jackie Bird, Mike Zwirko and Manisha Bewtra and their supporters – all who worked very hard in a crowded field for the betterment of Melrose.”
The three other office hopefuls were equally gracious in defeat.
Lavender Bird, for instance, said, “This was an incredible experience. I’m so proud of the campaign we ran — positive from start to finish, focused on issues and solutions, and hopeful for real progress. We brought people together and changed the trajectory of the conversation. I am grateful to my family and to all of our volunteers and supporters for their tireless commitment. And I am so inspired by the new people I met and long-time friends I reconnected with along the way. Naturally, I would have liked to see a different outcome, but I wish the final candidates the best. And we’ll still be right here, part of this amazingly engaged community, working together to preserve and support the Melrose we love.”
Mike Zwirko didn’t grow up in Melrose, but he thanked the entire community for the opportunity to run as its mayor. He said the city has welcomed “a kid from Holyoke” with open arms and he is forever grateful. He also congratulated Brodeur and Medeiros for moving on to the November general election and said the months-long campaign showed him how much people care about this city.
Manisha Bewtra added, “We didn’t get the results we were hoping for last night, but I’m proud of the campaign we ran. We ran with integrity, and our campaign included the most diverse group of people ever engaged in a Melrose election. To all who were involved in this campaign — don’t forget, we are a force to be reckoned with. Everything that inspired you about this campaign — we can still push for. Let’s keep working together.
“Congratulations to Paul Brodeur and Monica Medeiros for advancing onto the November ballot, and to Jackie Lavender Bird and Mike Zwirko for your hard work as well. One thing no one else could see is the funny bond we forged through competition along the campaign trail and from being on the ballot together.
“Thank you to Ravi and Viraj for your unwavering support. Thank you to my amazing campaign manager Bethany Czerny for tirelessly fighting to turn our vision into reality. Thank you to all of my campaign team members, my many supporters, my family and friends for joining me over these past several months. This has been an amazing journey, and thanks to all of you, an incredibly fulfilling one.”
