Brookline Town Administrator Named President of Massachusetts Municipal Association

Press release via MMA: BOSTON, MA – Brookline Town Administrator Mel Kleckner was elected President of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA), at the organization’s 38th Annual Meeting and Trade Show held in Boston on January 20 and 21, 2017.

Kleckner was elected by local officials from across Massachusetts to serve as President of the MMA, the statewide nonpartisan organization that represents all 351 cities and towns and advocates for strong and effective local government.

"Mel Kleckner is admired by his colleagues in local government as an outstanding leader for his town, region and the entire state,” said MMA Executive Director Geoffrey C. Beckwith. “Municipal officials have asked him to be the MMA’s President to advance the interests cities, towns and local taxpayers, and we are very pleased that he has accepted this key leadership post."

“Communities across the state share key issues, concerns and a common agenda,” said Kleckner. “We must deliver essential services, safeguard municipal finances, build a stronger economic recovery that creates jobs, and meet the highest standards of public trust. No city or town can go it alone, and we must work together on issues ranging from local aid to home rule and everything in between, and collaborate with the Governor and our legislators to strengthen the partnership between state and local government on behalf of the people we all serve. This year the priorities will focus on winning powerful investments in local aid, education, transportation and critical infrastructure. In this way, we will protect municipal and school services for citizens and taxpayers, foster economic growth, and create thriving neighborhoods and communities across the state. I appreciate the vote of confidence from my fellow municipal officials, and I look forward to achieving our shared goals in the year ahead."

As the MMA’s President, Kleckner will lead the MMA’s Board of Directors and play a central role advancing the needs of all communities. He will chair the statewide Local Government Advisory Commission (LGAC), which meets throughout the year with Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and top state officials to discuss issues facing cities and towns. Governor Baker and his cabinet secretaries will rely on the LGAC for advice, consultation and input on municipal issues.

"Mel Kleckner has extraordinary leadership abilities, and we are excited to have him at our helm," Beckwith continued. "With his outstanding record as a skilled and effective public manager, he is the natural leader to guide our agenda as cities and towns work to make Massachusetts stronger and more prosperous."

Photo via Patch Archive