A Campaign Of We, Not Me: Zwirko

The following was submitted by Mike Zwirko. Let your voice be heard by signing up for a free account and posting.

When I look back on this campaign, I am so proud - not just the campaign we’ve run - but the team that came together along the way. I’ve always said that this is going to be a campaign of “we, not me.” Sure, it sounds good, but it’s actually true. This campaign involved everyone: from my wonderful MHS interns (and this video’s producer, Fancina Roberts '19) to retirees. Heck, most of my volunteers, I didn’t even know before this race began! But my message and vision meant something to them. They’ve told me it drew them in. New ideas, common sense solutions, and the ability to work collaboratively to push Melrose forward.

Ever since Erin and I moved to Melrose, both before and during my time elected office, I have been an active member of this community. I don’t just show up. Rather, I am involved and have effectively advocated for our residents. Whether it is a proposed development on Dexter Road, a neighborhood issue regarding new construction on Laurel Street, volunteering my time as a MAAV Mentor, or working with civic organizations to move past gridlock, I have been there. I’ve always paid attention to our boards and commissions - followed their agendas - attended events that support our students, and been dedicated to this community.

I entered this race knowing it was not going to be easy. I knew that I would be competing against people that I call friends. But if we did everything in life that was easy, would life really be worth it? We need to constantly challenge ourselves and our community. This election is about offering choices for the future of this community. We are in the middle of a generational election. Elections like these happen maybe 3-4 times over the course of your lifetime. The decisions made at the ballot box on September 17th and on November 5th will affect Melrose for the next decade or more. Whether it is education, schools, sustainability, development - both economic and residential, public safety or services for our aging population, this is an important election. This race is anything but a foregone conclusion. It is wide open. Please participate in it, your vote truly matters!

I am so proud to live here in Melrose. I am very fortunate that 13 years ago, Erin and I found Melrose and we put our roots down. Melrose is our home and I am very happy to be able to utter those words. I want to be your next Mayor because I have always wanted to build something, and to do it in a collective fashion. We have a lot to build here in Melrose and I look forward to building it together; with you.

Thank you, Melrose, for allowing me the opportunity to be your next Mayor! I respectfully ask for your vote on Tuesday, September 17th!