State Rep. Candidate Profile: Brandon Reid

Brandon Reid

Age (as of Election Day)

35

Position Sought

32nd Middlesex District State Representative

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

I come from a large family, including 8 siblings

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I do not have any family members in politics, however I do have a brother in the Marines

Education

University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Middlesex Community College

Occupation

I'm currently the School Facilities and Security Manager at a public charter school, and have been employed there for 7 years.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

No

Campaign website

I don't have a website, but do have a Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Reidforstater...

Why are you seeking elective office?

The people of this district need representation and a strong advocate. They deserve someone who will propose and support sensible legislation that will address the issues that directly affect them. I will represent the people of Melrose, Wakefield, and Malden, with a strong voice and offer real, positive change. I've spoken to countless folks in the community, and there is a common theme in what I'm hearing. Accountability and in state government is lacking and spending is out of control. Taxpayers often feel that their hard-earned dollars are being squandered. I will work hard to protect taxpayers, lower business fees and streamline rules, make education a priority, address the many infrastructure failures, advocate for more efficient and cost effective senior and veteran services, and look closely into many other issues that affect my fellow residents of this district and the Commonwealth.

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

I've been getting this question quite a bit, and I feel if you asked this question to each individual in this district, you would get very different responses. This community faces multiple issues, and all of them are are pressing. With that said, transportation and infrastructure are high on the list of priorities. Neglected streets, unreliable public transit, lack of parking and accessibility, poor signage, are a few things that need immediate attention. We also have a very serious traffic problem, which contributes to less safe driving conditions. As state representative, I will highlight these issues, encourage a well thought out action plan, and make sure that this district is receiving proper funding, while ensuring funds are allocated responsibly. Transparency is key here, as is competent oversight.

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

I believe that my opponent is well-intended, and truly cares about the people of this community. With that said, many of the Democrats in a position of leadership in this state are what I call cookie-cutter Democrats, and I've seen nothing that indicates to me that she will be any different. What I mean by that is, I don't think she would offer any new ideas that haven't already been proposed by any of the current 126 Democrats in the MA House of Representatives. Additionally, I'm skeptical of any candidate who asks thousands of people to vote for her for reelection to City Council, only to win and then turn around and announce a run for a different seat days later.
I'm not I'm not doing this to climb the political ladder. This is the position I seek, and my focus is 100% on serving the people of this district and state. I believe in accountability, checks and balances (which is presently lacking in the house, with only 32 Republicans occupying seats), and protecting taxpayers. I'm the candidate bringing new ideas to the table, and pledge to represent each and every one of you -Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Other, and unaffiliated members of this community alike.

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

Given that it's a currently vacant seat, I'll skip this question.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Some of the issues that define my campaign, include measuring and addressing school achievement and opportunity gaps an ensuring an excellent education for all, improving school safety and security procedures, increasing the estate tax threshold, supporting term limits and eliminating state pensions for elected officials...there are so many.

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

I've been the facilities and security manager at a public charter school for 7 years and built many relationships with law enforcement, security experts, school administrators, teachers, and students. I was tasked with developing a comprehensive school emergency procedures plan, and successfully did so, producing a widely used plan that is currently implemented at multiple schools.

I've also spent 14 years as an architectural designer and space planner, developing plans for thousands of homes, buildings, parking lots, and other structures, in and around Massachusetts. I have strong knowledge of state and local bylaws and building regulations, ADA compliance, and a vast understanding of infrastructure..

I also have a strong business background, including being a small business owner myself, and a background in budgeting and management of large facilities.

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

I would like for voters to know that I'm genuine, hard working, and will not let them down. I also would like them to know that I'm here to listen and address their concerns. I will be the most accessible State Representative that they will have had, and I'm ready to get right to work in the State House