A Grateful Zwirko Wishes Farewell: Letter

The following was submitted by City Councilor Mike Zwirko:

As my time on the Melrose City Council comes to a close, I wanted to express my deep gratitude to the residents of Melrose for their support and counsel over my four years in public service. You all granted me the honor to represent you at the local level and I am forever indebted for that opportunity. I can only hope that, on the whole, it was mutually appreciated.

As someone who was not born and raised in Melrose, I am truly grateful for your trust in me to work for the benefit of residents. In my four years of service, the Melrose City Council tackled issues large and small and I am very proud of the progress we’ve made. No work is ever finished as there always remains a duty to continually improve our city and ourselves.

In less than two weeks, a new decade will begin. It is fitting that the timing of this new decade coincides not only with a new Mayor, but also a significantly new council with 8 new members out of 11. This is something we should celebrate and welcome. It is a testament to those who have served for many years and have decided to pass the baton to a new generation. Personally, I am extremely impressed with the caliber of councilors set to take the reins in January. In my experience working with them in this period of transition I have found them to be extremely hard working, considerate and knowledgeable. They have been studying up on past meetings and issues and working to prepare themselves for the months ahead. Their work ethic, while not even in the job yet, is commendable. I am quite confident they will serve Melrose well.

In sum, thank you Melrose for being the little city that can. We are small, but we are mighty. Melrose is the longest I have ever lived anywhere; it is my home. I am very proud to live here, proud to have served here, and proud to look to the future as I know it is indeed going to be bright. Rest assured, while my time in elected office comes to a close, you will still see me at community and sporting events and around town. I am not fading away and I am here to continue to help and participate on items in our community.

I wish my very best to Mayor Brodeur, Members of the City Council and School Committee, City Administrators and staff, students and residents in the next decade and beyond! Happy Holidays to all. Thank you for all you have given me.

Sincerely,

Michael Zwirko