Lipper-Garabedian's Clarity, Consistency Benefits Melrose: Letter

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

This is my family's first year in Melrose, and apparently, it is also one of the most important years politically in the City's recent history. That has made me want to get up to speed very quickly on the issues impacting Melrose. In my search to figure out how this city works, one person keeps jumping out to me as a source of clarity and consistency: Councilor-At-Large Kate Lipper-Garabedian. That's why I'm writing in support of her, and why I'm hoping you will join me in re-electing her on November 5th.

Her clarity and consistency benefit Melrose in three key ways. The first is simple: she's great at sharing important updates on city government. What's the DPW's summer schedule? Kate put it in her newsletter. What's the Planning Board discussing next week? Kate posted a summarized agenda. She knows that an informed electorate is a strong electorate. I'm actually excited to see an email or a tweet from her, because I know I'll probably learn something.

The second is the way she goes about her duties. At public meetings, she always seems to have a fact or a citation that focuses the discussion. For example, I attended a recent legislative committee meeting to voice my support of the city's program with LimeBike. A few City Council members took the opportunity to suggest an ordinance against people parking a bike in a way that blocked a sidewalk. Instead of sharing hearsay or opinion, Kate shared a fact nobody else did: the City already has a law on sidewalk obstruction. I left reassured that she was a thoughtful person who takes her position very seriously.

Finally, she advances creative, actionable ideas that benefit the City's residents. At the recent League of Women Voters forum, her proposals ranged from exploring accessory dwellings to pushing the mayor's office to better explain how board and commission appointments are made. Councilor-at-Large Kate Lipper-Garabedian has earned my respect. I trust she will continue to keep voters informed, perform her duties with care, and work for the continued betterment of Melrose in her next term on the City Council. Please join me in voting for her.

Finn McSweeney
160 West Wyoming Ave.