Mike McLane, Wakefield Town Council: Candidate Profile

On Feb. 22, Wakefield voters will decide who will finish the Town Council term of the late Peter May.

One of the candidates is Mike McLane, who filled out a Patch candidate profile form:

Age (as of Election Day)

63

Position sought (including ward or district number if applicable)

Town Council

Party Affiliation

Family

Cindy (64) wife, son Michael (28)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I am a Federal employee.

Education

Siena College (Loudonville NY Accounting 1980), BC Law 1983, I am an attorney and a CPA.

Occupation

IRS Independent Office of Appeals Team Case Leader (19 years government, 19 private practice/business)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Former Member and Chairman, Wakefield Board of Assessors

Campaign website

NA but I have a FB page Mike McLane for Town Council.

Why are you seeking elective office?

As a homeowner and taxpayer for 31 years I think I can represent the concerns of Wakefield citizens who are not entirely happy with the overbuilding and lack of local control, and traffic and other issues.

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

Runaway growth, and I intend to do what I can, given the reality of being one of a seven-member board. I hope to bring a moderate voice that can work with any Council Member.

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

I am the only candidate to commit to the Special and the General Election, I am fiercely independent and have no horse in the race except the interests of the citizens in general. I am not a politician. I am self-funding and do not seek endorsement or contributions as everyone has an equal vote in my opinion.

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

NA this is an open seat.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

There are many. We need a new High School. We also need to consider more senior housing, and doing what we can to keep our seniors in their houses as costs rise.

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

In past years I was a leader in attempting to build the new Galvin MS when the then-Selectmen were not supportive, and lead a successful parent movement to obtain better teacher pay, more weighted to starting teacher pay. I raised money for Music Boosters and obtained a grant for paint from Lowes for the old Galvin MS. I helped apply that paint. I ran a program with 10-12 moms (I was the only male) to cover study periods for Math teachers who had development meetings in the old Galvin (my idea with Principal Paula Mullen).

The best advice ever shared with me was:

All you young people want to get there; just enjoy the ride (from an at the time older attorney - AA member - in Concord District Court).

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

I am a member of Mystic Runners and Melrose Running Club, and am one of the worst annual golfers at the CSF Tournament at Bear Hill. I like running as the races always benefit a charity - in the past year Wakefield Alliance Against Violence; Melrose Run for Women, John's Run (Samaritans); Mystic Wednesdays (Toys for Tots, Wakefield Food Pantry, and others.)