Ellen Crowley: 'I Can Still Have A Positive Impact On Woburn'

WOBURN, MA — Woburn School Committee Chair Ellen Crowley was handed what she called a "humbling" defeat in her bid for mayor earlier this month, but she will continue to work hard for the city, she said.

Incumbent Mayor Scott Galvin took 64.9 percent of the vote against Crowley, cruising to a seventh term in the mayor's office. But Crowley remains involved and isn't ruling out any options — including another run for mayor, she told Patch.

"I may very well run for Mayor again because I do think the City will benefit from a public debate between candidates who would like to become Mayor and I was not given that opportunity," Crowley said. "It is always in the best interests of the City to hear from candidates in an open forum."

There was no debate or forum with Galvin and Crowley ahead of the Nov. 2 election, despite her willingness to participate in one.

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But running again for mayor isn't the only way to make a difference in the city, the School Committee chair noted.

"As a City leader, even if not the Mayor, I can still have a positive impact on Woburn," Crowley said. "Moving forward, I see many opportunities to operationalize some of the ideas that inspired me during my campaign. I will continue to work extremely hard on the School Committee and to make the school system better. I am excited to work on a strategic plan in the spring of 2022, which will set the tone for the next three years. I discovered opportunities for programming during out-of-school time for children, and unified athletics for children of all abilities."

Crowley also said she plans to continue her involvement in city affairs outside the school system:

"I will continue to try to make the City of Woburn more transparent. I intend to actively engage in city business and do my part as a resident to stay informed and advocate for our residents when need be. I intend to stand up for our most vulnerable residents. I will attend more public meetings and speak up on issues. I may send in some information requests from time to time to understand some aspects of the City.

I would like to work on housing instability and poverty in Woburn. I am truly concerned for Woburn's lack of long term plan for affordable housing. I have worked with folks impacted by poverty for over 20 years and I do believe that Woburn does far less than most cities to help residents with basic needs. I am gravely concerned that the city does not have a handle on housing needs for our residents, particularly our residents of advanced age. I am exploring options as to how to promote more awareness about these issues. So, I am open to hear from anyone who would like to work on these issues with me. I was thinking of doing some fundraising for the Senior Center to help create more enriching programs."

Crowley also reflected on her campaign for mayor.

"First of all, I am grateful for the opportunities in my life that have paved the way for me to even consider running for Mayor," she said. "I have wonderful family and friends who supported me in this decision, and gave me courage. Second, I am humbled. I am humbled that I lost the election, and humbling experiences are often painful, but they make us stronger. I see my loss as an opportunity to show my children how to lose gracefully and heal when life doesn't go your way. I am living out one of my favorite parables, that reminds us never to seat oneself at the "head of the table at the banquet" because true compassion and joy in life comes from the ability to put ego aside and to accept loss as part of larger plan. My missions in life are to help others, raise my kids so they are kind and helpful, and to serve the greater good."

"I am proud to be from Woburn and to raise my family here," Crowley concluded. "I will continue to do my best to serve this City."

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.