Woburn Candidate Profile: Robert Meaney For City Council

WOBURN, MA — With the Woburn Municipal Election scheduled for Nov. 7, Patch is profiling the candidates.

Here, we learn more about Robert Meaney, who is one of four people running for two open at-large seats on the Woburn City Council. One of the seats was vacated by Mike Concannon, who is running for mayor.

Meaney previously served three terms as a Ward 3 councilor on the City Council. Joining Meaney in the current race are incumbent Robert Ferullo Jr., Rob Toro and Lori Medeiros.

Candidates were sent questionnaires and filled out the answers.

Name

Robert M. Meaney

How old will you be as of Election Day?

61

What city or town do you live in?

Woburn

What office are you seeking?

City of Woburn Councilor At Large

Education

Saint Charles School, Woburn High School, University Of Lowell, Suffolk University

What is your occupation?

COO of a Claims Management & TPA firm

Do you have a family?

Two sons, Derek 27 & Daniel 26

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Brother Kevin is Chief Probation Officer in Concord Court, Concord, Massachusetts

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Yes, elected city councilor of Ward 3 in Woburn (3 terms) 6 years. Also Zoning Board of Appeals member for 15 years (chairman for 10).

Why are you seeking this office?

I have the experience, municipal knowledge and time to give back to the city.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___ and this is what I intend to do about it.

Housing. I plan to establish a housing partnership with Woburn Housing Authority, Veterans' Services and other city boards that can address housing needs for our veterans, seniors and others.

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

Experience, I am the only candidate that has municipal government experience serving as an elected official. I also have zoning experience that has dealt with special permits, zoning issues, housing issues and Chapter 40B projects.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

Four candidates are running for two seats, one is an incumbent who has not done anything in the four years they have held the office.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Housing, developments or redevelopment of land, infrastructure and traffic Issues.

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

Representing Woburn's Ward 3 for 3 terms, being elected overwhelmingly with no opposition, being a strong voice on the council for my constituents.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My father told me that most politicians are in it for themselves. He said that if I run for office, I should be in it for everyone else because they are counting on me to be their voice.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

When elected, I have always worked for my constituents, I have always listened, helped if I could and been their voice on the City Council. If elected again, I will do the same.