Melrose Weekly News: We can embrace our community
Written by Brad Freeman
When I decided to enter the race to represent Ward 4 on the Melrose City Council, I committed to knocking on every door in the ward. This effort has given me the chance to meet friends and neighbors, hear directly from residents, and learn about their priorities and concerns.
One theme that comes up often is a desire for the community to support each other during tough times and celebrate collectively during times of joy. Too often lately, it seems like these gatherings are few and far between. Many have shared with me that they long for the days when neighbors could disagree respectfully while working together to make our community and city a wonderful place to live. I share that belief. Even when we see issues differently, I know that most of us are motivated by the same goal: doing what we think is best for our community.
I also believe our local politics aren’t as divided as they may appear. Here in Ward 4, we’re fortunate to have many places that bring people together — Memorial Hall, Ell Pond, the Library, Mary Livermore Park, and more. Whether it’s concerts, art exhibits, play dates, or community meetings and celebrations, these gathering spaces remind us that we have far more in common than what divides us.
As a longtime youth sports coach, a former vice president of the Incarnation Baseball League, and now a Park Commissioner, I’ve seen firsthand how community gatherings allow people to acknowledge differences while enjoying each other’s company and supporting their neighbors. If elected to represent Ward 4, I will work to preserve these valued community spaces and expand programming so that all Melrosians can share stories, celebrate together, and support one another.
I would like to see the city leverage the cultural and community asset that is Memorial Hall while valuing its mission in commemorating the men and women who died in service for our country; promote intergenerational programs at the Library where teens help older residents with technology while learning from their life experiences; and encourage community service projects that bring neighbors together to care for Ell Pond and Mary Livermore Park. These are the kinds of opportunities that not only strengthen our community but also create lasting connections across generations.
I believe change begins at the local level. In Melrose, we have the power to embrace our community, ensure future generations have opportunities to gather, and set a more productive tone for our civic life. That’s the change so many of you have told me you’re hoping for — and it’s the change I hope to help bring to the City Council.
