Q&A: Ward 7 Alderman Candidates On The Issues

This coming Tuesday, Nov. 8 there's only one contested race in the biennial city election—Ward 7 alderman. Incumbent Bill Forbes faces a challenge from Frank Murphy.

Forbes and Murphy were emailed eight questions about issues facing the city and that have gone before the Melrose Board of Aldermen over the past two years. Each candidate responded with the answers below.

1) What are your thoughts on ?

Murphy: While I appreciate Senator McGee’s efforts and representation of Ward 7 for the past ten years, I believe that it is in the best interest of the citizens residing in this ward to be included with the rest of the City of Melrose now renamed the “Fifth Middlesex.” This redistricting would allow the city to be represented as a whole community before the State Senate with respect to the legislative needs and concerns for all residents of Melrose. 

Forbes: Senator McGee has been an effective Legislator for Wards 6 and 7 over the last ten years and his contributions to the city of Melrose have been well received. However, I do believe that having one State Senator represent the best interests of our city makes sense. I am a strong supporter of Senator Katherine Clark. She represented our Ward four years ago as a State Representative, and I look forward to working with her in the future.

2) The city is using at the high school and Pine Banks Park. Your thoughts? 

Forbes:  I supported the use of Mount Hood Golf Course revenues to pay the bonds taken out for the new athletic fields at the high school and Pine Banks Park. The Mount Hood enterprise fund was created to ensure the golf course would remain an attractive venue, by reinvesting all received revenues into course renovations and improvements. The Board voted on a one time deviation from that plan, which will pay for the bonds and keep the financial burden away from our residents. Mount Hood is a valuable asset to the city of Melrose and its prosperity provided us the opportunity to create two modern sporting facilities that will be enjoyed by our residents for years to come.

Murphy: I support the decision made by the city in using revenues from Mt. Hood Golf Course to pay off the bonds taken out for the new athletic fields at the high school and Pine Banks. It is obvious that many residents take advantage of the Mt. Hood Golf Course and it has received much support from the city in the past making it to become a popular destination for all residents. Just as there was support for Mt. Hood there should be support for the new athletic fields and Pine Banks that will be utilized by the residents and youth from this city as well.

3) near the Ripley School. Thoughts?

Murphy:  I support the expansion of the Wyoming Cemetery allowing the addition of 246 new double depth grave plots. For many families this addition of grave plots will come as a sense of relief knowing that they have the opportunity remain in the city that has meant so much to them and their loved ones, which will continue to allow families to have a bond with this city.

Forbes: I supported the expansion of the Wyoming Cemetery. For the past 6 or 7 years this area of land at the Wyoming Cemetery was used by city contractors for the storage and transfer of construction materials. Now this land has been cleared and graded, creating additional space that will allow our residents of Melrose to pay respects to their fellow loved ones.

4) , but not by as much as requested by City Hall. Should it have been more, less or the same as approved?

Forbes: I was disappointed that Mayor Dolan did not get the original raise requested by City Hall. I supported the original request as a reflection of the hard work and excellent job that Mayor Dolan has done for the city of Melrose over the last 10 years. Mayor Dolan remains one of the lowest paid mayors in the area, which simply does not justify the time and effort he’s dedicated towards making Melrose a better place to live. 

Murphy: The issue of an increase for any public employee in these present economic times is an extremely difficult topic to address. While it is obvious that many individuals are struggling with wage freezes and loss of employment, one may find it hard to approve a raise for the mayor. But it is the job of the Board of Alderman to determine what is appropriate. When taken into consideration that the duties and responsibilities as mayor are extremely arduous and demanding and have an overall affect on every resident in this city, I believe that the mayor should be compensated appropriately. I support the increase in the mayor’s salary. 

5) The aldermen recently approved . Good idea or bad idea?

Murphy: As a patron of the many fine establishments in Melrose I believe that it is not necessary to serve alcohol before noon on Sundays or any other day of the week for that matter.

Forbes: Bad idea. I voted against this order, as I personally feel that Sundays are family days. I don’t believe that Melrose restaurants would be losing a ton of business by not serving alcohol to its customers before noon. In addition, with many restaurants competing for business, there could potentially be 4-5 restaurants serving alcohol as early as 10 a.m. That is something I simply could not vote for.

6) In your opinion, what is the most significant accomplishment of the Board of Aldermen in the past two years, if there is one?

Forbes: The most significant accomplishment for the Board of Aldermen over the last two years is our fiscal responsibility. Melrose has been able to move forward in spite of difficult financial times, while maintaining a high level of city services to our residents. Melrose has lost 3 million dollars in state aid since 2009, forcing us to do more with less. The Board of Aldermen have been able to come together to find solutions, and overcome the financial challenges we face today.

Murphy: I believe that the most significant accomplishment of the Board of Alderman in the past two years has been working with the Mayor’s office in promoting the transfer of the municipal employees to join the GIC health insurance plan. This decision has saved the taxpayers of Melrose a significant amount of money allowing the Board of Alderman to pass a budget that meets the needs of the residents and its employees.

7) In your opinion, where has the Board of Aldermen fallen short in the past two years, if at all?

Murphy: In all honesty I can not point out any significant shortfalls within the past two years by the Board of Alderman. 

Forbes: I don’t feel that the Board of Alderman has fallen short at all. We continue to work together, and always have the best interest of the city in mind when making decisions.

8) What's the most important issue facing Ward 7 specifically?

Forbes: The most important issue facing Ward 7 is keeping the Eastside Fire Station open. Public safety is always a top priority, and cannot be sacrificed.  The Eastside Fire Station allows a faster response time to our residents in the case of an emergency.  We must continue to work with the Melrose Fire Department and provide the necessary resources that allow them to effectively do their jobs.

Murphy: I believe that the most significant issues facing Ward 7 are no different than any other issues that we as citizens face throughout the rest of the city.  Adequate public safety, public works, sound fiscal responsibility, good schools, and future development just to name a few are issues of concern for every ward in this city. I do believe that participation in our electoral process is of the utmost importance and would like to see an increase in voting at the polls. I also believe it is equally important that more citizens become involved in our local government. This could create a greater opportunity to provide a fresh perspective and new ideas for the future of our city. 

In closing I would like to thank the Melrose Patch for the opportunity to answer these thought-provoking questions and for their commitment to provide this information to the community of Melrose.