Letters to the Editor

Letter: School Committee Incumbents Thank Voters

Margaret Driscoll, Kristin Thorp and Don Constantine ran unopposed for their Melrose School Committee seats in this month's biennial city election.

To the Editor:  As newly re-elected Melrose School Committee members, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Melrose voters for your past and continued support and let you know how much we appreciate your interest and participation in the Melrose Public Schools. Our schools have made measurable, sustainable progress thanks to collaboration between and among school administrators, teachers, and staff; virtually every office in city government; the business community; civic organizations; education-oriented funds and foundations; school PTO’s and Site Councils; club and athletic booster organizations; local and state legislators; hundreds of volunteers; the School Committee; and most importantly, our students and their families. We …

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Letters to the Editor

Letter: Murphy Says Thank You to Voters

Frank Murphy challenged incumbent William Forbes in the biennial city election on Tuesday, Nov. 8 for the Ward 7 alderman seat.

To those voters of Ward 7 who chose to come out and vote: I would like to thank you for taking the time to do so on Tuesday, Nov. 8. I would also like to congratulate Bill Forbes on his victory and 5th term to the Board of Aldermen. While I was disappointed with the low voter turnout for the only contested race in the city, I am pleased with my overall effort and first run for office. It was a rewarding experience and I highly recommend that more people come forward to put their name on the ballot. Melrose is a great city and I feel extremely fortunate to live here. I would like to thank my wife Colleen, son Colin, family and friends for all their hard work and willingness to join me on the campaign. I look forward to future elections and …

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Beyond Melrose's Borders

News Nearby: Clinton at Tufts—Obama Comparison 'Burns Me Up'

Also in news from Melrose's neighbors: Malden has a new mayor; Winchester superintendent says he 'dropped the ball' on school choice notification; and a Reading man runs into a burning building.

Each Saturday, Melrose Patch will run a round-up with links to stories from surrounding communities that are of interest to Melrosians. MEDFORD—Former President Bill Clinton said it burns him up when people compare President Barack Obama unfavorably to him, he's okay with paying more in taxes as part of the one percent, and thinks recently elected conservative congress people "must be stunned" at how quickly their approval ratings have dropped. Clinton delivered the Fares Lecture at Tufts University Sunday evening. Thousands lined up outside the Gantcher Center on the Tufts Campus for the high security event. MALDEN—Gary Christenson, Malden's first new mayor elect in 16 years, said he hopes to bring more technology, efficiency and …

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Five Things You Need to Know Today

5 Things You Need To Know Today—Wednesday, Nov. 9

Elections results from last night; Roosevelt technology fundraiser; and more.

Today is Wednesday, Nov. 9—73 years ago today, the Nazis launched "Kristallnacht," leaving approximately 100 Jews dead, 7,500 Jewish businesses damaged and hundreds of synagogues, homes, schools and graveyards vandalized. An estimated 30,000 Jewish men were arrested—and here are Melrose's five fast facts for the day: 1) Just a perfect day, you make me forget myself: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind becoming east between 5 and 8 mph. Tonight, a slight chance of rain after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy with a low around 54. Southeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent. 2) Winner winner chicken dinner: Bill Forbes won re-election as Ward 7 Alderman over Frank Murphy in the only contested race in yesterday's biennial …

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Forbes Re-Elected to Fifth Term as Ward 7 Alderman

In the sole contested race, incumbent Bill Forbes took home almost 77 percent of the vote in defeating Frank Murphy in the race for Ward 7 Alderman.

Editor's note: This article was updated at 9:42 p.m. with unofficial vote tallies from across the city. Bill Forbes coasted to victory on Tuesday in his re-election bid for Ward 7 alderman, the sole contested race in the biennial city election this year, defeating challenger and first time general election candidate Frank Murphy. Forbes received 330 votes to Murphy's 101, approximately 76.5 percent to 23.5. The victory secures Forbes' fifth term on the Melrose Board of Alderman as the representative from Ward 7. "I'm happy with the results of course," Forbes said Tuesday night at the Hoover School, the Ward 7 polling location. "I have an awful lot of people who worked very, very hard and I appreciate that help." Murphy and Forbes faced an …

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Charles Christiansen

10:55 am on Wednesday, November 9, 2011

I expected it. There wasn't a huge discernible difference in the positions of the candidates and people seem generally satisfied with the city government's direction, so many felt no need for a change at this time. It's hard enough to unseat an incumbent when things aren't going well, so when they are, it's a really tough road.   more ›

Q&A: Ward 7 Alderman Candidates On The Issues

Incumbent Ward 7 Alderman Bill Forbes and challenger Frank Murphy answer questions in advance of Tuesday's election.

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 Ward 7 joining the rest of Melrose in Sen. Clark’s district and losing Sen. McGee? 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 …

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Letters to the Editor

Letter: Ward 7 Alderman Bill Forbes Seeks Re-Election

Forbes faces challenger Frank Murphy in the biennial city election on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

To the Voters of Ward Seven: My name is Bill Forbes and I am running for re-election for Alderman in Ward 7.  My wife Mary and I have been homeowners and tax payers in Ward 7 for the past 32 years, and 41 Mystic Ave is the home where we’ve raised our three children, Billy (MHS Class of 90), Scott (MHS Class of 92) and Julie (MHS Class of 2005). As we head into another election year, I am happy to say that the City of Melrose has made great strides over the last 8 years! Upon entering Melrose politics in 2003, our city faced many challenges: Melrose was flirting with bankruptcy, with some residents thinking that going into receivership was the best option. In addition to our financial difficulties, there was a dire need for Melrose to …

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Letters to the Editor

Letter: Ward 7 Alderman Candidate Frank Murphy Asks For Your Vote

Murphy is challenging incumbent William Forbes in the biennial city election on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

To the Voters of Ward Seven: My name is Frank Murphy and I am a candidate for Ward Seven Alderman.  I have been a resident and homeowner in this Ward since December of 1995.  I am writing to you asking for your consideration and vote on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8. I would like to take this time tell you about myself and why I have chosen to run for this seat. My wife Colleen and I are the proud parents of our 10 year-old son Colin who is in the 5th grade at the Hoover Elementary School. We feel extremely fortunate to have him in such a caring and positive environment. Melrose is a wonderful community to live and work in and it is my intention, with your help, to become a part of the political process. My goal is to help establish a …

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