Published November 15, 2019
This is another in a series of “Around Town” articles.
MELROSE — As Melrose ushers in a new era of Mayor Paul Brodeur it should be noted that despite the political rancor and vitriol at the national level, here in Melrose the recent city election was one of civility and comity. No doubt, the supporters of Monica Medeiros and Paul Brodeur were passionate about their candidate. But, as important, was the way in which the candidates insisted on running a clean campaign with no cheap shots or misrepresentations.
Around Town spoke with Monica Medeiros and Paul Brodeur as they reflected on the campaign as it wound down to its final days.
Monica, compared to what is going on nationally, this has to be the most clean, civil campaign we have ever seen.
Monica: It’s awesome. I feel Paul and I are the role models and it’s up to us to set the example for everyone else in the discourse and how we treat people.
It’s really amazing. Time and again, we have seen you and Paul take multiple photographs together with supporters from your campaigns.
Monica: Paul and I served together on the Board of Aldermen and I enjoyed serving with him. We have different visions for the city, both feel we can do the better job. But we are friends and that’s good.
Paul, the Saturday before the election there were well over 100 people downtown holding signs in support of their candidates. Everyone seemed to get along.
Paul: Absolutely. it’s really refreshing. Folks from both sides have been talking about how professional or how civil the election has been and I think we can all be proud of that.
We noticed you and Monica posing for photographs, together, with supporters from both campaigns.
Paul: I walked over to say hi to Monica and wish her well and her supporters were so friendly. Many I knew. We just have a different view on how to move the city forward.
So why the group photos?
Paul: Next thing I knew people wanted photographs. We gave each other a hug and then back to knocking on doors. This has been a very civil campaign.
Monica, you have dozens of supporters giving up their Saturday holding signs for you. That must be special for you.
Monica: Yes, it really is. I’ve been blessed to have so many nice kind people, generous who have been supporting me. It’s amazing.
Paul, you have so many troops out here too.
Paul: No doubt, people are fired up for this election. And the level of civic engagement in Melrose has really grown, and grown and grown. It’s really exciting to be a part of it and have folks, long time friends, all pitching to help out. It’s very flattering. I know Monica feels the same way. At the end of the day, this is our city and our home.
Any special memories from the campaign?
Monica: There have been many moments, especially the trust and faith that people have shown that they have in me. It’s really moving and you have moments when you knock on someone’s door. It’ like you get tears . It’s so wonderful.
Paul: Melrosians have been engaged and eager to talk about the issues. Regardless of the outcome, I’ll always remember how the community was engaged and how the campaigns conducted themselves.