Melrose Residents Share Why They’re Voting YES, YES, YES on the Override

All 11 Melrose city council members unanimously support the override.

Leila Migliorelli, At Large • Maya Jamaleddine, At Large • Ryan Williams, At Large • Ward Hamilton, At Large • Manjula Karamcheti, Ward 1 • John Obremski, Ward 2 • Robb Stewart, Ward 3 • Mark Garipay, Ward 4 • Kimberly Vandiver, Ward 5 • Cal Finocchiaro, Ward 6 • Devin Romanul, Ward 7

“I’ve lived in Melrose since 1976.

I moved here for the schools, for the downtown that was being revitalized, for the beautiful parks, all our trees, the well-maintained infrastructure.

As a long-time realtor in town, I discovered everybody else wanted the same things I wanted. The first thing people ask about is schools. That’s why I’ll be supporting the override—to maintain what I came here for and what I think future generations deserve.” – Eileen Hamblin

“My family has lived in Melrose for 10 years. I’m voting YES, YES, YES, and here’s why:

Yes, I have two kids in the schools, and the recent cuts are tough. But my support goes beyond that. I want strong services for Melrosians of all ages. I may not use the Senior Center yet, but I want it open, fully staffed, and thriving. I want a lively arts and culture scene that keeps us connected…the override vote is about everyone of all ages in Melrose.” – Bo Tsang

“Those things that I love about Melrose — they’re under threat. We face an inability to care for our streets, sidewalks, open spaces…The schools are already facing super tight budgets. These choices are up to us as voters…There’s no superhero who’s going to fly in and save the day. It’s up to us to take care of our community.” – Tim Cote

”This is your community now that you live in, and there’s pieces of that budget that affect everybody.” — Former Mayor Gail Inferna

”The reason I’m here is to say to people, we’re back there again. If we don’t pass this override, money is not going to appear in your desk.” — Former Mayor Dick Durbin

“November 4, I’m voting in favor of the override questions and Melrose’s ability to serve its residents, whether they’ve been here 100 days or 100 years. I encourage you to do the same.

Let’s support our children — the key to our City’s economic growth and future civic leadership — who deserve adequately funded public schools with appropriate class sizes, in-district resources for students with special needs, and access to the curricula that put them on a pathway to success after high school.

Let’s restart the programs that help our older adults thrive — at a well-funded senior center, with reliable transportation options, and as they navigate their health needs.

Let’s ensure every Melrosian can traverse safe streets and sidewalks, enjoy clean and well-maintained public spaces, rely on a dependable public safety presence, and enjoy full access to City gems like our library, Memorial Hall, and city yard. Vote yes, yes, yes on November 4.”

—State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian

“The challenges we face are real — but so is our power to rise to meet them. That’s the Melrose I know. That’s the Melrose I believe in. We owe it to our students, our seniors, our small business owners, and every resident who calls Melrose home to say YES. Yes to strong schools. Yes to safe streets. Yes to responsive public services. Yes to a city that believes in investing in itself.” – Sarah Doonan

“The middle school project, the 1992 override, and library project are three examples of critical investments of tax dollars that resulted in state-of-the-art facilities and preservation of effective educational experiences. Those investments have proven to be both successful and responsible. The time is here once again to invest in our community.” – Adam Federico

“Frugal management alone won't make up for Melrose’s lack of commercial property, largely because our biggest expenses are driven by negotiated contracts—our police, our fire and our teachers, all of whom are essential for maintaining the quality of life in our community.” - Tom Maffei

“Nobody wants to pay more in taxes, but investing locally yields dividends for everyone. It is the thing we can do to pay it forward and protect our community. We can do more to take care of our kids. We can do more to take care of our retired and elderly Melrosians. We can do more to take care of our veterans. We can do more to take care of our friends and neighbors.” – Danielle Bowers

All members of the Melrose School Committee have proudly endorsed the non-partisan Yes for Melrose override campaign and will be voting YES on questions 1A, 1B, and 1C this November. 

“I’ve been a Melrose resident for 6 years now, but I’ve worked in municipal finance for twice as long… Melrose isn’t alone. Nearly 100 Massachusetts communities have had overrides on the ballot since the start of 2024, according to The Boston Globe, and the pace isn’t slowing. The volume of cities and towns putting the question of increasing the tax levy over 2.5% to their residents just proves one thing: There’s no easy solution to this problem, no silver bullet. 

While discussing the issue last month, a fellow resident commented that “City Hall should just figure it out.” But there’s nothing to figure out—we see what the problem is, and we know what the solution is. It’s a math problem and the equation needs to balance. Our City does not have another way to generate additional revenues to offset the costs of roadway improvements, facility maintenance, infrastructure upkeep, and increased health costs for staff, without the support of its residents. For residents on a fixed income, I understand and respect your challenges. However, if we say NO now, we are essentially passing the buck yet again and shirking responsibility for this same issue that will not go away. Next year’s budget will require an estimated additional $4M in cuts — what services will go next?

I’ve spoken with neighbors, put up my yard sign, and will proudly vote YES, YES, YES on 1A, 1B, and 1C on November 4. Please join me.” — Kate Hartke

“Of the three levels of government, I most clearly see and benefit from the services provided by local government. The money I spend on taxes in Melrose stays in Melrose.” – James O’Loughlin

"Behind the numbers, there’s something more important — recognizing that we are all in this together, for better or for worse.” – David Trzepacz

“We’ve lived in Melrose for almost 20 years, and the city has given us so much.

….But we know in that time costs have increased everywhere. Two overrides in 40 years? That’s the equivalent of two pay raises in 40 years. It’s not enough. We have to fund the city we want to have.

  • We want our schools to have languages, computer sciences, and business education.

  • We want well-kept public spaces and infrastructure so businesses want to make Melrose their home.

  • We want to pay our teachers and public workers well.

  • We want our own ambulance, and we want to provide support services to the elderly and our veterans.

That’s why we’re voting YES on 1A, B, & C in November.” –Eric & Erin Drogan

City government is, and always has been, responsible for some of the most critical parts of our daily lives. It’s who protects our neighborhoods. It's who plows our streets. It’s who educates our children.  At one time, our city government could rely upon the federal and state governments to be meaningful financial partners in its work. In recent decades, however, Melrose’s city government increasingly has been left to fend for itself… 

The override is our only opportunity to stabilize, repair and strengthen our community for the next few years. The alternative is not the status quo.  The alternative is the assured decay of the community that has given us so much and that our family has been proud to call home. This is a moment that requires all of us not just to set our tax rate, but to determine the type of community Melrose will be.

Please consider joining us to vote YES, YES, YES this November.” –Jim & Amy Tierney

“As pet owners, we’ve relied on the trash cans by the Common—which are now gone. Like many neighbors, we’ve also run into issues trying to drop off yard waste with the City's condensed hours. Additionally, our street, along with many others are long overdue for repaving... These are everyday needs that affect all of us in Melrose. That’s why we believe it’s so important for the override to pass—so our community gets the services and care it deserves.” – Masha Goodman-Khan & Ray Khan

“I was eligible to vote for the first time in 1969…As a lifelong Melrose resident, I follow local politics, but I have never felt the need to speak up about issues facing our community. Until now. Tuesday, November 4 will be a pivotal moment for Melrose…with enough ‘Yeses,’ Melrose will continue to be the community we know and love.” – Bert Whittier  

"I do believe that together we CAN maintain the basic needs of our city—and then some! With a goal to have all our services running properly now and in the future. Our entire community deserves it. That is why now is the time to VOTE YES." –Danielle Murray

“I wholeheartedly endorse the three override proposals for this November as a proud mother of two children who are in the Melrose Public Schools, a Melrose homeowner since 2012, and a proud 20-year public school educator…

What drew me to the Melrose community was the beautifully maintained downtown and the reputable public schools. Without an override, another $4M in cuts are forecasted for FY27. The impact will go beyond having no flowers, parklets, and trash receptacles.  There will not be sufficient funds for maintaining safe streets and schools.

I have witnessed the immense pressure our kids put on themselves, and the devastation to self-esteem, confidence and mental health that can happen when children fall through the cracks. I want my children to have access to every opportunity and support they may need. 

I love Melrose and want to protect the future of this wonderful city.” – Dorene Serrao