Melrose Candidate Profile: John Obremski For City Council

MELROSE, MA — With the Melrose Municipal Election scheduled for Nov. 7, Patch is profiling the candidates.

Here, we learn more about John Obremski, who is running to represent Ward 2 on the Melrose City Council. Obremski, an incumbent, is facing J. Michael McCarthy.

Obremski, who works as a school principal, is a former member of the Melrose School Committee.

Candidates were sent questionnaires and filled out the answers.

Name

John Obremski

How old will you be as of Election Day?

52

What city or town do you live in?

Melrose

What office are you seeking?

City Council Ward 2

Education

Bachelors North Adams State, Masters Salem State, and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study Salem State

Occupation

Educator/Principal

Family

I have been married to Jennifer for 15 years. We have two boys, Michael (14) and Jack (11).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My wife and I are both educators. She teaches grade one in Wilmington and I am a principal in Danvers.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

I served on the Melrose School Committee for four years and I currently represent Ward 2 on the Melrose City Council.

Why are you seeking this office?

I have always enjoyed being engaged in the community. I like working with and helping people.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Melrose is a wonderful place to live. However, our public buildings are in great need of repair and this has to be addressed. Along with this, pedestrian safety especially in the area of the Fellsway and Howard Street.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I believe Melrose is a very healthy community. It is a great place to live and raise a family. We have an amazing downtown, beautiful parks and the people are engaged. The strength of Melrose is in the people. We all want to see Melrose continue to move in a positive direction and we can do that through engagement and planning.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

People want to live here. They want to be a part of Melrose.

As we move forward into the next two years I would like to continue to be a voice in the decisions that are going to move Melrose forward and make us better for years to come. I want to help improve an already healthy community to ensure it continues to thrive and is recognized as a place people want to be a part of.

Specifically, we have to develop a plan that allows for the rebuilding of our public buildings that remains fiscally responsible.

We have to ensure that pedestrian safety in all areas is paramount. Specifically in the area of Howard Street and the Fellsway.

As the city will be signing a new contract with a refuse company, we have to ensure that we get the most for our tax dollars.

And in terms of affordable housing. Melrose can be a part of this discussion and help to support developers who support our vision.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have been a member of both the School Committee and the City Council. I have addressed issues with constituents and at City Hall that include the budget, the schools and emergency services. I have worked with people on pedestrian safety and trash removal and I have engaged with smart growth and healthy development. I feel as though Melrose is a wonderful place to live and that we can continue to move forward in a positive direction.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Work hard and be kind!

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am someone who looks at Melrose with pride and optimism. We all want Melrose to continue to be a place where people desire to live, do business and thrive. Collectively we can address any issue and solve them as a community.