Stanley forms exploratory committee for Waltham mayoral race, kicks off listening tour

Posted Feb. 11, 2015 at 6:00 AM
WickedLocal.com

State Rep. and City Councilor Tom Stanley announced the formulation of his exploratory campaign committee and the commencement of a listening tour to survey the city’s residents as he considers entering the race for Waltham mayor against incumbent Jeannette McCarthy.

WALTHAM
State Rep. and City Councilor Tom Stanley announced the formulation of his exploratory campaign committee and the commencement of a listening tour to survey the city’s residents as he considers entering the race for Waltham mayor against incumbent Jeannette McCarthy.

“As a lifelong resident of Waltham and a public representative, I understand intimately the incredible assets of our city as well as the challenges we face,” Stanley said. “The Commonwealth is starting down a new path with a new governor and new legislative leadership. The committee and I will be listening, learning and assessing the landscape of our city to ensure our citizens have a leader who is dedicated to strengthening Waltham in this time rich with opportunity.”

Stanley said the exploratory committee will be co-chaired by three distinguished members of the Waltham community: Liz McCarthy, Carlos Vidal and John Murray. An experienced volunteer, McCarthy served on the Board of Directors of the Fitzgerald Elementary School PTO from 2009-14, including two years as president. She is also an active member of the Warrendale neighborhood community. Vidal is an area real estate agent, local news anchor, youth soccer coach and community volunteer. Murray came to Waltham from Scotland in 1982 and is a retired plasterer and member of Boston Local 534.
“I am honored that such dedicated and knowledgeable Waltham leaders will be guiding my committee,” Stanley said. “Since their joining of my effort, our committee has already begun to grow and we are excited about adding additional residents to our effort so that all voices are heard in this important process.”

Stanley and the members of the committee will be conducting a variety of meetings and community gatherings to hear about what direction Waltham should be heading. The first stop of the listening tour will be a series of coffee gatherings being held in the homes of city residents.

Stanley serves on the Warrendale Little League Board of Directors, the Waltham Partnership for Youth Board of Directors and the Waltham Family School Advisory Board. He is also a member of the Lions Club, the Friends of the Waltham Family School, and the Waltham Youth & Community Coalition. His father, William Stanley, was a Waltham city councilor, state representative and mayor.
Stanley graduated from Waltham High School, where he played on the school’s basketball team. He also holds an Associate’s Degree in business administration from MassBay Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in management from Bentley University, and a Master’s Degree in public administration from Suffolk University. He is married with two sons.