Stanley & family considering mayoral run, calls city treading water on major projects after mayor announces she is running because no one else is
I appreciate Mayor McCarthy for her service over the past 16 years. However, I believe Waltham citizens were as truly surprised as I was to read in last week’s Tribune that Mayor McCarthy is running for an unprecedented 5th 4-year term. We took her at her word when she informed all municipal employees in writing on July 14th 2017 that she would not seek another term as mayor.
The article asserts that Mayor McCarthy now feels she must run because “no one else is stepping up” to do so. With all due respect, there is no need for the mayor to worry about an absence of individuals ready, willing and able to take on leadership of our city. I, for one, would welcome the responsibility to lead our city as we face the many pressing challenges still ahead. I, for one, would welcome the chance to restore stability to our school system, to preserve the Waltham Field Station, to implement a Fernald Reuse Plan, to build new fire and police stations, and to achieve a new high school. I, for one, would welcome the opportunity to put my education and extensive experience in state and local government to work for Waltham and begin a new chapter in leadership to our city.
The election season has not begun. Nomination papers will not even be available until May 1st. But, I am confident that many qualified citizens will run for all of the elected positions in city government. In the meantime, Mayor McCarthy need not worry about an absence of qualified leaders willing to step up to the challenges our good city continues to face.
Countless people have reached out to me asking that I consider running for Mayor this year. They feel it is time for a change, that important projects have taken too long to complete and that the city is just treading water on critical issues. I agree with them. As a result, my family and I are strongly considering a run for mayor in 2019.
Thomas M. Stanley
Neighbors Lane