Jason Buggy
A Commitment to Honesty, Decency, and Community:
I, too, and with Sam!
Dear Neighbors and Friends,
As we approach the Preliminary Mayoral Election on September 19, 2023, I urge each of you with the privilege to vote to actively engage in the process. Our decision on the 19th will determine the two candidates on the ballot for our local election held on November 7th.
In past elections, I’ve privately entered the voting booth, cast my ballot, and moved on. This time, I’m voting with conviction. I’m backing the person I have faith in, and I trust that when called upon she will roll up her sleeves and get to work overcoming challenges, not run from them. I’ll also be candid and share that I’ve never held much regard for “on-the-record” political affiliations in local elections; at the end of the day all the candidates are neighbors and fellow Melrosians. What truly matters is the candidate’s dedication to our community and her ability to make a positive impact. I think it may come as a surprise to some of my lifelong close friends but for me that person is Sam Hammar.
My vote is for Sam because I know she will take a “we” and “us” approach to leading our city. Sam is hellbent on earning votes not by promoting our differences in the echo chamber but by uniting us through the commonalities in our community. Sam brings people together; it’s the very nature of who she is. I vote for the person not the affiliated party. To that end, whether Sam’s values are 100% aligned with mine is of little importance to me. What is important is that she respects mine while holding true to hers.
Publicly advocating for a mayoral candidate is new to me, but the stakes are high. Our city's future hinges on this election. Four years ago, the 3 current mayoral candidates were on different ballots. Sam lost her bid to represent the Fifth Middlesex District in the senate. Despite her loss, in the years that followed Sam is the only candidate who has strived to move Melrose forward through her actions, not words. While her municipal and state achievements are impressive, it's her local contributions these past 4 years that have positively impacted so many community members right here at home. If you take anything from this letter to carry with you to the voting booth, take this: Sam will identify potential community difficulties early and will douse the flames, not fan them. She runs to the challenges; she doesn’t hide from them.
Truth be told, Sam loves Melrose even more than I do. That love is at the very core of this election, she wants this job! She desires this position not for status, but as an opportunity to serve the city she calls home. Have no doubt, to Sam, this is a job, not a symbol that comes with the title of “Mayor”. I believe in her abilities, her unwavering passion and experience that will build upon what makes Melrose a great community and to mend what needs mending. On September 19th, please join me in voting for Sam Hammar.
Jason Buggy
