Would a special election allow any Melrose resident to run for Mayor ? If so, think of all the fresh, highly-qualified, talent that is so sorely needed and available to oversee a multi-million dollar enterprise ? We deserve better for the challenges ahead.

Sorry, Truthsayer. In order to preserve his Mayor for Life status, (if he so chooses) Dolan changed the City Charter several years ago (with help from his aldermanic friends) so that they cannot be engaged in any other business, occupation or profession during the period of service as mayor. That effectively rules out the majority of the qualified residents in the City.

That, unfortunately, is exactly correct.

The could be retired or quit their job to run for Mayor. Right ?

The new mayor is going to follow what ever Dolan wants her to do so nothing will change in Melrose. My family is so happy we have a women in office seeing we tried to have Hillary win.

Yes, they could be retired. No, they don't have to quit to run. They have to quit to be sworn in.