Good day, my fellow local residents.
I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself, Brandon Reid, and declare my candidacy in seeking the 32nd Middlesex District State Representative seat. Despite my best efforts, the Secretary of State’s office has disqualified me from getting formally printed on the ballot –more on this at another time. Needless to say, you will not see my name on the February 3rd as the Republican candidate –but you can write me in. I really want to take this opportunity to tell you why I am running, what I represent, and how I will best represent you; the people of Melrose, Wakefield, and Malden.
As a Melrose resident, I’ve seen this community grow and thrive over many years. But with all great successes, there still remain areas for improvement. Many of these areas are a direct result of government not moving quickly or efficiently enough to address the issues that impact our communities.

One of these issues is failing to address the serious flaws in our education system. The vibrant 32nd Middlesex district is home to many schools, of all grade levels. Many of these school do a tremendous job teaching our students. But because of existing statewide mandates, some of these schools find themselves having to put way too much emphasis on teaching students to take tests. Testing can be beneficial, but standardized testing doesn’t always accurately indicate student or school performance. The MCAS are prime example of this. Let’s get rid of the MCAS. These high stakes tests simply distract from teaching and learning.

And let’s better prepare our students for life after school. I want to work with my constituents to pass legislature that will mandate that all high schools must offer courses on finances. Credit card companies target 18-19 years olds fresh out of high school, and many of these young adults don’t understand credit. They don’t understand interest rates, and loans, and how they work. We expect them to borrow all this money to go to college, and they don’t understand the terms and conditions of these loans, by no fault of their own. Let’s give our youth the tools they need to succeed. Not just in school, but long after they graduate.

In addition to curriculum, the issue of school safety must be revisited. We can do a better job of keeping our kids safe. We need more comprehensive safety plan in place. I’ve spent 7 years as the security manager at a public charter school, and I’m going to bring that knowledge with me to the state house. We need to pass legislature that will ensure that all school undergo thorough emergency procedures assessments, and an annual basis.

Let’s move on to another topic. Everyone’s favorite –taxes! We all pay quite a bit of taxes, and it is a burden on many of us. Sales tax is over 6%, property tax is through the roof, and income tax is higher than all but one state that levy’s a flat income tax rate at over 5%.Many of the democrats in the house would like to raise these taxes without delivering on their promises of putting your money to good work. I don’t believe that raising taxes is the answer. But I do believe that making sure that every dollar of taxpayer money is accounting for and going towards the causes that are most important to us a community, is imperative.

I think many of us would agree that, at present, this is not the case. Massachusetts does not have a great track record of fiscal responsibility and that needs to change. This state is consistently among the worst rated in terms of fiscal health of any state in the country. Democratic leadership would rather ignore this fact and continue wasteful spending on programs that are not producing desirable results, all the while telling you that you’ll reap the reward if you contribute just a little more. We need accountability. And to achieve this, in part, the effectiveness of state run programs must be measured and evaluated, otherwise there is no justifying the costs. And this all must be done with complete transparency.

In addition to financial health, we also need to do better in terms of healthcare. We need to do better in terms of infrastructure and transportation –including improving public transit, making our streets safer, and increasing handicap parking. We need to do better in terms of going green and becoming a clean energy community. We need to support small business growth, instead of discouraging them with high fees. And we can absolutely do better for our veterans and our senior citizens, who far too often cannot access the services they need because of inefficient bureaucratic processes. These folks are the backbones of our community and they deserve a lot better than they are currently getting. And there are many, many other items that must be addressed. I will do so if given the opportunity. And I want to be 1000% clear, regardless of your political affiliation, I’ll be going to the State House representing each and every one of you; and I will not be pushed around on Beacon Hill.

I’ve been told by countless local Democrats that a Republican will not win this seat and I’m wasting my time. They say a write-in has no chance whatsoever. Let’s prove them wrong and show them that in America, the underdog always has a chance.

But let me end by saying this: Our great commonwealth of Massachusetts has the opportunity to be leaders for the rest of the country -as we have been in the past, but only if we elect Representatives who have your best interests in mind and a clear vision for the future, based on our shared goals, values and beliefs.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and happy holidays to you and yours!
Please go out and vote for me, Brandon Reid, on Feb. 4th. “Write-In-Reid” -A vote for the people.

Note: For vote to meet requirements, it must be written in the designated space below the candidates printed on the ballot, and it must read:
"BRANDON REID 71 Grove St., Melrose"

Interesting, but I would like to know more about that issue of not being able to get on the ballot.
And a small matter, you can only be 100% sure of anything :).

Hi Willie. Long story short(er), back in November I had requested to change from unenrolled to Republican with the intention of getting on the ballot as a Republican. However, I learned that because of the date the election was called for, I ultimately would not qualify if enrolled as a Republican, as I would have had to be a member of the party for a minimum of 90 days (I would have just missed the cutoff). The change of party had not yet been processed, and I requested for it not to be processed (this way I would get on the ballot as an independent). Despite the Sec. of States office ensuring me that they would not process the initial request and I would remain unenrolled, they later recanted and processed it anyways, which disqualified me from getting on the ballot in Feb. But I'm still running and hope to have a sucessful write-in/sticker campaign. If I get the most votes in the primary (and over 150), I will be on the ballot in March. This is no easy feat, but I'm here to win and enjoy the challenge :)
Merry Christmas.

Thank you for the explanation, much appreciated!
My only other question would be why in heaven's name you would want to be a Republican now, unless it was to try to talk some sense into the testicular challenged sheep which now make up that party. But that's another whole issue that I wouldn't expect you to tackle here, as "debate" has become and is useless.
For now I will watch what you have to say, and judge you on how that might benefit the country, and me. I do wish you good luck in what is certainly an uphill challenge!
Merry Christmas to you also.

My pleasure Willie, and thank you. I certainly would like to be a part of restoring responsible behavior and decision making, and creating sensible bipartisan legislature, in which everyone can benefit. I'm always happy to answer any questions that you or anyone else may have, and as will always be the case, I want to hear what issues are most important to my fellow residents.

The MELROSE PATCH deletes anything that doesn’t meet liberal criteria. I’ll go post a conservative view and delete.. and during the override the papers went 4-1 in articles for the override when it was to be alternated...FAKE NEWS.. Liberal rags anyways. Bunch liberals crying over the dog but vote in a guy who is okay with killing babies at 9 months. Your thought process is borderline insane and please toss me a trump joke. He won didn’t he. That means all races and such votes him you morons.. liberals are not even liberals. Your a bunch of socialists and what’s scary is you hate the very country that gives you the right to speak like communists. Take away Ten Commanments and being in Korans? Why is it okay to be Muslim but the moment you say Christian oh boy. Your this and your that. Sorry but shove it. All white men are evil now. Was it white men who fought in the civil war mostly? Who stopped hitler. You idiots should march and burn history books. You have no shame when you line up kids who don’t even know what an override is and have them chant vote yes. Like watching 1984. Disgusting. Taymore leaving best thing ever for melrose.. Brodeur worst.. of maya gets on by DEFAULT great we will be a safe haven city. Maybe she can toss in a methadone mile. The hell with the federal government? Screw the constitution it says God. This country needs to wake up.. yes Christians wrote the **** thing. Of course they used god and they have every right they fought for this land. The same people fight for the freedom of Muslims in the Middle East are mainly non muslim. We can’t swear on bibles but we ca dear on korans? Isn’t religious freedom a two way street. You don’t want to pledge allegiance to the country go find a better one. Half the crap that said in other countries you are thrown in jail or worse. People are allowed to be Christian just like a Muslim can be Muslim. Enough of bull. Not all white men are trump supporters you fools. You think no minorities voted for him? I’m white I didn’t vote for him. I voted for ben Carson a black man. Melrose was such a great city until the socialists came in the night... WAKE UP!

At last you didn't waste your time in typing this again, and simply re-posted it from a previous rant!

You wrote two different dates. The election is feb 4. Kind of important for people to know.

Thank you for catching this! FEBRUARY 4TH!
That's what I get for not having someone proofread for me. I appreciate the important correction.

So you can’t figure out how the party primary system works and then you can’t get the election date right when asking for support? Doesn’t seem like you have even a basic handle on details; why would you be a good voice for the people of Melrose at the State level????

I accidentally typed 3 instead of 4, inadvertently mixing up the dates of the primary in February and general in March one time while typing. I appreciate that the error was pointed out. Keep in mind, I'm doing all the groundwork of this campaign myself, and don't have the staff of other candidates. If that indicates to you that I don't understand how the party primary system works, I'm not sure I can change your mind. I detailed some specific things I'd like to do that would benefit the people of this district, and would like to hear from residents, including you.
What makes me think that I'm the best candidate? Well, I'm a leader and I'll get things done. I'm most definitely not your cookie cutter politician. If you want someone who is going to give you canned statements that echo every party politician from the past, then I'm not your guy. I'm on here and elsewhere interacting with people because I'd like to hear from as many folks as possible. I want to best represent you and hear what is most important to you.
While I respect the Democrats running for this seat, from the many conversations I've had, I know there are a lot of people in this district who are tired of wasteful spending by Democrats, and want to see their hard earned dollars going towards the things that matter most to them. This state has been fiscally irresponsible under largely Democratic leadership and if I'm voted in, there will be a lot more accountability.

willie the reason he is running as a republican is because he wants to fix what the democrats have screwed up.every big city in america that is run by the liberals is all trashed cant belive you dont see this..

Thank you Dave! You are correct my friend. That is a big part of why I am running.

It's partisanship (currently the worst I've ever seen, to the point of insanity with the Republicans) that has/is ruining our country, not "the Democrats"!

Willie, are you out of your friggin mind? Democrats stand for NOTHING except for illegal immigration and offended pinheads. That is it in a nutshell. You're an angry old man still clinging on to the old days when Democrats actually pretended to care for Americans. Now they are blatantly anti-American and anti-Constitution. They are a bunch of Communists.

What flavor was today’s koolaid?

Cherry. Let me know how it tastes.

What say me? Happy New Year to all the posters on this message board!!

To those reading, someone is coming on here reposting things under my name. I've only ever posed on this thread. If my name pops up elsewhere else on this board, it's not me. Sad this person doesn't have anything better to do. Happy Thursday.

@ Brandon Reid

I wrote you a message under The Posers thread on the schools committee part of the board. Just some friendly advice.

You appear to have court, arrest and/or criminal records. Don't have time to research right now but that hasn't stopped anyone from winning around here in awhile.

@ Brandon Reid

I think those free search sites say everyone has a criminal record so that you pay to buy the report. But, Brandon Reid should respond in full...he seems to be pretty active on this site. Truth and transparency!

I've never been arrested and do not have a criminal record. I work at a school and I'm a volunteer boxing coach. I get background checked once a year for each.

Are these really the people you want to represent Brandon?

I am here to represent everyone in this district, not just those who currently support me. Politics can be ugly as we all know, but at the end of the day, I don't take any negativity or attacks personally. If I win this thing, I'll win over more of the public when they see results.

In my experience, when the site mylife.com says you have Court, Arrest & Criminal Records; Lawsuits, Liens and Bankrupcies, you do have them. For the people I know anyway. It doesn't say it for everyone. It's can be minor civil records and a bankruptcy but something is there on the record regardless.

AS I noted, this does not prevent someone from winning an election around here.

You've got to be kidding me! MyLife.com is nothing more than a data mining company, and is notorious for publishing false information. They do this so that when someone calls to complain, they have an opportunity to browbeat you into getting a "3 day trial membership" which they say is necessary to make corrections to your "record". At that time a $75 charge gets posted to your CC. If you're stupid enough to do that, when you go to their site to cancel, they tell you there is a $14 cancellation fee, and then you have to fight with them for months to get your $75 back.

I looked at my "record", and the first thing it says is that I'm the Director of a Regional Vocational School. So how come I'm not getting a paycheck from there? Maybe because not only have I never been in the building, I'd need to use GoogleMaps to even find the place.

Anybody who sunscribes to MyLife.com, and/or is dumb enough to actually believe that their information is accurate is probably beyond help.

Data mining is a terrible thing.

Just a reminder to all that the primary election is coming up on Tuesday, Feb. 4th! I ask for you to please get out to the polls and cast your vote, by writing in: "BRANDON REID 71 Grove St., Melrose"
Please feel free to email me with any questions or comments you may have at Reidforstaterep@gmail.com
Thank you!

And please remember to ask for the REPUBLICAN BALLOT at the polls on Feb 4th. It is important that the write-in is on this ballot in order for your vote to count. Also, for my name to appear on the general election ballot on March 3rd, I need at least 150 write-in votes on the Republican ballot in this Feb. 4th primary.

Let's not let the winner of the Democratic primary go unopposed in March. Please be one of the 150 voters to help me get on the general election ballot.

Thank you!

No offense intended Brandon, you seem like a very nice person, and I wish you the best of luck in your effort, but I have to say that "fate" picked a brutal time for you to be trying to lure any Independents or Democrats into even considering taking a Republican ballot. I'm sure that you watch television also!

No offense taken, and thank you. I'm not trying to lure anyone, I just believe I am the best candidate for the position. I'm encouraging Unenrolled and Republican voters to get out and vote. If I do not get the 150 write-in votes on the otherwise blank Republican ballot, the Democratic nominee will go unopposed in March, and will be your next state representative.

Keep in mind that I'm not a career politician, nor have I taken a dime from anyone for this campaign. My priority is serving the people of this district and state, regardless of party. The Democrats that I'm up against will go along with whatever the agenda of other Democrats on Beacon Hill. In fact, they have each already pledged not to run against in November, should one of them win in March. If they each feel they are the best candidate, then why not run again in November? Because they all have the exact same ideologies and will never go against their party, regardless of the best interest of the people.

And Willie -I hope I can count on your vote, my friend! :)

I thought you said the election was on the 3rd????

He corrected himself about a month ago 'Willie', or are you simply trying to obfuscate?

I’m a registered Democrat, but will be taking my ballot, skipping past all of the regular candidates (Kate, boo) and writing in “Brandon Reid, 71 Grove Street”!!!! I’m a convert!

Much appreciated Jack! Thank you!

I was a democrat until they went Commie (should have changed the name of the board of alderman from councilor to COMRAD)! I am unenrolled voter and will write in Brandon Reid for state rep. I am also a Christian, PROLIFE, anti gay marriage, staunch supporter of Israel, pro law enforcement (need tougher juvenile laws that emphasize consequences for ones actions), legal immigration only, and an end to progressive liberalism.

Wow, you sound like you’d be a great time at a party. Seems like you may have some “control issues.” Lighten up bro, stop worrying about what others are doing and focus on YOU!

Thank you sir! I appreciate it

Glad you're leaving the Unenrolled Horace, it sounds like the republican party will be a nice fit for you. No offense intended, of course, lol.

Mr. Reid, what’s your opinion of a country that has sunk SO low, that it would be debating whether a fair trial should have evidence and witnesses? (Yes, us!)

Well, my opinion of this country differs from my opinion of the handling of an ongoing impeachment trial, if that is what you're asking. Elected officials will come and go. Some will be competent, others will not; but make no mistake, America remains great through it all.

I see.
As a potential career politician, would you ever agree to a political debate format where the ONLY answer to a question could be "yes" or "no", nothing else added? That has always been a 'dream debate format' for me! :)

That wouldn't be much of a debate. More like a survey. But I'd do that, sure.

Sorry Brandon, I was almost convinced, but someone (even those only connected 'by association') has to "pay" for what has just happened, and unfortunately that someone starts with you.

I have no association with anyone involved in the impeachment hearings, so I'm not sure how keeping me off a ballot will make anyone feel better. But if you do want to make me "pay", help me get past Tuesday and make me pay in the general election. If don't get the 150 write in votes on Tuesday, the only people who will pay are those who want a choice in the general election. I encourage people to vote for me on Tuesday, even if they don't plan to in the general election.

She will run in the general election if she gets 150 write in ballots! She KNOWS how to get it done. Write in “MONICA MEDEIROS, 3 BAY STATE ROAD, APT A, MELROSE, MA”.

Don’t put your faith in someone untested in Melrose...vote with your head AND your heart for Monica. She can win!!!

As I mentioned on the other thread you started, Monica has offered support to my campaign from day one and has been very helpful in my effort to get enough votes to win the nomination. She is not seeking this seat, so putting her name out there for. It only makes you look foolish. Trying to derail my write-in campaign is petty, given that I'm already at a huge disadvantage and simply trying to give people an option in the general.

Good luck to all. Signing off this message board. Many thanks to those who will be supporting me on Tuesday, and even those who will not.

For those who would like to stay in contact, or have any questions, please feel free to reach out at:

Reidforstaterep@gmail.com

I’ll still never even consider voting for a Republican again in my lifetime, but have to say that was a good effort Brandon, and I’m glad you made it onto the final ballot!

Thank you Willie, and many thanks to everyone on here who did make it out to the polls (even those who didn't vote for me)! Every vote counted in this primary, and now voters will have a choice on March 3rd!