We can and should hope that Brodeur can demonstrate more class than so many of his classless and sycophantic supporters, and more importantly that he takes to heart the concerns of the 40% of this city's voting taxpayers who did not vote for him, many of whom are not Rs but Independents and even lifelong Democrats. (This doesn't begin to address the large portion of residents who chose not to vote at all, citizens who've thereby forfeited their right and responsibility but who are still impacted by the actions of the administration.)
If PB intends to succeed in the vein of his two predecessors by continuing to ignore (or worse, to shut down) the concerns of those who are not supporters and continue to behave arrogantly, then we will have to work very hard to make sure his tenure is short, rather than working to help his agenda in a positive, forward-thinking path. (The "stay in your lane"--JLB/GI--contemptuous behavior must stop!) If PB is to continue on the RD path of consolidating executive branch power and working from the Dolan/Infurna premise of secrecy and outrageous abuse of power, then we will need to fight harder than ever to expose the abuses. If instead he decides to take a more thoughtful and wise path, he will take seriously the reasons for the outrage against him, the override, the entrenched and law-breaking school administration/SC, Dolan/Infurna (Van Campen, Clay, DellaRusso, etc.). If Brodeur is capable of gracious and humble leadership (that remains to be seen and is doubtful based on his weak, no-heavy-lifting performance to date), then we can all work to support his efforts, which is the path we should all be hoping for. If instead he keeps the vile department heads who have caused so much irreparable harm, and if he continues on the same course as Mayor Poop Tornado and her deceitful predecessor, heaven help our sorely divided city. Elections certainly have consequences, and history will be the ultimate judge in the end. PB had the OneMelrose Machine at his disposal and still does. If he continues to rest on those hollow laurels, his tenure will be plagued and brief.
If, however, PB sees the possibility of a more positive and enduring legacy (and he wants to be another lifer mayor), he will have to dig in and dare to anger some of the non-thinking OneM sheep and sycophants who are a large part of his constituency. He'll need to roll up his sleeves and begin working with some of those who understand where the real structural and cultural issues must be addressed honestly for any meaningful progress, and that must include those who have been critical of the previous administration (GI doesn't really count). Here's hoping!
Why would he care about the 40% who didn't vote for him?
There are so many of the one Melrose types living here now that they are the majority. To be a lifer mayor, at least right now he has to appease them.
If they like Taymore and hate straws, one will stay and one will go.
Like it or not, these people have taken over Melrose. And more are coming because regular people cannot afford to buy here and many old timers are selling in disgust but also to take advantage of the market.
It's the new reality.
A few years ago, Brodeur became known for his support of senior citizen related issues. I hope that he remembers this background because the one Melrose does not care about seniors at all. This was made very clear during the override debacle.
He may have to stand up to the one Melrose on this and let's see if he does. The one Melrose are here to raise their children in grand style. That is their mission. Others do not count.
The one Melrose cloaks itself in fake progressive values but when you look under the hood, it's a self serving power grab of resources to enrich themselves.
I have made good money on my house. True, I am not sure I can afford to stay in Melrose when in when we sell it. This won't be for a little while and while it makes me sad, many years ago I bought a house to raise a family. It is not right for me to be bitter, that others wish to do the same.
I blame myself. What did I expect? I never thought where I would live when I am old and fully retired. My house will be too big once the kids are fully out. There are not many smaller houses. I cannot in good faith blame others. I could have made a stink about senior housing, but I didn't even think of it. Now I get it.... oh well
A smart politician should absolutely care about those who did not vote for him.
PAUL Brodeur really wants to succeed long-term, he can either reach out to all constituents and actually listen, or he can continue in the vein of his two predecessors.