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     This is a one-sheet overview of the candidates and ballot measures in Melrose, MA.  We strive to be a source of  transparent facts, evidenced-based proof, and resonable analysis that leads to logical conclusions. We will present opposing viewpoints when warranted. What does that mean?  It means not every person or issue deserves equal weight. If you can provide facts, evidence, science, or even make a reasonable argument, we will share it.  If all you have is political platitudes and/or unsubstantiated claims that are not backed by vetted and established sources or fact, then lets not waste our time, shall we? Anything speculative is left up to the readers to decide.  

     Links to source materials, social media accounts, and/or websites that mention candidates with any relevant information will be highlighted.  We will update as regularly as we collect more information and research, or when we have something to say in the blog. Subscribe to get email alerts when the blog/website is updated.

    Lastly, this site is in no way affiliated with the City of Melrose and/or any particular candidate, ballot measure, or party. If you don't like what is said here, take it up with the signers of the U.S. Constitution; you can argue with them about the First Amendment. 

 

Cheers.

Important Dates: 2025

Deadlines

  • Mail-In Ballots must be received by City Hall: October 28

Voting Dates

City Hall: 562 Main St.

  • Saturday, Oct 25 8:30am-5pm

  • Monday, Oct 27-Thursday, Oct 30  8:30am-4pm

  • Friday, Oct 31 8:30am-12:30pm

  • Tuesday, Nov 4 7am-8pm

MVMM: 90 Melrose Street

Candidate Cheat Sheet

Ward 1 (Pick 1)

Ward 2  (Pick 1)

Ward 3 (Pick 1)

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  • Robert (Robb) Stewart  -  Incumbent up for reelection. Registered Unaffiliated but states city council positions should be non-partisan. Learn more about Robb in his own words here from 2019, here from 2025, and on his website here.  In favor of the override but even without it, a proponent of strong education and city infrastructure. City Council Facebook page, Personal Facebook page, LinkedIn profile.

Ward 4 (Pick 1)

  • William Bradley (Brad) Freeman - Challenger. Registered Democrat. Candidacy recognized by the Melrose Democratic City Committee. Read about Brad here, and he has a website here.  Former Commissioner with the Melrose Parks Commission. Serves on the board of the Melrose Youth Softball Board of Directors and was formally part of the Melrose Incarnation Board of Directors.  "In 2022, he also represented residents on the community panel that advised on the selection of Melrose Police Chief Michael L. Faller." City Council Facebook page, Personal Facebook page, City Council Instagram, LinkedIn profile.     

Ward 5 (Pick 1)

Ward 6 (Pick 1)

  • Cal Finocchiaro - Running for reelection, unopposed. Registered Unaffiliated and identifies as Independent. In favor of the Override. Cal was the reason Melrose became a late night punchline on the Jimmy Kimmel show when Melrose Public Schools decided to not hold costume parades in elementary schools and generally "deemphasize" Halloween in favor of a more general fall holiday approach  (they didn't ban costumes, as some believe) in support of those who couldn't afford costumes or didn't celebrate Halloween. It's not about the petition, it's that she called the local news, where it was picked up by Kimmel. A pretty Karen thing to do for someone who "likes helping people." You can hear from Cal in her own words here and here (from 2023), and reconcile that with this conversation she had with someone asking her for help here. City Council Facebook page, Personal Facebook page, LinkedIn profile.

Ward 7 (Pick 1)

At Large (Pick 4)

  • Jason Chen -  Registered Democrat. Candidacy recognized by the Melrose Democratic City Committee. Read about Jason in this 2020 patch article here, his 2025 patch article here, and on his website here. In favor of the Override. Former Navy officer. Was part of the citizen panel to elect the Melrose Police Chief. Current Member of the Melrose Public Safety Buildings Advisory Committee. Founding member of Lasagna Love. City Council Facebook page, Personal Facebook page, LinkedIn profile. 

  • Dionysios (Dion) Kaskarelis - Registered Democrat. Candidacy recognized by the Melrose Democratic City Committee. Read about Dion in this 2025 interview, and on his website here. Founder & CEO of a real estate investment management company here in Melrose. In favor of the Override.   Doesn't appear to have a large social media presence.  LinkedIn profile.

  • Ryan Williams - Running for Reelection.  Registered Democrat. Candidacy recognized by the Melrose Democratic City Committee. Read about Ryan in his three Patch interviews; the first in 2019, the second in 2023, the third from 2025, and on his website here.  Professional nonprofit fundraiser. In addition to city councilor he also is on the Melrose Pedestrian and Bicyclist Committee and is the council representative on the Melrose Traffic Commission. City Council Facebook page.  Has an X account that doesn't appear to be active. LinkedIn profile. 

School Committee: (Pick 3)

  • Jennifer (Jen) Razi-Thomas - Registered Democrat. Candidacy recognized by the Melrose Democratic City Committee. Get to know Jen from this Patch interview (2021), this 2025 article, her Personal Facebook page, and her Campaign Facebook page.

Ballot Measures Cheat Sheet

Prop 21/2 Override Question 1: A, B, C

       A tiered override that gives voters options about how much additional revenue they want to raise via property tax increases and, by extension, where the City should prioritize investments.  It's important to note that only one option will take effect - the highest dollar amount which receives the MAJORITY of votes - so the total override amount will NOT exceed $13.5 million under any circumstances. (Adapted from the City of Melrose webpage)

A color coded flow chart that shows the various Melrose, MA override options.

      Vote YES on all 3 questions so that at least SOME funding gets approved. Otherwise there will be MORE cuts and we will loose MORE teachers, more city workers, MORE first responders, MORE city resources, and spend LESS money per pupil in our public schools with an INCREASE in students per classroom. A "no" vote is NOT neutral nor will it maintain the status quo.  If at least 1 of the measures doesn't pass with at least a 50% count, the estimate is that the City will need to cut an additional $4 million dollars next fiscal year.  All current city council members support the override. This really should be a no-brainer. Learn more HERE!

Disclaimer.  This is an opinion-based website based on provable fact, history, first and second person narratives, and logical analysis.  It is in no way affiliated with the City of Melrose and/or any particular candidate, ballot measure, or party. If you don't like what is said here, take it up with the signatories of the U.S. Constitution; you can argue with them about the First Amendment.      

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