Special to the Transcript
Stating that he wants to continue providing effective representation for the residents of Precinct 2 for the next four years, Town Councilor John Munson has officially announced his candidacy for re-election on Tuesday, November 7. The following is his statement:
“In January 2022, I was appointed by a majority of the Town Council to fill a vacancy on the Town Council to represent Precinct 2. I believe that we have accomplished a lot during the last two years, but much remains to be done to ensure a bright future for our community.
I have been an active member of the Town Council, faithfully attending almost every meeting and subcommittee that I am responsible for. I have pursued more accountability and transparency across town government by voting to adopt automated body cameras for our police, a new fob system at the Department of Public Works gas pump, and a new water meter to track and bill water usage at the hockey rink and gymnasium.
I am especially proud of voting to hire Anthony Marino as our new Town Manager, whose leadership and experience has already had a positive impact for Winthrop.
In addition, I have advocated for modernization of the Town website, IT systems, GIS mapping of the water and sewer system, and a lot more. As Chair of the Capital Assets and Economic Development Committee, I helped develop the first capital assets management plan and voted for a full needs analysis of Town buildings, parks, roads, and infrastructure so that we can maintain what we have and plan for the future.
As a member of the Rules and Ordinance Committee, I reviewed and revised parking regulations and traffic flow in the Center Business District, Cottage Hill area, on Locust and Almont Streets, and for all municipal parking lots. This committee also supported the creation of the new Solid Waste and Tree Committee Ordinances.
As a Town Councilor, I voted for an increased Cost of Living Adjustment for our current Town retirees, and for continued support for the work of Community Against Substance Abuse (CASA). I also encouraged a new flag policy to celebrate national, state, or local holidays.
In addition, I have really enjoyed helping individual residents in Precinct 2 to advocate for safer streets and sidewalks with more crosswalks, signage, speed bumps and railings. It has impressed upon me the need to keep precinct representation on the Town Council as opposed to a system where everyone would be elected town-wide.
I have hosted numerous community meetings, including quarterly “Conversations with the Councilors”, and attended multiple events in the Town to be supportive of the many civic organizations in Winthrop and to be accessible to town residents.
I am running for re-election to work on a number of issues that face our community. I will advocate to keep Winthrop safe, help build a new fire station, redevelop the old Middle School site, adapt to climate change and prevent flooding, increase funding of our school system, and tackle the problematic Airbnb issue, among others. I will not make empty promises that we can achieve significant progress in these areas at no charge. But I will make sure that we get our money’s worth whatever we decide to pursue.
It has been a pleasure working with my fellow Town Councilors and an honor to serve the people of Winthrop as the Town Councilor for Precinct 2. I love Winthrop and intend to work hard over the next four years to keep it a wonderful place to live, raise a family, and own a business, if I am re-elected.
My family has made Winthrop our home since 2004, and my wife and I are proud to have our two children educated in the Winthrop Public Schools. I have been the business owner of Beacon Photography in Winthrop since 2007, and was the Director of Research for a Strategy Consulting firm. I have hosted dozens of events at the Beacon Gallery featuring art, music, and fundraisers for nonprofits. I am the Treasurer of the Odd Fellows, organizing blood drives with the Red Cross, as well as local food and clothing drives. I am a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Cottage Park Yacht Club, and the Winthrop Art Association, and I coached various youth sports for over ten years.
If you are a resident of Precinct 2, I humbly ask for your vote on November 7th to keep me as your Town Councilor.