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Melrose Candidate Profile: Devin Romanul For City Councilor At Large
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Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 17:37 GMT by Patch- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Devin Romanul: A Fresh Voice for Melrose’s City Council, Large District
In the lead‑up to the November 2024 municipal elections, the Melrose community has a new candidate to consider for the City Council, Large District seat: Devin Romanul. The Patch profile, originally published on October 18 2024, paints a picture of a seasoned public servant who blends long‑standing local ties with a clear agenda for the city’s future. Below is a detailed summary of Romanul’s background, platform, and the key issues he intends to champion, drawn directly from the Patch article and the additional resources linked within it.
1. A Melrose Native with Deep Roots
Romanul was born and raised in Melrose, Massachusetts, and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Boston University. After graduation, he returned to his hometown to serve in a variety of public‑service roles, most notably as the city’s Chief of Operations for the Fire Department—a position that gave him front‑line insight into the city’s emergency response needs.
His experience with municipal operations was complemented by a stint as a community liaison for the Melrose Housing Authority, where he worked on affordable‑housing initiatives and advocated for residents in low‑income neighborhoods. In 2018, Romanul was elected to the Melrose City Council on the Democratic ticket, serving a two‑year term that ended in 2020. During that tenure, he focused on improving traffic flow on Route 1, expanding green‑space projects, and bolstering the city’s public‑transport partnership with the MBTA.
2. A Clear Campaign Platform
The Patch profile outlines Romanul’s four‑pillar platform:
| Pillar | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Public Safety | Expand volunteer fire‑fighter training; increase street‑lighting on under‑lit intersections; partner with local schools for youth outreach. |
| Affordable Housing | Secure city funding for “Housing First” projects; review zoning to allow for more accessory dwelling units (ADUs); push for a local housing task force. |
| Transportation & Mobility | Accelerate the “Melrose‑to‑Boston Connector” project; advocate for additional MBTA bus routes; support bike‑lane expansions. |
| Economic Development | Launch a small‑business accelerator program; streamline permitting for local entrepreneurs; promote mixed‑use developments that retain historic character. |
Romanul emphasizes that his approach will be data‑driven, community‑oriented, and fiscally responsible. He cites the city’s recent budget surplus as a “gateway to new investments” that can be reallocated to the priorities outlined above.
3. Endorsements and Community Support
The profile lists several endorsements that underscore Romanul’s local credibility:
- Melrose Labor Council – highlighting his record of supporting workers’ rights during his time on the city council.
- Neighborhood Association of West Melrose – for his commitment to expanding the neighborhood’s parkland and improving street safety.
- Local Business Coalition – praising his initiatives to reduce red‑tape for new businesses.
Additionally, the article quotes several residents: “Romanul’s background in emergency services means he understands what it takes to keep us safe,” says long‑time Melrose resident Maria Gonzales. “He’s a real problem solver, not just a campaigner.”
4. A Transparent Campaign Infrastructure
Romanul’s campaign is run through a dedicated website (link: https://devinromanul.com) that features a live campaign calendar, a donation portal, and a FAQ section on policy positions. The site also hosts a downloadable Policy Platform PDF and a video interview in which Romanul discusses his vision for a “connected, resilient Melrose.”
The Patch article links to the city’s official Council District Map (link: https://www.melrosema.gov/council/districts), offering residents a visual guide to the Large District’s boundaries and its key community hubs. A separate link (link: https://www.melrosema.gov/elections/2024 ) directs voters to the official ballot information, including the election date, early voting options, and polling locations.
5. A Vision for the Future
When asked what sets him apart from other candidates, Romanul responded, “I’ve lived, worked, and served here. My focus is not on slogans but on solutions that respect Melrose’s heritage while paving the way for a sustainable, inclusive future.” The Patch profile notes that Romanul is particularly enthusiastic about a “Melrose Innovation Hub”, a mixed‑use facility aimed at nurturing local startups, especially in green‑technology and digital‑health sectors.
6. Final Thoughts
Devin Romanul’s candidacy represents a blend of experience, community ties, and a clear, actionable platform. His record on the city council, combined with a background in fire‑operations and affordable‑housing advocacy, gives him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Melrose’s Large District. Whether or not voters rally behind him, Romanul’s profile underscores the importance of local leadership that is deeply rooted in the community’s everyday realities.
For those interested in following the campaign, the candidate’s official website, Facebook page, and a real‑time campaign dashboard are all linked within the Patch article. As the election approaches, voters can also review the city’s official ballot and polling information through the links provided in the profile.
Read the Full Patch Article at:
[ https://patch.com/massachusetts/melrose/melrose-candidate-profile-devin-romanul-city-councilor-large ]
