My Friends,

Today I will leave the office of Mayor of Braintree. It is now time for a new Mayor and a new administration to offer direction and leadership for our community.  I wish Mayor-Elect Kokoros and you, the citizens of Braintree the very best, and as I have told the Mayor-Elect and now express to all of you, I am always available to assist in any task that will benefit our Braintree.
 
I want to begin by thanking you, the people of Braintree, for entrusting me three times to be your Mayor.  You have done so much more than simply ask me to administer our town government.  Many of you have become life-long friends during this time.  You have invited me into your homes, asked me to be part of milestone birthdays for a loved one, and often made me feel that I was part of your family. For all of the immense kindnesses you have shown me, know that I am truly and genuinely grateful. 
 
When I first took the oath of office in January of 2008 the storm clouds of world-wide recession and economic turmoil were already gathering.  Here in Braintree, we confronted a difficult situation of dwindling financial reserves, crumbling infrastructure, and a government that for too long had a reputation of disorganization and infighting.  Recognizing that the change of government to a Mayor-Council form of government was a directive from the people of Braintree that “Business as usual” would no longer suffice, we got to work.
 
In the years that we have governed we made decisions — some difficult, but decisions that with the fullness of time have proven correct as our town now enjoys a stable financial picture.  Our financial reserves have grown which has led to two bond rating increases in a decade, putting us on a course to undertake some of the largest capital projects we have seen since the 1970s including the recent renovation and addition to East Middle School, and in securing $31 million dollars of State Funding for South Middle School. We now have in place a new Tri-Town water treatment facility that will commence construction in 2021 and our Petersen Pool/Rink project site is permit ready with construction equipment on site. Despite all the challenges and obstacles with the 50 plus years on this project, I remain confident that this recreational development will come to fruition and look forward to a day this year that we will honor Captain Petersen.
 
We also embarked on the largest roadway agenda Braintree has ever seen with our “100 Roads Program.”  To date, more than 350 streets and roads in every corner of town have received an upgrade, some for the first time since they were laid down nearly a half century ago.  The condition of our town’s streetscapes roadways has a direct impact on our quality of life and I am proud of the infrastructure we have now so profoundly improved.
 
This includes the infrastructure of our many buildings and recreation areas in town that needed upgrades and renovations including the East Braintree Fire Station, our Police Station, our Department of Elder Affairs, 74 Pond Street as our new Recreational Headquarters and the expansion of our Youth Center, a new children’s room at Thayer Public Library, a new playground/park in the Highlands, a splash pad in East Braintree, the Marge Crispin Center now housed at the former Eldridge School, and significant upgrades to many of our neighborhood parks. These are only a few of the many physical improvements in town but each one is a testament to our town’s efforts to provide a vibrant and inviting places and services for everyone in our community.
 
Our Braintree is one of the most desirable communities on the South Shore.  Year after year, we continue to see the value of our homes outpace those in neighboring communities as people continue to recognize that Braintree, with its affordable tax rate, and a high quality of life along with a tremendous school system in a safe community, is a special place that I believe is second to none.
 
In my time as Mayor, I fully realize that there is more to Braintree that people seek than simply good government and good services. People want to be in Braintree because they know that this town has an incredible heart. From the volunteers who wake up before dawn on a Saturday to prepare for a full day of activities managing one of our many youth sports leagues, to those who organize our farmer’s market, our youth center volunteers and to those citizens and neighborhood groups who step up every year for our Braintree Beautification Days — suffice to say Braintree is the great town that it is not because of our roads, our good bond rating, it is because of you. And that is what has made being the Mayor of Braintree such an honor.
 
The past twelve years have seen many changes, not just in Braintree but in the wider world.  Technology continues to shrink our globe and the ever-increasing use of Social Media as a form of communication presents us with great opportunities but also with challenges.  We have seen those challenges here in Braintree.  On occasion, emotion has outweighed reason, and opinions have outweighed facts.  My ask — to all of you — is to contribute to the public dialogue with passion for improving our community. There is a distinction between cynicism and skepticism. The latter can improve the debate — the former offers little value. I hope in the days ahead we will engage one another person-to-person, instead of keyboard-to-keyboard, not just in Braintree but at the State and National level as well. That approach, with respect for one another, and with diverse yet important view points will allow us all to have a level of civil discourse that will improve our community and our country.
 
Serving as Mayor is a way of life, and for me, the position is a very emotional one. I have seen the goodness in our community, and I leave office with an even greater admiration for our town then when I started in 2008. We gave the daily effort that our community deserves, and I hope that you feel that together, we have improved Braintree. Yes, there is unfinished work and there will be many challenges — some unforeseen — ahead for our community. As we have done, I am confident that we shall meet any challenge and be better for it.
 
History is an action, a verb, which requires us all to be focused and mindful of our purpose every day, understanding that yesterday is past and the days ahead are what we make of them, as we create our own place in history.
 
As I depart, I offer my thanks to the members of the Town Council and School Committee past and present for their partnership in achieving much success for our town. To my Department Heads, thank you. Additionally, to our teachers, police officers, firefighters, DPW, Veterans, the many town committee volunteers, and all the Town of Braintree employees who make the daily effort for our town — my admiration and appreciation for all that you have done for our Braintree. All of you have made a positive difference.
 
And finally, to you, the people of Braintree, to you, your families and friends, my best wishes for a new year filled with good health, happiness and peace. I remain, and always will be enthusiastic about our Braintree. I shall see you along the way.

-Joe

Mayor Joseph C. Sullivan
Town of Braintree
781-794-8100