Reservist declares desire to become mayor; Says he’s running because town lacks strong leadership

By RICK COLLINS
The Patriot Ledger

A schoolteacher who is a petty officer in the Navy Reserve is the latest Braintree resident to declare his candidacy for mayor.

Brian Muello of Academy Street said he would bring strong leadership and decisiveness to the post if elected Braintree’s first mayor in November.

“There’s no empty suit here,” he said. “I see issues in black and white. There’s no gray with me.”

Selectman Joseph Powers and town meeting member William O’Neill have also said want to become the town’s chief executive.

Muello, 41, a town meeting member, ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the board of selectmen in 1994, 1999 and 2003, and for town clerk in 2000. He was a frequent no-show at candidates forums, but he says he plans to be more vocal during this candidacy. He also said he will do door-to-door campaigning.

To be able to do those things, he will need to be in Braintree during the election season, and he said there’s a chance that he could be put on active military duty in June.

Muello, who says his family’s roots in town date back to the 1600’s, said he is running because Braintree does not have enough strong leadership.

“The town is still in shambles,” he said. “Nothing gets done.”

Part of his platform is a pledge to take only a $70,000 salary for a position that is expected to pay more than $100,000. He also thinks the town should consider selling the Ivory Street transfer station to generate revenue.

Although Muello has supported past tax-hike proposals, he said he no longer does. He cited high property values and questionable spending practices.

“You can’t just drain people dry,” he said.

Muello holds an associate’s degree in business administration from Massasoit Community College and a bachelor’s degree in educational psychology from Cambridge College. He is a long-term substitute teacher in Boston’s public schools.

Rick Collins may be reached at rcollins@ledger.com.