Voters Guide: Alderman Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja Running in Ward 8

Name: Mary Ann Melizzi-Golja

Age: 58

How long have you resided in Nashua? 17 years

Your background/education: 

BS, Speech Pathology and Audiology, SUNY Geneseo; MA Communication Disorders, Saint Louis University; The Pennsylvania State University, additional graduate work in Early Childhood Education and Individual and Family Studies.

Experience/Occupation: 

Over 30 years of experience working with children with disabilities, birth-16 years old, with a variety of feeding and communication disorders; Federal Head Start On-Site Program reviewer in Regions I and III for 12 years.

Prior elected offices: 

Ward 8 Alderman (second term), January 2010 to Present (Budget Committee, Human Affairs Committee, Ethnic Awareness Committee and Liaison to Hunt Board of Trustees); Ward 8 Selectman, January 2008- December 2009; Nashua School District Board of Education, January 2004 – December 2007;

Personal info and interests outside of politics: 

Married to Bogdan Golja for 29 years; one daughter, Caroline, a 2009 graduate of Nashua High South. Involved in a variety of community organizations and events which support youth, families and education: Nashua PAL Board member; NH Project Learning Tree (environmental education), Board member; past Bicentennial PTO President; Coordinate Nashua Goes Back to School (10 years); member of Nashua Block Party committee; taught religious education at Immaculate Conception; past member of the Southern NH Services Head Start Parent Policy Council.

Why are you running? 

I am running for re-election because I enjoy working for the residents of Ward 8 and am willing to continue to make the time commitment necessary to participate in meetings and respond to constituents. It is important that the Ward 8 Alderman has time to attend meetings related to projects in the Ward and the City that impact property values and the quality of life for Ward residents.

In your opinion, what are key issues affecting your Ward? 

The development of Gateway Hills and its impact on the neighborhood is of great interest to many residents in Ward 8; Traffic issues, including traffic on Spitbrook Road, a southbound ramp at exit 36, speeding and traffic around Bicentennial Elementary school; Roads, including repairs and plowing, and water drainage are also concerns of the residents of Ward 8.

Should you be elected, how will you connect with your constituents to learn more about issues they care most about? 

I will continue to attend neighborhood meetings and events, communicate with the Bicentennial Elementary School administration, PTO and Safe Routes to School Committee; send regular emails with City and Ward 8 information and respond to phone calls and emails from constituents.

Why are you qualified to represent the Residents of Ward 8? 

I have lived in Ward 8 for 17 years and believe I share the priorities of many of the residents of Ward 8; a quality education system, neighborhood safety, and a community that provides services and opportunities that will attract and maintain families and young professionals.