Melvin B. Clifford
Melvin B. Clifford | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Brockton, Massachusetts | |
| In office 1950–1951 | |
| Preceded by | Thomas J. Mullins (acting) |
| Succeeded by | C. Gerald Lucey |
| City Manager of Brockton, Massachusetts | |
| In office 1961–1961 | |
| Preceded by | William A. Gildea |
| Succeeded by | William A. Gildea |
| In office 1961–1962 | |
| Preceded by | William A. Gildea |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 5, 1898[1] Brockton, Massachusetts |
| Died | September 7, 1987 (aged 88)[2] Brockton, Massachusetts |
| Political party | Republican |
| Occupation | Auto mechanic Teacher Roofing contractor Mayor City Clerk |
Melvin Bernard Clifford (October 5, 1898 – September 7, 1987) was an American politician who served as Mayor of Brockton, Massachusetts from 1950–51.
Early life
[edit]Clifford was born in and grew up in Brockton. During his youth, he took part in auto races at the Brockton Fair.[3]
Business career
[edit]Clifford owned his own auto repair shop. He then worked as a Drivers Ed teacher at Brockton High School. Before becoming Mayor, Clifford worked as a roofing contractor.[3]
Politics
[edit]City Council
[edit]In 1947, Clifford was elected to the Brockton City Council in his first bid for elected office. During his tenure he fought Mayor Joseph H. Downey on many issues.[3]
Mayor
[edit]In 1949, Clifford made a last-minute decision to challenge Downey. On November 8, 1949, Clifford defeated Thomas P. Downey 14,444 votes to 14,154. Downey was a late substitute for his brother, who died five days before the election.[3]
Clifford was sworn in on January 2, 1950. In his inaugural address, Clifford promised economy in government, efforts to stop gambling, and an end to the misuse of city vehicles.[4]
Clifford was defeated in his bid for reelection by Democrat C. Gerald Lucey 14,667 votes to 14,232.[5]
City Clerk
[edit]In 1956, he was appointed City Clerk by Mayor Hjalmar Peterson.[6] On April 20, 1961, he was named temporary city manager after William A. Gildea was fired. On November 1, a judge ruled that Gildea was to be reinstated and Clifford was to be removed from office.[7] However, the decision was overturned on appeal and Clifford served acting manager until the position was eliminated following the inauguration of Mayor F. Milton McGrath.
References
[edit]- ^ Massachusetts, U.S., Birth Records, 1840–1915
- ^ Massachusetts, U.S., Death Index, 1970–2003
- ^ a b c d "Brockton: Clifford Leads by 290; Recount Will Be Asked". The Boston Daily Globe. November 9, 1949.
- ^ "Brockton: New Mayor Pledges Era of Economy". The Boston Daily Globe. January 3, 1950.
- ^ "City Police Watch State Police Watching Ballots in Brockton". The Boston Daily Globe. November 8, 1951.
- ^ "Ex-Brockton Mayor Becomes City Clerk". The Boston Daily Globe. December 28, 1955.
- ^ "Court Says Brockton Manager Not Fired--Now What?". The Boston Globe. November 2, 1961.