Published in the March 11, 2016 edition
By DAN TOMASELLO
MELROSE — Unsuccessful School Committee candidate Jason Kraunelis is demanding to be appointed to the school board in the wake of committee member Carrie Kourkoumelis’ unexpected resignation this week.
Kraunelis sent the following letter to City Clerk Mary Rita O’Shea.
“In regards to the vacated School Committee seat by Carrie Kourkoumelis, the City Charter recognizes these School Committee seats as separate and staggered,” said Kraunelis. “The School Committee seat vacated by Carrie Kourkoumelis did not appear on the 2015 election, therefore the preceding city election was held in November 2013. I am the runner-up who should succeed to office per the Charter. I should be sworn in as soon as possible. I am prepared to take legal action to defend my right to this seat if necessary.”
According to Kraunelis’ LinkedIn page, he was the former campaign manager for Alderman at-Large Monica Medeiros’ state senate campaign in 2014. He also worked as a Melrose substitute teacher from September 2012-2013. He was a bartender at The Lower Depths from May 2007-June 2010.
