Melvin B. Clifford Explained

Melvin B. Clifford
Birth Date:October 5, 1898[1]
Birth Place:Brockton, Massachusetts
Death Date:September 7, 1987 (aged 88)[2]
Death Place:Brockton, Massachusetts
Occupation:Auto mechanic
Teacher
Roofing contractor
Mayor
City Clerk
Party:Republican
Mayor of Brockton, Massachusetts
Term Start:1950
Term End:1951
Predecessor:Thomas J. Mullins (acting)
Successor:C. Gerald Lucey
Title2:City Manager of Brockton, Massachusetts
Term Start2:1961
Term End2:1961
Predecessor2:William A. Gildea
Successor2:William A. Gildea
Term Start3:1961
Term End3:1962
Predecessor3:William A. Gildea
Successor3:Position abolished

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

Clifford was born in and grew up in Brockton. During his youth, he took part in auto races at the Brockton Fair.

Business career

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.

Politics

City Council

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.

Mayor

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

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.

Notes and References

  1. Massachusetts, U.S., Birth Records, 1840–1915
  2. Massachusetts, U.S., Death Index, 1970–2003
  3. News: Brockton: Clifford Leads by 290; Recount Will Be Asked. The Boston Daily Globe. November 9, 1949.
  4. News: Brockton: New Mayor Pledges Era of Economy. The Boston Daily Globe. January 3, 1950.
  5. News: City Police Watch State Police Watching Ballots in Brockton. The Boston Daily Globe. November 8, 1951.
  6. News: Ex-Brockton Mayor Becomes City Clerk. The Boston Daily Globe. December 28, 1955.
  7. News: Court Says Brockton Manager Not Fired--Now What?. The Boston Globe. November 2, 1961.