CITY COUNCILOR MELVIN EDWARDS
A PROVEN PUBLIC SERVANT
Springfield City Councilor Melvin Edwards is a lifelong resident of the City of Springfield. Born in 1959, Councilor Edwards attended the former Springfield Technical High School, and later Westfield State University. Before entering public service, Melvin's built his career as a Transportation and Direct Care Supervisor for 21 years at the Monson Developmental Center.
In 2008 Councilor Edwards won the historic election to become the first City Councilor from Ward 3 in over fifty years. Since then, the Councilor has been re-elected by his constituents for a total of six terms. Councilor Edwards has served in public service for close to two decades as the President of the Maple High/Six Corners Neighborhood Council and as the President of Keep Springfield Beautiful.
On the City Council, Melvin serves as Chairman of the General Government Committee, which is charged with the review of nearly all ordinances introduced in the City Council. In addition, Councilor Edwards is Chairman of the Responsible Employer Ordinance Committee, tasked with ensuring contractors employed by the city are in compliance with hiring policies to ensure access to employment for minorities, women, and veterans.
Councilor Edwards serves on the Board of Directors for the Springfield Preservation Trust and as a member of the Ward 3 Democratic Committee. He has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, Springfield Partners for Community Action, HAP Housing, and on the UMASS Amherst Chancellors Diversity Committee.
Councilor Edwards is married to his wife, Suzanne Edwards. They reside in the Six Corners Neighborhood with their three dogs, Kobe, Roscoe, and Megan. Together they have six children, fourteen grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
