Mayor Spicer sets sights on 2nd Framingham term
Dr. Yvonne Spicer’s background held no hint of her political future. A longtime teacher and school administrator turned vice president for Advocacy and Education Partnerships at the Museum of Science, the fierce proponent of STEM education ran for mayor of Framingham in 2017.
Her mission was one of service — to the people of Framingham, a diverse, working class town shifting to a city government after some 300 years. She won, and became Framingham’s first mayor, sworn in on the day the town officially became a city.
A 32-year resident of Framingham, Mayor Spicer welcomed the chance to use her well-honed collaborative skills to make a difference.
Little did she realize that there would be a push and pull of old versus the new political force Spicer represented in the city — a situation that sadly has yet to wane.
Mayor Spicer however is keeping her “eyes on the prize” as the “people’s mayor.”
When she was elected to office, both Mayor Spicer and Framingham basked in the glow of a partnership that received local and national attention. Spicer is the first Black elected mayor in the commonwealth.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren has been a steadfast supporter and by Mayor Spicer’s side from the beginning and has endorsed Spicer’s re-election.
“Mayor Spicer understands the importance of big, structural change to lead the community through the pandemic, dismantle systemic racism, and build a Framingham that works for all residents,” said Warren.
Spicer points to her many accomplishments in her first term — among them an increase in the school budget, diversifying the city’s staff, boards and commissions, securing federal funding for roadway improvements, beginning the clean up of the General Chemical site and more.
The mayor faces a tough fight to secure a second term, but Spicer is working hard to pull off a win on Nov. 2, and continue to serve the people of Framingham.