Kate Lipper-Garabedian Sworn in as State Representative

BOSTON— Kate Lipper-Garabedian, of Melrose, was recently sworn in as state representative of the 32nd Middlesex District.

Lipper-Garabedian, formerly a Melrose City Councilor, ran a grassroots campaign in the special election to replace former State Rep. and current Mayor of Melrose Paul Brodeur. Kate was sworn in at the State House with a limited audience due to restrictions put in place surrounding the coronavirus social distancing protocols. Joining Lipper-Garabedian at her swearing in, all at least six feet apart, were Gov. Baker, Governor’s Council Member Terrence Kennedy, Speaker DeLeo and legislative colleagues Sen. Jason Lewis and Rep. Paul Donato.

“I’m proud to be on Beacon Hill as the district’s state representative and am ready to hit the ground running” said Lipper-Garabedian. “I ran to ensure that the district is represented by someone who believes passionately about the role the government can play in supporting people and their families. That core belief is particularly salient as we grapple with a global pandemic. I wish my husband and our boys could be here to share this special moment, but their absence is evidence of the remarkable time in which we all are living. I remain mindful of the importance, now more than ever, that the communities I represent have a voice in the policies being developed and support addressing the unique needs they will have navigating this crisis.”

As a Melrose city councilor-at-large, Lipper-Garabedian raised the bar for resident engagement, providing frequent updates on what’s happening at city hall, composing comprehensive newsletters, and responding to all constituent outreach. She also improved collaboration in city government with the creation of a council liaison to the school committee, worked to maximize the city’s small business potential by introducing its new ordinance regarding vacant storefronts, enhanced the council’s critical review of budget requests and proposals, and spearheaded and championed successful street safety efforts.

Lipper-Garabedian most recently served as the chief legal counsel at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education and lives in Melrose with her husband Mark, sons Harrison and Oscar and family dog Baryn.