Melvin B. Clifford

Melvin B. Clifford
Mayor of Brockton, Massachusetts
In office 1950–1951
Preceded by	Thomas J. Mullins (acting)
Succeeded by	C. Gerald Lucey
City Manager of Brockton, Massachusetts
In office 1961–1961
Preceded by	William A. Gildea
Succeeded by	William A. Gildea
In office 1961–1962
Preceded by	William A. Gildea
Succeeded by	Position abolished
Personal details
Political party	Republican
Occupation	Auto mechanic Teacher Roofing contractor Mayor City Clerk

Melvin B. Clifford was a politician who served as Mayor of Brockton, Massachusetts from 1950 to 1951.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Clifford was defeated in his bid for reelection by Democrat C. Gerald Lucey 14,667 votes to 14,232.

In 1956 he was appointed City Clerk by Mayor Hjalmar Peterson. 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. 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.

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