Age: 35
Street: School Street
Family: Single
Employment: Health Outreach Worker at Commonwealth Community Care
Political and community experience and involvement:
• Board of Directors, River House- Programs Committee, Chair- Governance Committee
• Economic Restructuring Committee, Beverly Main Streets
• Solid Waste Management Committee, City of Beverly
• 30 Main, Beverly Main Streets
Why are you running for City Council?
Boston Globe Magazine recently named Beverly one of the top places to live in Greater Boston. Not news to us, right? We choose to call Beverly home because we know Beverly is one of the best places to live not just in Greater Boston, but also in the entire Commonwealth. But what excites me most, and the reason why I’m running to be Ward 2 city councilor, is the potential Beverly has to reach an even higher level of greatness; and so much of that potential is located in Ward 2.
I’m confident that if Beverly’s scheduled downtown and waterfront projects are implemented as designed, in a timely manner, and with minimal disruption to the everyday lives of Ward 2 residents, Beverly will be well on its way to reaching that next level of greatness. But in order to engender the long-lasting substantive change needed to send Beverly to that next level of greatness, we must find ways for civic-oriented groups, businesses, and residents to build a better Beverly together. Through my involvement with Beverly non-profits, city advisory committees, and other civic organizations, I have demonstrated an ability to bring community organizations together for the betterment of Beverly; and if I’m elected, I will bring this skill-set to city hall.
What is the most significant issue facing Ward 2? Facing the city as a whole? How would you address these issues?
The most significant issue facing Ward 2 is the ongoing development of its downtown and waterfront neighborhoods. It’s all too common for developers and those living in other parts of Beverly to refer to the downtown and waterfront as simply “areas.” More emphasis must be placed on the fact that these “areas” are homes to people whose lives are directly affected by every new development project approved by the city. If elected, I will work with the mayor and my fellow councilors to responsibly develop the downtown and waterfront, while maintaining the quality of life of Ward 2 residents. A responsible approach to downtown and waterfront development ensures neighborhood safety, is mindful of traffic and parking issues, respects neighborhood aesthetics, maximizes public access to the waterfront, and includes affected Ward 2 residents early in the planning process. I pledge to facilitate communication and open dialogue with the neighborhoods most affected by development, and to approach each new proposal for development with a level of scrutiny that Ward 2 residents demand and deserve.
The most significant issue facing the city, as a whole, is the need to find creative ways to generate the revenue required to move important projects forward. The main drivers of increased property values and a community’s overall quality of life, are its quality of education, the sense people have of safety, and the condition of its roads and sidewalks; therefore, the city must focus its attention on these areas.
For years, state aid has been cut, held steady, and cut again. Fortunately, after years of city effort, the state has increased the amount of Chapter 90 monies (funds earmarked for road and sidewalk repair) allotted to Beverly to slightly over $1,500,000 annually. While this increased money is a positive development, it will only allow Beverly to reduce its $25,000,000 road repair backlog by about $1,000,000 a year. At that rate, and assuming Chapter 90 monies are held steady, it will be 25 years before our roads and sidewalks are adequately addressed.
Along with improved roads and sidewalks, a new public safety facility and a new middle school are also very important citywide projects that must move forward. However, in order for these projects to responsibly proceed Beverly must pay down its capital debt, maximize grant capacity, and grow its tax base.
For the first time in 20 years, Mayor Bill Scanlon is not seeking election. Do you support one of the candidates? If so, who? If not, how do you see yourself working with the new mayor as part of the City Council?
I have a great deal of respect for all three mayoral candidates. My current community involvement, educational background, and professional development will enable me to work effectively with the council and with whoever becomes the new mayor.
What is the greatest accomplishment of outgoing Ward 2 Councilor Wes Slate? What is one thing Slate did that you disagreed with or would have done differently?
For six years, Councilor Slate has served the residents of Ward 2 with candor and distinction. Slate’s command of the issues that most affect Ward 2 and his dedication to addressing constituent needs are the hallmarks of his service to the ward. The downtown is the heart of Beverly. If elected, I would reach out beyond Ward 2 to bring all residents interested in downtown and waterfront revitalization to the table.
Please add anything else that you want voters to know.
On Nov. 5, Beverly will have elected a new mayor and at least three new city councilors. By year’s end, the Beverly Public Schools will have a new Superintendent and the police department will have a new chief; Beverly is in a period of transition. In this period of change, Ward 2 needs a councilor who will be ready on day one to effectively represent their interests. I believe I am that person, because my involvement with organizations that affect Ward 2 has yielded positive results. For example, as a board member of River House I have worked to address neighborhood concerns with the shelter, which has resulted in improved neighborly relations. As a member of the Economic Restructuring Committee, I have advocated for a responsible approach to downtown and waterfront revitalization that highlights Ward 2’s quality of life concerns. And as a member of Beverly’s Solid Waste Management Committee, I have helped to advocate for increased recycling at downtown events, a positive step in building a culture of sustainable practices in Beverly. My hands-on approach to addressing issues that affect Ward 2 has achieved good results. If elected, I look forward to continuing my work for Ward 2 as your city councilor. Please vote for me in the preliminary election, on Sept. 24. Thank you.