Bettencourt stands alone as he seeks third term

PEABODY – Fall may seem like a long way off, but Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt has plans of winning a third term.Bettencourt, who kicked off his campaign earlier this spring, is the only person thus far who has pulled papers for the job. Still, he said, “I have already begun knocking on doors asking for support.”The preliminary election is Tuesday, Sept. 29, if there are more than two candidates; and the final election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.Bettencourt cited some accomplishments along the way and his desire to continue Peabody?s progress.Chief among his priorities is overseeing construction of the new Higgins Middle School, which is the largest construction project in city history. Its construction was one of his major issues during his first campaign.He said despite the project costing $92 million, Peabody remains one of the most affordable cities state-wide.His commitment to the schools extends beyond Higgins, however. He spearheaded a major renovation to the Peabody High School athletic complex, highlighted by a new track and multi-use turf field.Overall, his commitment to attract new businesses to Peabody has paid significant dividends. In 2014, he attended 27 ribbon cuttings for new businesses opening in the city. In total, 205 new businesses registered to operate in Peabody last year.Recognizing that the success of Peabody largely depends on the safety of its citizens, Bettencourt hired Tom Griffin as chief of the Peabody Police Department.?Chief Griffin came to Peabody following 26 years as a member of the Salem Police Department, and we have already established a strong working relationship,” Bettencourt said. “The chief joined me in swearing eight new full-time police officers in 2014, while Fire Chief Steve Pasdon and I swore in six full-time firefighters.”2016 marks Peabody?s 100th anniversary as a city, and if re-elected, Bettencourt will plan a series of city-wide centennial celebrations to mark the historic occasion.?I am committed to maintaining Peabody?s affordability while still investing in our future and delivering the core services that residents expect,” Bettencourt said. “I love this city, and I love this job. If the voters see fit, I will continue to give it my very best every single day.”He is no stranger to Peabody, both downtown and west.?I have lived in Peabody my whole life and currently live with my wife, Andrea, in West Peabody with our three daughters, Taylor, 11, Allyson, 9, and Avery, 6,” Bettencourt said.Bettencourt assisted in the opening of Centennial Crossing, a 40,000-square foot retail and office complex off Lynnfield Street. His administration has an ongoing effort to position the city as an economic hub and job creation.?This development is already home to shops, restaurants, and professional services, which would provide valuable employee amenities within walking distance of Centennial Park?s largest companies,” Bettencourt said.According to Bettencourt, the city is able to make investments in education, infrastructure, public safety and quality of life because of its continued financial strength. Peabody?s bond rating remains strong, thanks in part to healthy reserves and excess levy capacity.