COURTESY PHOTO
Christopher Magrane, who is running for Ward 2 City Councilor, says his campaign is fixed on tax relief.
By THOMAS GRILLO
Christopher Magrane is one of four candidates seeking to replace Ward 2 City Councilor William Trahant.
The 51-year-old salesman who ran unsuccessfully for councilor in the 1980s, said he offers a new perspective on the issues, challenges and opportunities facing Lynn.
Trahant, who has served nine terms on the Council, said he would not seek reelection because of heart problems. The decision caused a scramble to fill the seat. The other candidates include Peter Grocki, Gina O’Toole, and Richard Starbard.
Magrane said his campaign is fixed on tax relief. Homeowners are carrying the growing tax burden without seeing any benefits, he said.
“I want to focus on developing commercial real estate on the waterfront,” he said. “The city needs to bring in the right types of businesses moving forward because some businesses, like the methadone clinic on the Lynnway, are not adhering to the rules.”
Magrane declined to be specific about which businesses he would like to see in the city and how he would attract them.
On the other key issue of public safety, Magrane said the city’s police department should be equipped with a K-9 unit so officers can better respond to disturbances.
“There is funding out there that we should be looking into when officers are challenged with the new faces coming into the city,” he said.
Magrane did not know how much such a unit would cost and where exactly the money would come from.
On the city’s financial troubles, he said Lynn should hire a grant writer who would be paid based on the amount of money they bring to City Hall.
“If they don’t deliver the funding, then they won’t have a job,” he said. “I understand the city is facing a fiscal crisis and it’s my job to understand it and turn the ship in a different direction.”
He suggested the city invest in technology. He said roofs on the city’s municipal buildings should painted white to save on energy costs. He cited the White Roof Project, a national initiative which encourages communities to paint the roofs of municipal buildings with a solar reflective white coating to reduce energy costs and save money.
“Painting municipal buildings roofs white and solar panels could save millions,” he said. “We need to look to new technology as a money saver.”
Thomas Grillo can be reached at [email protected].
