Gordon “Buzzy” Barton
Office you are running for: Councilor At-Large
Education: Lynn Public Schools; Massachusetts Firefighting Academy
Occupation: Retired Lynn Firefighter
What are your accomplishments?
As chairman of the Public Safety Committee, I am involved with our police, fire, and emergency responders to ensure policies are put in place to support their efforts. This includes our snow emergency plans, public safety grants, opioid crisis, and community outreach. My role as City Council vice president allows me to help shape waterfront redevelopment, zoning, housing, and infrastructure improvements.
What is the biggest issue facing the city?
The impending closure of Union Hospital continues to create fear and confusion among our residents. In a city the size of Lynn, we need access to emergency care. I know the public and political pressures placed upon North Shore Medical Center have had an impact on its decision making. But we need to ensure our voices are heard, concerns are addressed, and access is maintained.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Lynn residents already pay North Shore Medical Center (NSMC) and Partners Healthcare through our tax dollars. We fund Medicare, Medicaid, and pay for health insurance coverage. As a tax exempt property, Union Hospital pays no property taxes. NSMC should tell us how it intends to make us whole for closing our only full-service hospital and work with our community on a plan to deliver the excellent care we have always received from Union Hospital.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I recently celebrated my 31st anniversary of sobriety. There is no possible way I could be who I am today were it not for the decision to maintain a sober lifestyle. I have been blessed with the opportunity to have helped countless individuals end the cycle of addiction. This disease allows me to relate to those suffering from addictions on a human level.
Brian M. Field
Office you are seeking: City Councilor-at-Large
Education: National Educational Institute for Funeral Service in New England
Occupation: Licensed Funeral Director and Registered Embalmer
What are your accomplishments?
I have been a lifelong resident of Lynn. My biggest accomplishment is marrying my wife, Stefani, and raising our three children, Sydney, Tyler and Emma. I am a licensed funeral director and registered embalmer at the Solimine Funeral Home, serving families of Greater Lynn for more than 20 years. My professional background allowed me the honor of assisting the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner in recording and identifying remains recovered at “Ground Zero” in the aftermath of 9/11.
I am involved in various capacities for many organizations including the Knights of Columbus, Friendly Knights of St. Patrick, Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce, North Shore Latino Business Association, Camp Fire North Shore, St. Mary’s High School, Pine Hill Little League, Lynn Youth Soccer, and many others.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city and how do you propose to remedy that issue?
The biggest issue facing the city is the finances. In order to reach our full potential and thrive, we must tackle the challenges transparently and with community input. We cannot come up with a plan to address the financial issue until we have a clearer understanding of the problem.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I’m allergic to dogs, but my family recently adopted a rescue named Cooper.
Jaime Figueroa
Office running for: Councilor-at-Large
Education: Suffolk University, B.S., B.A.
Occupation: Fellowship Intern, Boston Planning and Development Agency.
What are your accomplishments?
My biggest accomplishment is my two boys, Jaime Jr. and Jerenso Figueroa and being a first generation college student.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing the city?
The biggest issue facing our city are the years of fiscal mismanagement and no communication with city residents. Lastly, there’s not enough commercial tax revenue coming into the city and the selling of public property.
How would you propose the city pay for it ?
First, a full comprehensive audit of our city’s finances. Followed by quarterly budget meetings with departments heads to reevaluate budgets to address decreases or increases as needed. Hire a full-time CFO, and a COO. Also, host annual Town Hall budget meetings with the residents. It’s time for transparency and accountability in our city government. We should stop selling public property. Instead, we should invest in them by creating shared work spaces and Class A office space to invite companies being priced-out of Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville to make home in Lynn. Not only will we increase our commercial tax base, but we will be bringing jobs back to Lynn.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
One of the biggest things is that I’m very involved with managing my family’s businesses and volunteer snow blowing and lawn mowing for our seniors and disabled residents. I’m an active participant and volunteer in our community.
Rick Ford
Office you are running for: Lynn Councilor at Large.
Education: Lynn Vocational Technical Institute.
Occupation: Owner of Little River Inn and retiree from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
What are your accomplishments?
I’m a lifelong Lynn resident. For the majority of my career, I worked as a public servant in the commonwealth. In 2016, I retired after 24 years with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Me and my wife, Tina, are small business owners for more than 30 years operating Little River Inn in Lynn.
I served 18 years as Ward 7 Councilor before retiring in 2016. Being proactive in the community was one of my biggest accomplishments. My goals were, and always will be to listen to constituent concerns, provide them with assistance, and keep them informed. During my time, I had the privilege to serve on executive boards and spearhead projects in the community.
I’m proud to be an advocate and supporter of public safety. During my tenure, I was a strong supporter for saving Lynn Fire Department’s, Engine 9, Tower Hill Station. At the time, I was adamant the station needed to remain open to protect neighborhoods. I also advocated for the Police Department’s Community Policing Program.
What is the biggest issue facing your city?
Public safety should be a priority for ensuring our citizens feel safe.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
In addition to local fiscal discipline, our federal and state delegation should continue to advocate for grant funding for infrastructure improvements and social economic needs.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
Over the last 30 years, I’ve spearhead countless fundraisers to give thousands of dollars back to the community. Additionally, I played professional baseball for the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers organizations.
John M. Ladd
Office you are running for: Councilor-at-Large
Education: High School
Occupation: Real estate broker, Business owner
What are your accomplishments?
I have been a lifelong Lynner and married for 4 years. I have established a reputation in the real estate industry by practicing for 15 years in Lynn. I opened a successful real estate and construction business with my business partner nearly five years ago from the ground up in one of the worst economic times in recent history. I have had the pleasure of helping local residents achieve the dream of homeownership and built relationships crucial to the success of Lynn’s economic growth. I have been an active member of the Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce, North Shore and National Association of Realtors.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city?
The financial crisis.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
By using my real estate and business skills, I plan to expand our commercial tax base by “selling” the value and idea of this great city to new investors, business owners and residential developers.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
When I was 15, my father left us and my mother and I had to start our lives over with $13 in our pockets. From that point on, I worked hard, learned the importance of being fiscally responsible, overcame all the obstacles, started a successful career and opened a business.
Brian LaPierre
Office you are running for: City Councilor-at-Large
Education: Salem State College, B.S., University of Massachusetts, Masters in Education, University of Massachusetts/Lowell, Ed. D
Occupation: American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, 2008-present, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, EXIT Realty, Brookside Mall, Lynn.
What are your accomplishments?
Husband, father, teacher, taxpayer, neighbor, leader.
Lynn Shore Little League President, 1994-1996, co-founder, Kiley Park Association, 1992-1997, vice-chair, Lynn Community Development Citizens Advisory Board, 1992-2000, assistant director of athletics, LEHS, 2006-2008, St. Pius V member, Pine Hill LL Coach, 2012, Lynn Museum and Historical Society, 2012-Present.
Responded to more than 1,000 constituent concerns in last two years. A new, innovative leader for Lynn: Brian works tirelessly to bring the city of Lynn to new heights by listening, learning and taking action.
Brian LaPierre has been helping Lynn his whole life, teaching, working and being involved in the city he loves. Brian is getting the job done for everyone, he respectfully asks for ONE of your four votes for Councilor-At-Large on November 7th
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city?
Safer Neighborhoods.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Private and Public partnerships to install video surveillance around downtown and elsewhere. Reinstate neighborhood crime watches. Some creative solutions do not always take money, we need to double-down on our citizens to make Lynn cleaner, safer, smarter and drug free.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
At 19, I was the youngest elected Little League President of Lynn Shore Little League.
Hong L. Net
Office you are running for: City Councilor-At-Large
Education: University of Massachusetts/Amherst, B.A.
Occupation: Child support enforcement specialist at the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
What are your accomplishments?
I created Lynn’s Human Right Commission helping to ensure basic human rights and freedoms for all residents. Organized business forum to discuss low-interest loans and business startup processes. Worked with R.F. O’Sullivan’s owner to bring his business to Lynn. Worked with the city’s directors of Inspectional Services Department, Assessing, and Law Department to improve efficiencies. Brought city’s cab companies before the Council to ensure taxi medallions were being distributed fairly. Initiated community meetings with the Department of Public Works and residents to address the city’s trash ordinance. Worked with Election Office to relocate voting stations. Organize multi-cultural event bringing 5,000 participants to the Lynn Common annually.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city?
Top issues include public safety and job creation. The recent increases of violence and drug use are symptoms of deeper socioeconomic issues.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Continue to work with business organizations to find ways to attract investors to Lynn. Continue to work with our state and federal representatives to bring in more funds.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
My involvements and work experiences locally and abroad.
Taso Nikolakopolous
Office you are running for: Councilor-at-Large
Education: St. Joseph’s College, Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science/Diplomacy
Occupation: Small Business Owner, John’s Roast Beef
What are your accomplishments?
My proudest accomplishment is my wonderful family who love and support me every day. But I also take pride in my small business that has proudly served the community for decades. It was through my business that I was able to create the annual John’s Roast Beef TV15 All-Star Awards Ceremony that recognizes student athletes all across the city. My accomplishments are not about what I’ve done for myself but rather how I’ve impacted those around me.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
The biggest issue we’re currently facing is the city’s substantial financial deficit. There is obviously a wide array of issues we must address but without the ability to pay for solutions, we’ll be unable to make significant progress.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
There is no quick or easy way out of the hole we’re currently in but I believe that a sensible starting point is hiring a City Planner that can focus on acquiring new grants to fund public functions and projects as well as manage the process for outside investors to develop in Lynn. Taxation can only get you so far—we need someone managing the vision for our city moving forward. We have seen surrounding cities achieve success by shifting their focus to these areas so I believe it is time for Lynn to professionalize itself as well.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
Voters may be surprised to know that prior to me being the “Roast Beef Guy” my career actually started in the State House where I worked on public works development projects. My passion for public service has never faded which is why I’ve also held leadership positions in Lynn’s Off-Street Parking Commission and for the boards of great organizations like My Brother’s Table and the Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce.
Wayne Lozzi
Office running for: Lynn Ward 1 City Councilor
Education: Associate’s degree, North Shore Community College, Bachelor of Arts degree, Environmental Studies, Bentley College
Occupation: Environmental Analyst, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
What are your accomplishments?
I sponsored an ordinance and home rule petition to fine dumpers up to $5,000. I helped secure $5.5 million in state funds for road improvements in Wyoma Square. Another $3.5 million is bonded for upcoming infrastructure improvements along Lynnfield Street from Cowdrey Avenue to Great Woods Road. Secured funds for improvements at Ward 1 parks. I helped humanely reduce the nuisance Canada goose overpopulation by addling nearly 1,000 eggs over 10 years at Flax and Sluice ponds, the reservoir and Gannon at no cost to taxpayers. As a Lynn Water and Sewer commissioner, I worked to secure $600,000 in grants for a 660-kilowatt wind turbine that saves ratepayers $100,000 annually in electricity costs and introduced green technology to Lynn. Successfully advocated to bring low emission MBTA buses to Lynn.
What is the biggest issue facing the city?
We need new revenue to offset the heavy financial cost that our growing public school system places on the city budget. The school budget continues to grow, which we are mandated to fund, leaving less available to pay for other services.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
I continue to identify and pursue new sources of revenue, such as grants and private funds, which do not further burden city taxpayers. I’m leading the charge to designate Lynn as a “Green Community” which would bring a $500,000 state grant and up to $250,000 annually that could be used towards public building improvements.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I am a beekeeper and harvested more than 100 pounds of honey from my hives last year. I hope to match that this season.
William F O’Shea III
Office running for: Lynn Ward 1 City Councilor
Education: St Mary’s High School; St. Michael’s College; New England School of Law
Occupation: Attorney
What are your accomplishments?
Father of two great children, trial attorney with private practice in Lynn for 27 years, retired coach Lynn Youth Hockey and Wyoma Little League.
What is the biggest issue facing your city?
The fiscal crisis. Public safety is compromised. The Police and Fire Departments are understaffed with the current funding. The Fire Department has been forced to remove trucks from service and close satellite stations in our neighborhood. The police need more personnel and cruisers to safely cover the city.
Our schools have been unable to make repairs or update technology. Many, like the Pickering Middle School are in desperate need of replacement or remodeling. With increased enrollment, we need to better allocate our resources. I would still like to know how Kipp Academy is proposing to build a new school for $20 million and Lynn’s proposal for two middle schools was $188 million. It impacts the city’s ability to make needed infrastructure repairs.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Like any business, we need to boost revenue and cut costs. Every decision made by the Council requires a cost minded approach. As a self-employed attorney, I know how to analyze and cut costs, and how to prioritize things we need immediately and those things we would like, but can’t afford. We provide more social services than any surrounding community and the state should increase our Chapter 70 and 90 funding. We should get more grants.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
Sorry, no surprises. I wear my heart on my sleeve, always speak my mind, and promise to return your call.
Gina M. O’Toole
Office running for: Lynn Ward 2 City Councilor
Education: Associates Degree in Business Administration, North Shore Community College, 1987.
Occupation: Teacher’s Aide, Lynn School Department
What are your accomplishments?
My work history has always involved extensive interaction with the public which resulted in my strong personality and the ability advocate for others. I served as a member of a bargaining unit for the Massachusetts Teachers Association which negotiated several equitable labor agreements. As an at-home mother, I volunteered as a catechist at St. Pius V parish, a youth softball coach, and with PTO’s of the Lynn Public Schools my children attended. I serve on the Executive Board of the Lynn Teachers Union and I am a delegate for the North Shore Labor Council who have endorsed my candidacy.
What is the biggest issue facing your city?
The budget irregularities that have existed for the past several years. Specifically, residents and businesses have experienced their taxes and fees steadily increase while police, fire, and maintenance services have consistently decreased.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
This is not an issue needing any additional funding source to correct. Instead it’s a matter requiring consistent communication and collaboration between elected officials and department heads to allocate the city’s financial resources and provide the excellent schools, public safety, and public works services our residents deserve.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I have a successful and well-rounded business resume in the public and private sectors. I have worked extensively in banking, the insurance industry, public education, and in the retail and restaurant services.
Richard Starbard
Office running for: Lynn Ward 2 City Councilor
Education: Lynn Vocational and Technical Institute, 1981
University of Massachusetts/Boston, DESE Vocational Teacher License, 1999.
Occupation: President, Rick’s Auto Collision, 1983-present
What are your accomplishments?
Started my business at 19 that is still growing after 34 years. I spent 14 years teaching at Lynn Vocational Technical High School, preparing students for careers. Helped re-open the machining program at Lynn Tech and was involved with the new Marshall Middle School as a School Committeeman. Serve the community by serving as a director for the Lynn Youth Street Outreach Advocacy, Lynn Tech Alumni Association, Lynn Economic Development and Industrial Corp. and the Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce.
What is the biggest issue facing your city ?
Our inability to fund public safety, public works and health departments at levels necessary for a city the size of Lynn. The cuts put our residents and employees at risk and inhibit our ability to be as proactive about crime and the opioid crisis.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
I would draw on my business and public service experience to work with businesses and investors to spur economic growth in a manner which not only takes some of the burden off our existing taxpayers, but does not burden city services, particularly our schools.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I planned to be an air traffic controller. Once I realized that my family and I could not afford school, I fell back on my Lynn Tech training and opened my business two years after high school.
Darren P. Cyr
Office running for: Lynn Ward 3 City Councilor
Education: Graduate of Lynn Vocational Technical High
Occupation: Investigator, Massachusetts State Lottery
What are your accomplishments?
In my tenure as Ward Councilor, there’s been more than $200 million of investments and new construction in Ward Three. I spearheaded the effort to construct the new Thurgood Marshall Middle School. Ward 3 has seen new residential and commercial development, including the new District 45 restaurant on Lewis Street. I secured funding to upgrade Kiley Park and Clark Street Park in the Ward. As Council President, I have strived to be fiscally responsible to avoid any reductions in municipal services. I sponsored new zoning to facilitate the develop senior housing at the former Thurgood Marshall Middle School.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city ?
The city budget is the most pressing issue. In order to meet our needs, the city must promote new development, especially along the Lynnway to increase our tax base. I have supported zoning changes that will spur new construction.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
We must continue to take steps to promote new development be fiscally prudent and seek innovative ways to reduce costs and promote efficiency. I review every departmental request for transfer of funds to ensure that such expenditures are needed and will not adversely impact other services.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know:
I strive on a daily basis to be like my father who was a quiet, humble man who cared about this great city and his family. His passion, commitment and integrity were unmatched and assist me every day in being the best Ward Councilor I can be for the City of Lynn.
George Meimeteas
Office running for: Lynn Ward 3 City Councilor
Education: Juris Doctorate, Massachusetts School of Law (in progress), Bachelor of Business Management, Eastern Nazarene College
Occupation: Real Estate Broker Owner
What are your accomplishments?
I serve on the Board of Directors of the Lynn Council on Aging helping the seniors in need.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city (or local schools)?
The biggest issue is the deficit of the city budget and the accountability for it. In hand with this is scrutiny of the appropriation of taxpayer dollars and the financial problems that impact the citizens of Lynn with no relief in sight.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
The remedy to these issues is to show accountability and appropriation of taxpayer funds. I propose new leadership with fresh ideas by electing business men and women to take the reins to methodically work toward balancing the budget. The way to pay for this is to stimulate new business and generate tax revenue.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I have always been a self-employed business owner which speaks to my business acumen, ingenuity, and tenacity.
Richard Colucci
Office running for: Ward 4 City Councilor
Education: Lynn English High School, some college
Occupation: Century 21 real estate agent
What are your accomplishments?
Assisted with the first infill housing development on Union Street, Walgreens in the downtown, Lynn Apartments above the businesses in downtown, construction of new homes on Green and Union streets. Coordinated the installation of lights at High Rock Park that can be seen from miles away, making the park safer for everyone.
As a member of the Lynn City Council, I supported legislation to rezone the downtown. Restaurants can now open without red tape. In the next few weeks, two new restaurants will open at the former Vault Building. As a City Councilor, we rezoned the Lynnway to allow for construction of high rise residential units. The Lynnway is Lynn’s great new frontier.
Next spring, more than 300 apartments will be built at the former Beacon Chevrolet site which has been vacant for more than 30 years. The General Electric Co. Gear Plant will soon be home to 1,200 apartments. These projects will bring much needed revenue into the city to ensure that there will be no loss of municipal services. As the longest serving City Councilor, I am proud of my accomplishments and will continue to lead Lynn to achieve its full potential.
I always take care of my constituents. I attend East Coast International Church regularly and I work at putting my faith into action.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city ?
The city’s budget deficit is the biggest problem.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
I will work with the mayor and City Council to raise revenues and lower expenses.
Dianna Chakoutis
Office running for: Lynn Ward 5 City Councilor
Education: Lynn Public Schools; Lynn Vocational Technical Institute
Occupation: Restaurant Manager
What are your accomplishments?
As councilor, I advocate for the needs of all I represent. Improved zoning in the downtown and Boston Street areas has allowed for new businesses, such as R.F. O’Sullivans, and housing units like the North Bend Street development. The reconfiguration of on- and off-street parking in the downtown draws more people to the area to shop and live. I also protect our neighborhoods from some uses that would degrade the quality of life for our residents. Sidewalk replacements, street paving, tree trimming and removal, are all part of my daily tasks.
What is the biggest issue facing your city?
Housing. Representing an area that stretches from Lynn Beach to Lynn Woods Reservation and includes the city’s largest senior housing complexes, subsidized units, urban downtown condos, and picturesque neighborhoods, draws me in all directions when it comes to housing. Everyone is feeling the pressure from skyrocketing rents, taxes, and property values, while wages and salaries are stagnant. Keeping Lynner’s in Lynn is a top priority.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
New development, commercial and residential, means more housing, new jobs, and new revenues. Proper urban planning will continue to spur investment in underdeveloped areas. I will continue to work with residents and developers to build on successes.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
Many residents believe I have access to inside information about the goings on in City Hall because I am on the Council. In fact, the information comes from my customers at Old Tyme Restaurant. Working in the service industry allows me to do constituent services while residents enjoy a meal.
Marven Hyppolite
Office running for: Lynn Ward 5 City Councilor
Education: University of Massachusetts/Dartmouth, Bachelor of Arts
Occupation: Housing and immigration caseworker, Office of U.S. Rep Seth Moulton.
What are your accomplishments?
As a caseworker with the office of U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, I help people facing the housing crisis and broken immigration system. I connect people to resources they need, and advocate for them with the federal government. I work at Neighbor to Neighbor and as student body president at University of Massachusetts/Dartmouth. Everyone I help is an accomplishment, and that is the experience that I want to bring to City Council.
What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your city?
Housing. Unaffordable housing impacts Lynn residents’ ability to attend school, start businesses, provide for their families, participate in their communities, and drive some people to crime out of desperation.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
We need to be proactive in attracting businesses to create jobs and grow our tax base. But we must also be fair to our community in offering concessions to attract development, and creating expectations that businesses and residents moving to Lynn should contribute to our community. We have so much to offer as a city. We are a strong, vibrant community, on a beautiful part of the coast near Boston. With smart planning and ethical development, we can be a model for the state and country.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I am known around my office for my good taste in sweaters. I also speak four languages, but that’s not surprising for anyone growing up in Lynn.
Peter Capano
Office running for: Lynn Ward 6 City Councilor
Education: Lynn Public Schools, U.S. Army Veteran,
Bachelor of Arts, University of Massachusetts
Occupation: Refrigeration Technician
What are your accomplishments?
Resolving issues between constituents, businesses and the city is a big part of the ward councilors’ job.When issues are resolved successfully, there is a true sense of accomplishment.
One criticism of the city when I was first elected was that there were too many vacant storefronts and empty buildings. Today, they are mostly full and the new businesses have brought investment, tax revenue and jobs to the city.
I am a founding member of the e-team machinist training program and Lynn Community Enrichment Program at Lynn Vocational Technical High School. These programs provide job opportunities for Lynn residents.
I was a founding member of “Stop the Violence Lynn.” The committee is committed to steering Lynn youth away from gangs and drugs. Through a speaker series in the Lynn schools and a variety of events like basketball tournaments and flag football, we provide positive alternatives for youth.
Worked with former U.S. Rep. John Tierney and Michael Sweeney to save the Lynn Veterans Clinic
What are the biggest issues facing the city?
Revenue shortfalls, opioid epidemic, and the need for major infrastructure improvements.
How would you propose the city pay for your remedy to address that issue?
Bettor collaboration between city, state and federal officials. There are funds available that we are not tapping into. Expand economic development efforts to lure manufacturing, biotechnology and high tech business to unused GE and National Grid properties.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I am happily married to Michele with two terrific kids, Dena and Stephen.
John “Jay” Walsh
Office running for: Lynn Ward 7 City Councilor
Occupation: Plumber employed by General Electric Co. and serve as vice president of IUE-CWA Local 201.
What are your accomplishments?
As the new Ward 7 Councilor starting in 2016, I have kept my promise to be hard working and hands. I return all phone calls and emails in a timely manner, attend many community meetings and events, and spend time talking with, meeting with, and helping residents. I have worked to get old and dilapidated train tracks removed from West Lynn streets, and continue to help organize community events like the Fourth of July block party. I also continue to be the organizer of the Lynn Christmas Parade, following in the footsteps of parade founder Richie Viger. On a more personal level, my proudest accomplishment is being the father to my 7-year-old daughter, and husband to my wife, Jill, who was my high school sweetheart.
What are the biggest issues facing the city?
The opioid epidemic and need for infrastructure improvements.
How would you propose the city pay for it ?
Attracting new businesses to the city, which will create more tax revenue.
What is something about you that voters may not know and would be surprised to know?
I’m an avid sportsman and also an advocate for the environment.
