Biography

 A lifelong resident of Methuen, I have proudly called this city home for over 50 years. With two generations of family history here and many relatives in the area, my ties to the community run deep. I purchased my first home on Paris Street, from my grandmother, and I’ve since lived in various neighborhoods, including Henry Street, Bartlett Road, Woburn Street, Miller Street, and now Rivers Edge Place—proving my commitment to this city!

I was married at St. Lucy’s Church. I’ve raised three children, all of whom thrived in Methuen public schools. I myself graduated from Methuen High in 1979, the first class to complete four years in the new building, where I fondly remember influential figures like Arthur Nicholson and coaches Bob Rosemarino, Bill Blood, and Larry Klimas. Obtained a business degree, BS in Marketing.

My dedication to Methuen and the relationships I’ve built over the last four decades have inspired me to run for Mayor. I aim to leverage my experience, skills, and passion to help Methuen advance into the next era. This city has given me so much, and now, I want to give back to our community and especially the residents.

CAREER EXPIERENCE

Professionally,  I spent the first half of my career in large technology and early-stage startup companies in a engineering capacity. Experiences allowed for innovation and development of analytical skills, and the ability to systemically resolve problems under critical pressure. 

Progressed in product management and business development in senior management roles managing complex cross functional teams. Skills include negotiating contracts with the merger and acquisition team integrating newly acquired companies as well as defining the business workflows of the emerging technologies. Became well versed at coordinating multiple departmental managers across various disciplines simultaneously to achieve goals.

For the past 20 years, I’ve embraced entrepreneurship, owning a few small businesses, first a commercial landscaping company, started the company from scratch and grew it to $500M in revenue that included obtaining six figure contracts for corporations owning multiple nursing homes, hospitals and condo associations with hundreds of units. Second, purchased a declining restaurant and tripled the revenue over a seven-year period,  and most recently opened Allstate Insurance Agency from scratch and grew the business to over a $2M book of business. 

I've obtained extensive business, economic and lifetime experience and knowledge.

During those last twenty years I also worked as a basketball official in the Merrimack Valley and Catholic conferences with kids from 4th grade through seniors in high school. I'm not just a referee, I take pride in teaching the kids fundamentals and sportsmanship while on the court.

Through my children's lives up until high school I was a volunteer coach in multiple sports both male and female.

My initial intention is not to upset the apple cart but to maintain and facilitate the motions Mr. Perry has put into place. My approach moving forward is to observe the current state of the city, work with the council and department leaders to introduce and advocate for incremental change over time. 

I believe in empowering people and bringing out their best qualities and work ethic at the same time have a high expectation of accountability.  I’m passionate about the opportunity to address challenges with education, safety and infrastructure. I believe in surrounding myself with experts in their field and value their years of experience and leadership.

I have a deep understanding of the community for both long term and new residents. I excel in leadership positions, especially in problem solving and decision making under pressure. I will lead by example.

However, it’s not just about a business, it's like a family you need to deal with multiple personalities, needs, trials and tribulations.  That requires compassionate and stern judgement and decisions at times. How many times have you heard an athlete say we are more than a team we are family!

Maintaining our residential property values are affected by safety, education, housing and commercial development not always the current supply and demand economic conditions.

I am not a career politician. I have no allegiance or owe anyone favors my relationships will be built on putting the residents first. I am not in favor of a gateway community. I want families to grow and thrive in the community in time and have their children make it home as well.

I want the resident's opinion on how to improve the quality of life and make changes they want to see. When is the last time the residents were surveyed for the services the city provides or if their needs are being fulfilled?

Safety
The safety of our residents and schools is paramount.  We must be innovative and proactive in determining what the root cause of violence is to inhibit it from happening. It may mean additional support programs or resources. School resources officers are necessary however, it is a deterrent rather than a solution. 

How do we focus on positive influence to improve school security versus addressing many of the shortcomings of obtrusive security tactics.

Overall safety in the community is at the forefront of all residents, when their family is out and around the city, they want to be sure of their safety. Let’s invest in technology and training to assist with law enforcement for overall safety. We must work smarter, not harder in this area and statistically prove our law enforcements team is exceptional. Gang activity and illegal drug operations are always a primary concern however,  the increased police call in the loop area especially shop lifting  must be addressed.

I will meet with the Chief of Police and determine what the metrics and statistics we need to capture to determine our overall performance against crime and identify areas that need additional resources and training.

Affordable Housing

Although economic conditions, especially supply and demand have contributed to the housing dilemma even more emphasis and planning is required. The state requires the city to maintain a certain level of 40B housing. Development of apartment complexes is not necessarily the answer. Condominiums would be a better option that will allow families to commit to living in the city and build financial stability along the way. 

Let's create housing where new families want to stay and watch their children complete entire education and create a legacy in our community.

Residential Life: Live - Work - Play

Affordable housing is limited. Not only has our apartment housing drastically out grown our single family condo and acceptable development, no industry providing good salary jobs have been created in Methuen. Only fast-food franchises, low end retail, storage facilities and car washes seem to be the result. Lastly, there are few unique restaurants or retail shops left in Methuen. Other unique options like whole foods or trader Joe's for example are nowhere to be found. 

Unfotunately the majority of the hard-working residents in Methuen seek many personal needs outside Methuen.  

Methuen has gone from a generation after generation community to a gateway city. I feel the historical character and our identity is diminishing.  

Our investment in our community for our children is to hopefully have them return and continue our legacy and identity, but that is not happening. Why? Whether you're a long time Methuen resident or a new family entering the community Methuen needs to improve the quality of life through education, housing and efficient commercial development. Allow for better skilled career opportunities, affordable housing, potential commuter rail access for those commuting to metropolitan jobs.  

Surrounding towns and cities all build out their downtown areas to include unique restaurants and locally owned business generating character to their communities. Our downtown needs a 5-year plan starting now.