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SMALL BUSINESS  ENTREPRENEUR 

Today Methuen does not provide the tools or resources that help residents to launch and maintain small businesses.  I will create an environment that empowers residents in this area. The city's character needs to be enhanced by local resident  entrepreneurs.

I will personally sponsor and conduct small business seminars to educate anyone on the basics of how to own a small business and all the necessary components such as financing, hiring, marketing, inventory control, profit/loss etc.

We will establish networking forums in person for those to share leads among Methuen businesses and also give businesses an opportunity to explain their product services and publish them on the city website for all residents to use as a resource.

We need to support local entrepreneurs rather than allow national franchise owners with significant financial backing to dominate our landscape. Local small businesses should thrive, enhancing the character and economy of Methuen and its residents. Allow people to financially create a legacy for their families. We need quality over quantity.

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Cities typically generate tax revenue on a 75/25 ratio residential/commercial. Methuen is 80/20. We need to expand our commercial base in the industrial park to capture more efficient commercial opportunities. Commercial development is necessary to help the burden of taxes, however efficient planning, implementation and selection of the type of business is essential. Methuen lost its highest taxpayer this year! That is $1M a year in revenue gone. We need to focus on more skilled and career-oriented businesses for jobs so people can financially achieve a level to afford housing.

The non-development of the Route 93, Route 110 and Route 28 corridor is a lost opportunity. A professional multi-level company or office environment facility would generate four times the tax revenue due to square footage. More due diligence needs to be done to attract the type of industry such as technology. In order to ease the property tax burden we need to select more efficient commercial development.

Strategic partnerships must also be achieved. For instance both Market Basket stores on each side of Methuen has had the same footprint since inception. The majority of west end residents travel to Salem NH for food as the residents on the east end travel to Haverhill.

The build out of the Osgood and downtown areas have been neglected. The Walmart area has failed to meet any expectations of a Methuen resident.

We must examine how development affects the quality of life and job creation. It’s essential for Methuen residents to have the opportunity to buy homes and for us to attract new residents who share our values.

We must create an environment that interests our children in remaining in Methuen once entering the workforce. As it stands now Methuen is becoming a gateway city and losing its character it was established on.