Rand: Councilor Job is Chance to Expand Contribution to Beverly

Name: Estelle M. Rand

Age: 36

Street: Central Street

Family: Husband, Jonathan, two children, Miles, 8, Magnolia, 6

Employment: director/owner of the Beverly Farmers’ Market

Political and community experience and involvement: Member of Beverly’s Solid Waste Management Committee, Harborlight Nursery School Board of Directors, Beverly Main Streets 30 & Main, Arts and Enrichment Committee at Cove Elementary School, Federation of Massachusetts Farmers’ Markets Board of Directors, Clerk, Full Circle Earth Board of Directors, recipient of Beverly Cultural Council grant, Beverly Improvement Society grant, North Shore United Way/Women In Action grant.

Why are you running for City Council?

I am running for Ward 2 city councilor because it is a great opportunity for me to continue and expand my contribution to Beverly. As the Beverly Farmers’ Market director, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Mayor Scanlon, the current city council, and many of the city department heads.  Additionally, as a member of a number of local and state boards and committees, I have developed a keen and critical eye for reviewing budgets.  This experience together with my ability to lead collaborative efforts is critical to being an effective, informed city councilor.

What is the most significant issue facing Ward 2? Facing the city as a whole? How would you address these issues?

New development in our downtown and throughout the city is the most significant issue we are facing in Ward 2 and the city as a whole.  The face and dynamic of our city is changing.  My goal is to preserve Beverly’s spirit and integrity by promoting a style of building that not only fits in with our existing neighborhoods, but also adds something to the surrounding neighborhoods.  Let’s approve designs that include a variety structure and open space, rather than allowing building designs that simply maximize space to fit as many units as possible.  It is time to rethink the guidelines we have set for new development in Beverly.

For the first time in 20 years, Mayor Bill Scanlon is not seeking election. Do you support one of the candidates? If so, who? If not, how do you see yourself working with the new mayor as part of the City Council?

This is an exciting time for Beverly’s local government.  We will have a new mayor and three new city councilors come January. I am looking forward to helping our new mayor shape the climate in our city hall and connect to the community as the representative of Ward 2.

What is the greatest accomplishment of outgoing Ward 2 Councilor Wes Slate? What is one thing Slate did that you disagreed with or would have done differently?

Wes Slate has proved to be a dedicated city councilor.  I am impressed with his preparedness at city council meetings and his dedication to knowing his Ward.  I would have liked to see Wes, and all of the councilors take the informed recommendations of our volunteer city committees more seriously.

Please add anything else that you want voters to know.

I ask you to vote for me as your Ward 2 city councilor on September 24th.  I am a dedicated, proven Beverly community leader with the skills, experience, and time to commit to representing your concerns and your vision on the city council.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my campaign.  If you would like to see photos and read more about my campaign, please visit my website and Facebook page or contact me directly.

P: 978-473-9891

E: estelle.ward2bev@gmail.com

W: estellemrand.com         

F: facebook.com/estelle.ward2bev