Christopher Keohane: Candidate Profile 13th Essex District

DANVERS, MA — Christopher Keohane is looking to bring the perspective of a small businessman who works for the public over party to the State House as a non-party candidate for the 13th Essex District seat.

The 35-year-old father of two is a graduate of Danvers High School who attended Arizona State University. He is a small business owner running for political office for the first time.

The 13th Essex district includes Danvers, Middleton and Peabody with Keohane running as a non-party candidate against Democrat Sally Kerans, Republican Robert May, Independent William Bates and Independent Jason Guida for the open seat.

The general election is Nov. 3.

Campaign website

www.christopherkeohane.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

People like me aren't supposed to get into politics. I am neither a Democrat nor a Republican. Running as the Non-Party candidate, I have taken a fresh approach to this campaign to help alter the state of how people run for office and maybe, just maybe — motivate other good people to get involved in the future.I have taken no political endorsements.

I haven't taken any funding from any of my supporters. I have not made any promises to support or hinder any bills. This is the problem with politics; too many politicians making back door deals or carrying the support of the past that don't help people like you and me.

I am seeking office to be a vessel for and by the people. State Representatives should be a beacon of fortitude and integrity for all of their constituents, not just an agenda-pleaser that you see so many carrying into their terms.

As a lifelong citizen of Danvers, a father of two young boys and a small business owner, the trials and tribulations I face on a daily basis are the same that you and your family are experiencing every day.

How would you rate the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic on a letter-grade scale (A, B, C, D or F), and how would you explain that rating?

I would give the state's performance a C. The Baker Administration was presented with an extraordinary crisis. Once the curve was flattened, we should have began a proactive approach to reopening our businesses quicker than what was proposed (and is still now being executed).

Some may say that the reopening plan has been effective and has allowed many to return to work. But, I ask you, at what cost? Massachusetts has had skyrocketing rates of depression, suicide and alcohol abuse while consistently nearing the top of the nation's highest unemployment levels.

These are only a few examples of the negative consequences of the enhanced lockdown time frame.

As I stated back in April, I firmly believe that the politicians' reaction in how to deal with COVID-19 was going to be worse than the effects of the virus itself, and that is now obvious to all of us.

Is Chapter 40B, the state's affordable housing law, working, and if not what would you change?

Chapter 40B's program should be updated to reflect contemporaneous localities alongside my constituent's needs, wishes and wants. My personal belief is that the traffic and housing are out of control in Danvers, Middleton and Peabody and modifying this program to be inclusive on existing fabricated home inventory will both be helpful to state requirements and pleasing constituents' concerns of heavier traffic and increased housing issues.

It is important to note that Danvers, Middleton and Peabody have passed state-approved local affordable housing measures and plans that allow for direct constituent protestation or support.

What steps, if any, should the state take toward police reform?

As a resident who has had numerous families members and friends on the local police and fire departments, I feel as though we have some for the best local law enforcement officers in the country.

With that being said, there is a national zeitgeist for police reform.

On that trend, I support enhanced training techniques for crisis management, licensing for de escalation policies and accreditation of self-defense measures (such as Brazilian Jui-Jitsu. or Hapkido).

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

If you want the same politician you have always had, those politicians are there for you.

I am trying to break the norm of over 30 years of the same political representation you've always had.

I am a non-party candidate, going to work and raising my family in these great Towns and Cities everyday, just like you.

It's time for someone like you to represent your family.

I am that guy for you.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am not a Politician.

I am running as Non-Party.

I do not seek or take political endorsements.

I will not ask you for your money.

I lost almost everything in my business due to Coronavirus, I understand your pain and will work for a better future so we get through crises together in effective and transparent ways.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As an entrepreneur and PADI Rescue Diver, I can identify a problem that others may not see and provide a dynamic and crafted solution.

With that solution, I can rally and lead teams of diverse people from different genders, ages and backgrounds to execute the solution in a consistent, systematic way.

This team can then be led to pivot to different parameters of the solution to continue growth. This is what a business is. This is also what I do as both a DiveMaster and Rescue Diver.

As a business creator, I have founded numerous companies, but have had to shutter some of these businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside these closures I most recently created an essential goods and prepared foods company that successfully navigated the pandemic. I was able to sell this company in recent months.

Understanding crisis in both business and of humanity I am able to provide truth, integrity, honor and leadership while maintaining transparency and focus for my constituents.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." — Marcus Aurelius

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

What we need right now is a representative that will help working families succeed — a person who can be a vessel for the people—to carry your hopes, understand your dreams and lift your aspirations to the floor of the House, and be your champion in these dark times.