Election 2018: Candidate Profile Of Mark Mezzina

This is one in an occassional series looking at candidates running in contested races on November 6. Today we profile Mark Mezzina, the Republican nominee running for state representative in Danvers, Middleton and Peabody. He will face Rep. Ted Speliotis (D-Danvers) in the general election on Nov. 6.

DANVERS, MA -- Mark Mezzina moved to Danvers in December 2016 from North Andover and quickly got involved in local politics, winning a race to serve as a town meeting member in Danvers for precinct 3. The Austin Prep graduate is an appliance salesman for J.C. Penny.

The following are responses Mezzina gave to questions Patch posed to all candidates running in the race:

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Unaffordable tax rates for working citizens and seniors. When I hear people say that they aren't sure they can afford their homes anymore because of the tax rate, it breaks my heart. We need to do something for those people, and it starts by lowering the sales tax, income tax, and gas tax, and - perhaps most importantly - working with local officials to get property taxes down.

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

I will not raise taxes and use that tax money to increase my salary. I'll fight to lower taxes, and reject the 2017 pay raise.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

Raising taxes on working people and seniors is inappropriate to begin with. Using a portion of that tax money to increase your own salary is unconscionable. How can Mr. Speliotis claim to be representing the people when he takes an action like that?

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Tax relief for working people and seniors, localized government, quality constituent service

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

I am proud of my 100% attendance as a town meeting member. I'm proud of the tens of thousands of doors I've knocked on in this campaign. As a State Rep I will not miss a vote, and I will work just as hard as I did during this campaign.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Be humble. Always be eager to learn.

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Photo submitted by Mark Mezzina. Used with permission.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).