Bill Bates: Candidate Profile 13th Essex District

PEABODY, MA — Bill Bates is looking to bring "new ideas and different approaches to long standing district issues" as an Independent candidate for the 13th Essex District seat.

The 59-year-old landlord and former Danvers School Committee member is a father of two who attended North Shore Community College.

He was the district coordinator for State. Rep. Ted Speliotis for 10 years, a member of the Danvers School Committee for nine years and was an original and founding member of the Danvers Community Access Television Board of Directors.

The 13th Essex district includes Danvers, Middleton and Peabody with Bates running as an Independent against Democrat Sally Kerans, Republication Robert May Independent, Independent Jason Guida and Independent Christopher Keohane for the open seat.

The general election is Nov. 3.

Campaign website

www.VoteBillBates.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I feel I have a broad base of experience that will help me relate to and empathize with people of Danvers, Middleton and Peabody. I know the issues facing the district and am prepared to assist in improving the quality of life for all residents.

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 a B. The administration and its agencies have worked 24/7 to try and keep the pandemic from getting out of control. The shutting down of many businesses and organizations was a difficult decision, but one that I believe helped slow the progression of the disease.

I feel, for the most part, the administration has worked hard to stay in touch with business industries and has based their decisions on medically sound advice. I am concerned with the recent travel restrictions and will be looking to the epidemiology community to confirm their necessity.

There were some industries such as car washes and golf driving rangers, for example, that I believe could have been opened sooner, and this had an unnecessary negative economic impact on these small business owners.

We must learn from these issues and not repeat the same delays.

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

Yes. it has resulted in an increase of "affordable" housing in many communities, and that is what this legislation was designed to accomplish. That being said, I believe the law is in need of some updating such as the housing stock of trailer parks to be included in a town or city's 10 percent threshold requirement. We also must address the Governor's bill that seeks to eliminate the super majority vote for zoning changes at the local level.

As an elected Town Meeting Member for over 25 years, I have been involved with the Danvers Planning Board and many zoning recommendations. We worked on and passed at town meeting the Accessory Dwelling by-law that allowed for new and grandfathered existing unpermitted accessory units in the town.

I spoke at multiple public meetings in support of smart growth policies such as the Maple Street Industrial Rezoning, which allows for residential dwellings in districts that previously were not allowed. This redistricting has resulted in new development with retail on the first floor and residential living above, a great reuse of older buildings that are left behind by the industrial use of the past. I spoke in favor, voted for and helped pass these changes at town meeting.

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

I believe we must seek a new "Certification License" for law enforcement. We certify lawyers, doctors, electricians and plumbers and it is time we certify our police officers. This new certification can be used to weed out the few bad apples in the industry, and will increase the average citizens' confidence in the people responding to their emergencies and the day-to-day interaction they may have with law enforcement.

We have some of the most professional, best and brightest officers and administrators in the country. As an elected town meeting member, I have reviewed and analyzed the Danvers Police Department's budget 25 times. I have always supported continual professional development, top-notch equipment and policies that give our officers and administrators the tools necessary to keep themselves and our residents safe.

We must continue to fund our police departments in this sensible and fair way.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I am running to be the Independent representative for Danvers, Middleton and Peabody because I believe we must have new ideas and different approaches to long-standing district issues.

We need to redefine our attitude towards taxation. As Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, "taxes are the price we pay for civilization." Fair taxes for good services is the basic principle of democracy.

I have worked on these budgets and must tell you, we cannot "cut" our way to lower real estate
taxes without the loss of basic services. We must seek alternative tax revenues, such as a local share of the sales tax as we have done here in Danvers with the meals tax.

We must find new ways to protect our drinking water supply, look at development from the perspective of need and sustainability.

Seek reforms in the way we support vocational education by soliciting more private investment dollars for programs that are specifically aligned with business and industry. This will help reduce the pressure and need to constantly increase real estate taxes at the local level.

We must keep in the forefront of our discussions, the ability of we the taxpayers to support vital services.

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

Because of my background in small business, local government and the last 10 years at the State House in Boston, I believe I am uniquely qualified to do the job as your Independent state representitive.

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

Being in elected office for the last 25 years has taught me how to look at the big picture of government. How we accomplish public policy is not about one representative, it is about the common good.

I have learned to disagree without being disagreeable. How to work with people that are different in their background or experiences. How to identify with people who come from a completely different position on issues and how to work with these stakeholders to get things done. I believe government needs to be conducted with reasonable discussions and compromise.

Lastly, good government is accomplished when people of integrity and honesty are at the table making decisions. I would suggest to you that my reputation over the years has proven that I am a man of trueness and sincerity and I ask for your vote on Nov. 3.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

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

I am running to be your representative because I believe that people need trustworthy and competent leaders to make decisions on a daily basis as to what is in the common good.

I will work diligently to maintain your confidence and trust.

I am fiscally conservative and a socially moderate and would like to be your Independent voice.

(Scott Souza is a Patch Field Editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)