Ed Charest: Peabody City Council Candidate Profile

PEABODY, MA — Ed Charest is seeking a fourth term representing Ward 4 on the Peabody City Council.

The 57-year-old, who previously served eight years as a Peabody School Committee member, is a graduate of Barnstable High School and has worked as a pastry chef for 40 years.

He said he is looking to be an experienced voice on the city council who represents the interests and well-being of his constituents first and foremost.

The citywide general election is on Nov. 2.

Campaign website:

Ed Charest for Ward 4

Why are you seeking elective office?

To continue to provide my constituents with excellent representation and service.

The single most pressing issue facing our city is __, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our ward varies depending on which part of the ward you live in and what stage of life you are in. I intend to address each issue as it comes to me independently of others giving it the time and attention it deserves.

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

The most critical difference between my opponent and myself is I have years of experience being an elected official and understand the delicate balance necessary when working with constituents. My past experience has been to represent the interest and well-being of my constituents whereas my opponent's experience lies in the interest of City Hall or developers.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

I personally sought advice and direction from the Director of the Board of Health. I believe she did an excellent job leading the local officials in what was an unprecedented time. None of us had ever experienced a pandemic or public health crisis of this nature before and our success relied upon our ability and willingness to work together and learn from each other.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Another issue that our ward is currently facing is the development on King Street. As I have maintained from the beginning I tried my best to guide and advise my constituents on the least-invasive and best option presented to us. I was never in favor of a 40B development and opposed the proposal when my opponent supported it.

Another issue that is nearing a resolution is the water pressure issue in the Brooksby Farm neighborhood. After years of unmet complaints prior to my tenure, I was able to tackle this issue head-on. When I took office I committed to working to improve the abysmal water pressure in Brooksby Farm. I have worked tirelessly with various departments throughout the city and recently a new pumping station was installed to help support that neighborhood. That project is not yet finished (it's about 95% complete) and I am looking forward to its completion.

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

The nearly complete water-pumping station at the Brooksby Farm neighborhood. Re-routing the MBTA bus to a more appropriate road. Reducing the size and scope of developments at sites like Richardson Road, Wheatland Road, Farnham Road, etc. Improvements in the overall quality of life for all neighborhoods including efforts for more open space throughout the city. Immediate replies to all correspondence from constituents.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Stay on the side of the angels." from former Senator Fred Berry

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

I would like voters to know that I take this role very seriously. I take this job as a work of the heart and do this with the best interest of all of my constituents in mind every day. My first priority has been, and will continue to be my constituents.

I believe in the importance of honesty, integrity and transparency and am willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to do the right thing.