Julie K. Daigle: Peabody City Council Candidate Profile

PEABODY, MA — Julie K. Daigle is seeking her first term on the Peabody City Council representing Ward 4.

The 38-year-old mother and Peabody Veterans Memorial High School alumna has a degree in business administration and accounting, and was a Presidential Scholar. She currently serves as the general manager of Mills 58 in Peabody.

She told Patch her focus on the city council would be development in Ward 4, working to balance affordable housing and commercial needs, and giving Ward 4 residents a voice on the council.

The citywide election is on Nov. 2.

Campaign website

Julie Daigle Candidate for Ward 4 Peabody City Council

Why are you seeking elective office?

I believe in public service. I enjoyed growing up in Peabody and I would like to make sure my son enjoys it as my as I did. With my experience in the public and private sector, I believe I have a lot to offer the city and help pro-actively plan for the years ahead. I love working with people and for the public.

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

The biggest issue facing Ward 4 is development. We need to find the right mix of commercial and residential development to help keep residential taxes low without harming the quality of life for residents. While there is a shortage of housing, existing residents need to be part of the conversation for anything new within the ward. Communication and leadership are very crucial right now. I will strive to communicate and build consensus.

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

I will vote independently. I will represent the residents of Ward 4 and utilize my 20 years of experience with the city as well as resources from working with the public sector.

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

From my discussions with residents, they feel like there is a lack of communication and they do not have a voice.

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

I am proud of how well our health department and mayor's office responded to the coronavirus. They were proactive and kept the community informed.

I would have made sure that public safety, police and fire, had all of the resources and staff they needed during this time as first responders.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I believe we need forward-thinking and to plan for the next 5 to 10 years rather than reacting to issues as they come. We need to be proactive. Concerns of residents are important. The theme from them is quality-of-life issues including paving of streets, sidewalks, traffic, trash, trees and development.

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

Through my experience as business liaison, city treasurer, executive director of the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce and general manager at Mills 58 I have demonstrated advocacy, leadership, an ability to be an effective communicator, an ability to bring people together and an ability to build relationships across the commonwealth.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Be Kind.

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

As a lifelong Peabody resident, I am passionate about the city and its future. Serving the city is in my blood. Please consider voting for me on Nov. 2.