Karen-Marie Cohen Running For Peabody Ward 2 City Council

PEABODY, MA — Karen-Marie Cohen has certified her nomination papers to join the race for the Peabody Ward 2 City Council seat.

The Lynnfield Street resident since 2012 said she owned multiple businesses through the past 30 years and has experience in a variety of industries — including financial, client services, legal, logistics and record retention/protection.

She said she now has the time and the flexibility needed to dedicate toward meeting with city residents and making sure their needs are met. She said she will be available for frequent meet-and-greets, question-and-answer sessions, both in and out of election years.

"I believe one of the greatest benefits a ward councilor can be to a constituent is to build and mentor each willing individual as to what is their role, duty and responsibility as the sovereign, and what our role, duty and responsibility is as the servant," she said in a statement to Patch. "When there is mutual understanding and respect, amazing things can be accomplished for everyone's benefit.

"The citizens can finally feel they have trust in that person."

She said she is invested in the Peabody schools through her oldest grandchild, who attends South Elementary, and will be an advocate for children in the city.

"One of the issues that has weighed heavily on my heart and mind is the fact that the school crossing guard was removed from Lynnfield Street and Cashman Street the day the children returned to full-time, in-person learning, one of the busiest and most dangerous areas in Ward 2, without any warning or advisement," she said.

She added "the rat issues, road conditions, and the perception many Ward 2 residents have that they are not treated as they should be" as other reasons for seeking the seat.

"Many other residents, including myself, have little-to-no familiarity with their representative," she said. "I think it's time to set a different example. It's time to choose someone who understands, among other things, personal accountability, positive action, cooperation and respect for the liberties and rights of individuals and businesses.

"This is an intriguing period in history, and I look forward to getting to better know and making new Ward 2 friends."