Meet Peabody City Council Candidate Mary Beth Mallia

PEABODY, MA — Lifelong Peabody resident and former Ward 2 representative Mary Beth Mallia is challenging for a seat on the City Council.

Mallia is challenging sitting Ward 2 Councilor Peter McGinn in Tuesday's general election.

Mallia told Patch that being responsive to constituents and keeping taxes low while working on maintaining city infrastructure will be among her priorities if elected.

Patch sent a series of candidate profile questions to candidates in contested races with these being Mallia's responses:

Share some details about yourself, your ties to the city, your career in public office and/or professional life.

I am married to Michael Mallia for 42 years. We have four children, Anthony, Sean, Ashley and Courtney. I am a lifelong resident of Peabody, graduating from Peabody High class of 1980. I represented Ward 2 in 1996-1997. We owned and operated Mallia's Towing till my husband retired in 2021. I have also worked and still work in Banking while helping with the business.

Why are you seeking this elected office?

I have lived and raised my family in Ward 2. I feel Ward 2 needs stronger representation, someone who will listen to concerns and be a voice for the people.

What are the key issues facing Peabody and how would you address them, if elected?

Building is always a concern. We need to look at the scope of projects and how they will affect our city's infrastructure.

Rousselot closing will be a big project. It will involve acres of property, water rights and taxes. I can promise I would be against houses there and that I would work with the city departments closely, keeping the constituents of Ward 2 informed.

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

I would call my constituents back. I am a people person, good listener, strong-minded and very easy to talk to. I would not forget that I work for the people of Ward 2 and I am their voice.

If you are a challenger, in what ways would you look to improve on the way the current elected official is performing duties of the office?

I would like to work with the other councilors in keeping the city a safe and affordable place to live. Try to keep taxes low while working on maintaining our infrastructure. I would work with downtown businesses on issues and ideas for improvement.

I would like to remind everyone to vote on Nov. 7 at the Holy Ghost.