Meet Peabody City Council Candidate For Re-Election Ryan Melville

PEABODY, MA — Lifelong Peabody resident and executive director of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission Ryan Melville is seeing re-election as an At-Large representative on the Peabody City Council.

Melville is one of six candidates — five incumbents and one challenger — vying for the five open At-Large seats on the Council.

He told Patch that building a new high school, upgrading the city's infrastructure, keeping taxes as affordable as possible, senior residents and veterans issues will be among his main priorities if re-elected.

Patch sent a series of questions to candidates in contested races in this fall's election with these responses:

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

I am a 38-year-old lifelong Peabody resident, a graduate of Peabody High School and married to Mariana Melville. I am a proud veteran and I am the Deputy Executive Director for the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.

Why are you seeking this elected office?

I am currently in my sixth year on the Council and it has been a privilege to serve the city that has given me so much. I have had the opportunity to serve on the Welch School Building Committee and am thrilled with the results of this renovation. I look forward to supporting and working on a new high school for future Peabody students. I want to continue to work on issues facing seniors and veterans, Peabody has one of the best Senior Centers and Veteran Service Offices in the state.

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

I believe that updating our infrastructure while keeping the city affordable is our greatest challenge. We need a new High School and we have to continue to provide the necessary facilities and equipment for our public safety professionals. Working to secure grants to update our infrastructure will be key in accomplishing these projects and keeping the city affordable.

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

I think every councilor has a unique set of skills and expertise to bring to the job. I believe that my work on the Council and my experience in government budgeting will continue to be an asset. I also have had years of constituency work and a background working on issues related to veterans. Lastly, as we pursue a new high school my work on the Welch School Building Committee has given me a unique perspective in school building projects.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The three pillars of a great city are public safety, great schools, and quality of life. Those are the three issues that I focus on as a councilor. I will continue to support funding for our police and fire
departments to keep residents safe. I support a new high school, which is long overdue. I also believe we have made great investments in open space to provide walking trails and parks to enhance the quality of life for all residents.

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

I enjoy serving the City of Peabody and hope to do so for another term. Peabody is a great community and I look forward to the future.