Meet Peabody City Council At-Large Candidate Bukia Chalvire

PEABODY, MA — A real estate professional and Haitian immigrant who works as a fiscal coordinator for the state Office for Refugees and Immigrants is challenging for a seat on the Peabody City Council in the Nov. 7 general election.

Bulkia Chalvire is one of six candidates — and the only non-incumbent — running for the five At-Large seats on the Council.

She told Patch that city infrastructure, public safety, student mental health services, and maintaining a low tax rate will be among her priorities if elected.

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

Campaign website/social media page:

Website: www.kia4peabody.com, Facebook: Bukia "Kia" Chalvire Peabody Councilor at Large

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

I moved to Peabody 11 years ago from Lynn. I was born in Haiti and immigrated to the United States in 1996. Fifteen years ago, I became a citizen of the United States. I currently work for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts "Office for Refugees and Immigrants" as a Fiscal Program Coordinator. I have a background in Real Estate investment and small business. My husband Stanley and I have been married for 19 years. We have three wonderful children, Ralph, Denzel and Eszsa.

Why are you seeking this elected office?

I love Peabody and care deeply for our residents. As a naturalized U.S. Citizen from Haiti, I am so grateful for all the opportunities that this country has afforded me. I am thankful to be raising my children in such a beautiful and peaceful city. I want to give back to my community and ensure that the quality of life that we all enjoy is not only maintained, but improved while keeping Peabody healthy, safe, and affordable.

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

The infrastructure in the city of Peabody must be addressed. I have walked the city while campaigning and have noticed that our city and state roads, communal spaces, sidewalks, and bike/walking paths are in some cases deteriorating. I will work with our state and local officials to see what we can do to improve in these areas. The residents of Peabody deserve a plan that will address these infrastructure issues.

I will work with our police and fire department to ensure they have the necessary resources that will help maintain their safety as well as our residents. I will explore the feasibility of having a part-time mental health and social-emotional support specialist for our students.

I will work with our municipal officials to ensure that we maintain a low tax rate, and that the city's tax dollars are being spent wisely. I want our senior citizens, working-class families and small business partners to have the confidence that their city government is being transparent and prudent with their tax dollars.

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

As the only challenger in the Councilor-At-Large race, I will bring new ideas and a new perspective as it relates to public service. Social media is a wonderful tool that allows public servants to stay engaged with their constituents however not everyone has access to the internet. I will hold periodic office hours at the Peabody Institute Library for residents of Peabody to come in and ask questions and offer their concerns.

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?

Since we launched our campaign back in May 2023, my campaign team and I have knocked on 5,000 doors. We have made every effort possible to meet with the voters face to face. I enjoyed all the conversations that I have had with the voters. The voters have expressed their opinions, concerns, and needs on an array of topics and issues.

Some of the feedback that we have received on the campaign trail are the following: infrastructure issues like our roads/sidewalks, speeding in some of our neighborhoods, cleanliness in the downtown area, mental health support for our students, foul smells from Rousselot and more attention to our city parks and recreational courts.

Having the ability to speak multiple languages, (Haitian Creole, French and English) will allow me to build relationships with our multicultural residents. Many residents like our senior citizens are not on the Internet so I will hold periodic office hours at the Peabody Institute Library for anyone who would like to voice their concerns or has questions. Staying engaged with our residents either in person or on social media is an important aspect of public service.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Mental health disorders are rising among our youth. When elected, I will strongly advocate for the importance of providing a part-time school-based mental health support specialist for our children because these services benefit students academically, socially, and emotionally.

I strongly believe by doing our part to create a safe and emotionally supportive environment, we can increase the odds that students will succeed beyond the walls of the classroom.

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

It was an honor to meet so many Peabody residents since my campaign began back in May. My campaign and I have had so many wonderful conversations with the residents whether it was at the senior center, in their kitchen or living room, front yard or at a local event.

My goal as a City Councilor will be to stay engaged, accessible and responsive to their needs. I pledge to be your voice on the City Council because I truly care about you and our wonderful city.

I respectfully and enthusiastically ask for one of your five votes for city councilor. Early voting at City Hall begins on Monday, Oct. 30 and ends on Thursday, Nov 2. Election Day is Nov 7. I am Number 1 on the Ballot.