Ryan Melville: Peabody City Council Candidate Profile

PEABODY, MA — Ryan Melville is seeking a second term as a Peabody City Council At-Large.

The 36-year-old UMass-Amherst graduate and Afghanistan War veteran is also the deputy executive director of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.

He told Patch he is looking forward to re-election so he can represent the entire city — from seniors who worry about inflation to younger couples eager to have their children educated in modern schools in the city.

The citywide election is on Nov. 2.

Campaign website

electmelville.com

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

Like every municipality in America, our city is working its way through the final stages of the COVID-19 epidemic. Peabody has a large senior population and inflation is a major issue for individuals on a fixed income. Costs and delays are also constant with road and building maintenance, which limits the scope of what can be accomplished. I intend to ensure we stretch every tax dollar to ensure that Peabody maintains its critical infrastructure.

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

I believe that I can represent the entire community. As a 36-year-old, I am starting to see my friends start families and encounter the challenges that entail. I also spend a considerable amount of time at the Torigian Senior Center so I can get a feel for what is impacting our senior citizens and ensure their voice is heard. As a veteran of the War in Afghanistan, I also take my work seriously on behalf of veterans and their families in the city.

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

I believe our Health Department and emergency responders did a fantastic job. Our Senior Center and Council on Aging did incredible work ensuring seniors received food during the lockdown. I do think once this disaster is over we will need to review our strengths and weaknesses to ensure Peabody is ready for the next emergency.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I believe that we need to build a new Peabody High School. Many of my friends are starting families and their biggest concern is education. I know how dedicated our elected officials are to ensuring every student has the best possible opportunities and a new Peabody High School is necessary to ensure we are offering the best possible education to our students. As a veteran, I also take pride to ensure Peabody offers the best possible veteran services, and I am proud to say Peabody is a leader in that category.

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

Working with the council, mayor and veteran services office we started the veteran volunteer tax abatement program. This allows veterans to assist veterans with rides to doctor's appointments and gives the drivers the ability to deduct their expenses and time from their property tax bills. It's a classic win, win program.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Be humble and listen before you speak.

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

Coming out of one of the most challenging two years in Peabody's history I believe this is a great opportunity to refocus the city's priorities for the future. I believe we must continue to properly equip and fund our first responders and ensure our school system is competitive with surrounding communities.

I will also take an informed, transparent and level-headed approach to development within the city. I truly believe that Peabody is in a great position to be one of the best places to live, raise a family, or start a business in Massachusetts.

I will continue to work as hard as I can to make that vision a reality.