Tom Rossignoll: Peabody City Council Candidate Profile

PEABODY, MA — Tom Rossignoll is seeking re-election as a Peabody At-Large City Councilor after serving on the council for four years and serving on the school committee for eight years previous to that.

The 51-year-old was the Peabody City Council president in 2020.

The father of two earned a bachelor's degree in liberal arts and an associate's degree in physical therapy — a field he has worked in for 26 years, including the past 17 in home care specializing in senior care in Peabody.

Rossignoll told Patch he is looking forward to building on his track record on the council with a focus on ongoing infrastructure improvements and assuring public safety.

The citywide election is on Nov. 2.

Campaign website

Facebook page Tom Rossignoll Councilor at large

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking re-election because I have a track record of hard work and I am committed to seeing Peabody grow and prosper. I am a proud fourth-generation Peabody citizen, this is a strong community, built on hard work and pride. I am honored to serve the community I love. I have been part of moving Peabody in a positive direction, whether it's the building of the Higgins Middle School, improving our water Infrastructure, the advancement of the Central Street project and working towards a riverwalk downtown. It is important that our elected officials are able to work together in a positive manner to accomplish great things for our city. I have always prided myself on being that type of elected official.

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

In a city of over 55,000, there is never just one issue or concern that faces our city. Some concerns are always public safety, and traffic. One way I as a councilor at-large and we as a city are addressing public safety is hiring more police offices and firefighters and we have invested in much-needed equipment upgrades.

On traffic, we are progressing with a $13 million rehabilitation of Central Street to aid the businesses of downtown and improve traffic flow. We have a traffic study of Lynnfield Street and currently trying to find a funding source to address these concerns.

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

Being from Peabody for four generations I understand the rich history and past of our great city. Having served on the school committee for eight years I have a keen knowledge of our school system and our children's and teachers' needs. Being the president of Peabody Main Streets, I speak to downtown business owners consistently and I understand their needs and concerns. As a physical therapist in home care and serving our seniors, I know and understand their concerns. My unique background and life experiences make me different than other candidates.

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

I think our health department led by Sharon Cameron and our nurses led by Brenda Wolff did an outstanding job through one of the most trying times in our history. The work of our IT department and our first responders was second to none.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

There is always more than one issue or concern that is happening in a city of over 55,000. The key is to have a balanced approach to government. I always think public safety is a top priority. It is vital to maintain and improve a strong quality of life for each and every resident. We also need to keep Peabody affordable for our seniors and improve on a strong school system.

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

There are a number of accomplishments we have made as a city, the water infrastructure project, proving added resources and equipment to the police and fire departments. The Welch School is getting a much-needed upgrade and expansion.

There are more in the works and much more to be done whether it's the children's museum, the Riverwalk, extending the bike path, the Central Street project. In the future I am hopeful for a new high school.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Be yourself, be attentive, work hard, be responsive and be accountable.

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

I am Tom Rossignoll. On Tuesday, November 2nd I humbly ask for one of your five votes for councilor at-large.