Union Endorses Ray Melvin For Peabody Light Commission

PEABODY, MA — Peabody Light Commission candidate Ray Melvin earned the endorsement of Local 369, Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, which he has been a member of for more than 40 years.

In its endorsement, the union said: "Your knowledge, leadership qualities and experience will be a tremendous asset and addition to Peabody Municipal and its customers. As you know, our utility companies are transitioning to a future of 'clean energy' and your knowledge of the transmission and distribution system will help Peabody with a smooth transition to a clean energy future."

The crowded race for Peabody Light Commission comes amid an often contentious battle over a 55-megawatt generator planned for the Waters River substation.

The Massachusetts Wholesale Electric Company said the generator is necessary to reliably meet power needs in case of a catastrophic weather event. Those opposed to the generator have said any new fossil fuel-powered plant represents a "power source of the past" and is in contradiction with a state mandate to become carbon neutral by 2050.

Melvin told Patch that since the state Department of Public Utilities has approved Project 2015A the generator, it "at this point cannot be blocked" and he will look to other ways to reduce the city's carbon footprint.

"I will seek to assess solar energy options and develop growth to accommodate electric vehicles for Peabody," he said. "If elected as Light Commissioner, I will lead the effort to make this 'peaker plant' carbon neutral with current technologies currently on our doorstep, like most major generating companies are looking toward.

"I am focused on making Peabody Municipal Light plant a leader among municipal-owned electric utilities and ensure the lowest rates in the region and maintaining safe, reliable service to our customers."

(Those looking to submit an endorsement for a candidate in the upcoming Peabody citywide election on Nov. 2 can send them to Scott.Souza@patch.com.)