Meet Salem City Councilor For Re-Election Ty Hapworth

SALEM, MA — Ty Hapworth believes his background as an Army veteran and Microsoft commercial executive, along with his four years of experience on the Salem City Council, will help him continue to confront the challenges facing the city as he seeks re-election on Nov. 7.

Hapworth is one of six candidates — four incumbents and two challenges — seeking the four seats up for a vote on Nov. 7.

He told Patch that affordable housing, mitigating the effects of climate change and continuing work on the city's signature parks project will be among his priorities if re-elected to another term.

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

Campaign website/social media page:

www.tyhapworth.com

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

It has been my honor to serve as one of Salem’s city councillors for the last four years. In 2019, I was elected as an At-Large Councillor and have had the honor of leading both the Government Services and Community and Economic Development committees. I bring with me experience as an Army veteran and a Microsoft Commercial Executive, holding an MBA from the University of Massachusetts and a BA from the University of Maine. I received a Commission from The US Army Officer Candidate School. I am raising two children with my high school sweetheart, Micah, right here in Salem.

Why are you seeking this elected office?

I love this community and it has been my honor to serve the last four years as Councillor at Large. I have been a leader in both the private sector and the US Army. I believe our approach to municipal service should be selfless. Our primary responsibility is to comprehend the challenges confronting both our community and our neighbors. Our duty is to address these challenges by refraining from taking things personally, avoiding disputes with critics or each other on social media, and abstaining from factionalism.

Moreover, it is crucial for us to express our stances clearly, drawing from our individual moral principles and comprehension of the potential solutions. Over the past four years, I have dedicated significant effort to being a model of the public service I expect from my elected representatives and embodying those qualities I believe are essential from a responsible government official.

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

Housing: We need to revamp our zoning code to make it easier to create infill housing, including the need to make it easier for small developers to build in Salem. This includes reducing or eliminating parking minimums and allowing for dense, historically appropriate construction by right. I would also support the legalization of Single Room Occupancy, making it easier to build housing for all income levels. I would support Rent Stabilization if it were ever an option in Salem and the state of Massachusetts, which it currently is not. In the meantime, I will continue to support the tenant protections offered by the condo conversion ordinance still in progress.

Climate Change: The comprehensive approach to climate action encompasses several key priorities, including the promotion of green infrastructure such as street tree planting and the use of permeable materials, a strong emphasis on transitioning to renewable energy sources, the imperative for community-wide engagement and education on climate resilience, with targeted outreach to historically underserved neighborhoods, and efforts to enhance bike lane connectivity and support initiatives like the Salem Skipper bike share program and the upcoming South Salem Commuter Rail Station.

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

I think there are several great people running, and they are all doing it for the right reasons. I respect their desire to serve. I hope my own record speaks for itself

If you are an incumbent, what do you consider some of your accomplishments while in office and what are your priorities for the next term?

I'm proud of the work we've done as a Council! We've made affordable housing and historic preservation priorities, encouraged new growth, and made our streets safer. We've also worked to address the climate crisis (see above), and secured $16 million to support our signature parks. And I'm proud of the tone I've set — no online spats, I never make it about me or my ego, I always give others the benefit of the doubt, am always learning from others, and I'm guided by my values.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

As a member of the Veterans Council (and a veteran myself) I have always supported this city's veterans. I am proud to have brought forward the veteran's council's request to provide free parking for vets in city lots!

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

Make your voice heard! Whether it's through public testimony at a meeting, becoming a part of a local board, reaching out via email to the council, or simply casting your vote, your voice holds significance!