Megan Riccardi: Salem City Council Candidate Profile

SALEM, MA — Megan Riccardi is seeking re-election as Salem's Ward 6 City Councilor.

The 42-year-old mother and Salem State University alumna has served on the city council since 2020 and spent the last 12 years as a director of sales operations and CRM systems administrator.

She told Patch she wants to return to the city council to advocate for the residents of Ward 6 and help make Salem safe, affordable and accessible for all residents.

The citywide general election is on Nov. 2.

Campaign website

www.meg4ward6.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I ran for Salem City Council in 2019 because I saw a need on the council for effective collaboration and better communication with all constituents. I went on to win the election by one vote, showing a divided Ward (and that every vote counts!). Since then, I have worked hard to listen and be a voice for all in the ward and provide consistent information. I have enjoyed the role and want to continue being a positive voice on the Council, that works collaboratively, with all residents in mind.

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

I'll split this into two: Ward 6 & Salem

Ward 6: My main priorities are based around the quality of life items, and really advocating for the ward in this area. Maintenance to our neighborhood gems — the parks and playgrounds — and continuing to advocate for sidewalk and street repairs. Besides maintaining, we also need to be improving many areas, specifically related to safety and access. I sometimes joke that I ran for the seat because I want sidewalks along all of Franklin Street, and, well, there is some truth in that. Although now my wants have expanded to many more areas. And I have learned how expensive sidewalks are.

For the whole city, I see Salem as a sustainable, livable city filled with so many amazing residents and unique experiences. We need to ensure Salem stays affordable and there are a few small items that I think should be added to really build on the livability of Salem — such as a grocery store within walking distance and more multi-modal transportation options, but we are getting there. To be truly sustainable we also have work to do, but I know we will get there. There are various projects in process, such as updating the wetlands ordinance. There are also various drafts in review, such as a Green Building Ordinance, and then others still in discussion, such as a solar ordinance, but I am excited — and ready — to advocate for these.

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

Honestly, I also do not know much about Mr. (George) O'Brine and will not speculate.
But if I had to, I guess I could easily say open and varied communication as well as being accessible sets us apart

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

It has been amazing to have a front-row seat to the pivoting, Zooming, and sheer determination of the city over the past 18 months. (The year) 2020 will be remembered in my mind as the year of "no easy decisions." I am proud of the response the city of Salem had to the COVID pandemic — from the Board of Health and the Cities Health Agent leading us with data and science, to the employees in the city that never stopped working. We have gotten to this point due to the work of everyone and I am grateful to live in Salem during this time.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

As a fully invested resident of Salem, I see a need for the council to communicate, collaborate and move forward with all residents in mind. The issues facing us today — climate change, housing, Infrastructure maintenance and more — will not solve themselves by just being a "yes" vote or a "no" vote, but by respectfully working together.

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

It has been an interesting ride from the beginning. After winning the 2019 preliminary election by four votes, I went on to win the November election by one whole vote. After defending the one vote during a recount, and then in a four-week trial, the inauguration made it official and I got started at the task at hand. Then … well, 2020.

During my first term, priorities shifted from the normal course of business to the basics of keeping residents safe and informed. My email newsletters became a critical way to distribute information to many. I also hosted virtual neighborhood meetings, as well as organized on-site gatherings when safe to do so. Keeping neighbors informed, and providing a channel for their voice, have been my priority.

I am not afraid of what might come next and feel ready to step up to any challenge

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Never stop learning." — My mom

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

It has been a pleasure serving Ward 6 for the past (almost) 2 years, and I would be honored if I am able to continue to serve. As we know in Ward 6 — every vote counts! Don't forget to vote on or before November 2nd — all of Ward 6 votes at the Bates School at 53 Liberty Hill Ave.