Salem's Manny Cruz Focuses On Schools, Seniors In 7th Essex Race

SALEM, MA — Salem School Committee Vice Chair Manny Cruz is looking to build on his work with the schools to serve the needs of the wider 7th Essex District as a candidate for state representative.

Touting his support from Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll and several other current and former Salem city and school officials, Cruz said in a statement to Patch that his focus at the State House will be on Salem families, students, seniors and small businesses.

"For the last four years, I have fought for resources and policies that respond to the needs of our students and educators with a particular focus on addressing our persistent achievement gap," Cruz said. "In the State House, I will represent Salem residents with the same energy, transparency, and tenacity that has\characterized my work on the Salem School Committee."

Cruz is running to succeed state Rep. Paul Tucker, who is seeking election as Essex County District Attorney to replace the retiring Jonathan Blodgett.

"I know from my time as Representative Tucker's legislative aide what it takes to meet residents' needs," Cruz said. "Because of my track-record building and leading local and statewide coalitions, providing high-quality constituent services and engaging nonprofit and private stakeholders, I know I will be ready on day one to deliver results for Salem residents."

Driscoll endorsed Cruz upon his candidacy declaration, saying: "Manny knows what it means to work hard for the American Dream. He has spent his life serving others, tirelessly fighting for families, and addressing inequities in our city."

Cruz also recently claimed the support of Ward 5 City Councilor Jeff Cohen, City Councilor At-Large Alice Merkl, Ward 6 City Councilor Meg Riccardi, Ward 7 City Councilor Andy Varela, School Committee member Beth Anne Cornell and former School Committee member Ana Nuncio.

"I am honored to have the support of so many great leaders and colleagues," Cruz said. "An effective State Rep. needs to build trust, strong relationships, and a spirit of collaboration with local stakeholders in order to achieve results for our constituents.

"My colleagues and I are deeply committed to delivering resources for our community, and I'm confident that together, we can ensure the 7th District has the experienced representation it deserves on Beacon Hill."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)