Candidate for Selectman Looking Ahead to Opportunities for Swampscott

To The Editor:

I will never forget the day almost 13 years ago when I took the commuter rail from Boston to attend an open house at what would become our home in Swampscott. Today, my wife Rebecca, our three children and I love calling Swampscott home more than ever.

I believe in and am committed to public service. At this moment, Swampscott is faced with exciting opportunities and significant challenges. Like many of the people I have talked with, I too am frustrated by a lack of leadership from our elected officials in dealing with these issues. I want to change this by bringing clear, decisive leadership to the Board of Selectman – to help build an efficient, well-managed future for our community. Having served the town of Swampscott for the past 12 years on several committees, as a town meeting member, and as chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals, I feel I have the qualifications needed to serve the people of Swampscott as a member of the Board of Selectmen. The time for Swampscott to move forward is now, not someday down the road.

For the past 15 months, I have served as chair of the Swampscott Charter Review Committee, a group responsible for making recommendations to Town Meeting on ways to improve the structure, role and function of our town government. Our committee has surveyed town meeting members, officials, and residents and has carefully listened to their thoughts and suggestions about town government. This, together with a detailed study of our town charter and bylaws, has given me a deep understanding of what is working and what is not working in Swampscott. For every level of our town government to work at its best for all of us, I believe two things are crucial. First, greater participation in town government by more of our talented and dedicated citizens is needed. Second, we must have clear, decisive leadership at the highest levels of our town government. These beliefs have led me to commit to playing a more significant role myself.

My public and private experience has prepared me to provide the kind of leadership that Swampscott needs. I began my career as the research director of a major legislative committee at the Massachusetts State House, drafting and overseeing all environmental and land use legislation. After several years practicing law, I have spent the past eight years as an executive at Related Beal, a company that focuses on real estate investment, urban redevelopment and historic restoration. I spend considerable time in communities just like ours, talking to people about their neighborhoods, civic planning, and building consensus with public and private stakeholders. I have a strong knowledge of state government and a network of resources and relationships.

I am excited at the opportunity to continue to serve the town that has provided me and my family with so much happiness. I look forward to meeting as many residents as I can over the next few months and to engaging in a conversation about the future of Swampscott. I am prepared to be the clear, decisive leader Swampscott needs. I am asking for your help. Please visit www.SpelliosforSelectman.org to find out more.

I would appreciate your vote on Tuesday, April 28th.

Peter Spellios
7 Outlook Road
Swampscott, MA 01907