Ward 3: Robert Camire

Robert Camire sent a palm card and provided hand-written answers to our questions.

Why are you running for Councillor and what particular skills can you bring to the position?

I am running for councilor because I love this city. I was born and brought up in this city. I am the youngest of seven children. This skills I bring are real life. I was a landlord for 40 years. My family provided affordable housing for families growing up in Salem. I worked for the Department of Developmental Services for the State of Mass. I ran group homes for handicapped individuals for 27 years. I became a very good listener and problem solver. I coached youth basketball for 15 years. That allowed me to meet some outstanding kids and families. I think I’m very involved in the community. That will help me if I’m elected to the council.

What are some of your proposed solutions to resolving the housing crisis in Salem?

We don’t have a housing crisis in Salem. We have an affordability crisis in Salem. Being a landlord in Salem for over 40 years I have seen where we used to be to where we are now. We have to get the taxes under control. They keep going up every year. That effects everything. The landlords have to go up on rents and it becomes unaffordable to live here.

How do you see Salem impacted by the climate crisis and what new initiatives would you take to lead Salem's resiliency efforts?

Salem is a small city. I think we have wedged as much development as we can in the city. With development comes congestion that brings cars coming and going. I like the idea of satalite parking and shuttles like they use during Haunted Happenings. I would encourage that idea. If we can take more cars out of the downtown that would help a lot. We have too many traffic lights that do not work together which creates bottlenecks.

Please outline some ideas you have that can enhance civic engagement at the city level.

I believe the only way to get things done is to work together. There is too much divide in Salem. It starts with our leaders on down. We all want the same thing. We want to raise our families in a safe cheap city. Support our schools. Help our people. Our people that are less fortunate than ourselves. I believe it all starts at home. Family is it. We want to help each other. It takes a village.

Ward 3: Patti Morsillo

My husband Lindsay and I bought our 2-family home in Salem in 1989.  We moved to the Boston area because of the large market for Software Engineers, after receiving my Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science from Union College in Schenectady, NY.  We chose Salem because of its history, culture, diversity, coastal location, and quirkiness. 

Our two children, Anna (27) and Stephen (25) attended Salem Public Schools, and I volunteered countless hours in PTO’s, School Councils, Music Boosters, and other student-focused committees.

In 2008, I joined two other parents and the AFSCME food service workers in a fight to stop the privatization of the Salem School Lunch program.  Our plan to address the finances, design healthy menus, and pay down a $650,000 debt proved successful and the program is now a model in the state.

One of my favorite community groups is the Salem Book Buddies, which I started two years ago with friends.  The program partners 350 3rd grade students in Salem with volunteers from the community, who send the students books and letters to encourage a lifetime love of reading.

I am a founding member of the League of Women Voters of Salem.  We have held several educational forums, voter registration drives, and formed several working groups to study issues and advocate for legislation.  We have already had a significant impact in Salem, in transparency, advocacy, and voter education.

I look forward to meeting more people in Ward 3, listening to what they love about their neighborhoods and helping to resolve issues and concerns.

Why are you running for Councilor and what particular skills can you bring to the position?

I am running for Ward 3 City Councilor because I know I can make a difference.  As a founding member of the League of Women Voters of Salem, I have been deeply involved in studying city-wide issues as well as State and Federal legislation.   

The role of a Ward Councilor is to respond to constituent concerns, and to address city-wide issues.  I will listen with an empathetic ear, treat everyone respectfully, and always keep an open mind. My approach to issues is to research them deeply, talk to experts, analyze data, formulate an opinion, and then take action.  I will endeavor to build a more respectful, collegial council by working towards consensus on complex issues.   

I am a problem solver; I like to think of creative solutions that bring community together and will always try to keep in mind those who can’t speak for themselves. 

What are some of your proposed solutions towards resolving the housing crisis in Salem?

The housing crisis is a regional issue, which won’t be resolved by Salem alone, or anytime soon.  As Boston continues to be a destination for companies, people will continue to be drawn into the region, looking for a home to raise their families.  And as Salem’s hospitality economy thrives, more low wage workers will be seeking affordable housing in Salem.

Salem needs to do its part to create housing that will not destroy the character of neighborhoods.  We have a dearth of available housing at all price points.  What little comes onto the market, often creates a bidding war.  Housing being remodeled into condos has a negative effect on available rental stock.  There is a 3-year wait for public housing, and Salem has about 240 students who are homeless, which is heartbreaking; we need to fix this now. 

Undeveloped Areas Plan

The city needs to take ownership of a design plan for very few undeveloped areas in the city.  The area between Swampscott Rd and Barnes Rd on Highland Ave. needs a plan for access roads from Swampscott Rd.  It would benefit the city to explore how to change these areas into neighborhoods instead of isolated islands of housing. 

Senior-Friendly Housing

Seniors want to stay in Salem, but there is limited housing in which to age in place.  I will advocate for desirable, senior-friendly units in any housing being in Salem, especially any housing next to the Community Life Center.

Zoning

I support the passage of the Municipal and Religious Re-Use Ordinance and the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance, which is a small step in creating more housing units.  I support the ideas behind the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance, and await the final wording.  We need to update our zoning to better reflect the city right now.

We still have room in Salem for people who want to live and work here, and we should be making smart housing decisions that both embrace and preserve our vibrant neighborhoods and create housing options for seniors, young families, and young adults. 

How do you see Salem impacted by the climate crisis and what new initiatives would you take to lead Salem's resiliency efforts?

Studies show that sea levels are rising faster than ever before, and if carbon emissions don’t decrease, sea level rise in Massachusetts is projected at 4 feet.  This will affect much of the city.  We need to do what we can here in Salem to guard against the rising tide and to decrease carbon emissions.

Sea walls along the coast need to be heightened and, in some cases, rebuilt.  Damage from storms is happening more frequently, causing breaches in walls. 

Most importantly, we need to tackle carbon emissions.  It’s disappointing that the new Community Life Center was not built for LEED certification or designed to use renewable energy sources.  This would have sent an important message to developers looking to do business in Salem - that our city cares about the environment. 

As a City Councilor, I will fight to require new development to include solar panels, either on the roof or on top of parking structures, and to design LEED certified (or other like certification) projects.  Buildings surrounded by parking lots could design carport structures that support solar panels, while protecting cars from sun and snow.  We need to creatively lead the way in renewable, clean energy.

I continue to support the work being done by the LWV, Sustainability, Energy, and Resiliency Committee, Salem Sound Coast Watch, and other local environmental organizations, and will follow their lead in ways to address climate resiliency.

Please outline some ideas you have that can enhance civic engagement at the city level.

• Foster the creation of Neighborhood Associations, because many voices together are stronger, and are more impactful in City Hall.  Neighborhood Associations foster community in neighborhoods, which helps to draw attention to area concerns and propose creative solutions.  Representatives of each Neighborhood Association meet with the mayor’s chief-of-staff at monthly Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Council (NIAC) to discuss city-wide programs and to get resolution on neighborhood issues. 

• Raise awareness of League of Women Voters educational forums, which cover a wide variety of issues relevant to those living in Salem.

• Ensure more residents know about the availability of televised city meetings, through the SATV website, as well as the League of Women Voters city meeting notes. Both of these resources are essential for residents who can’t attend meetings. 

• Fund city-run shuttle bus on election days to bring people to/from the polls.  This should not be left to candidates to coordinate within their campaigns.

• Voter Registration events and awareness at regular times every year.

• Encourage the City Clerk to hold more early voting in places like Loring Towers, Pequot Highlands, or at the Community Life Center.