Elaine Berard Milo is long-time resident of Salem. She lives with her husband Frank, their daughter, Danielle and son-in law, Billy, and three Boston Terriers on Marlborough Road, in the home that her husband’s grandfather built in 1928.
Elaine is currently Associate Director of Grants at Salem State University where she has worked for the past 18 years. Elaine holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Education with a concentration in accounting.
Prior to working at Salem State, she was employed by Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (6 years) and Holyoke Mutual Insurance in Salem (16 years).
Elaine’s professional experience includes grant writing and administration, budget development and oversight and supervisor.
Elaine is completing her third term on the city council. She has served as the liaison to the Council on Aging Board for each of her three terms. Additionally, during her tenure she has been a member of all of the five standing committees of the council: Administration and Finance Committee; Community and Economic Development; Government Services; Ordinances, Licenses and Legal Affairs and Public Health and Safety. Prior to being elected to city council she served on the Cemetery Commission for over 15 years.
Why are you running for Councilor and what particular skills can you bring to the position?
Kindness, respect and professionalism are just a few of the skills I bring to this position. As councillor, I have had the privilege to serve the residents of a Salem in a way that I would not otherwise. Sometimes, something as basic as getting a pothole filled or a manhole fixed can make all the difference in someone’s quality of life. Serving comes down to helping people both within and outside of the Council Chamber.
What are some of your proposed solutions towards resolving the housing crisis in Salem?
This is a regional issue. Salem needs to do its part to address this issue while keeping everyone safe and the community viable. Instead of piecemeal approach, let’s look at this issue holistically, through the lens of updating our 50 year old zoning ordinances to reflect our city-wide vision, and include all issues related to housing.
How do you see Salem impacted by the climate crisis and what new initiatives would you take to lead Salem's resiliency efforts?
Public education is important and we need to continue to support organizations like Salem Sound Coastwatch in their efforts to educate the public about climate change and resiliency. We need a strong, coordinated effort by all neighboring coastal communities to lobby state and federal elected officials to make more money available to complete projects like the one at Collins Cove. There is strength in numbers and I am confident a coordinated effort such as this will produce exponential results.
Please outline some ideas you have that can enhance civic engagement at the city level.
Laura Assade, in the Mayor’s Office, has done an exceptional job with revamping programs to encourage civic engagement on the part of our youth. Supporting Laura in her efforts is a good way to increase participation by our citizenry.