Jeff doesn’t just talk about issues, he acts by not being afraid to take bold action when necessary and by building consensus by finding common ground.
Co-Chair of Salem’s No Place for Hate Committee, he wrote the original Sanctuary ordinance and was instrumental in the passage of the non-discrimination ordinance. Vice-Chair of Salem’s Sustainability, Energy & Resiliency Committee, Jeff played a significant role in Salem becoming the 1st community in MA to pass a 100% clean energy resolution (2016) and then the 2018 carbon pricing and 2019 green new deal resolutions.
He is on the Leadership Council for Salem for All Ages and a Board Member for Project Out.
As Salem’s Recycling Coordinator (2013-5) and Solar Coach (2014), Jeff significantly increased the City’s recycling percentage and solar installations. He proposed the creative solar concept for the Bentley & Witchcraft Heights schools resulting in a new roof and about $1M in revenue for the schools over 10 years.
Jeff always stands up for those that need it most and he doesn’t just show up, he gets things done!
Married to Flora Tonthat, who owns a small business, heads a neighborhood association and has created a few sustainable public gardens…she’s very involved in our community. She and Jeff and their rescue cat Jazz are proud to have so many friends and can’t imagine living anywhere but Salem.
He listens, learns and leads!
Why are you running for Councilor and what particular skills can you bring to the position?
As City Councilor, I’ll utilize my ability to build consensus and realize results as evidenced by my teaming up with some current Councillors to find common ground about the short-term rental ordinance, helping to achieve unanimous consent.
Our rapidly diminishing rental stock is making it impossible for many to stay in Salem. All those who work here should be able to live here.
As Co-Chair of Salem’s No Place for Hate Committee have facilitated meetings about contentious issues and create an environment where all feel safe & comfortable. Considering the acrimony that exists in today’s Council, this will enable a more productive Council.
As Salem’s Recycling Coordinator (2013-5) and Solar Coach (2014), I worked with most all City departments and employees and truly understand how to address constituent issues.
As the only person in Salem who chairs two City Boards/Commissions (NP4H, SERC), I have demonstrated a willingness to participate in the process as a volunteer and taken on a leadership role and leadership is lacking on today’s Council.
Putting others first, being thorough, innovative & results oriented, motivating others, honesty/integrity, problem solver and especially listening and learning make me best suited for the Salem City Council.
What are some of your proposed solutions towards resolving the housing crisis in Salem?
Excellent in democracy is through compromise and all the concerns expressed about the MROD zoning ordinance were addressed, so we must pass this to reuse, restore and expand affordable housing and fulfill the commitments made by the Council.
We must institute comprehensive inclusionary zoning with tiered median income levels for all new development and all affordable housing be on site.
Condo conversion must be controlled through regulation and permitting. The limited, non-viable accessory dwelling unit regulations must be expanded.
The short-term rental ordinance must be enforced, especially for non-occupied properties.
The mandated parking minimums must be revised to reflect the evolving reality that less cars are needed.
Tenant rights must be a priority and so we need to require longer notice, perhaps even payment of a month’s rent. We must increase access and make sure tenants are aware of their rights.
To counter the lack of diversity, we must find ways to make sure more income levels exist in all neighborhoods.
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 one of the most endangered by the climate crisis with escalating heat zones, coastal flooding and sea level rise. These are issues we work on at SERC, but unfortunately, I’m the only candidate for Councillor that is taking them as seriously as they deserve. We must take bold action (not incremental) now.
I will propose a resiliency zoning ordinance so people who are displaced by emergencies have temporary or permanent housing.
I will propose an ordinance that the ZBA issues special permits without ability to override the intent of the zoning (for example no development proceeds with 11 variances).
I will propose increasing the minimum resiliency standards so that we can reach out goal of 100% clean energy and have zero net energy buildings where possible. We have too many developments built recently and in process that will not withstand the effects of what is forecasted.
I will propose minimum sustainability & efficiency requirements such as all retro fits and new developments must have solar, air source heat pumps, LED’s, etc. and net zero carbon standards.
I have innovative ideas that will incentivize those at the lower income levels who cannot afford solar, mini-splits, etc.
Setting goals with tactics to reduce the number of cars, increase public transportation and better/more economical ways of diverting trash/recycling & composting more will be introduced. The Traffic & Parking Commission should be just that with ability to make decisions without submitting to Council.
I will propose a revolving fund for SERC and an ordinance to make sure SERC is part of the development process.
I will propose enough money allocated to the planting/replacement of trees to reach carbon reduction goals and fulfill the 1 to 1 replacement target.
I will propose an ordinance to require National Grid to fix gas leaks/compensate residents/businesses.
I have bold proposals that will results in our generating new revenue sources from renewables.
Please outline some ideas you have that can enhance civic engagement at the city level.
The City Council needs to meet more than 19 times per year and the subcommittees at least once per month and be on SATV. The hearings subcommittees have are a great vehicle for interaction with residents and yet most meet infrequently.
Each Subcommittee has areas of focus such as Public Health (opiates), Safety (police/fire) & Environment (climate crisis), so they should all have quarterly public hearings where residents can express ideas, concerns and participate in the process.
I support rank choice voting at the municipal, state and national level.
Make voting more accessible and have an electoral commission so elected officials don’t supervise the Clerk’s office.
Invite the Youth Commission to have a non-voting seat on boards & commissions.
Bring City Hall to the community with some staff & Councillors using mobile units set up throughout the City as the City has done at Farmers Market.
Educate residents about what boards & commissions are responsible for so that there is more diversity on them.
Residents want to feel their voice matters and yet this doesn’t exist with the current Council. If they believe they have impact and the Council is responsive to them, they will become more vested and involved and we can maintain and grow participation over time.