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.