Question 1: Why are you running for Councilor and what particular skills can you bring to the position?
We must address the housing, climate & pandemic crises Salem is facing and ALL the residents of Ward 5 deserve new Councillor who will be available and focused on their concerns, from day one. My experience and the results I’ve produced demonstrate that I am the right person for the job and here’s why:
Having worked as recycling/trash coordinator & solar coach for the City, I know who to go to and how to get things done
Whether we agree about politics or not, everyone knows they can depend on me
My work ethic is unique
I always start dialogue by listening from others
As I will be retiring from my job, I will be a full time Councillor and will have office hours 6 days a week, morning afternoon & evening and will spread the designations out throughout the Ward and come to residents
All residents, whether you’ve lived her a day or your entire life, will be treated the same
If elected, my canvassing will continue throughout the term
I’m running because my mom taught me that we’re fulfilled most when we help others and I intend on giving all in the Ward and beyond the voice they deserve. I’ve written or helped write several ordinances, but have lots ready to go to keep Ward 5 and Salem moving forward for ALL residents.
Question 2: What are some of your proposed solutions towards resolving the housing crisis in Salem?
We have a housing crisis in Salem. Too many who work here can no longer afford to live here.
I am the only Ward 5 candidate who stood and spoke up in support of the MROD & Inclusionary Zoning ordinances and the revised Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance that passed.
We must revisit and 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/protections 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.
I agree with Councillor Josh Turiel, who has started the initiative to prevent the owners of Shetland from changing the current commercial zoning to residential.
I’ve expressed concerns about many of the finished, in process and proposed developments because of their lack of resiliency/sustainability, including Ferris, W2 Social Club, CLC and those along Highland Ave.
Question 3: 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 communities on the North shore 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 Ward 5 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.
What I have done:
Long time member, current Vice-Chair Salem’s Sustainability, Energy & Resiliency Committee (SERC)
Original member Citizen’s Climate Lobby North Shore Chapter (CCL)
2013–2015 Salem’s 1st recycling coordinator
2014 Solar Coach for Solarize Salem
2014–2016 Solar Coach for SAFE Solar (Salem Alliance for the Environment)
While Solar Coach, it was my concept (most said impossible) that resulted in the most innovative municipal solar project in MA history. North/South panels and the City (schools) receiving SREC income of ~$1M over 10 years.
What I will do:
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 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.
Propose free City shuttle for all residents
Move to create a committee to evaluate viability of Salem taking ownership of both our gas & electric as Westfield and Wakefield do. 41 Communities own their own power company (electric) and ratepayers pay ~40% less than those in National Grid communities and the communities determine what’s best, not invisible shareholders
I will propose a revolving fund for SERC and an ordinance to make sure SERC is part of the development process.
I will propose an ordinance to require National Grid to fix gas leaks/compensate residents/businesses.
Question 4: Please outline some ideas you have that can enhance civic engagement at the city level.
Civic engagement starts at meeting people where they are when they are available. We have too many Council meetings and events at times when working people can’t participate.
Outreach starts at the door and I will continue to canvass after the election, not for votes, but to hear resident concerns. Many don’t have access (language, knowledge of system, etc.) and don’t believe they can affect change at any level. Being listened to can change that.
For Ward issues, will have meet ups in neighborhoods to discuss local concerns and initiatives, bringing in City staff, State Rep & Senator, Mayor, At-Large Councillors, etc. to listen to residents and then hold people accountable for what they promise. It’s imperative that the City comes to the residents.
Rally residents to exact change at the Ward & City levels. For example, I helped rally many to testify against the proposed retail gun shop on Florence and it didn’t receive the special permit.
Have Board meetings in neighborhoods. For example, we had a No Place for Hate meeting at Espacio. To involve our youth, the Salem Youth Commission facilitated a portion of the meeting.
Question 5: How do you think Salem should continue working on issues of race equity, now that the City's first Race Equity Task Force has submitted its report?
Although I believe the Race Equity Task Force composition was not what I believe appropriate (too white, too many in power) and it took too long (I believe a much shorter time from start to recommendations), significant work was done, leading to an ongoing committee and Director of Equity & Inclusion position (DEI). As Co-Chair of Salem’s No Place for Hate Committee, am glad there will be collaboration with us and others and I believe the recommendations good next steps for Salem to be more inclusive.
Our City boards & commissions are not diverse enough, so there must be more outreach to encourage more participation.
We must continue to improve the communication with those marginalized communities that don’t have as much access as they should.
As some of The Point is in Ward 5, I will continue to attend PNA meetings and represent the resident concerns, escalating them to be priorities.
We need to expand our thinking of how to address equity gaps, realizing that transportation, housing, resiliency, food insecurity, public safety, wages, healthcare, communication, etc are all contributing factors.
We must eliminate the polarization created by too many here that how long someone has resided in Salem determines their value.
We must continue to make our City departments (SPD, SFD, DPS, City Hall) reflective of our community at large through the hiring process.
If people work here, they should be able to live here too. Inclusionary zoning, wage theft, resiliency & tenant protections must happen.
To learn more about Jeff, visit: https://jeffcohenforsalem.weebly.com or on social media at: https://www.facebook.com/JeffCohensDirectActionNetwork