PEABODY — Ryan Cox is running against incumbent Michael Higgins in this fall’s Ward 6 City Council race.
Cox, 38, is a lifelong Peabody resident and works as a foreman in Pipefitters Local 537.
“I care a lot about the community,” he told The Salem News. “I’m raising two daughters in the community, and I just want what’s best for them. Also, I feel like people’s issues, a lot of times, fall on deaf ears, and there’s not a lot of transparency between the city and the community.”
This is the second time Cox has run for the seat, which he lost to Higgins in 2023.
He aims to improve Peabody schools and ensure every student can take part in vocational programs at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School, he said.
Cox also plans to fix sidewalks in need of repair and support businesses in the city.
“I feel that over the past few years, a lot of businesses have left for one reason or another, and there aren’t really a lot of big businesses coming in,” he said.
Cox was a vocal opponent of a 180-unit Chapter 40B development that went up at 128 Newbury St. in recent years. He wants to help Peabody maintain its 10% of affordable housing required by the state without opening doors for more large-scale developments that could strain the city’s resources, he said.
“This campaign isn’t just about me — it’s about us,” he said in a separate statement. “What we care about, what we want to improve, and how we can work together to make a real difference. I want to be part of a leadership team that takes action and puts the community first.”
Nomination papers are available from the City Clerk’s office at City Hall through July 11. Papers must be filed by July 15.
Contact Caroline Enos at CEnos@northofboston.com