PEABODY — The Salem News asked the two first-time candidates running to succeed Ward 2 Councilor Pete McGinn, who is not seeking reelection, on Nov. 4 to answer the following questions:
What are the top issues specific to Ward 2? If elected, how would you address them?How would you support keeping housing affordable in Peabody?What approach will you take to this upcoming budget season, which is expected to be especially difficult?What response should the city take to the lack of trash and recycling service by Republic Services this summer and fall?How will you best serve Ward 2 residents and businesses as a councilor?
Their answers below have been edited for grammar and clarity.
Wendy Lattof
– Age: 54
– Occupation: Owner of Create & Escape DIY Workshops
– Education: Bachelor’s degree in business with a specialization in entrepreneurial studies
– Family: Two children
– Volunteering: Peabody Main Streets, Peabody Little League, the Carroll School PTO and the Carroll School Playground. Featured in “KaBOOM!: How One Man Built a Movement to Save Play” by Darell Hammond for work around open spaces and accessible playgrounds, and invited to be a national mentor for the program
Residents consistently raise concerns about traffic congestion on side streets, safe sidewalks, the cost of living and downtown revitalization. If elected, I’ll advocate for a resident-led Transportation & Safe Streets Commission to improve safety across Ward 2, strengthen downtown Peabody’s economy and ensure responsive leadership. I’ll champion balanced housing policies that keep Peabody affordable for families and our growing senior population. I’ll prioritize resident-led decision making, transparency and community engagement to ensure South Peabody and downtown residents are informed and heard.Housing is too expensive. I’ll support balanced policies that provide options for working families, young adults and our growing senior population while preserving the unique fabric of our community. By encouraging more housing opportunities, we can lower costs for first-time homeowners, older adults who want to downsize and renters.This budget season, I’ll prioritize protecting core services that improve quality of life — public safety and health, education and public works — while pushing for greater transparency and earlier community input so residents have a voice. I’ll also focus on grant opportunities and increasing revenue through responsible economic development. These steps will ease the tax burden, strengthen Peabody’s financial position and ensure we remain affordable while continuing to invest in our community.The city must hold Republic Services accountable through stricter oversight, clear performance benchmarks and financial penalties for missed service. At the same time, we should explore alternative or municipal options to ensure reliable trash and recycling. Residents deserve consistent, dependable services — not excuses — for the taxes they pay.As Ward 2’s councilor, I’ll lead with accessibility, accountability and results. With deep roots as a resident, homeowner and eight-year Peabody small-business owner, I understand both neighborhood and economic needs. I’ll listen, engage and prioritize resident-led decisions that improve quality of life, strengthen our local economy and make Peabody more affordable.
Michael Troisi
Age: 42
– Occupation: Program manager for UMass’ Chan Medical School
– Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics from UMass Amherst and a master’s in public administration from Clark University
– Family: Married, two children
– Volunteering: Former vice-president of Alpha Phi Omega, a service based co-ed fraternity at UMass Amherst
I think the top issue is the development of Rousselot property. I want to be able to help the neighborhood and the city find a good fit, a better fit. I’d love to see the new developer work with the city to give some easement and widen Allens Lane and put sidewalks in on both sides to accommodate the auto and foot traffic from Higgins Middle School.Affordable housing isn’t just a problem in Peabody. The fact of living in a great place is that other people want to live here too. We can’t control the market; we can keep taxes, services and municipal utilities in check. We can keep the overall costs of living here lower.The process can be streamlined by looking at the big pieces thoroughly then wiggling the little pieces around to fit. The little things are often criticized, but they make the city great, and cost less than one cent of every tax dollar. We must fund schools, we must fund police and fire, we need to keep our services where they are at. I’m confident the community will find a way.Aside from the trucks and the people to collect the trash, we need a place to put it. It’s expensive to put the trash somewhere. I believe the city is working on holding Republic accountable, but these things take time.I want to help people. Listening and thinking outside the box are two of my strong suits. I don’t want to make promises I can’t keep, but I know I can listen and be part of the solution. I love this city and want to see it stay on the right track.
Contact Caroline Enos at CEnos@northofboston.com .