Beverly Candidate Profile: Don Martin For City Council

BEVERLY, MA — Beverly will have contested races for City Council in Wards three and five and a contested school committee race in Ward Four this fall. Beverly Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Don Martin is running for re-election to city council in Ward Five against Kathleen M. Feldman. Martin, 58, is a fiscal analyst with the Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development. He and his wife Michele have two grown children.

Are you running for office in Beverly? Contact Dave Copeland at dave.copeland@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Peabody Patch.

Previously on Patch: Beverly Election 2019: Here's Who's Running

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The financial health of our City, which has never been better. Our bond rating was just increased to AA+, saving the taxpayers money and allowing us to maintain an exceptional school system, outstanding parks and playgrounds and continue to upgrade our streets and sidewalks. Our stabilization fund or rainy-day account, now stands at an all-time high, ensuring we can weather any downturn in the economy. I intend to continue to support policies and projects that will maintain our strong financial position.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Experience! During my time in office, I have provided strong constituent services. I have always put our neighborhoods first and protected open space and the environment. I have been a strong supporter of our schools and have seen both my children graduate from Beverly High School and be accepted to outstanding colleges. Working together with the Cahill and Scanlon Administrations, I have contributed to the incredible turnaround in the financial health of our City.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Whether it was successfully blocking an in-home childcare center on Somerset Avenue or successfully blocking the construction of the Iron Rail Gymnastics Academy at the end of Nelson Avenue and Wirling Drive or fighting the Whole Food Plaza on Brimbal Avenue, I have always stood up for our neighborhoods. I have been a leader in preserving open space and the environment. I authored the passage of the Municipal Open Space and Recreation District, rezoning all 88-acres of city-owned land surrounding Norwood Pond, ensuring its protection from development. I have long supported efforts to protect our environment, including voting for the Bluewave solar project to be constructed on the former landfill off of Brimbal Avenue. Finally, for years I have called on the City to build a new police station, which is finally scheduled to break ground later this fall.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

The fact that the voters of Ward 5 have placed their faith in me by electing me as their ward representative in 11 consecutive elections is evidence that I can handle this job.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

When I was a little boy, my parents told me: "All we ask of you is that you do the very best that you can." What terrific advice. What terrific role models!

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

That it is an honor to serve as their ward representative. I care about our great City and its residents. Like my father and grandfather before him, I’m extremely proud of the fact that I was born, raised and stayed in Beverly. This is a great city, with great people, with a great future. My goal has always been to contribute in making Beverly a great place to live and raise our families!

Previously Published Beverly Candidate Profiles:

Candidates for reelection are marked with an asterisk (*).

City Council, Ward Three

Euplio "Rick" Marciano