A Time for Change in Beverly

A Time for Change in Beverly:

An Open Letter from Brendan Sweeney, Candidate for Mayor

Dear Beverly Residents,

My name is Brendan Sweeney, and I’m running for Mayor of Beverly. After twelve years under the same leadership, it’s time for a change. We need a mayor who listens, communicates openly, and delivers real results. As an at-large city councilor, I’ve heard from residents across the city and I’ve seen firsthand the growing need for leadership that is transparent, responsive, and accountable to the people it serves.

As a two-term city councilor, I respect Mayor Cahill’s years of service and have appreciated the opportunity to work with him — but this election is about the future. I’m ready to lead with a solutions-oriented approach defined by openness, fiscal responsibility, and clear communication. If elected, I’ll focus on addressing our city’s challenges head-on and building a sustainable, inclusive future for all of Beverly.

Who I Am

I’m a North Shore native with deep ties to Beverly. I hold a Master of Public Administration and have extensive experience in municipal management. Locally, I’ve served on the Planning Board, chaired the Cable TV Advisory Committee, and I am currently President of the Beverly Kiwanis Club. My wife Sydney — a former teacher and Beverly 400+ board member — and I are proud to call Beverly our home and we’re eager to continue to give back to our community.

Since being elected in 2021, I’ve prioritized transparency, responsive constituent services, and fiscal responsibility. I led the effort to double property tax exemptions for seniors and veterans, modernized outdated parking ordinances, updated signage, and worked closely with city departments to address residents’ concerns. I also serve as the City Council’s liaison to the Economic and Community Development Council, where I advocate for Beverly’s local businesses.

Professionally, I serve as Assistant Town Administrator and Finance Director in Boxford, managing a $40 million budget, negotiating union contracts, and developing multi-year capital improvement plans. My prior experience in the Baker Administration’s budget office and current work as President of the Massachusetts Municipal Councilors’ Association gives me the financial and leadership skills necessary to lead Beverly.

Why I’m Running

I'm running for three reasons:

1. A Change in Leadership: We need a mayor who is engaged, responsive, and communicative — not reactive. I’ll foster trust by opening lines of communication with residents and the City Council.
2. Expertise: With a strong background in municipal finance and administration, I have the skills to manage budgets effectively, negotiate smart contracts, and deliver cost-saving solutions. I’m prepared to lead Beverly through the fiscal cliff we’re facing — and make the tough decisions necessary to protect our city’s financial future.
3. Transparency: I’ll make City Hall more transparent and accessible, ensuring residents are informed and involved in decisions that shape our city.

Leadership is about listening. Beverly needs a mayor who invites public input, fosters dialogue, and leads with accountability. My record — locally and statewide — reflects this philosophy.

My Priorities for Beverly

In the coming weeks, I’ll share a detailed “Blueprint for Beverly”, outlining my vision for our city’s future. For now, here’s a preview of my top priorities — and how my approach differs from the current administration:

1. Transparent Government & Responsive Services: For too long, City Hall has operated behind closed doors, with residents and even the City Council left out of key decisions. I will change that. I’ll hold regular town halls, share timely updates online, and streamline constituent services. As a city councilor, I respond to every resident inquiry — and in Boxford, I’ve managed budgets with full public transparency. That’s the standard I’ll bring to Beverly.
2. Invest in Infrastructure: Beverly’s roads, sidewalks, and city buildings are overdue for attention, yet the current administration has relied on short-term fixes and vague promises. I’ll implement a clear, multi-year capital plan with timelines and public input — drawing on my experience building long-term infrastructure strategies that deliver real results.
3. Strengthen Beverly Public Schools: The recent teachers’ strike highlighted a preventable breakdown in leadership and communication by the Mayor. As the spouse of an educator, I understand what’s at stake for our students and teachers. I’ll work directly with teachers, families, and school leaders — not hand off responsibility to outside lawyers or expensive PR firms. I’ll fight for more state funding and make sure education dollars are focused where they belong: in the classroom.
4. Control Property Taxes with Smart Financial Management: Our city can’t afford financial mismanagement — like the Mayor’s library HVAC proposal, which ballooned from $4 million to $18 million before being rightfully rejected. I bring a proven track record of managing large budgets, securing grants, and negotiating cost-saving contracts — including $2 million in savings for Boxford residents. Beverly deserves careful, competent management — not costly surprises.
5. Preserve Beverly’s Character and Quality of Life: Beverly’s historic charm and high quality of life must be protected — but we must also address the growing need for affordable housing. I’ll support thoughtfully designed multi-family homes that fit our neighborhoods and allow teachers, first responders, and young families to stay in the city they serve. Just as important, I’ll ensure our Police and Fire Departments have the staffing and resources they need — drawing on my experience negotiating public safety contracts to keep Beverly safe and livable for all.

Let’s Build a Better Beverly — Together

Beverly is a community where we look out for one another, from supporting our seniors and veterans to ensuring our schools are safe and welcoming. My campaign is about creating a government that listens, addresses challenges proactively, and delivers for everyone.

I invite you to learn more at SweeneyforBeverly.com. I humbly ask for your vote and support to lead Beverly into a brighter future as your next mayor.

Sincerely,

Brendan Sweeney

Candidate for Mayor of Beverly