Peabody Candidate Profile: Craig Welton For City Council

PEABODY, MA — Peabody will have several contested races in this fall's election, including a seven-way race for five at-large seats on City Council and contested races for city council seats in four of the city's six wards. Peabody Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Craig Welton is running for Ward 1 City Councilor. Welton, 38, and his wife Emily have four children. This is his first run for elected office. Welton is the chief development officer for Northeast Arc and is on the Peabody Conservation Commission.

Are you running for office in Peabody? 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: Peabody 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.

I believe the most pressing issue facing our community is keeping Peabody affordable while maintaining a high quality of life. Simply put, you need revenue to afford the amenities that make living in Peabody so appealing. We are fortunate to have one of the lowest tax rates in the North Shore, but that doesn't mean it isn't a burden for many residents when their annual bill is increased. As a City Councilor I intend to look for creative and innovative ways to fund the many projects that make Peabody a great place to live while keeping taxes reasonable and predictable for our citizens.

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

I was not born in Peabody, but have chosen to raise my family here. I love Peabody and am excited by the opportunity to give back and provide strong representation to the residents of Ward 1

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Keeping Ward 1 affordable; working with the city to reach our 40B threshold and limiting further development within the residential areas of Ward 1; beautifying our public spaces and improving the conditions of roads/sidewalks and parks/playgrounds

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

I successfully managed the operation of a large non-profit organization for 10+ years, and currently am responsible for securing significant funding to support essential services for people with disabilities throughout the North Shore and beyond. I have dedicated my career to helping others, and am eager to utilize my skills to help the residents of Ward 1.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Work Hard; Be Kind; Act Courageously

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

I truly care about Ward 1, and want to help our community be the best it can be. I'm not always going to have the solution, but I will commit to being responsive to your requests and doing my best on your behalf. There is nowhere else I would rather raise my children, and nowhere else I would rather represent.

Previously Published Peabody Candidate Profiles:

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

City Council, Ward Six

Keith Doucette