Peabody Candidate Profile: John DeRosa 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.

John DeRosa is running for one of five at-large city council seats up for re-election. DeRosa, 56, lives with his long-term girlfriend Kate Stephens and is a retired Peabody police captain. This is his first run for elected office.

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.

The single most pressing issue for Peabody is to hold the line on tax increases. We must keep Peabody affordable for our seniors who not only face tax increases, but the increasing costs of healthcare and prescription drugs. In addition, the constant tax increases effect everyone’s household budget making it difficult to maintain their standard of living.

I will utilize my previous budget experience to eliminate wasteful spending and push to prioritize only responsible spending to maintain the necessary services to all the residents of Peabody. Being retired, I will extend an offer to our elected state officials as well, to help in any way I can, with trying to increase state funding for Peabody.

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

The critical difference between myself and the other candidates is that I have been committed to the City of Peabody as a member of the Peabody Police Department for 32 years, the last 10 as a Police Captain. I have a lifetime of service to Peabody and have been fortunate to have had a successful career working in the community I care deeply about. I would never have imagined when I graduated from Peabody High in 1980, I would be working in my hometown my entire life. I feel that it is this past experience with serving our residents, working with city employees, and elected officials over the years that allows me to bring a unique insight in decision making, if fortunate to serve as a councilor at large, working to keep Peabody a great place to live.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

In addition to holding the line on taxes I will always be accessible and responsive to our residents. I will be committed to support responsible development to protect the quality of life in our neighborhoods and reduce the negative impacts citywide.

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

Prior to my retirement in May as a Peabody Police Captain, I was in command of the Patrol Division and Emergency Control Center responsible for the day to day delivery of police services to residents, businesses, and visitors of our city, twenty-four hours a day.

I have served our community in several capacities during my career, from planning Major Events, working on budget issues, serving as the police department representative on city committees, appearing before the City Council when necessary, and lastly the most rewarding being involved with Community Policing initiatives. It was working on Community Policing initiatives that allowed me to be involved with people and neighborhoods dealing with their concerns and quality of life issues. I will continue to be committed to our community working just as hard to address our communities needs and quality of life issues.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Treat people as you would want them to treat you or your family.

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

I would like the voters to know that I have always been responsive and informative to anyone who has needed assistance with neighborhood issues that effect their quality of life. I will continue to utilize my experience and knowledge in working along with other elected officials to make sure that the voters of our City have a voice in decisions that will be made for Peabody, if I am fortunate to be elected your Councilor at Large.

Previously Published Peabody Candidate Profiles:

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

City Council, Ward One

Craig Welton

City Council, Ward Six

Keith Doucette