Peabody Candidate Profile: Mark O'Neill 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.

Incumbent Mark O'Neill, 52, is being challenged by Keith Doucette as he runs for reelection to the Ward 6 seat on Peabody City Council. O'Neill, who was first elected to City Council in 2017, has worked for the Lexington Insurance Company since 2000. He and his wife Tracy has two children.

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 City Council has a delicate balance of trying to keep the tax rates reasonable while also working to provide funding to properly maintain and repair our infrastructure. Our residential tax rate remains low compared to surrounding towns even as we work to tackle everyday needs and still have an adequate rainy day fund for emergencies. I am proud to have supported the improvement plan for our City's water treatment capabilities including the renovation of the 50 year old Winona treatment plant. Our water system is a critical asset and we are addressing it now for future generations.

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

As the current Councilor for the past 20 months, I am proud of my efforts helping residents with issues as well as building strong relationships throughout the City to make sure Ward 6 residents receive equal attention for their needs.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

I intend to keep working hard to balance our tax rate along with our need to keep the City's services, streets and properties (schools, parks, etc.) in good working order. In addition to helping residents with their issues, I will continue to lead efforts to protect the neighborhood surrounding Aggregate Industries as well as working to minimize effects to neighbors from the Birch Hill subdivision.

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

I am the current Ward 6 Councilor and believe my 28 years of business experience has given me the skills to build relationships and work well with others which is critical to be effective. My business experience also helps with understanding the many financial issues that come before the City Council.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Our parents Marty and Jackie O'Neill told their children to work hard and always do your best. I miss them every day but keep their spirit alive by following that advice.

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

I have a learned a great deal in my first term and have built strong relationships with other elected officials including Mayor Bettencourt, fellow City Councilors as well as City Department leaders. I have worked hard dealing with resident issues and trying to solve problems that not affect Ward 6 but all of the City's residents.

Previously Published Peabody Candidate Profiles:

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

City Council, At-Large

John DeRosa

Anne Manning-Martin *

Ryan Melville *

City Council, Ward One

Craig Welton

City Council, Ward Two

Jaclyn Corriveau

Pete McGinn *

City Council, Ward Six

Keith Doucette

PMLP Commission

Charles Bonfanti