Peabody Candidate Profile: Ray Melvin For Light Commissioner

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.

Ray Melvin, 56, is challenging incumbent Charles Bonfanti for a seat on the Peabody Municpal Light Plant commission. Melivin is a utility electric service designer for Eversource energy. It's the second time he has run for the position.

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.

My last run for the position I pushed hard for city, through the PMLP, to seek competition for comcast to lower rates. Well I did in fact bring RCN to the city in December of 2017 which led to the city to signing a contract with them. I am now going to seek the city to build our own system for internet and TV. I feel this will lower our communications bills even lower, much like our electric rates. Also with my utility knowledge i feel that serving as a commissioner I can and will make informed decisions which will impact and maintain low electric rates for now and in the future

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

I feel that I will bring a fresh look at issues which will impact our electric rates in the future considering all options such as renewable energy.

I also feel that my 38 year utility experience and knowledge of electric systems make me the best candidate for the position.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community?

I'd like to say that the current commissioner has not failed the community, but I do feel that the long terms (six years) for the position breeds complacency. I feel fresh new thoughts and ideas are a must.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

I would like to see a municipal owned communications company either partnered with or owned by PMLP . other municipal electric systems in the state offer internet, cable and phone to there customers faster, better and cheaper.

Why can't we?

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

In 1999 I led a team of people to raise money and physically build a little league field in West Peabody (Lt. Ross Park) this effort valued to the city at little cost.

In my Career at Eversource Energy I was a union steward leader for 20 years,

I was the lead chair person for long standing switching error committee and was system/distribution trainer.

I am respected for my interpersonal skills, integrity, leadership and team building/participation.

I feel knowledge and training that I have acquired will only enhance my transition to become a great commissioner.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Focus on what's right in your world instead of what's wrong.

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

I am a long resident of Peabody, who truly loves this city and its people. I am proud to tell people I am from Peabody and always seeking great things for the city

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 Six

Keith Doucette

PMLP Commission

Charles Bonfanti