Peabody Candidate Profile: Ryan Melville 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.

Ryan Melville, 34, is an incumbent running for one of five at-large city council seats up for re-election. Melville works as Director of Licensing for the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control 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 balance of maintaining a reasonable tax rate vs the major infrastructure upgrades that are required of a modern city is the challenge of our time. Peabody must maintain a competitive edge on the North Shore to attract young families and strong businesses. This will require investments in our roads, schools, and public safety equipment. I was proud to support the massive water upgrade project approved earlier this year and I will continue to advocate for improvements in the city’s critical infrastructure.

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

I believe that I can represent the entire community. As a 34-year-old, I am starting to see my friends start families and encounter the challenges that entails. I also spend a considerable amount of time at the Torigian Senior Center so I can get a feel for what is impacting our senior citizens and ensure their voice is heard. As a veteran of the War in Afghanistan I also take my work seriously on behalf of veterans and their families in the city.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

It is vital that we continue to bring in businesses and investments within the city to offset residential taxes. I will continue to advocate for policies that encourage businesses to seek out Peabody. I also believe in supporting Peabody Public Schools, I benefited from a great education and I want to pass that along to the next generation. A great city is built on good schools, trained and equipped public safety professionals, and a modern infrastructure.

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

I am always available to residents through phone or e-mail. I have never missed a city council meeting and I go to as many community meetings and city events as possible. I voted to support one of the most important water infrastructure projects in the city’s history. When members of the veteran community approached me about a need they had, I worked with other city leaders and we got the Veteran Volunteer Tax Abatement passed to meet their needs. I have worked diligently to ensure residents know that I am a resource for them.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Be humble and listen before you speak.

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

As a lifelong Peabody resident and graduate of the Peabody Public School system, I have been fortunate enough to observe and learn from many of our city’s previous leaders and elected officials. My military service and government experience places me in a great position to help guide Peabody into the future. I truly believe that Peabody is in a great position to be one of the best places to live, raise a family, or start a business in Massachusetts. I will continue to work as hard as I can to make that vision a reality.

Previously Published Peabody Candidate Profiles:

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

City Council, At-Large

John DeRosa

Anne Manning-Martin *

City Council, Ward One

Craig Welton

City Council, Ward Six

Keith Doucette

PMLP Commission

Charles Bonfanti