Salem Candidate Profile: Conrad J. Prosniewski For City Council

SALEM, MA — Salem will have several contested races in this fall's election, including a 11-way race for four at-large seats on City Council. The preliminary election on Sept. 17 will thin the field of at-large city councilor candidates to eight and the field of school committee candidates to six. Salem Patch asked candidates in the contested races to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Conrad J. Prosniewski, 65, was a member of the Salem Police Department for 41 years before retiring earlier this year. He is running for an at-large seat on Salem City Council. He and his wife Julie have two grown children and a grandson.

Are you running for office in Salem? Contact Dave Copeland at dave.copeland@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Salem Patch.

Previously on Patch: Salem 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 how our city grows, in both business and housing, will determine the direction of our future and is the single most pressing issue today.. I have been a member of this community for all of my 65 years and from my many years in public safety I have seen the city change from a different perspective. My obligation, if elected, would be to see that proposed changes are in the best interest of our people, our neighborhoods and our community

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

For nearly 41 years I have worked for our community as a police officer in a variety of responsibilities including the organization and implementation of many community outreach programs. Commanding our Community Impact Unit for many years allowed me to personally engage our residents on a variety of issues affecting their quality of life. The best part about my job was I was actually able to listen and address these issues by working with all city leaders Making positive changes for our people made my career incredibly rewarding. The critical difference between me and the other candidates is I already have years of experience knowing who and where to go, and getting things done. It’s been my life’s vocation which I hope to continue.

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

The conflict among our leadership is making it difficult to move forward on very important issues. Stalemates and standoffs due to personal differences are not in the best interest of Salem.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

My background and experience has put me in a leadership role with the responsibility of helping city leaders address city’s issues such as growing traffic, increasing tourism, major events, our opioid dilemma and our homeless population, just to name a few. I have worked well with all city departments addressing many of the quality of life issues presented to our police department and would like to think I have earned their respect as well.

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

As a Patrol Officer in Salem I was assigned to the Point section of Salem. Drawing from my own upbringing from immigrant parents I welcomed the opportunity to help break down barriers and educate new residents on the differences between our police department as compared to what they experienced with police in their countries. It was my privilege to work and serve with a community that opened their homes and shared their culture with trust in my ability and sincerity.

As a Detective for nearly 20 years, investigating crimes ranging from petty larcenies to murder, my strength was my tenacity, and my compassion genuine and true.

Early in my career the Chief recognized my connection to the community and in the 1990’s, when Community Policing came to the forefront, I was given the opportunity to help create several initiatives including the Citizen’s Police Academy, Neighborhood Crime Watch, and Behind the Badge Access Television Show, helping to open our doors and dialogue with the public.

During my years as a Police Prosecutor, my experience in our courtrooms allowed me to represent not only the police department’s efforts, but more importantly our community, the victims of crimes, and the impact of these crimes on all our lives.

As a Captain and Executive Officer my new duties included commanding divisions, department budgeting, purchasing and grant writing, all of which necessitated working with many other city staff.

As Public Information Officer for over 25 years, open, honest and truthful dialogue with the media and the public was key in maintaining transparency and the integrity of the Salem Police Department.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Never judge a person until you have walked in their shoes.

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

This City is at a juncture where our future depends on our ability to all work together as a team, city leaders and staff included. I hear the phrase 'old Salem versus new Salem' frequently and believe it only create divisiveness. We are all one Salem and should be working together without putting labels on ourselves. Our one responsibility should be striving to keep our culture and identity moving in a positive direction with sincere and effective leadership.

Previously Published Salem Candidate Profiles:

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

City Council, At Large

Domingo J. Dominguez *

Ty Hapworth

Alice Merkl

Maribel Steadman

City Council, Ward 4

Timothy Flynn *

City Council, Ward 6

Megan Riccardi

School Committee

Beth Anne Cornell

Jim Fleming *

Donna Fritz

Kristin Pangallo