Salem Candidate Profile: George McCabe 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.

George McCabe, 61, is running for election to City Council as an at-large candidate. McCabe was the Ward 6 City COuncilor from 1984 to 1987, and served as City Council president in 1986. We was also an at-large city councilor from 1988-1996. He and his wife Lisa have one daughter.

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.

Housing. I’m pretty much in agreement with the overlay plan for the re-use of religious and municipal buildings for housing with a percentage to be affordable units. I also think changing the language of the current in-law apartment rules – from in-law and caregiver use only to allowing rental to others will allow for more affordable units to be created. I do think that the change should not be given by right but by special permit. It’s important that it does not become abused and turn single family neighborhoods into 2 family neighborhoods. I know that’s not the intent, but I think it’s prudent to shine some light on each unit through the special permit process. Both proposals are modest and will not create many units. They are however small steps that the city can take to help with affordable housing in what otherwise is market driven.

The other housing issue we need to start focusing on is affordable housing for our seniors and veterans. The current senior and veteran housing complexes are old and in constant need of repairs.

As a community we need to start advocating for new and more senior housing and working with the state and federal government to secure funding.

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

My experience in Government and success as a small business owner along with my knowledge of Salem's neighborhoods. I can begin serving people on day one since I know local government. I want to be a leader and I want to be a mentor to those are new. There were people there to help me learn when I first started and I'll be more than happy to do it for others.

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

The councils deliberations on the zoning changes to allow for a minimal amount of affordable housing units has been tough to watch and read about. I know most of the councilors pretty well and they are all good people and work hard. The problem is, and this is not new to any city council, politics can get in the way and causes divisions. When that happens the community usually suffers. The council runs better when people can respect each other and work together. That's not happening now and there is definitely some government fatigue in Salem right now. I'm hearing it from voters all the time.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

The 3 main reasons I’m running are the same ones I tell voters every day:

1. My extensive experience and knowledge of government along with my experience and success in building a small business will be an asset to the council and the city.
2. Salem has become a destination city for many, and we had a lot of development as a result. We now need to manage our traffic, parking and zoning policies carefully. Salem is still a city of neighborhoods and we need to enact policies that protect them.
3. We need to be civil in our public discourse and start listening to each other instead of the bickering that seems to surround us every day. It’s a national problem enabled at the top, but it’s trickled down to the local level. What we need to do as a community is focus on what’s best for Salem, put the divisiveness behind us and move on.

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

The fact that I was elected to the council 6 times, served as president, chaired every committee and spent over 25 years as a public servant.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

It's nice to be important but it's more important to be nice.

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

I'm honest, pragmatic and can bring people together - if people are willing. I'm someone who believes public service is worthwhile and you can make a difference in peoples lives.

Previously Published Salem Candidate Profiles:

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

City Council, At Large

Domingo J. Dominguez *

Ty Hapworth

Alice Merkl

Conrad J. Prosniewski

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