Salem Candidate Profile: James Willis For City Council

SALEM, MA — Salem will have several contested races in this fall's election, including several City Council races. 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.

James R. Willis Jr., 44, is challenging incumbent Robert K. McCarthy for the Ward 1 seat on Salem City Council. Willis previously served on the Salem Council on Aging's board of directors, but has not previously held elected office.

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.

The most important issues before the City Council deal with maintaining our quality of life in a region experiencing rapid growth and change. Salem has seen both positive and negative effects of economic changes largely beyond our control and it is incumbent upon us to manage our growth in a responsible way that benefits our residents and businesses. Issues from outside of our borders, such as the climate crisis and a shortage of affordable housing, are combining with our high property tax bills and critical budget needs to make the next few years a challenging time for our city. It is my goal to keep an open mind in evaluating proposed ordinances and work with all stakeholders to address the policies and measures that will be needed as we move forward.

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

As a newcomer to elected office, I believe that I can bring a new vigorous approach to representing Ward 1 and can more effectively collaborate with my colleagues and the Mayor, as I have not been directly involved in the divisive political battles that have marked the City Council in recent years.

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

I believe in running a positive campaign and would not say that Councillor McCarthy has “failed the community”. (Questions framed in this manner help fuel unfairly negative perceptions of our elected officials, most of whom, including Councillor McCarthy, are hard-working and dedicated to serving our city.) I have a great deal of respect for him and he has been my councillor for many years. I do believe that he has been more reactive than proactive in seeking community feedback and addressing neighborhood concerns, and it is my goal to zealously represent the interests of every one of my constituents.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

I am emphasizing the high level of responsiveness I intend to bring to the office. I also will be looking closely at zoning and development issues that are facing Ward 1, particularly as they relate to the reuse of the Footprint Power property and the waterfront.

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

Through my years of volunteer service, ranging from nonprofit boards to political organizations to city boards to neighborhood associations, I have gained vast experience in working towards consensus and cooperating with all sorts of colleagues and stakeholders to solve complex problems. In my professional and political career, I have worked with diverse populations to identify issues and provide solutions. My political and legal experience and education also provide a unique background in comparison to the current council members. In my decades of serving the public, I have learned that casting blame and making excuses accomplishes nothing- people expect and deserve results. I have the skills, knowledge, and experience to deliver those results.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Listen carefully before you speak- anyone can be a great speaker but being a great listener is a much more difficult skill to acquire.

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

I would be proud to represent the city I have called my home for nearly two decades. Salem is a wonderful city where I have chosen to raise my son, and it would be an honor to serve the public as a city councillor. It is difficult to fully explain positions and answer questions in written interviews such as this, so I urge any potential constituent to contact me with any questions or concerns before and after the election. As an aspiring public servant, I welcome any opportunity to provide Ward 1’s constituents with the information they will need to make a decision. My email address is jrwillisjr@hotmail.com or I can be messaged via my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/jrw4salem/.

Previously Published Salem Candidate Profiles:

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

City Council, At Large

Jeff Cohen

Domingo J. Dominguez *

Ty Hapworth

George McCabe

Alice Merkl

Elaine Milo *

Conrad J. Prosniewski

Arthur Sargent *

Maribel Steadman

City Council, Ward 1

Robert McCarthy *

James Willis

City Council, Ward 3

Patti Morsillo

City Council, Ward 4

Timothy Flynn *

City Council, Ward 6

Megan Riccardi

Jerry Ryan

School Committee

Stephen Beauparlant

Beth Anne Cornell

Jim Fleming *

Donna Fritz

Kristin Pangallo