Salem Candidate Profile: Jerry L. Ryan 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.

Jerry L. Ryan, 45, is one of three candidates running for Ward 6's seat on Salem City Council, where incumbent Beth Gerard is not running for reelection. A preliminary election on Sept. 17 will thin the field the two top vote-getters, who will move on to compete for the four seats up for reelection in the general election on Nov. 5. Ryan was Ward 4's COuncilor from 2008-13 and an at-large councilllor from 2016-17.

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.

Cost of living in Salem: Salem is a desirable place to live which has driven up the cost to live in the City. The high rents and home prices have forced many residents to leave the City. I have seen households with school age children sell their homes and move to another city due to rising costs and also the mismanagement of the schools. I will work with the Administration to help find solutions to making Salem an affordable to place to live.

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

As a former Ward Councilor, I have the experience working with constituents and the Administration. Also, having been born and raised in Ward 6, I have institutional knowledge regarding Ward 6.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

"The only constant in life is change" - Heraclitus

The City of Salem is constantly changing with new developments and increasing traffic. We need to adapt to the changes to help alleviate the problems caused by Salem's growing pains to the Citizens of Salem. As a City Councilor, I will work with all parties to find solutions and not excuses.

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

As a former Ward Councilor and Councilor-At-Large, I have worked with many neighborhood associations, constituents and the Administration to help move Salem forward into the future. Back in 2013, I helped bring an agreement between the Mayor and the City Council so that the new Community Life Center could be built.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

My parents taught me to treat people the way I want to be treated. I think about this while working with people because you never know what someone else is going through. I try my best to be respectful to people and help them to the best of my ability.

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

I love being from and living in the City of Salem. I grew up in Ward 6 as the 12th of 14 children of Dr. James & Ann Ryan. My wife and I own our home in Ward 6 as well as a 2 family home in Salem that we keep affordable for our tenants. I also believe in renewable resources and have solar panels on both of our homes.

I am a proud product of the Salem Public Schools and will do my best to make sure future generations have access to the best education.

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 3

Patti Morsillo

City Council, Ward 4

Timothy Flynn *

City Council, Ward 6

Megan Riccardi

School Committee

Beth Anne Cornell

Jim Fleming *

Donna Fritz

Kristin Pangallo