Salem Candidate Profile: Michael Cusick 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.

Michael Cusick, 65, is challenging incumbent Tim Flynn for the Ward 4 seat on Salem City Council. Cusick is a retired biomedical researcher. He has never held elected office before.

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.

Advocate for housing that works for ALL kinds of households – renters and homeowners, empty nesters and downsizing seniors, individuals, couples and families with children – by Innovating for housing expansion in any way possible: inclusionary zoning, tax credits, incentives for development, reuse of empty buildings, filling of long-empty lots, whatever it takes. The housing crisis is an unprecedented existential threat that must be overcome if Salem is to remain inclusive, thriving, and vibrant.

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

I would bring to bear pragmatic rationalism and deliberative reason to the problems that Salem faces; the current officeholder brings to bear reflexive ideology.

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

The current officeholder is skeptical about the worth of the elemental values of diversity and inclusivity. That is not consonant with my values, or the values of the Salem citizenry.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

• Traffic lessening through embrace of alternative transportation modalities and through promotion of mass transit. Diminishment of traffic would improve quality of life, improve sustainability, and improve physical well-being. What’s not to like? It’s an immense challenge, but a challenge worth confronting.
• Recognition that embrace of diversity and inclusivity can only enhance, not diminish, the viability of our economy and our community.

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

Surviving 40 years in academia would give anyone the strength and perseverance to prevail in city council.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

If you’re not enjoying yourself then why are you doing it?

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

There’s an adage that knock anywhere in Salem and you’ll uncover a lovely story of history and culture. As a Salem blogger (Streets of Gallows Hill) for two years now I have had the pleasure of researching and bringing to light many such stories. The curiosity and diligence that motivates blog writing, without pay or reward, would certainly carry over to the work of City Council, with negligible pay or reward.

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

Beth Anne Cornell

Jim Fleming *

Donna Fritz

Kristin Pangallo