Salem Candidate Profile: Robert McCarthy 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.

Incumbent Robert McCarthy, 56, is being challenged by James Willis Jr. for Ward 1's seat on City Council. McCarthy and his wife Kathy, who works for the recreation department, have two sons. McCarthy is a general contractor.

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.

There’s one major issue, and that’s maintaining our quality of life. In each of the distinct neighborhoods of Ward 1, this comes as different challenges. In the Willows, we have seasonal traffic and climate change to deal with, repairing sea walls and protecting houses. In the Derby Street neighborhood, there’s infrastructure, parking problems, and figuring out how the 30 acres at Footprint can be redeveloped responsibly. And in the Point, issues of density and public safety are the biggest. They all tie to the quality of life in the ward.

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

I have 12 years of experience I’ve gained solving problems, serving the neighborhoods, and learning how to make government work for people in Salem

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

My record speaks for itself.

Over the last twelve years we have worked on the Footprint redevelopment, the repurposing of the waterfront with a new pier, ferry and commercial boat slips, acquisition of properties for new parks, a harbor walkway and so much more!

I have proven to be able to work collaboratively to get projects done and bring services to the ward.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Speak from your heart and you will never go wrong.

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

It has been one of the honors of my life to be elected to represent the residents of Ward One and with your support I hope to continue to do so.

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

Jerry Ryan

School Committee

Stephen Beauparlant

Beth Anne Cornell

Jim Fleming *

Donna Fritz

Kristin Pangallo