Salem Candidate Profile: Tim Flynn 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.

Timothy Flynn, 51, is running for re-election to City Council in Ward 4. His opponent is Michael Cusick. Flynn, who is a lieutenant in the Salem Fire Department, was first elected to the seat in 2017. Flynn and his wife Gretchen have two daughters and a son.

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.

“Our out of control taxes”

I have owned my home with my wife in Ward 4 since 1996. It is shocking to see how much our house taxes have increased over the years. It seems that in the last ten years it has got out of control. I hear so much talk about the need for affordable housing but very little about trying to stabilize taxes for the residents already living in Salem. It is tough for new homeowners paying high prices for a house then struggling to afford their taxes. It is extra upsetting to hear about the struggles of our elderly homeowners living on a fixed income and unable to pay their tax bills. I remember during my first year campaigning an elderly couple told me their dream was to pay off their home so they could live comfortably in retirement. They ended up paying their house off but now their tax bill, if broken down monthly, is more than their first mortgage monthly payment used to be.

I feel we have to watch our spending more closely. We have built so much over the last 10 years in Salem. We have the sewage plant and power plant for the entire surrounding area. We also will have new income coming in from the 5 recreational pot shops. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH for Salem residents. I feel the PEM, Salem Hospital and Salem State should provide more financial assistance to the City of Salem. Personally, I can’t understand with so much growth why we can’t do more to stabilize our taxes.

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

I personally am glad that I have an opponent running against me. I feel the voters of Ward 4 should have a choice. I wish him the best and hope for a friendly campaign season. I truly don’t know much about him. Although, I can say that I bring a very strong voice to city hall and give 110% in resolving issues for the residents of Ward 4.

I do not have one boss at city hall. My boss is made up of the residents of Ward 4. My review from my boss will come on Election Day. If the voters approve of my work then they will give me the honor of serving for another term.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

My number 1 priority is representing the residents of Ward 4 and resolving their issues. I am glad to see lower Gallows Hill Park getting a much needed makeover. I have been attending meetings regarding this issue and feel this will be the best park in the city when completed.

Also, I am closely following the upcoming makeover of Boston St. I feel this can’t happen fast enough due to the poor condition of the road at this time. It’s current condition is unacceptable to me and I will make sure this work moves forward.

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

My basic thoughts on being a Ward Councilor is to call back every resident that has reached out to me regarding an issue. I work my hardest trying to get results. I learned from former Ward 4 Councilor Lenny O’Leary that Ward 4 is one big family. It is my job to give my very best.

• I was proud to be a part of the task force that worked on regulating Air BnB’s. There has been problems with a couple Air BnB’s in Ward 4 and I wanted to make sure we had rules and regulations to protect the residents quality of life.
• I am proud to be the Council Liaison for our Veterans services. I’m very proud of our veterans and will never forget their service to our country.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

• Never be afraid to speak up and be a leader.
• As a firefighter I was taught to not get tunnel vision. I try to use this in politics. I try look at a situation from different angles.
• Also, never take the insults and negativity personally from those that don’t like you.

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

I was raised to treat everyone fairly and equally. I was taught to work hard and give my very best. It has been an honor serving the citizens of Salem as a firefighter and as a City Councillor. I would be honored to continue for another two years. As a city employee I can only accept one city paycheck, (either my Firefighter or Councillor pay). I decided to defer my Councillor pay. I also can’t be promoted on the fire department while being a Councillor. Many people ask me why I do this without getting paid. My answer is simple. If I was in it for a paycheck then I shouldn’t be there. It’s to important not to do it.

I feel that there is a divide on our current city council. I wish some of my colleagues listened more to the residents. I feel that those that voted to hold last years Haunted Happenings carnival on Federal Street made a huge mistake. I also feel that the pilot scooter and pop up bike lanes was another mistake.

Previously Published Salem Candidate Profiles:

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

City Council, At Large

Domingo J. Dominguez *

Alice Merkl

Maribel Steadman