Salem Candidate Profile: Ty Hapworth 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.

Ty Hapworth, 36, is an executive with Microsoft and one of 11 candidates running for four at-large seats up for reelection on Salem City Council. A preliminary election on Sept. 17 will thin the field of at-large city councilor candidates to eight. Wednesday is the last day to register to vote in the preliminary election.

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 response to the rapid change in our city. Investment has poured into Salem in recent years and with this has come large construction projects which dot our neighborhoods, roads clogged with traffic, skyrocketing rents, and the dream of home ownership further out of reach.

This quickening pace might mean that quality is being overlooked or that we are not demanding more. We must begin to require developers chip in toward things like infrastructure, access to transit, safe and connected bike lanes, amenities such as green space and public art, and most importantly, a fair percentage of affordable homes. We can do this by thoughtful planning of strong neighborhoods through concise Community Benefits Agreements that trade incentives for contributions in the neighborhoods in which they build.

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

While my wife and I were not fortunate enough to be born here, we did CHOOSE to build our life here and plan to stay. We have two children currently enrolled in Salem Public Schools. We’re committed. I believe this gives me a unique perspective compared to other candidates. I have a strong desire to build a better Salem not only for my nuclear family, but for the friends and chosen family we’ve made, as well as all families in Salem.

In addition, I am an accomplished leader with progressive values. Through my experience as a US Army Combat Arms Officer and as a Manager in the private sector I have been privileged to lead and mentor hundreds of women and men. I understand that when given the responsibility of leadership, accessibility and transparency to those you are entrusted is key. In order to deliver results to my constituents I will stand above personality politics, seek common ground and deliver real solutions to the challenges we face.

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

Salem, like many cities in the area, is experiencing a crisis of affordability. The lack of affordable homes threatens the ability of young people, working class families, and seniors to live in Salem. The Council could take common sense steps now to deliver solutions to these problems. Unfortunately, they have been unable to do so, with some even questioning if an affordability crisis exists (spoiler: it does). This is one example but applies to many issues that face the Council today. Fresh perspectives, hopeful voices, and principled leadership is what is required. I am up to the challenge.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

It is of utmost importance that we prioritize how we identify Salem’s strengths. Our history is a key component in this. Preserving our historic buildings gives our neighborhoods identity, character and pride. We should use a multi-faceted approach, expanding historic districts where appropriate and encouraging the adaptive reuse of historic buildings with a focus on affordable housing.

Stabilizing tax rates should be high priority for all who live or seek to live in Salem. One method to do this would be to leverage our coming fiber network and promote our urban, walkable city to employers. Commercial tax rates are approximately double residential, and a more robust commercial tax base would take some burden off of residents. We need to fight to bring jobs back to Salem, and we have the tools do it!

Finally, I am committed to changing the tone in the Council chamber. Strong, level-headed communicators are essential during uncertain times. We need leaders who can provide solutions. We need Councilors who can engage the community, and connect those who work toward common goals. If we’re going to solve big problems, we need everyone in Salem to feel invested.

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

My career has taken me in many unexpected directions. Post-college I jumped right in, guiding Soldiers as a Platoon leader at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. At Walmart I was recruited to lead a team of more than 400 as General Manager. These past seven years I’ve spent at Microsoft as a Manager and Commercial Executive. I have always succeeded at delivering results by listening, being open to new perspectives and ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. As we look to meet the challenges that face our city, we need Councillors who have not only been tested, but those who do not diminish in the face of a challenge.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Within the first month of serving as a Field Artillery Executive Officer in the Army, I had discovered a problem with a training site we had chosen. I spoke up in a meeting, explained the problem to my Battery Commander and thought that was that. As we adjourned, our First Sergeant (an NCO with nearly 20 years experience) pulled me aside and said “Sir, any idiot can point out a problem. If you want to be a real leader and actually get stuff done, you need to bring solutions not just problems.” From that day, his advice has stuck with me.

Time and again, we have been disappointed by elected officials who meet challenging situations by trading in negativity and resentment. Experienced leaders know how to charge ahead to find solutions while not being intimidated. I learned that lesson as a 23 year old Lieutenant and have carried it with me ever since.

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

My wife Micah and I are High School sweethearts and grew up in the same small Maine town. We made our first home in Oklahoma while I was in the Army, then came back to New England, settling in Salem before our daughter was born. We initially chose Salem for its affordability but never expected a community to change us in this way. On these narrow streets we run into old friends and meet new ones every day. We learn from each other’s perspectives and we’re inspired to give back, volunteer and weave our way into Salem’s fabric. Over the last five years, we have learned that great communities leave their mark on its residents. Salem has surely left its mark on our family. It would be an honor to help build upon this beautiful community so other families can experience all that Salem has to offer.

Previously Published Salem Candidate Profiles:

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

City Council, At Large

Domingo J. Dominguez *

Alice Merkl

Maribel Steadman

City Council, Ward 4

Timothy Flynn *

City Council, Ward 6

Megan Riccardi

School Committee

Jim Fleming *

Beth Anne Cornell