Salem Chamber of Commerce to Hold City Council Political Forum

SALEM— A forum between candidates for City Council-at Large seats will be hosted by the Salem Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, August 22 at the Salem Waterfront Hotel from 6-7:30 p.m. The discussion will be moderated by David Olson, Editor-in-Chief of the Salem News. This is a public event, but will include reserved seating for chamber members by RSVP. Confirmed candidates for councilor-at-large are Jeff Cohen, David Eppley, Tom Furey (i), Domingo Dominguez, Elaine Milo (i), Elizabeth Bradt, Arthur Sargent (i), Jerry Ryan (i), and Brendan Peltier. Doors will open at 5:30p.m. for the event.

Candidate Bios

Councilor-At-Large
Jeff Cohen- As Salem’s Recycling Coordinator and Solar Coach, Jeff significantly increased the City’s recycling percentage and solar installations. He proposed the creative solar concept for the Bentley & Witchcraft Heights schools resulting in a new roof and about $1M in revenue for the schools over 10 years. Jeff is a member of Salem’s Sustainability, Energy & Resiliency Committee, For All Ages Leadership Council, Overdose & Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition and Chair of No Place for Hate. He doesn’t just show up, he gets things done! Married to Flora Tonthat, Jeff is proud to live in Salem. He listens, learns and leads!

Domingo Dominguez- Domingo Dominguez is a native from the Dominican Republic who has resided in Salem for over twenty years. He is a proud husband and father of seven children. Domingo is a Regional Sales Manager with IDT Corporation. Past work experience includes ten years owning a multi service business in Salem. Prior to the business, he spent three years as a teacher at Salem public schools. Domingo is former president of the Latino Business Association. He is currently member of the South Salem Neighborhood Association. Domingo’s experience and community involvement are qualities that will make him an effective and dedicated Councilor.

David Eppley- David Eppley is a champion of progressive concerns and advocates for smart, welcoming development. Since 2013, he has served as the Ward 4 Councillor. David's accomplishments include establishing the first citywide opiate addiction community summit and creating the LORAX Task Force, helping advocate for trees in public spaces. David has previously served as Chair of the Administration and Finance Committee and the Public Health, Safety, and Environment Committee. He has been the liaison to the Salem Veterans Council and the the Salem Commission on Disabilities. David and his husband Chad live in an historic home on Boston Street.

Liz Bradt- Liz Bradt is a practicing veterinarian, mother, founder, owner of All Creatures Veterinary Hospital and 27-year Salem resident. She served as President of Rotary Club of Salem, Board President and Sunday school teacher at Grace Church in Salem and PTO President. She established the Interact Club at Salem High to encourage “Service above Self” at the high school. She organizes multiple Rotary clubs in their support for the annual Holiday party for North Shore Foster families. She has plunged in the icy Atlantic ocean yearly to raise funds to end Polio. She hikes with her dogs, practices yoga, meditation and scuba dives.

Brendan Peltier- Brendan currently works at the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. His main duties include making sure our United States military veterans can use their G.I. Bill benefits to attend higher education or participate in On the Job Training programs seamlessly. Brendan has a true passion for politics and policy, and is excited to use the skills he has developed professionally and personally to help the residents of Salem. In his free time, Brendan loves to train and run marathons. He is excited to represent the residents of Salem and work side-by-side with them to help Salem continue to grow and improve. Brendan is a new face with new ideas and is happy to be running as Salem’s “Next Generation of Leadership”!

Jerry Ryan- Jerry L. Ryan is married to Pamela (Lovely) Ryan and they reside at 11 Locust St with their three sons; Colby, Austin and Gavin who all attend Salem Public Schools. Jerry represented Ward 4 as a city councillor from 2008 through 2013 and is currently serving as a Councillor-At-Large. He has served two terms as Council president – 2011 and 2013. Jerry is a lifelong resident of Salem, growing up as the 12th of 14 children of the late Dr. James T. Ryan and Ann Ryan. Jerry attended Sheridan School, Bates School, Middle School West and graduated from Salem High School in 1992. He went on to earn a degree in finance from Bentley University in 1996. Jerry works for Eastern Insurance as an insurance agent.

Elaine Milo- A long-time resident of Salem, Elaine lives with her husband Frank and 3 Boston Terriers on Marlborough Road, in the home built by Frank’s grandfather in 1928. Their daughter Danielle and husband Billy Craig live on the second floor. Elaine is employed at Salem State University where she’s worked for the past 16 years. Elaine holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Education. Prior to working at Salem State, she was employed by MWRA (6 years) and Holyoke Mutual Insurance in Salem (16 years). Elaine’s professional experience includes grant writing, administration, budget development, and supervisor. Elaine is city council president and liaison to the Council on Aging Board and has served on the following sub-committees: Administration and Finance; Chair, Community and Economic Development; and Government Services.

Arthur Sargent- Arthur C. Sargent III, Homeowner at 8 Maple Avenue. Married to Kathleen (DeFranco) Sargent. We have three adult children and a son in law. Sons Patrick and Eric and daughter Amy Sclafani and her husband Eric. EDUCATION: Graduated from Salem High School (1974) and Salem State University (1981). GOVERNMENT SERVICE: Salem City Councillor from 2000 to present. Council President 2015. Chairman of The Government Services Committee, member of the Ordinance, License and Legal Affairs Committee. EMPLOYMENT: Employed by, The Massachusetts Water Resource Authority as an Instrumentation Specialist at their Deer Island facility. Member of AFSCME Local 1242. COMMUNITY SERVICE: Salem K-9 Police Dog Fundraising Committee, Salem Football Alumni Association, Delegate to The North Shore Labor Council.

Thomas Furey- Tom is focused on wanting to continue making a difference on the City Council and in the lives of the people in Salem. Public service is his calling. One of Tom’s priorities is to ensure city schools have the right tools, equipment and resources to make Salem a 21st century school system. Education: Salem High School, Salem State College, bachelor’s and three masters degrees. Occupation: Retired schoolteacher, 40 years; now a part-time security guard at Peabody Essex Museum. Family: Single; adopted four boys and longtime foster parent to two more boys. Elected office: City Council, at-large, 1996 to present; School Committee, 1984-1995.