MEET ZACH
Hi! I’m Zach, a proud Salem resident running to be your next Ward 5 City Councillor. In these challenging times, I believe building resilient communities is more important than ever. That means tackling climate and infrastructure issues like Canal Street flooding, the Willow Ave pipe, and leaking water mains. It means improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety, supporting affordable housing through smart zoning, and preventing wage theft by strengthening communication with labor and contractors.
As a career policy professional, I’ve worked across local, state, and federal levels. From working in Congress as a Research Assistant on the House Armed Services Committee to my current role as the Advocacy Program Manager at the Ipswich River Watershed Association, I also serve on Salem’s Sustainability, Energy, and Resilience Committee. My experience in policy and constituent services has taught me that real representation starts with listening. I’m committed to ongoing communication and transparency with Ward 5 residents.
I’m not running to get this job, I’m running to do this job, and while I may not always know the right answers I promise I’ll always ask the right questions. I look forward to meeting you, hearing your concerns, and working together. I hope to earn your vote in the primary election on September 16th and in the general election on November 4th!
YOUR VOICE FOR A RESILIENT SALEM
Ward 5 faces a range of interconnected challenges impacting quality of life for its residents. Chronic flooding of Canal Street, exacerbated by aging infrastructure, threatens homes and businesses. Traffic congestion impacts drivers and pedestrians alike. Housing insecurity is a pressing concern, with rising rents and limited affordable options placing many families at risk of displacement. Wage theft—particularly in
service and construction sectors—undermines economic stability and deepens inequality. Now more than ever, it is critical that we invest in building resilient communities and advance the interests of Salem and it's residents.
Environmental Resilience
Salem is on the frontlines of the effects of climate change. Canal Street chronically floods, seawalls need to be built, and the Willow Ave pipe poses a massive ecological hazard to all of Salem's residents. By continuing to build on the excellent mitigation work the city has already done, we can make Salem a safe and sustainable community for everybody.
Traffic congestion and unsafe roads pose hazards to everybody. By making our transportation networks work for us and reimagining parking policies, traffic flow, and pedestrian infrastructure, we can make Salem a safer city for all of it's residents regardless of how they choose to commute.
Community Well-being
Traffic
Housing
Salem residents, especially renters, face a myriad of challenges. Increased rents, overwhelming upfront costs, and limited housing options are putting the squeeze on folks just trying to get by. To address systemic issues like these, we will need to increase protection with tools such as rent control, eliminating brokers fees, and rethinking zoning code to allow for more inclusive housing for all Salem residents.
Wage Theft
