Last week, I recorded my candidate intro at the Salem Access TV studio. Below is a copy of the recording.
Hello Salem, I am Megan Riccardi and I am asking for your vote to be your next Ward 6 City Councillor.
I am running for Salem City Council because I see a need on the council for effective collaboration and I hope to bring my professional and community engagement experience to the council.
I will use my skills and knowledge to better the community and quality of life for residents of Salem and Ward 6. I will listen and be responsive to all neighbors, and I will research and work to get things done. For the sake of the city, we need to work together. To collaborate. To not just say “no” or “yes” but to be innovative when needed and responsible when required.
During my campaign, I have walked every street in Ward 6 to introduce myself to residents. Quality of life issues around traffic, pedestrian and bike safety, our park maintenance and new development are items that are important to Ward 6. I heard an overwhelming desire for a ward councillor to be responsive, respectful and actionable on these issues.
I have demonstrated my commitment to Salem through my volunteer work all over the city. I have spent time for Salem Main streets helping set up events, or direct tourists in the info booth. I have organized and participated in numerous neighborhood clean-ups and I also run the newly formed North Street Northfields Neighborhood Association. And, as the neighborhood representative for NIAC (the neighborhood information advisory council), I am busy communicating with neighbors via my email newsletter.
My volunteer and non-profit work also extend into Boston, where I serve as a member of the Executive Board and Finance Chair for Rebuilding Together Boston, a non-profit dedicated to help homeowners stay in their homes by making critical home repairs for health and safety.
I have undertaken these roles because I have a desire to serve my community and help others.
I fell in love with Salem’s diversity, geography, history and inclusivity when I first arrived at the age of 19. I earned a degree in Communications from Salem State and have worked in various roles in the financial industry, including 8 years at a National Residential Real Estate Valuations Companies. Recently my career has taken a more technical turn and I am now a Senior Software Administrator for a global Cyber-Security company. My mother always taught me that it was important to never stop learning, and I am not afraid to tackle new subject matters.
My diverse professional background has prepared me for many situations. My ability to communicate effectively with everyone is paramount to my successes
I wasn’t born and raised in Salem, but I am proud to say my husband and I chose Salem as the place to plant our roots & raise our family. My husband Paul and I were married aboard the Friendship on Derby Wharf and purchased our home on Orchard Street in 2007. There, we are raising our 8-year-old daughter, Stella, who attends the Salem Public Schools.
I have called Salem home for over 20 years, and have involved myself not only by organizing a Neighborhood Association, communicating out for NIAC, running local events but also by attending many city meetings and doing research to inform my opinions on the issues facing us today.
There is a need for the City Council to communicate, collaborate and move forward with all residents in mind. As a collaborative voice in the neighborhood, and an action-oriented hard worker, I am ready to help to accomplish this.
I am impressed with the level of service that many in this city provide from our volunteer boards to the city employees, but I have also become increasingly frustrated by the lack of collaboration within the council and the seeming inability to move forward. I also think communication and community engagement are extremely important when having these conversations and I promise to work hard to achieve this.
I am running because I believe Salem deserves a fair and balanced council as diverse as its residents, with unique perspectives that reflect our community. I am not afraid to listen and to stand up for all residents of Ward 6.
I am respectfully asking for your vote for the next Ward 6 City Councillor on Tuesday, November 5th.
