Houseman reaches out for second term [The Salem News, Beverly, Mass.]

Oct. 31--Editor's note: Incumbent Scott Houseman and challenger John Mullady are vying for the Ward 4 City Council seat. The election is Nov. 5.

BEVERLY -- If transparency and outreach have been key issues this election season in Beverly, Scott Houseman said he is already ahead of the game.

The first-term city councilor said he has reached out to residents to tackle several issues in Ward 4, from a new parking lot at Cove School to safety improvements around Cove Park.

Houseman said he sent out 400 invitations to residents for a meeting he hosted last week to talk about upcoming road repairs.

"(The controversy over) Brimbal Avenue pointed up transparency and outreach to citizens, and I've done a fair amount of that," he said.

Houseman said he is running for a second term because he enjoys the work of being a city councilor, from helping constituents in his ward to speaking out on citywide issues.

Houseman said he brokered a compromise when Mayor Bill Scanlon vetoed the tax-break proposal for development on Rantoul Street. He also advocated for weekly recycling, funding for the Lynch Park carriage house renovations and rezoning to improve public access along the Bass River.

"I've played an important role in helping to improve a number of initiatives of the mayor or the council by providing useful input and asking the right questions," he said.

Houseman said he enjoys helping people in his role of city councilor and would like to be a part of the transition to a new council and new mayor.

"Because we'll have a new mayor and new department heads, providing stability and oversight will be important roles for the more experienced councilors," he said.

Staff writer Paul Leighton can be reached at 978-338-2675 or [email protected].

SCOTT HOUSEMAN Address: 27 Appleton Ave. Age: 58 Employment: Partner in law firm DelVecchio & Houseman Education: Bachelor's degree in urban planning & design from University of Michigan; law degree from Suffolk University Family: Wife, Debra DelVecchio; two children Elective office: Ward 4 city councilor 2012-present Community involvement: Beverly Zoning Board; Beverly Education Foundation; BevCam "Conversation with the Candidates" co-founder; Beverly Conservation Land Trust; Boy Scouts Troop 4 committee member; host parent for Beverly Rotary Club International Youth Exchange If elected, will you take the city's health insurance?: Yes Pastime: Family time, sailing

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