Legault: Council needs consistent change [The Salem News, Beverly, Mass.]

Oct. 28--SALEM -- Bill Legault says he's running to stay on the City Council because, "we need a more rational and clear-headed discussion on the issues.

"My time on the council has reinforced my perception that the city really needs someone in office who is not on a side -- unbiased, rational and willing to engage in constructive dialogue," he said.

Legault was appointed by the City Council in January to fill the councilor-at-large vacancy created when Joan Lovely stepped down to become a state senator. A freelance writer, fitness coach and personal trainer, he is well-known around town but had never held elected office until this year. Previously, he worked as a bartender at the Lobster Shanty and as fitness director at the Salem YMCA.

If there's one particular issue that he hopes to see through, it's cultivating business growth downtown, he said.

"I'm greatly concerned with downtown growth. I would try to see us encourage and nurture more business growth downtown, as opposed to residential growth," he said.

However, Legault says he won't stay in elected office long-term.

"I am not a career politician. I have no intention of making this a career," he said.

"One of the flaws in Salem is that we have people that have been in the same position for 10 and 12 years. ... We need change on the council -- consistently, not just occasionally. It's time for more people to step up and run for office in Salem. ... Not enough people vote, but even worse than that, not enough people run. It's a shame."

WILLIAM LEGAULT

Address: 2 Orne St. Age: 53 Employment: Freelance technical writer, personal fitness trainer and consultant for restaurateurs looking to open on the North Shore Education: Salem High School, Class of 1979; associate's degrees in American history and criminal justice, Community College of the Air Force Family: Single Community involvement: Fundraiser for the Salem YMCA; Citizens Advisory Committee (reviews block grant requests); Mayor Stanley Usovicz's task force on homelessness; volunteer for Salem Boys and Girls Club If elected, will you accept the city's health insurance? Yes Pastime: Exercise and reading

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