Mullady wants to practice what he preaches [The Salem News, Beverly, Mass.]

Oct. 31--BEVERLY -- As a high school history teacher, John Mullady teaches the importance of civic involvement. Now he's trying to live up to that ideal by running for Ward 4 city councilor.

"I think it's important to give back to your community in any way that you can," he said. "I believe it's important to practice what you preach."

This is Mullady's second bid for city councilor. He finished second to his current opponent, Scott Houseman, two years ago.

Mullady grew up on Long Island and said he got involved in politics when Congress rejected a bill to provide care for first responders to the Sept. 11 attacks. Among the responders that day was his father, a New York City firefighter who retired after suffering damage to his respiratory system after working at Ground Zero.

"I didn't like people playing politics with other people's lives," Mullady said.

Mullady and his wife moved to Beverly, her hometown, three years ago. He cited his volunteer service as a member of the Planning Board, as well as his former role as a school building representative to the Massachusetts Teachers Association, as good experience to prepare him for the City Council.

"I understand how important it is to work with different groups and how challenging and rewarding it is to please groups with different demands," he said.

Mullady said it's important for residents to be involved in the decision-making process. Toward that goal, he said he would hold monthly open meetings.

"Our state representatives have office hours, and as a teacher I'm expected to have office hours," he said. "I think it would be a good idea for city councilors. There's a genuine benefit of face-to-face interaction."

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

JOHN MULLADY

Address: 49 Corning St.

Age: 30

Employment: History teacher at Manchester-Essex High School

Education: Bachelor's degree in history and secondary education from Marist College; master's degree in history from Simmons College

Family: Wife, Elizabeth; 1-year-old son

Previous elective office: None

Community involvement: Beverly Planning Board; Beverly Historical Society member; Beverly Main Streets 30 & Main member

If elected, will you take the city's health insurance?: No

Pastime: Running

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