PEABODY — Jeffrey Grayson, a lifelong Ward 4 resident, has never run for office, but he's always been interested in public affairs, and he even records City Council meetings to watch after work.
Now he's ready to jump into politics, challenging Robert Driscoll, a 22-year councilor, for his seat in Ward 4.
"I only did this because as a citizen of Ward 4 I felt I wasn't being represented effectively," Grayson said.
Grayson's main campaign is to be a more accessible figure in the community and to open up communication with other North Shore cities and towns.
Driscoll, who grew up in Saugus and has lived at his current address for 35 years, said he knows a lot of his constituents, thanks in part to the community networking that comes naturally with having 10 children.
Driscoll said he has had an active year. The city purchased land, rezoned property near Brooksby Farm, and is finishing the new Peabody bike path.
"I want to maintain the character of the ward and protect the people," Driscoll said about his decision to run for another two-year term.
Driscoll and Grayson want the same things for Peabody, such as a more vibrant downtown and Peabody's participation in a new regional vocational high school. But they have different ideas on how to go about it.
Driscoll said change takes time. Peabody has been working on rezoning the downtown, but "it is coming very slowly," he said.
Grayson said he thinks there should be new approaches to developing the downtown. He wants to network and seek out business that would complement the area.
"It's insulting when people say it can't be better with a mall in the town," he said.
Grayson, who has been "walking, talking and knocking" since June, said he has heard residents voicing the same concerns he has. Especially residents of Brooksby Village, a retirement community.
"They want more than just a councilor who shows up every two years for election," Grayson said, "which they feel like they are getting."
Grayson and Driscoll do differ on one issue — traffic near the Northshore Mall. Driscoll said the city has been making improvements with redirecting traffic and with crosswalks. But Grayson, who lives near the mall, said he deals with traffic daily.
"It isn't just a city solution," Grayson said. Salem, Danvers and Peabody need to work together, he said. "It's really important for city councilors to not live within the walls of City Hall."
The election is Nov. 3.
Jeffrey Grayson
Address: 351 Lowell St.
Age: 46
Occupation: Administration and marketing manager, Costco Wholesale
Education: Peabody Veterans Memorial High School, 1981; Northeastern School of Broadcasting, Northeastern University; trained as an emergency medical technician
Family: Married to wife, Debbie, for 21 years; son, Luke, 16, and daughters, Lindsey, 11, Libby, 8
Elected office: None
Will you accept the city's health insurance coverage? No
Grade the mayor's performance: B-
Robert Driscoll
Address: 66 Franklin St.
Age: 62
Occupation: Retired, taught social studies at Northeast Metro Tech and coached ice hockey at Masconomet Regional High School
Education: St. Mary's High School, 1964; Salem State College, master's degree in education administration
Family: Married to wife, Sally, for 39 years; sons, Bobby, 37, Mark, 33, Joseph, 31, Sean, 22, Teddy, 17; and daughters, Sara, 35, Patricia, 28, Bridget, 27, Maggie, 25, Kaitlyn, 20
Elected office: City councilor for 22 years
Will you accept the city's health insurance coverage? No
Grade the mayor's performance: A
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