PEABODY — The business Dave Gravel built with his wife has a straightforward mission.
"We go in and solve businesses' problems," Gravel said of the Peabody-based consulting firm GraVoc Associates.
He views his role as a councilor in a similar way. And, after two years as a councilor-at-large, Gravel is asking voters to give him more time to improve the way the city operates. He is among a seven-candidate field for five at-large seats.
"These days, we have to look outside the box," Gravel said. "We have to look at ways we can operate differently."
He turned his attention to health insurance soon after taking office, and, at his urging, the council established a committee to examine the city's costs and highlight opportunities to save money.
Though he accepted the city's health coverage as a member of the School Committee, Gravel is now a critic of the benefit offered elected officials and believes the city should either end it or modify it to realize some savings. The cost — $22,000 a year for an employee family plan — is just too high, he said. Inasmuch as it can be done outside of collective bargaining, Gravel also wants to change the content of plans offered employees to drive down costs.
Gravel graduated from Peabody High School in 1974. Founded in 1993, his company now has 18 full-time employees. Gravel said his business background, including experience as a chief financial officer, informs his approach to managing the city's money.
"I really believe that I have a lot to offer," he said. "I want to see the city become the shining star of the North Shore and not a dull penny."
Gravel has proposed consolidating functions that exist separately now in the School Department and City Hall. He also made a successful motion to remove a plan to rezone the city out of a subcommittee where it had languished for nearly two years.
Debate on the proposal was hung up on the place of residential development in downtown's future.
"There isn't a downtown our size that can sustain itself with business only," Gravel said.
DAVID GRAVEL
Address: 20 Tara Road
Age: 53
Occupation: President, GraVoc Associates
Education: Peabody Veterans Memorial High School, 1974; Bachelor of Arts, Salem State College, 1978; master's in business, Babson College, 1984.
Elected office: School Committee, 1995-2003; city councilor since 2008
Family: Wife, Cathy; sons Brian, 26, Nate, 24, daughters, Katrina, 21, Sarah, 17
Will you accept the city's health insurance coverage? No
Grade the mayor's performance: B+
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