PEABODY — Anne Manning sees a green future, and she is determined to make Peabody a part of it.

"That's the direction the governor is going, it is the direction the president is going," Manning said. "That is where the money is being earmarked, and we have to be ready."

During her first term as city councilor-at-large, Manning spearheaded the formation of Green Peabody, a group of city and school officials and community members working to promote recycling, make city and school buildings more energy-efficient, and secure grants. It also will make recommendations to the council on ways to make Peabody greener.

"It's a subject that excites people," Manning said. "It energizes people, and there is no downside to it."

Manning calls her service, first on the School Committee and for two years on the council, an honor.

"I enjoy serving the city I love," she said. And Manning appreciates the opportunity to make decisions that will shape Peabody's future. She is among seven candidates in contention for five at-large seats on the council.

Manning grew up in a house on Route 114 near Wilson Square. Her father, Robert, was principal of Carroll Elementary School for 25 years.

"The value of education was instilled in me very early on," Manning said.

She graduated from Peabody High School in 1984 and earned degrees from St. Anselm College and the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She is the director of treatment at the state Department of Correction.

In a second term, Manning said her goal would be to maintain essential services for residents while avoiding layoffs. The city needs to find innovative ways to raise and save money, she said. Manning supports increasing recycling citywide to reduce the money Peabody spends on trash disposal.

She believes the city can "simultaneously attack" flooding and the rezoning of downtown. A "smart growth" approach to development will revive the area, Manning said.

She is "leaning against" the city raising its hotel room and meals taxes. In the struggling economy, it is another burden on consumers and businesses, she said.

ANNE MANNING

Address: 37 Dexter St.

Age: 43

Occupation: Director of treatment, state Department of Correction

Education: Peabody Veterans Memorial High School, 1984; Bachelor of Arts, St. Anselm College, 1988; master's in criminal justice administration, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 1992

Elected office: School Committee, 2000-2007; city councilor since 2008

Family: Husband, Jack Martin

Will you accept the city's health insurance coverage? No

Grade mayor's performance: B+