Ward 2

Gregory Earls

Age: 51

Occupation: Self-employed

Years in Newburyport: 12

Family: Wife Nancy; two sons, Luke and Elias

Why are you running for the City Council?

To give a voice to the residents of Ward 2.

Does the downtown need a parking garage, and if so, where should it go?

Until I am satisfied that we have spoken with New England Development regarding their plans, I don't think we should be building anything. However, we should be proactive and make these discussions happen as soon as possible.

The development of the waterfront plan will eliminate parking. A parking structure and city-wide parking plan is required.

With another cut to local aid possibly coming, where is an area the city can become more efficient or cut costs?

This past year, all departments have been keeping their expenditures in check. We simply need to continue watching every dollar we spend. There are no extraordinary line items that can be slashed in order to save money.

In the city's charter, do you favor the current form of city government and if so, how long should terms be for mayors and councilors?

I believe the mayor's term could be longer and that the council terms should be staggered much like the School Committee.

What is a specific issue in your ward/the city you want to address in the coming term, and how?

A comprehensive parking plan that would include a parking structure, as much sidewalk/street repair as we can afford and alternative energy initiatives, which would include zoning and appropriate siting.

Ward 4

Ed Cameron

Age: 47

Occupation: Associate executive director, Housing and Homeless Services, Community Teamwork Inc.

Years in Newburyport: 7

Family: Wife Susanne, daughters Anna and Lucy

Why are you running for the City Council?

I ran in 2007 to focus on municipal reform, education, responsible development and senior services. We've made progress: a Charter Commission is a real possibility, the schools have stabilized financially in the midst of difficult economic times, the council passed changes to our zoning code to protect neighborhoods, and we've made progress on a senior center. I want to be a part of continuing that forward movement.

Does the downtown need a parking garage, and if so, where should it go?

First we need to manage parking demand in a way that will work for the downtown employees who need an 8-hour spot, local residents who need to run into a store for 5 minutes, and tourists who want to park for several hours. If we're going to replace the NRA dirt lots, yes, we'll need a parking garage someday. Siting needs to be a public process.

With another cut to local aid possibly coming, where is an area the city can become more efficient or cut costs?

Regionalization of public safety dispatch, regional sharing of specialized vehicles and equipment such as street sweepers.

In the city's charter, do you favor the current form of city government and if so, how long should terms be for mayors and councilors?

I think we need either a 4-year term for mayor elected by the voters or a city manager selected and contracted by the City Council who are elected by the voters. The council terms should remain two years to be responsive to voters. If voters choose Yes on a Charter Commission, then there will be public discussion. In the end any changes need to be approved by voters in 2011.

What is a specific issue in your ward you want to address in the coming term, and how?

The speed of traffic is a constant source of complaint because Merrimac, High and Low streets cut through Ward 4. Just try to turn onto High Street in the late afternoon. It's dangerous. The marshal has some ideas on how to use new techniques to better regulate our traffic flow. I'd like the council to work with him and residents to make improvements.

Ward 5

Brian Derrivan

Age: 46

Occupation: Sales

Years in Newburyport: 20

Family: Wife, Gail; sons: Robert and Joseph

Why are you running for the City Council?

Financial strain on the residents of Newburyport is the single most important issue facing the city today. We also have to meet the immediate infrastructure needs of the city without further burdening the taxpayers. A true, hard look at the budget is a demand of the taxpayers and they are waiting for results. As a resident and councilor for Ward 5, ensuring safety to residents near the landfill and the surrounding environment through the implementation of final closure and monitoring is essential.

Does the downtown need a parking garage, and if so, where should it go?

No.

With another cut to local aid possibly coming, where is an area the city can become more efficient or cut costs?

Communication and common sense are the key components here. Identifying needs and deficiencies, what is working and what is not, and then building a consensus among the council to actually make some hard cost-cutting decisions. It's not as easy as it sounds. Attracting and promoting business is also a key element that has not received the attention it deserves.

In the city's charter, do you favor the current form of city government and if so, how long should terms be for mayors and councilors?

I'd like to see the mayor's term increased to a four years and the council stay at two.

What is a specific issue in your ward you want to address in the coming term, and how?

The landfill is and will be an issue to pay close attention to in the future. A plan will be introduced to the council and put into committee to address any and all issues related to post closure. This city has not been proactive in dealing with issues that have arisen at the landfill and a plan needs to be in place for dealing with and rectifying any situation.

Ward 6

Thomas O'Brien

Age: 62

Occupation: Retired

Years in Newburyport: 62

Family: wife, Linda, daughter, Katie, grandson, Tommy

Why are you running for the City Council?

I have been a member of the City Council for 12 years and have enjoyed the interaction with the public and helping to solve problems in Ward 6.

Does the downtown need a parking garage, and if so, where should it go?

No, I do not think we need a parking garage. There appears to be a parking problem only a few weeks a year. If a garage is built, it should be at no costs to the taxpayers of Newburyport.

With another cut to local aid possibly coming, where is an area the city can become more efficient or cut costs?

I feel that the mayor and City Council have done a good job in cutting costs over the year as the city has $1,281,624 in free cash.

In the city's charter, do you favor the current form of city government and if so, how long should terms be for mayors and councilors?

I favor the current system of government as it gives the voter the opportunity to vote for somebody new if they feel their councilor or mayor is not representing them.

What is a specific issue in your ward you want to address in the coming term, and how?

One of the main issues in my ward is the intersection at Moseley, Spofford and Merrimac and the traffic problems in the area. With the Hines Bridge going under repair, it will be a great opportunity for the city. This area has been studied for a few years and the plan for a roundabout has been done a few years ago.