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To the editor:
Closing on my first five months as Mayor of this fine City, I wanted to take time to reach out and let you all know how the job is going.
Be reassured that Salem is doing well as a city.
Between the day-to-day duties, I have been getting to understand the nitty gritty of how our individual departments and its members serve us. I started out with our safety forces: fire, police, and dispatch. These departments make up almost 80% of the cities budget and the majority of the city's employees.
I have reviewed their contracts with the chief of each department. Chief Panezott and Chief Mason and compared the duties they perform against the ordinances that guide them. I have spoken with many members of these departments and was given the chance to witness and even participate in a couple of their services. I look forward to more of this in the coming year with their approval.
I am attending meetings many times a week at our local, county, district or state level.
I am studying the complexities of the utilities department and its commission. Bob Hodgson and his commission have been very helpful and welcoming. The EPA mandates and the price tag to achieve them are truly staggering. I look forward to visiting all the facilities that utilities encompass and learning how we can maximize this great asset.
The city electrician, Scott Devan, has been very helpful. I have kept him busy the past couple of months with decking the halls and trees and light poles (practically everywhere) for this joyful season. Stay alert, Salem, you will be seeing more of Mr. Devan's craft in the coming year as we polish up this beautiful city.
Streets department --the area we all tend to forget when things are working. They work tirelessly all year round to keep our roadways clean and safe. They aren't usually headliners. But they are essential. Winter is upon us, which means they will be putting in many hours while we sleep, clearing the roads so that we can safely make our way to whatever destination our day brings. I have been blessed to work well with Shawn Smith and am anxious to get to know his team this winter. Thank you all. It has been a challenge this year with the usual road work plus the sidewalk project, McCulloch Park, and pipeline replacement. You never complained.
Salem Health Department has achieved full accreditation this year. Congratulations to Alaina Hughes and her team. It is truly a great achievement in the best of times, let alone throughout a pandemic.
The housing department moved under the umbrella of the health department this year. So much that housing does is based on health and safety standards. Having Sal Salvino, our housing inspector, working closely with this group, including Alan Masters, our health inspector, is working out well.
Chip Hanks, our zoning officer, is working to bring non-compliant commercial buildings into compliance and get all vacant structures registered. These actions are essential to keep these buildings maintained and avoid costly and dangerous situations that all historic cities face.
Parks department, with a commission under John Panezott, is the "Play" in the three key elements needed for a thriving city: "Live, Work, Play." And play we may, here in Salem. We have the most beautiful parks of any city our size. Shane Franks and his crew are constantly working to maintain and improve all five parks and our 220-acre lake. He has added new attractions and equipment as they became popular. All this on a shoestring budget. I have always loved our parks and get to as many of their meetings as possible."
Joe Cappuzzello, our safety and service director, has been a God-send. His direction, support and assistance have allowed me to find my way through the orientation that all new jobs require. In addition, he is open to ideas as they occur. We have been brainstorming endlessly to explore the options for our future and try to take advantage of the funding that is being made available through grants. I am grateful to The SOD Center under the direction of Julie Needs. They are crucial in navigating this jungle that is economic development. We need to fight to carve out our economic future. Mrs. Needs is the general in our battle.
Debbie Bricker, is the quiet force behind the scenes. She navigates all the personalities with a little smile and pleasant professional approach to make everything come together. Experience and talent are the gifts she provides everyday.
Last but not least is the community. I am attending as many meetings as possible. Thank you for all the invitations and support. From Salem's business community to our citizens. I am here for you and with your permission. I was invited to speak at the Federation of Women's Clubs at the Smucker House, Salem Eagles State Gathering and at Salem Area Kiwanis. I am so grateful. I know I learned so much from these gatherings. I have also been to several ribbon cuttings and Chamber of Commerce events. DSP representatives, Sara Baer, Joe Hovorka and William Dawes are full of energy and great ideas. Thank you for allowing me to speak at Freed Fest.
Tourism, under the direction of Cami Franzen, was given a home at city hall. I am excited to see their progress this year.
I need to mention that the Historical Society and Preservation Society are blessed to have Ginger Grilli and David Schwartz among others to keep Salem's rich history always at the forefront are we navigate our way into the future. Thank you.
Beautification Committee is the lipstick and jewelry on the facade of Salem. Jennifer Brown and Karen Carter among others volunteer their time and energies to add those touches of color and seasonal joy every year. There are so many things that these volunteers do that Salem would surely miss. They nurtured a forgotten space into a developing asset, McCulloch Park. Thank you.
These are just the highlights of my first months. I am sure I have forgotten a few people. I apologize. You are all important. Please feel free to send me your ideas and comments throughout the coming year. I am your public servant. My Dad always told us that a government position is not a position of prestige, but a position of service. Stay tuned for developing events for the City of Salem. Have a Happy New Year.
Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey,
Mayor of the City of Salem