The following letter to the editor was submitted by Heather Famico, who pulled papers for candidacy in Salem’s Ward 2 on March 12.

What do the following groups in Salem have in common: young families, newlyweds, first time homeowners, people who recently moved to our vibrant downtown, and those from different cultures? They all need a council woman who is willing to listen, connect, and represent their unique needs.  My name is Heather Famico, and I am that council woman. I’m running to make a difference for the town I love. Salem needs concrete solutions to real problems. I want to close the communication gap between the citizens of Salem and the City Council by increasing accountability and transparency.  

I was born and raised in Salem. After graduating from Saint Michael’s College in VT, I lived in South Korea, and you know what I learned while I was away? I learned that my heart is – and will always be – in Salem, MA.

I want to serve you by representing Ward 2 and helping the city continue to move forward. We are all affected by the power plant, local development and preservation, contaminated land, and our evolving downtown. Salem is going through a renaissance and I want to fill it with new, fresh, inspired ideas to help citizens flourish in the community I love.

We need to tap the wisdom and guidance of our elders who have seen Salem grow and evolve and change so that we can avoid the mistakes of our past while enhancing the success of our present. As a representative, I will meet with seniors, incorporate their ideas, and continue to ensure that Salem is a great place for seniors. Our current senior center is outdated. I want to take action and ensure that the new center provides for our seniors, while also acting as a vibrant a community center to act as a graceful bridge between generations and effectively blending new Salem and old Salem together to create one united, effective, Salem, MA. 

We must also focus on our city’s children. I believe that it is the role of individuals and society to shape its youth, and to give them the education they need to become successful, productive, happy citizens. The cultural demographic of our children is changing and we need to adapt to provide the best education possible for these students. Salem schools must work together as one, not separately. I want to develop opportunities for increased collaboration between the schools, non-profits, and other local organizations to aid in improving our schools’ performance. 

If elected, I will be the bridge between generations of citizens and the generations of Salem. I will make sure that as Salem develops and continues to flourish, that it doesn’t lose its charm and that it remains true to the very essence that has made it such a great city.