Powell: Easily Accessible Behind the Counter at Cafe

Name: Susan Woods Powell 

Age: 50

Street: 119 Bridge Street

Family: Son, Dylan (25) Economics major at Bentley University; Daughter: Daryl (22), graduated from Worcester State university with a degree in Health Science; Mom, Patricia Woods Cram (78), Ryal Side Resident

Employment: Owner and Operator of the Ryal Side Café, established 1999

Why are you running for City Council?

I have always wanted to become involved in our local politics. I have spoken at City Hall meetings and have written many letters to the editor supporting small business and a large spectrum of other issues.

I have always supported our community by donating food and gift certificates from my restaurant to many local charities and community events. My campaign treasurer, Jackie McKenna is on the board for Habitat for Humanity and we will donate any leftover campaign funds to Habitat.

This community has greatly supported me. When I heard that Maureen Troubetaris was stepping down, I decided that I was ready to serve and keep integrity on our city council.

What is the most significant issue facing Ward 1? Facing the city as a whole? How would you address these issues?

The most significant issue facing Ward 1 is the reclassification of Briscoe Middle School. This project involves rebuilding the Middle School at the Memorial Building on Cabot Street, bringing Briscoe from a level 2 to a level 1 school. This is expected to be completed by 2017. I believe this project will be great for our city. 

The most significant issue facing the city as a whole is the Brimbal Avenue project. Currently the city council and planning board are scheduling open meetings to inform the taxpayers on this project. This renovation includes reshaping an intersection that is known to have a high rate of accidents and building a $20 million dollar plaza that will certainly create jobs and generate revenue for Beverly.  From what I have heard so far I support this renovation.

For the first time in 20 years, Mayor Bill Scanlon is not seeking election. Do you support one of the candidates? If so, who? If not, how do you see yourself working with the new mayor as part of the City Council?

This is a critical time for Beverly and electing a new mayor is a tough decision. All three candidates are very different but have one thing in common, they are all qualified candidates who care about our community. Mike Cahill has a lot of experience at the State level, Wes Slate feels the pulse of the city and our current issues on a daily basis and Rick Marciano is budget concious. I know I could work with any one of them on our city council to build a better Beverly.

What is the greatest accomplishment of outgoing Ward 1 Councilor Maureen Troubetaris? What is one thing Troubetaris did that you disagreed with or would have done differently?

It is difficult to sum up any one single accomplishment of outgoing Ward 1 City Councilor, Maureen Troubetaris over such a long career. She is well liked by her constituents because she was accessible. She appears at every community event, returns phone calls and is always a voice of reason and common sense on our City Council.

Please add anything else that you want voters to know.

I was born and raised in Ryal Side. I come from four generations of “Ryalsiders”. I am also a property owner and small business owner. My restaurant is in the neighborhood where I grew up and raised my children. My customers include bank presidents, students, professors, contractors, the elderly and the unemployed. I have heard their concerns for the past 14 years. I too, am easily accessible. I can be found behind the counter of the Ryal Side Café Tuesday through Sunday. If elected to represent the people of Ward 1 I will bring their concerns to the City Council and be a powerful voice for the people!