BY ADAM SWIFT
PEABODY — It’s experience versus a call for change in the Democratic primary for the 13th Essex District state representative seat.
For two decades, Theodore Speliotis (D-Danvers) has represented the district consisting of Ward 6 and a portion of Ward 5 in Peabody, as well as Danvers and a precinct in Middleton.
He faces a challenge from West Peabody resident and health-care publishing executive Bob Croce in his first run for state representative. He has run for City Council and School Committee in the past.
Croce said he’s running to stop the Kinder Morgan pipeline that would have run through a portion of the city. Earlier this year, the energy giant withdrew its plan for the natural gas pipeline project.
Speliotis failed to protect the interests of his constituents during the pipeline fight, Croce said.
“I reached out to other elected officials, and (Peabody) Mayor (Ted) Bettencourt and state Senator (Joan) Lovely jumped right in,” said Croce. “I reached out to the representative (Speliotis) and he was not interested in discussing our efforts. That was the first thing that did not make me real happy.”
But Speliotis said he has never wavered in his opposition to the pipeline.
“I did not support a pipeline in the Ipswich River bed, I did not want it in our river and our water source,” said Speliotis, adding that he attended more pipeline meetings than his opponent.
Though he did not support the pipeline project, Speliotis said there is a need to expand access to natural gas to increase competitiveness in the market and lower prices for consumers.
Croce said the incumbent’s stance on the pipeline was the impetus he needed to run for office.
“I went from a concerned citizen to a candidate intending to run for state representative,” said Croce. “I want to put the public back in public servant.”
If elected, Croce said he will be accessible and put the interests of voters first.
“There is no more establishment politician than Ted,” said Croce. “After 30 years, you do tend to fall into the establishment.”
But Speliotis said his legislative experience is a plus, giving him more responsibility on Beacon Hill and the ability to do more for the residents of his district.
“There is some truth that political officials lose touch, but I do not think that is me at all,” he said.
The representative points to his role in several major initiatives in Peabody, including working with state leaders to help pave the way for the new Higgins Middle School and championing funds for advanced placement programs at the high school.
“Last year, the Washington Post placed Peabody High School in the top two percent of competitive high schools in the country because of its rigorous classes,” said Speliotis. “These are the kinds of things I’m interested in and care about.”
While Croce said the public is moving towards more anti-establishment candidates, Speliotis said he considers it a strength that he is able to create consensus.
“I have the ability to cross over to all sorts of folks,” he said. “That’s been a benefit and what I think people want in this age. People want us to work together, especially seeing the dysfunction in Washington.”
Still, Croce said he is comfortable positioning himself as an outsider.
“I’ll spend more time in the district than on Beacon Hill and hold neighborhood meetings to help people in the district,” he said. “People want a different approach. I’m not a politician. I’m fed up with the establishment.”
The primary is on Thursday, Sept. 8. There are no Republican candidates running for the 13th Essex seat this year.
Adam Swift can be reached at [email protected].