Name: Gordon “Buzzy” Barton
Occupation: Retired firefighter
Education: Lynn English High School graduate
How long have you served?
Four terms
What is the most important issue facing the city and how would you address it?
While public safety will always be the top priority of any city, financial stability is of utmost importance to us at this point. The City has taken steps to relieve a significant deficit and we have been able to realize cost savings in some key areas. We have to continue to stabilize our finances and work with the state, which provided us with the funding to get out of debt, keeping in mind that we may not have that option in the future if we do not.
What three issues are most important to you?
Public safety. Transportation. Education.
Public safety affects the quality of life for everyone who lives, works and visits the City. As chair of the City Council’s Public Safety Committee, I am especially aware of the challenges we face. We are fortunate to have outstanding police and fire departments working every day to keep us safe. We need to continue to ensure that those departments have the resources and manpower to do the professional job to which we have become accustomed.
The traffic situation in and around Boston continues to worsen, and it is good to see leaders at the state level at least starting a conversation on how to improve it. I believe we need to keep pressing the state for expanded rapid transit and more reliable public transportation overall. Lynn is only seven miles from the Boston line, making it a natural destination for people who may work but do not want to live in Boston. We need to become a more attractive alternative for those people, and enhanced public transportation can go a long way in accomplishing that.
We should all be proud of the education available in our public schools. Under the direction of Dr. Pat Tutwiler (and Dr. Catherine Latham before him), Lynn schools have improved significantly in the last 10-15 years. Similar to the police and fire departments, we have to provide the resources for the school department to continue to advance. The major issue now is facilities. Lynn has many school buildings that are old, tired and overcrowded. We need a comprehensive plan for capital improvements and we have to accept the fact that we have to pay for it. We can’t afford to again be in the position of refusing state funding because we are not willing to invest in our students.
What is your biggest accomplishment during your time in office?
We have made small advances that I think have put us on the cusp of a vastly improved City. Granted, the progress has been slow, but the dominoes are getting put into place. Outside entities are investing in Lynn. More people are choosing to live here. I think it is important to also create an environment so that our young people, those who are going through our schools, want to stay and build their lives here. I think collectively we have done a good job of working to improve the City’s image and thus making it an attractive option. We need to continue that work.
Why are you running?
I am running for re-election for the same reason I first ran for the Council in 2011. I have been involved in public service all my adult life, including as a Lynn firefighter for 28 years. I also had the privilege to coach basketball at my alma mater, Lynn English. After being retired for a period of time, I decided I wanted to give back to the City in another way and that I could make a positive impact as a city councilor.
Why should people vote for you?
People should vote for me because I love the City and I love the job of councilor. I pride myself on being a people person, someone who would much rather communicate with words than a keyboard or buttons on a phone. I am accessible and accountable. I am in politics for the right reason: to make the City a better place for everyone who calls it home.
Name: Jose M. Encarnacion
Occupation: Customer Service Agent at JetBlue Airways
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Economics, UMass Boston 2002
What is the most important issue facing the city and how would you address it?
The most important issue that our city is facing is the financial crisis.
To address it, when I get elected, I will request a complete audit of the financial situation and then together, with other elected officials we will discuss it and find solutions.
What three issues are most important to you?
The three most important issues are public safety, the housing crisis and economic growth.
What expertise do you bring to the table?
I’m bringing my expertise as someone who has been highly engaged in politics, national and international. Also, the fact that I have been a member of different organizations throughout Massachusetts.
Why are you running?
I’m running because I’m committed to our city, its residents and making local government work better for everyone.
Why should people vote for you?
Because it is about time to have new leadership in our city, I want to be a voice for those who do not have a voice, I want to bring new ideas to our city and I want to be part of the solutions of so many issues that our great city is facing.
Name: Brian M. Field
Occupation: Licensed Funeral Director/Registered Embalmer
Education: Shoemaker Elementary School, Pickering Jr. High School, St. Mary’s High School, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Salem State College and National Educational Institute of Funeral Service, New England.
How long have you served?
First term
What is the most important issue facing the city and how would you address it?
The most important issue facing the city is stabilizing the budget. We need to continue to improve services in the city while also balancing the budget just like we did for fiscal year 2020. Working collectively with my colleagues on the City Council, the Mayor’s Office and all other Departments in the City, we have been able to accomplish this. We need to continue moving forward by making responsible investments in Public Safety (Police and Fire), Infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, schools and parks) and also improve our bond rating.
What three issues are most important to you?
Public Safety, continuing to work together to stabilize our finances and work with state and federal officials to bring additional funding to the city and create both a short and long term plan for the city (currently being created).
What is your biggest accomplishment during your time in office?
Our Council works very well together that it is difficult to accept credit but I am proud of the work we have done on an initiative I took a lead role, Litter. We created a Litter Subcommittee on the Council that I co-Chair along with Ward 5 Councilor, Dianna Chakoutis. Our initial meetings with other members of the committee, discussed ways to combat the ongoing litter problem that Lynn and so many other communities are facing. Many initiatives have taken place but the one particular was the “2nd Grade Litter Poster Contest” on Earth Day this year. The entire committee felt education was a key component to address the Litter problem. With the approval of Dr. Tutwiler, we were able to invite all 2nd graders in the Lynn Public Schools along with St. Pius V and Sacred Heart Schools, to participate in the contest. Every member of the City Council and School Committee, along with the Mayor, Superintendent and DPW Associate Commissioner, participated by engaging the 2nd graders about the importance of not littering. It was a great opportunity to get into the classrooms and create awareness and was well received. A winner from each of the 20 participating schools was selected and the winning posters are currently at LVTI Graphics Art Department, awaiting production (100 of each poster) before being displayed at public buildings and private businesses throughout the city. We hope to make this an annual event for 2nd graders.
Why are you running?
I am running because I feel I can help make a positive difference for everyone that lives in Lynn and for those that travel to our city for employment or recreation. I enjoy the relationships that I have with others that are also working to improve the city and the new relationships I am making each day. Building on those relationships helps me be an effective councilor. I am committed to serving everyone and respectfully ask for an opportunity to continue.
Why should people vote for you?
When asking people to describe me when I initially ran, the most common adjectives used were: Hardworking, accessible and responsive. I challenge myself each day to continue helping make some type of positive impact. It truly is an honor to serve the people that elected me. I appreciate and respect the trust they have in my abilities to serve and with that continued support on November 5th, I promise to be accessible, responsive and work hard as one of your elected at-large councilors.
Name: Joel Hyppolite
Did not respond to multiple requests to return a questionnaire.
Name: Brian LaPierre
Occupation: Director of Organization, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts
Education: Brickett Elementary; Eastern Jr. High School; Lynn English High School; Salem State College-Bachelor’s Degree; Masters Degree; Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS Degree)
How long have you served?
I was first elected in November of 2015 and began serving in January of 2016.
What is the most important issue facing the city and how would you address it?
Locating the resources to invest in the capital infrastructure of our city which will include the building of new schools, a new fire station, and a modern senior center. I would like to be a part of the planning process of these projects and lend my expertise in seeing that these major investments are realized in my next term in office.
What three issues are most important to you?
Making the city of Lynn safer and cleaner in all neighborhoods.
Improving Lynn’s image and reputation.
Creating jobs to support Lynn residents and strengthen our local economy.
What is your biggest accomplishment during your time in office?
Passing the strongest and most comprehensive wage theft ordinance in the Commonwealth so workers have a fair and equal right to being provided a decent wage on the job.
Why are you running?
I am running for re-election to continue to help and assist all Lynn residents, from long-time Lynners to those just making it their home. I have responded to over 2,000 constituent requests during the past four years. I continue to be accessible, hardworking, and thoughtful in my approach to our city government. It would be an honor to be re-elected on Tuesday, Nov. 5 so I can continue the work and progress and continue to take Lynn to new heights.
Why should people vote for you?
Lynn residents should know that they should vote me back to the Lynn City Council to continue to move Lynn in the right direction. My colleagues and I work as a team to best represent Lynn and its residents. I am proud of the work we have done this past term and look forward to working hard to ensure that Lynn is the thriving gem of the North Shore.
Name: Hong L. Net
Occupation: A Child Support Enforcement Specialist at the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and City Councilor-At-Large
Education: Graduated from Holyoke Catholic High School in 1988 and from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a BA in Political Science in 1992
How long have you served?
I have been serving the City of Lynn for 8 years.
What is the most important issue facing the city and how would you address it?
In my opinion, the most important issue facing our city is really multi-pronged: it is public safety and job creation. For example, the recent gun violence, drug use, and overdoses are symptoms of deeper socio-economic issues. Creating more job opportunities, vocational training, expanding early anti-drug and anti-gang education, and connecting families with preventive services would be some ways that I would tackle the overall issue.
To address the public safety issue, I will continue building on partnerships between the Lynn Police Department and community groups, like the LYSOA, Straight Ahead Ministries, and Stop The Violence. I strongly support the LPD’s efforts to hire more officers and increase their resources to reduce overall crime in the city, including by helping those struggling with opiate addictions. I want to provide better alternatives to crime and drug addictions by increasing new job opportunities. Smart growth targeted areas, such as the waterfront development project and Downtown Lynn development plan, would provide promotional opportunities for economic development and bring more jobs into Lynn. I strongly support the creation of a new business liaison position to work with local business owners one to one and help them take advantage of local business forums and federal aid such as the Microloan Modernization Act.
What three issues are most important to you?
My three issues that are most important to me are Public Safety, Public Education, and Business Development.
What is your biggest accomplishment during your time in office?
I created the Lynn’s first Human Rights Commission helping to ensure basic human rights and freedom are in place for all residents. Organized the first business forum discuss on low interest loans and business startup processes. Brought businesses such as restaurants, medical office, and adult day healthcare center to downtown Lynn and the Lynnway. Brought city’s cab companies before the Council to ensure that taxi medallions were distributed as fairly as possible. Worked with the City’s directors of the Inspectional Services Department, the Assessing Department, and the Law Department to eliminate redundancies and improve efficiency within each department. Worked with the YMCA, the Law Department, the Mayor, and the Council for a new 70,000 square-foot building that is being built in Lynn. Organize multi-cultural events bringing several thousand participants to the Lynn Commons every year in April.
Why are you running?
I am running for re-election because I want to continue to empower people to step up and get involved in the civil and political processes. My top priorities as Councilor-At-Large is to work with all residents, the city’s officials, my colleagues at the Council, and the Mayor to ensure the prosperity and safety of our city by advocating for adequate funding for public safety, business development, public education, and job creation.
Why should people vote for you?
I commit to work with the residents and city leaders for the continued revitalization of our city and will work to ensure that all voices are included. I also have remained true to my convictions working alongside all passionate and dedicated community member for positive change. My record has proven that I work hard, and work well with everyone. I am dedicated to ensure that every perspective in our diverse city feels dignified and included, and has opportunities to be part of our municipal decisions and policy making.
Name: Lennin Ernesto Pena
Occupation: Municipal employee (Lynn Water & Sewer Commission)
Education: Lynn Public Schools
What is the most important issue facing the city and how would you address it?
Financial instability. Would call for a full audit and invest in local businesses, and seek federal funding, state aid, and look for investors who want to develop commercial property (restaurants and hotels).
What three issues are most important to you?
Safety, housing crisis and rising property taxes.
What expertise do you bring to the table?
Growing up in Lynn and dealing with adversity and diversity gives me an advantage. Also being bilingual, I’m able to reach certain voters and residents that others may not reach.
Why are you running?
I want to be a voice for those who feel that their voices are not heard. Many people are angry and hungry for change.
Why should people vote for you?
I’m running because my children deserve the best version of this community we can provide. I’m running because I know I can facilitate change. I’m running because I care about Lynn and its community members.