Salem — At a League of Women Voters forum on Oct. 25, Ward 4 City Council candidates Tim Flynn and Emmylou Manuel presented contrasting plans to address traffic and pedestrian safety, housing affordability, the proposed new Salem high school and neighborhood services.

The candidates debated how to reduce vehicle reliance and improve bike and pedestrian safety on neighborhood streets and state routes that run through Ward 4. Emmylou Manuel pointed to a Boston Street corridor improvement project "slated to take place starting in spring 2026" that she said will add separated bike lanes and alter traffic flow around Pope and Proctor streets. "I think I would support that," Manuel said. She also urged permanent speed bumps and new crosswalk beacons at busy school and bus stops, citing a recent Salem pilot using stop-arm cameras that she said recorded "3,371 violations" between Sept. 4 and Dec. 30.

Tim Flynn, a former Ward 4 city councilor and retired firefighter, emphasized stepped-up traffic enforcement and completing missing sidewalks near schools. "I was always a big fan of redoing our sidewalks," Flynn said, citing Bellevue Avenue as an example where he pressed previous administrations to finish sidewalk work so students would not have to walk in the street.

On wildfire and brush-fire resilience, Manuel recommended clearing brush in vulnerable areas, promoting drought-resistant landscaping and water conservation, and strengthening staffing and training for the fire department. Flynn, who described his own experience fighting forest fires, praised the city's purchase of a forestry truck and urged homeowners near wooded areas to trim back vegetation.

Affordable housing was a point of disagreement. Manuel pointed to the city’s 2022 housing roadmap and urged more neighborhood input and community benefits agreements that require developers to contribute sidewalks and other infrastructure. "We need more housing and we need more affordable housing, but we also need a lot more neighborhood input throughout the process," Manuel said. Flynn blamed some city policies and fees for pushing costs onto tenants, citing trash fees and other charges he said are passed through to renters.

Both candidates discussed the Mansfield Remediation and Restoration Project, which addresses contamination at Mansfield Park. Manuel said the city’s project timeline posted on the municipal website shows an opening in May and described delays caused when contractors found more contamination and drainage issues than expected. Flynn called the park’s long delay "a complete disaster" and said active remediation work is now under way.

The proposed new Salem high school and a related debt-exclusion vote attracted strong remarks. Manuel voiced support for building a "New Salem High School," saying state partnership could cover up to 55% of the project and that a net-zero design would save energy costs over time. "I support the construction of a New Salem High School," she said. Flynn said he had "mixed feelings" about demolishing the existing building and flagged concerns about project labor agreements and the tax impact on older residents; he said, however, that he would defer to Ward 4 voters on the debt-exclusion decision.

On social services the candidates agreed the city must support food security and domestic-violence services. Manuel noted local institutions such as the Salem Pantry and Mack Park Farm, and said the pantry recently received "about $500,000" in grant funding. She also said the police department’s domestic-violence coordinator position was preserved after a federal grant cut, with the mayor helping to fund the role. Flynn emphasized volunteer drives, ward food collections and direct support for safe houses for survivors.

Both candidates described plans to increase resident engagement: Flynn proposed reinstating monthly neighborhood meetings at the AOH and using social media and emails, while Manuel said she would continue newsletters, mobile office hours and more accessible town halls.

The forum was moderated by Hannah Levine, Assistant Director of the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics at Salem State University, and opened by Cynthia Peoples of the League of Women Voters of Salem. Organizers said the forum recording is available through Salem Access Television.

Manuel closed by saying her top priorities are infrastructure, a new high school and consistent communication with Ward 4 residents. Flynn said his experience and availability would allow him to "hit the ground running" if elected and pledged to make residents' voices heard at City Hall.

The candidates are on the ballot for the Nov. 4 municipal election; Ward 4 voting takes place at Witchcraft Heights Elementary School.