Meet the Candidate- Ben Harman (At-large City Council)

This profile is part of a “Meet the Candidate” series. All candidates were given the opportunity to answer the same questions. Their responses are published verbatim, without any editing.

Why did you decide to run for office?

When the Ward 4 seat opened, I saw an opportunity to serve my neighbors and strengthen the connection between residents and City Hall. My belief has always been that if we create clear communication between residents and government—bringing local concerns into City Hall while keeping residents informed—we can move forward in a collaborative, community-focused way.

If elected (or reelected), what would be your top 3 priorities?

1. Sustainability: Newburyport faces urgent, complex work to protect future generations. We must invest in aging infrastructure and ensure every aspect of city government is climate-aware and resilient.
2. Safety: In Ward 4, I’ve worked with the Mayor and Marshal Simons to elevate concerns around traffic and pedestrian safety. These issues affect the entire city, and I want to broaden efforts to make Newburyport safe and welcoming for all.
3. Affordability: Our community should be accessible to people at all stages of life—single parents, recent grads, working families, and seniors. I will champion policies that keep Newburyport livable for a wide range of residents.

What can city government do to make local housing more affordable?

We need a mix of strategies: expand by-right zoning for multi-family housing in appropriate areas, protect modest single-family homes from being converted into larger luxury properties, fully fund the Affordable Housing Trust, and support smart growth to reduce over-reliance on property taxes.

Do you think residents are getting their money’s worth in city services from taxes?

Value can look different to each resident. Personally, I’m proud to support our schools even though my husband and I don’t have children, because strong schools strengthen the whole community. I also see daily the impact of our hardworking DPS team tackling an endless list of projects, from paving to plowing. Even when the sidewalk in front of my own home is in rough shape, I recognize the broader value of their efforts for the city.

How would you balance historic preservation with more practical concerns like safety and accessibility?

Preservation and accessibility are not mutually exclusive. We can preserve the character that makes Newburyport special while improving safety and accessibility. I have consistently supported completing sidewalks and finding creative solutions that respect history while meeting today’s needs.

How do you think Newburyport schools stack up against others in Essex County?

Our schools are strong by state and national standards, but like many, they are still addressing pandemic learning loss and working to expand special education and vocational opportunities. As a former Human Rights Commission member, I’ve worked closely with school leadership and know them to be thoughtful, dedicated partners. Locally, we must continue to support our schools while also advocating for sustained state investment so that our budget remains balanced and effective.

What else should voters know about you?

I’m running for an At-Large seat because I believe Newburyport is strongest when we solve problems together. My record shows I am a collaborative, pragmatic leader willing to work with anyone committed to progress. I will continue to build bridges, lower the temperature of debate, and keep our focus on the issues that matter most to residents.

Ben Harman is a candidate for Newburyport City Council, at large. Election and early voting information can be found here.