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?
I first ran for City Council in 2007, five years after moving to Newburyport. My prior volunteer work included Donna Holaday’s mayoral campaign in 2005 and Deval Patrick’s gubernatorial campaign in 2006. Through those campaigns, I met local officials and politically active folks and thought I could contribute. I ran because I wanted to make the waterfront a welcoming public space for residents, restore and strengthen school funding after a period of layoffs, and ensure local government was more responsive and accountable to the community.
If reelected, what would be your top 3 priorities?
1. Housing Affordability and Smart Growth
Affordability is one of the most pressing challenges facing Newburyport. We live in a beautiful but expensive community, and both home prices and rents continue to rise, putting real strain on household budgets. I want to see the city take a more active role in increasing housing supply in the right spots —homeownership and rental alike—while respecting our density limits and open space values.
We should take advantage of major sites now on the horizon: the privately-owned Port Plaza, the state-owned Park and Ride along Route 95, the privately owned Waterfront West, and the next phase of the MBTA Smart Growth zoning area (MINCO). I support continued protection of our historic housing stock, and also encourage policies that allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) for local homeowners who wish to create small rental spaces, which can be particularly helpful for those trying to assist their children and/or aging relatives.
Stronger enforcement of short-term rental laws is essential, particularly for entire-home rentals, while still allowing residents to rent a room within their own homes as a way to supplement their income. I’m also concerned about the “McMansionization” trend affecting neighborhoods like Joppa and the West End—where modest homes are being replaced by oversized and overpriced houses. Adjusting zoning to limit tear-downs or allow two modest homes where one would otherwise stand could help preserve affordability and character.
2. Economic Development and Fiscal Responsibility
Newburyport residents deserve excellent city services—schools, public safety, infrastructure, libraries, senior services—all while keeping property taxes manageable. For me, that means maintaining disciplined annual budget increases around 3–4%, and also being proactive in expanding our city’s property tax revenue base.
Implementing the 2023 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is key. I support creating a full-time Economic Development Director and a cross-sector Economic Development Committee to build sustained capacity for attracting new businesses and strengthening our local economy. Reviving our Business and Industrial Park Association and empowering the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce to enhance tourism and downtown vitality will help keep our economy resilient and our tax base strong—particularly important in the current national economic climate.
3. Infrastructure and Long-Term Resilience
Maintaining and improving the city’s infrastructure is central to Newburyport’s health and safety. I fully support the Council’s focus on drinking water infrastructure upgrades to meet aging system demands, address emerging health concerns, and improve climate resiliency. Thoughtful long-term capital planning and smart bonding can ensure every dollar spent delivers the greatest benefit.
Beyond water systems, regular attention to our streets, sidewalks, municipal facilities, school buildings, and public parks must remain a priority. Quality infrastructure underpins our quality of life and preserves the value of our community assets for future generations.
What can city government do to make local housing more affordable?
Expanding housing supply is one of my top three priorities because more supply has an impact on prices. A modest increase in the number of housing units will help moderate price growth without encouraging overdevelopment. Zoning must be reviewed to enable appropriate, well‑designed housing particularly for housing that working and middle income folks can afford and to promote sensible mixed uses that support community needs. Short‑term rentals require clear regulation to prevent loss of long‑term housing stock and to ensure neighborhood stability. Newburyport’s Affordable Housing Trust, a board of local residents appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council, should be consulted and empowered in housing decisions. The Mayor and Council should follow the recently adopted Housing Production Plan when considering proposals and setting priorities.
Do you think residents are getting their money’s worth in city services from taxes?
Yes
How would you balance historic preservation with more practical concerns like safety and accessibility?
I have a long record of supporting historic preservation, including the 2011 effort to establish an expanded local historic district in Newburyport. Although that measure did not pass, subsequent City Councils achieved significant protections through targeted zoning changes that limit demolition and safeguard key architecture.
Historic preservation and accessibility can be compatible. Thoughtful, structural preservation work and adaptive reuse can improve access for people with disabilities, older residents, and families with young children while maintaining historic character.
I support downtown businesses using streets and sidewalks to activate public life, but we must prevent sidewalk encroachments that impede safe, accessible passage for everyone. I support continuing to use brick sidewalks in downtown Newburyport and favor materials or treatments that increase traction and reduce slip hazards in wet weather.
How do you think Newburyport schools stack up against others in Essex County?
I believe Newburyport Public Schools are strong. Sustained leadership from the superintendent and school committee, reliable funding, and an excellent teaching staff give Newburyport children a solid start. Our two daughters graduated from Newburyport High School and both received a solid education.
Nearly 20 years ago the district made difficult but necessary decisions to consolidate smaller neighborhood schools, namely the Kelley and Brown schools, to achieve financial efficiencies. In retrospect, those choices have proven prudent and have helped stabilize the district’s operations.
Today we are in a good position. Several building improvements are needed now and others will emerge in the future; those needs have been studied, plans developed, and funding sought to complete the work.
What else should voters know about you?
I am asking for your support as I seek an eighth term on the City Council. I grew up in Massachusetts in Bridgewater, a small town south of Boston; in my professional life I’ve worked with and for homeless people for over 30 years and I’m currently a Senior Director at the Pine Street Inn; I had the honor of working for Boston Mayor Tom Menino; and I’m a lifelong Democrat who loves his country.
I have a long record of service and results. I’ve supported our schools in their annual operating funding, the construction of the new Bresnahan and rehab of the Nock/Molin schools, the development of the Senior Community Center, the upgrade of the Wastewater Treatment Facility in 2009, and the current build-out of the Recreation and Youth Services Center. I supported the adaptive reuse of the Brown School for affordable senior housing, the Rail Trail, and an expanded waterfront Market Landing Park.
Many of these projects were controversial at the time, including Smart Growth around the MBTA commuter rail and the downtown Parking Garage. Throughout, I have worked collaboratively and without judgment, focusing on issues and solutions while partnering with each of the three Mayors I have served with and with many Council colleagues. I have and will continue to support our LGBTQ neighbors and all who call Newburyport home. We still have important challenges ahead. We’ll have at least 5 new Councillors on our 11 member Council. I am committed to continuing to contribute practical, steady leadership on the Council and to working with the community to deliver thoughtful, responsible outcomes. I respectfully ask for your vote and your support.
Ed Cameron is a candidate for Newburyport City Council, at large. Election and early voting information can be found here.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Leave a Reply