Meet the Candidate- Sean Reardon (Mayor)

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 reelection?

I truly love this job. Serving as mayor has always been my dream and, as a fifth-generation Newburyporter, I hope to continue for as long as I am able. Over the past three and a half years, we have accomplished a tremendous amount together, but there is still important work ahead. We cannot afford to lose momentum, especially on major projects that require steady leadership and consistent follow-through. Key initiatives such as the new Recreation and Youth Center, the Brown School Adaptive Re-use Housing Project, and our regional collaboration with neighboring communities on the NECC/Whittier Shared Campus model for career and technical education are all at critical stages. Continuity in leadership will be essential to bringing these and other projects to completion successfully.

If reelected, what would be your top three priorities?

1. Continue upgrading roads and sidewalks. We have made improvements on more than 60 streets over the past three and a half years, but there is still more work to do to improve safety and accessibility across the city.
2. Address affordability, especially for seniors. We need to create meaningful pathways for seniors to age in place without being priced out of the community in which they have built their lives.
3. Advance water supply projects. It is critical that we move these projects forward in a thoughtful, responsible way that protects water quality and ensures long-term sustainability.

How has prior experience prepared you for this role?

I have been honored to serve as mayor for almost four years, making me the only candidate with direct experience in the role. The city’s results during this time speak for themselves. In addition, I earned a master’s degree in public administration, which has been invaluable in managing a public organization. Leading in the public sector requires a unique skill set, especially the ability to collaborate effectively. I firmly believe collaboration is the key to accomplishing difficult tasks, and together we have achieved a great deal.

I am especially proud of bringing to completion long-standing projects that had stalled for years, such as Market Landing Park, the Cutter Fire Station, the Waterfront Bulkhead, the Brown School Adaptive Re-use, the Lower Atkinson Safety Project, and finally securing a permanent home for Newburyport Recreation and Youth Services. Effective leadership also means attracting and retaining talented staff, and I am committed to building a strong, capable team to serve our city. I feel very fortunate to work alongside so many exceptional department heads who bring expertise and dedication to Newburyport every day.

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

The housing crisis is a challenge across Massachusetts, and Newburyport is no exception. Home values have risen sharply here, which is wonderful if you are selling your home, but makes it harder for many residents to remain here. Locally, we can strengthen the Affordable Housing Trust and continue to support innovative programs like HomePort, which helps qualifying first-time homebuyers with down payments and has already become a model for other communities. We can also pursue strategic developments that expand housing options, such as the Brown School Senior Affordable Housing Project and the Plaza Landings development at the former Kmart site. The goal is to create a healthy mix of housing types that serve residents at all stages of life.

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

I do, but I also recognize this is a complex issue. Residents view taxes differently depending on their personal circumstances. Some see taxes as a way of protecting their most valuable investment—their home—and expect strong city services in return. Others, particularly seniors on fixed incomes, face real challenges as property values and tax bills rise.

Running a city has never been more expensive. Trash disposal costs rose significantly last year, and health insurance costs continue to climb. My focus is on delivering the highest quality services possible with the resources available, while avoiding unnecessary tax burdens. Fiscal responsibility means making sure every tax dollar works hard for the people of Newburyport. Since taking office, I have submitted four budgets, and on average, the City Council has reduced them by just 0.21 percent. That shows we put forward thoughtful, responsible budgets that reflect careful planning. These are challenging economic times, and with fewer dollars coming from the federal government, how we approach the next four years will be critically important.

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

Newburyport’s history is one of its greatest assets, but preservation must be balanced with practicality. My approach is to protect the city’s historic character while ensuring our infrastructure, public buildings, and public spaces meet modern safety standards and are fully accessible to all residents. This means working closely with preservation experts, accessibility advocates, and the broader community to find solutions that honor our past while meeting the needs of today and tomorrow.

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

I believe Newburyport has the best schools in the region. As a parent of three children in our public schools and a former School Committee member for more than eight years, including three as chair, I have seen firsthand what makes our district exceptional. Strong leadership from Superintendent Gallagher, a clear and focused strategic plan, a dedicated staff, and an engaged community all contribute to our success.

Our arts programs are thriving, our sports teams excel each season, and our graduates go on to outstanding colleges and universities. But academics are only part of the story. School culture, extracurricular opportunities, and community support are equally important, and we are strong in all of these areas. I am also proud to have served as a board member of the Newburyport Education Foundation (NEF), which has raised and donated more than $5 million to our public schools since its founding. That level of community support for our schools and our children sets Newburyport apart.

What else should voters know about you?

I care deeply about Newburyport—its people, its neighborhoods, and its future. I feel truly privileged to live and raise my children in this community, and I see my role as mayor as making it the best it can be for everyone.

Over the past three years, we have delivered real results: more than 60 roads completed, a voter-approved debt exclusion to build a permanent home for Recreation and Youth Services, and steady progress on infrastructure, housing, and public safety projects. I lead with commitment, collaboration, and a clear vision for where Newburyport is headed. I want to keep building on this momentum to ensure a strong future for our city.

Sean Reardon the incumbent Mayor of Newburyport, running for reelection. Election and early voting information can be found here.