Salem’s new city manager Lisa Peck and Police Chief Todd Boles talked about their backgrounds, initial impressions of Salem, and answered questions during the Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce monthly lunch on Thursday.
Peck outlined her goals in the job.
“Throughout my career in city government, my focus has remained consistent,” Peck said. “Building strong communities, responsibly managing resources, and improving quality of life for residents. I’ve worked in roles from economic development to assistant city manager to city manager. In each position, I’ve drawn on core skills, including communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and a commitment to doing the work. Not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s not.”
Peck was asked about the biggest issues facing the city.
“Finding enough money to do all of what needs to be done. Infrastructure is always an issue. I would say some of the housing stock, the condition of some of that needs to be brought up, but code enforcement is working very diligently.”
Discussion included the homeless population that appears to be growing.
“I do have concerns in that regard. I know that some of the folks who unfortunately are unhoused here are from here, but I do think I see some transients moving in also, and that is concerning.”
Peck says the issue is one that will be addressed by the new police chief, Todd Boles.
“What we started in Charleston is just, we talk to them, identify them,” Boles said. “We check in with them, know where they’re hanging out and know who they’re hanging out with, and if they do commit crimes then we have an avenue to deal with them. I am going to a chief’s conference next week, and that is one of the questions I’ve already asked the panel of five experienced chiefs; has anybody found, within the constraints of the law, a way to combat this problem?”
Economic Development was also a topic of discussion, with one business owner who has opened a new business in Salem explaining how Salem city officials were much more difficult to deal with than any other town where she has opened a business. Peck provided her business card and suggested they talk and see if there is a way to make the process less cumbersome.
