Kim Driscoll

Kim Driscoll earned a bachelor's degree from Salem State University in 1989 and a law degree from the Massachusetts School of Law in 1994.[1] Driscoll's career experience includes working as the deputy city manager and corporate counsel with the City of Chelsea, Massachusetts.[2] She has served as the mayor of Salem, Massachusetts, and the chair of the North Shore Coalition of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council.[2][3]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Kim Driscoll is Salem’s 50th Mayor, the first woman to serve in the role, and has been reelected five times with significant margins for the job. Kim’s career includes work in Chelsea, serving as Chief Legal Counsel and Deputy City Manager, working to rebuild the city as it came out of receivership by helping to usher in inclusivity, equity, and accountability. In 2003, just three years into her Salem City Council term, Kim knew her hometown deserved new leadership and transparency in City Hall. She won a tough, three-way race in 2005, and since then, Kim has led on issues that matter most to our neighborhoods – COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, improving the city’s public schools as Chairwoman of the School Committee, supporting housing affordability, boosting economic empowerment by supporting small businesses, leading on climate action and resiliency in a historic seaside community, and a commitment to racial equity and inclusion at a time of national upheaval. As a proud member of the “Get Stuff Done” wing of government, Kim has exemplified great leadership for Salem, our region, and our Commonwealth. She is now running for Lieutenant Governor to bring that effective, equitable, and visionary leadership to Beacon Hill and empower cities and towns across Massachusetts. You can learn more about Kim Driscoll and her campaign by visiting KimDriscoll.org.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

As the daughter of a Navy veteran from Lynn and an accountant assistant from Trinidad, growing up my parents instilled in me a commitment to working-class values centered on community and inclusivity.I will amplify the issues of cities and towns across the Commonwealth and be their partner and advocate. The success of cities and towns relies on a strong state partner and the success of the Commonwealth relies on thriving neighborhoods. As Mayor, I have been an executive and on the ground leading on issues ranging from COVID response, climate action, housing affordability, public education, and racial justice. I will bring this experience to ensure we rebuild an equitable and inclusive Commonwealth.Being Mayor of Salem, I have not only created an innovative and successful vision for our community, but I also have had to work to implement it. Time and time again, I have spearheaded policies and practices for Salem and our region. As a passionate member of the ‘get stuff done’ wing of government, I am proud of my record of getting results, on the ground every day, and I am excited to bring that leadership to the state level.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As Lt. Governor, in addition to being Chair of the Governor’s Council and the Local Government Advisory Council, I will amplify the issues of cities and towns across the Commonwealth and be their partner and advocate. As Mayor, I have been on the ground leading on issues ranging from the COVID response and recovery, climate action, housing affordability, public education, and racial justice. I will bring this experience, this foresight, and a willingness to collaborate with communities to ensure we rebuild an equitable and inclusive Commonwealth.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The primary role of the Lt. Governor is to serve as a partner in the leadership of our Commonwealth with the Governor, advocating and championing equitable and effective government for the people of Massachusetts. Formally, the Lt. Governor chairs the Governor’s Council and the Local Government Advisory Council. Equally important, however, is the position’s role to support and advocate for policies, projects, and priorities of the administration and to be an advocate and liaison for cities and towns - serving to help communities navigate the inner workings of state government and its policies and practices. This is not unique to me - it is similar to how I’ve led regional efforts on a range of issues, including COVID response planning, vaccination access, the creative economy, tourism, climate action, and housing affordability. My goal is to partner with our next Governor and continue amplifying the needs of cities and towns, while working to resolve those issues.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

State government is responsible for providing resources and breaking down systematic barriers. On the local level, we need the state to be a real partner in our efforts to enact meaningful change. While grassroots organizing in our communities can propel us forward, the state must be the one to provide the resources and regional vision needed to have a true impact. For example, cities and towns don’t have independent authority in many areas - from regional ballot initiatives to enable multi-community transportation investments of city infrastructure to policy initiatives such as enabling E-Bikes on local roadways, all require state legislative approval. As Lt. Governor, I would work with legislative leaders to reduce barriers that impede local progress and strive to grant communities more autonomy to advance policies they deem appropriate for their communities. Leaders and residents on the ground understand the needs of their communities, and therefore, should have more autonomy in making decisions for their region. Equally important are incentives by state government to advance policies that create opportunities for cities, towns, and public-private partnerships to make advancements on key issues such as environmental justice and affordable housing.