Joyce
Campagnone

Age: 63

Address: 2 Currier Ave.

Personal: Married for 40 years to my husband Stephen Campagnone. We have three married children and five grandchildren.

Work: Records coordinator

Political Experience: School Committee for eight years and East District Councilor for eight years.

Why do you want to be city councilor?: To represent the people in a honest and sincere way. To see that all citizens get treated equally, and that we make our decision based on what is best for the city, and its citizens. Make sure people are knowledgeable about what is going on, and that we are always doing what is best for everyone. Keeping the city's and its people safety as top priority.

What is your favorite song?: "God Bless America"

Jennifer
Kannan

Age: 44

Address: 10B Grandview Road

Personal: Married to Bill 25 years; son Billy Jr., 24; daughters Brittney, 22, Farrah Rae, 7; granddaughter Tessa Rose, 2.

Work: Realtor, Coco, Early & Associates

Political Experience: Current vice-chair on the City Council.

Why do you want to be city councilor?: I feel it's my turn to give back to the community I grew up in. I am a very energetic person who likes to keep busy and I enjoy helping people. When my youngest child started kindergarten two years ago, I knew it was time to serve our city.

What is your favorite song?: "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond

Kathleen
Corey Rahme

Age: 51

Address: 73 East St.

Personal: Married to Elie Rahme 22 years; three children: Marie 20, Michael 18, Madeline 14.

Work: Social program director at Methuen Village at Riverwalk Park

Political Experience: Central District City Councilor 2004-2005; City Councilor at Large 2006-2007 serving as Vice Chair; appointed to Congresswoman Tsongas' 5th Congressional District Veterans' Advisory Board 2008

Why do you want to be city councilor?: Public service is truly a noble profession. I wish to serve my community and I feel my past experiences on the council, a BA Political Science, a MA Public Administration and my work as a community activist/volunteer would contribute greatly to my success. I am answering the call to serve.

What is your favorite song?: "If You Don't Know Me by Now" by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes

Stephen
Zanni

Age: 65

Address: 70 Sevoian Drive Personal: Married 37 Years, two children. Three grandchildren.

Work: Administrator and teacher for 37 years, recently retired

Political Experience: Former member of Methuen School Committee; member of the Methuen City Council past four years; served as council chairman for two years

Why do you want to be city councilor?: It has been my privilege to serve as a city councilor for Methuen for the past four years. I have always enjoyed working with and helping the residents of Methuen. This is a pivotal time for Methuen, as our city evolves and grows. We need people with the education, drive, and experience who can make the changes necessary to insure the growth of Methuen.

What is your favorite song?: "Summer Wind" by Frank Sinatra

*John Cronin

Age: 67

Address: 33 Richard Ave.

Personal: Married, wife Judy, two children, Shaun and Patrick, three grandchildren

Work: Retired

Political Experience: 20-plus years Methuen City Council

Why do you want to be city councilor?: Recent statements by Deval Patrick have indicated there will be deeper cuts in local aid to cities and towns. My re-election to the council will ensure that the people of the Central District have an experienced representative working on their behalf. The taxpayers have placed their trust in me, a responsibility I do not take lightly, to represent them and ensure that their best interests are always at the forefront of the decision making process.

What is your favorite song?: "Danny Boy"

David Lavallee

Age: 52

Address: 65 Tower St.

Personal: Married with five children, two grandchildren

Work: Aramark Uniform Services

Political Experience: None

Why do you want to be city councilor?: I want to become city councilor because I really believe that I can make a difference in this city. I feel what is lacking is true integrity. I come with no connections and will not take any money from anyone. I will owe no person anything.

What is your favorite song?: "The Impossible Dream" by Jim Nabors

Fadi Chahine

Age: 46

Address: 95 Elmwood Road

Personal: Married for 25 years to my wife Hanan. I have four beautiful children, Therese, Charbel, Fadia and Youssef, and one grandson, Adrian, whom I adore dearly. I hold a bachelor's of science in business management and have 24 years of management experience.

Work: General contractor and assistant manager for Wal-Mart in Methuen

Political Experience: Member of Citizen for Better Government.

Why do you want to be city councilor?: Our governmental system is built upon the participation of our citizens and I believe it is our individual responsibility to give back to our community and our country. I feel I can make a difference for the citizens of Methuen and especially the citizens of the Central District and provide them with the representation they deserve. I am very committed to my fellow citizens in Methuen. I am a new voice with new ideas and you can count on me.

What is your favorite song?: "Star Spangled Banner"

Phil Lahey

Age: 61

Address: 159 Woodburn Drive

Personal: Married to Francine and have four grown children and four grandchildren.

Work: Retired from Methuen DPW and currently a part-time school bus driver.

Political Experience: Central District city councilor for the last four years.

Why do you want to be city councilor?: I want to be a city councilor because I truly enjoy helping people. I have spent my entire adult life as a public servant and believe it's something I am very good at. Hopefully the voters will feel the same way and allow me the privilege to serve them for the next two years.

What is your favorite song?: "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga

*Larry Giordano

Age: 64

Address: 76 Bonanno Court

Personal: Married for 42 years to Eileen (Bonanno) Giordano. Children: MarieJean Earnshaw, husband John and their son Jack, 7; Lonnie Giordano and Stacy Merrill and their daughter Amelia, 10 weeks; and Stephen Giordano and his girlfriend Danielle Purpura.

Work: Owner and operator of Giordano Family, Methuen Karate Association. Former Methuen police officer.

Political Experience: State Representative, six years; Commissioner of Public Safety, four years; Methuen East District councilor, six years.

Why do you want to be city councilor?: I have been involved in public service for the past 25 years. Initiated and passed legislation for two important issues - no furloughs for first-degree murderers and established Drug Free School Zones. Secured funding for Veterans Park on Milk Street; secured funding and served on the building committee for the Comprehensive Grammar School; also secured funding for the Tenney Estate Property and Gate House and proposed plans for the Park & Ride on Pelham St.

What is your favorite song?: "Only Fools Rush In" by Elvis Presley

*Joseph Leone

Age: 62

Address: 28 Morgan Drive

Personal: Three children, six grandchildren

Work: Project manager

Political Experience: Four years as East District city councilor, 25 years in various volunteer positions

Why do you want to be city councilor?: The last four years have been particularly challenging in the face of state aid cuts because the prior administration and city council left us with no reserve funds. Starting "from scratch" and coping with dwindling revenues has made me even more resolved to see us through this current financial squeeze.

What is your favorite song?: "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood

Patricia Uliano

Age: 58

Address: 22 Haymeadow Road

Personal: Married 37 years to Don. Two sons: Michael and daughter-in-law Jamie; Joseph and fiancee Corinne Sullivan, and 15-month-old grandson Nicholas.

Work: Licensed real estate broker

Political Experience: East District City Council from 2000 to 2005

Why do you want to be city councilor?: I want to bring city government back to the people and put a stop to the special interest groups. I am ready to make budget cuts that won't impact municipal workers again.

What is your favorite song?: "We'll Meet Again" by Engelbert Humperdinck

Edward J.
Guy Jr.

Age: 64

Address: 2 Jade St.

Personal: Wife Eileen; five children; six Grand Children and a seventh expected later in September.

Education: Associates Degree in criminal justice from Northern Essex Community College.

Work Experience: Thirty-nine years as a Methuen Police Officer.

Political Experience: None

Web site: None

One thing surprising about yourself: All the years that I worked as a police officer, I stayed away from politics or the appearance of political influence and now I am entering into city politics.

What is the biggest issue facing Methuen right now?: The financial crisis is the biggest issue. The mayor waited until it was time to set last year's budget to negotiate with the unions for concessions. We are told that the next budget is going to be worse. What is the city doing now to correct the problem?

Why do you want to be city councilor?: The budgetary and personnel problems Methuen confronts are best solved with new perspectives and attitudes. My work will tackle these issues rather than furthering political goals. I bring a new vision with no political affiliations or vendettas to settle. I will work for the taxpayers, not against a political rival.

What is your favorite song?: "God Bless the U.S.A." by Lee Greenwood

James M.
Hajjar

Age: 46

Address: 52 Arrowwood St.

Personal: Married, Laura; three children

Education: Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering, University of Massachusetts at Lowell; Master's Degree in electrical engineering, Clemson University; Executive Development program, University of New Hampshire; Advanced Management program, Duke University.

Work Experience: Employed with AT&T /Alcatel-Lucent for over 24 years — various business management and technical positions.

Political Experience: Member of the Methuen Community Development Board; member of the School Design Team.

Web site: http://home.comcast.net/~jhajjar1

One thing surprising about yourself: I worked at Community Drugstore in Methuen Square and met Laura there. My boss, Mel Weagle, was a city councilor. I learned about Methuen "politics" at an early age.

What is the biggest issue facing Methuen right now?: The financial crisis. Since 1999, population stayed constant, yet expenses grew 77 percent. Every year, expenses were higher than revenues. City fund dwindled from $5.8 million to $1.9 million. We must shift from a government of personal agendas and political motivations to one of sound business principles and practices.

Why do you want to be city councilor?: In this difficult economic environment, I want to apply my proven business experience to implement new, creative solutions to the complex issues facing Methuen. I also will provide new leadership to transform Methuen from a government of personal and political agendas, to one of sound business principles and practices.

What is your favorite song?: "I Won't Back Down" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Jeanne M.
Pappalardo

Age: 62

Address: 139 Forest St.

Personal: Married, Joseph; two daughters.

Education: High school graduate;completed several courses at North Shore Community College.

Work Experience: Presently retired; worked as a program assistant Methuen School System, secretary for the Lawrence Fire Dept.; co-Owner of Evergreen Landscaping.

Political Experience: Current West District councilor

Web site: None

One thing surprising about yourself: I enjoy collecting antiques and have traveled from Massachusetts to Maine and as far as to Florida. I am always looking for new shops to visit and acquire more treasures.

What is the biggest issue facing Methuen right now?: I believe overall finances of the city and trying to hold taxes from drastically increasing and to maintain the present level of services provided to the residents, and with the proposed renovation of the high school I feel this is a challenge facing our community.

Why do you want to be a City Councilor?: When I retired I chose to run for City Council to give back something to the community. I felt we needed change and I have tried to be a change for the better by being a strong voice for my district. We need to bring city government back to where it belongs, the taxpayer.

What is your favorite song?: "Unchained Melody" by the Righteous Brothers

Deborah
Quinn

Age: 51

Address: 26 Garfield street

Personal: Three children

Education: Degree in dental assisting, Northern Essex Community College; Teachers training program, University of Massachusetts Boston; Continuing education programs in autistic pediatric dental patients.

Work Experience: Pediatric dental assistant; former waitress at Bishop's Restaurant.

Political Experience: West Disrict Ccouncilor for four years, the most recent as council president.

Web site: None

One thing surprising about yourself: I can dish it out and I can take it. I can get mad and I can forgive just as fast. In politics I haven't lost my enthusiasm or my fight.

What is the biggest issue facing Methuen right now?: Schools overcrowded; High School that's so out of date; Not enough Science and Math Labs at the High School. Time has come for a school that are children not only deserve but have a right to so that they can be globally competitive in the future. Sidewalks leading up to all Schools in Methuen.

Why do you want to be city councilor?: I enjoy serving and giving back to my community. My children have grown up in Methuen and have gone through the Methuen school system. I've been very happy with all that Methuen has to offer. I want to make Methuen the best city in the country.

What is your favorite song?: "This One's For the Girls" by Martina McBride

Gary
Marcoux

Age: 60

Address: 32 Hadley Road

Personal: Married to Nancy; daughter Sarah

Work: Retired from Lawrence Public Schools after 36 years; currently an adjunct professor of Chemistry at Middlesex Community College

Political experience: School Committee four years, vice-chair two years

Why do you want to be a School Committee member: Throughout the last four years, and especially the last two as vice-chair of the School Committee, my resolve has been the same; to offer the best educational opportunities for all students in the Methuen Public Schools. As an educational leader, I have seen the impact that good teaching has had on our children. I believe my extensive educational experience over the last 38 years as a teacher, science department chair, union president and college professor, has had a positive impact on the School Committee.

Favorite song: "The Best" by Tina Turner

Robert
Vogler

Age: 63

Address: 95 Currier St.

Personal: Son of Amelia (Abdullah) Vogler and Fred Vogler; married to Dianne Vogler

Work: Retired teacher, 35 years; Realtor Coco, Early & Associates

Political experience: School Committee member; member of the four K-8 Building Committees; High School Building Committees.

Why do you want to be a School Committee member: I am honored to serve Methuen now and in the past. I have helped to build our four K-8 schools. I also hope to complete this education program by seeing a renovated Methuen High School. Another goal is to see an improved educational program that will ensure all students success for their post K-12 goals.

Kenneth
Willette

Age: 35

Address: 2 Canobieola Road

Personal: Wife, Dawn; children, Brady and Kendall.

Work: Administrative Assistant for the Office of State Representative John V. Fernandes.

Political experience: Six years as City Councilor at Large; four years on the School Committee

Why do you want to be a School Committee member: I am disturbed that the school department laid off the residency enforcement officer when I hear numerous complaints that out-of-district students are attending our schools with ease. Methuen schools should be for Methuen residents only. Class sizes are escalating, especially at the K-8 levels. I am ready to tackle those issues.

Favorite song: Anything by the Beatles.

George
Kazanjian

Age: 61

Address: 55 Sevoian Dr.

Personal: Wife Cynthia; daughter and son in-law Ashley and Saba Hashem.

Work: Accountant, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Political experience: Methuen School Committee-secretary; Methuen Conservation Commission, financial secretary; Methuen High School Building Committee.

Why do you want to be a School Committee member: The most important thing we do as a society is to properly educate our children. I believe every child should have the opportunity to receive the best education available. We need strong intelligent leadership in response to the issues facing the Methuen Public Schools. I want to be a part of the solution to these issues.

Favorite song: "Star Spangled Banner"

Barbara
Pierog Grondine

Age: NA

Address: 4 Moody Ave.

Personal: Husband, Tom; Children, Susan, Thomas, Michael and David; five grandchildren.

Work: Retired school psychologist

Political Experience: School Committee member

Why do you want to be on the School Committee: It is a gratifying experience to be part of a school system that provides our students with the opportunity to be the best that they can be. As a retired educator, I would like to continue to utilize my experience in education to serve the parents, students and taxpayers of our community.

Favorite song: Anything by Johnny Mathis

Jeri-an
Batal

Age: 43

Address: 8 Oakridge St.

Personal: Husband, John; children, Jessica, 24, Zachary, 10, Alexis, 7, and Joseph, 5

Work: Stay-at-home mom

Political experience: First time seeking public office

Why do you want to be a School Committee member: I have been very concerned with the cirriculum at the elementary level. Wrongly over emphasizing MCAS seem to have replaced the need for the standardized elementary education we've all received prior to MCAS. Changes need to be made systemwide and I'd like to be part of that process.

Favorite song: "We're not going to take it anymore" by Twisted Sister.

Kenneth
Henrick

Age: 70

Address: 22 Jewel Court

Personal: 33 years in education; Marine Corps veteran; 10 years as a youth sports coach.

Work: Retired guidance counselor

Political experience: Six years as City Councilor; Eight years as School Committee member; six years on Greater Lawrence Technichal School committee

Why do you want to be a School Committee member: My whole adult life has been about community service, 33 years in education and working with kids. I have not lost the desire.

Favorite song: "How Great Thou Art"

Evan Joseph
Chaisson

Age: 26

Address: 106 Sevoian Dr.

Personal:

Work: The Salem News

Political experience: School Committee member

Why do you want to be a School Committee member: I want to be involved in decision making that will impact the present and future of education in Methuen. It is my intent to continue to bring accountability and transparency to the Citizens of Methuen. The most exciting reason for my candidacy is being involved in the new high school project.

Favorite song: "Summertime" by Kenny Chensey