The citywide election is Nov. 4.
We asked candidates for mayor, City Council and School Committee to introduce themselves to MethuenLife readers and explain why they’re running for elected office. Televised candidate forums (view On Demand at Methuentv.org) are another way to get to know the candidates. Please make an effort to get to the polls and cast your ballot. It’s all part of the democratic process!

MAYOR (pick 1)
* indicates incumbent

D.J. BEAUREGARD*
I currently serve as the eighth Mayor of Methuen. I’m a proud product of the Methuen Public Schools. I earned an MBA, started my professional career in the financial sector, served on City Council, and worked to expand opportunities for local students at Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School. My wife Hillary, our daughter Audrey, and I are grateful to call this city home. I’m running for mayor because Methuen deserves safer neighborhoods, stronger schools, stable finances, and a local government that works. I want to continue building a better Methuen for every family, and we’re just getting started.

BARBARA STOEBEL
I am not a career politician, and this is my first run. I graduated in 1975 from Methuen Public Schools.  I had a 35+-year career in sales and marketing that began in Methuen and took me to NYC, where my dreams became my reality! I am running because the incumbent had no opposition in this extremely important election. An unopposed election is never good for the voters! Methuen needs a collaborative City Hall, an energized public-school district, a balanced budget, and a shared vision of the future. Together we Win!

AT-LARGE COUNCILORS (pick 3)
* indicates incumbent

RYAN DIZOGLIO
I am a teacher and a member of the Methuen School Committee. I want to continue giving back to the community that has given so much to my siblings and I. Methuen needs leaders who look beyond the present and plan for the next 10 years. Too often, we rely on “quick fixes” that save a dollar today but cost taxpayers much more tomorrow. I’ll work to ensure our children receive the education they deserve, protect seniors and veterans, give first responders the resources they need, and promote economic growth that eases the burden on families. I love Methuen and I’ll always put our city first.

JOHN DREW
I am a licensed master plumber and commercial construction professional with extensive experience managing large projects, budgets, and schedules. In Methuen, I’ve served on the CGS School Council, participated in the PTO, coached youth soccer, and supported many local events. I’m running for City Council to put my skills to work for our city—improving roads and infrastructure, supporting strong schools, and ensuring Methuen grows responsibly. As a husband, father, and homeowner, I want to help build a city that works for every family, and I’ll bring the same work ethic I’ve shown on every jobsite.

WANDA SANTOS
I’m Vice President at Waystone Health & Human Services with nearly 19 years supporting individuals with disabilities. A certified Trauma Coach, bilingual author, and podcast host, I also serve on multiple boards, lead community initiatives, and advocate for wellness, inclusion, mental health, public safety, and access to resources through arts, culture, and trauma-informed practices. I’m running because I care deeply about Methuen’s future. With experience in human services, advocacy, and community engagement, I’ll listen, find solutions, and ensure resources are accessible. Guided by integrity, I aim to build connections, foster inclusion, and create positive change so our city thrives.

JAMES SARCIONE
I will leverage 20 years of corporate management experience in budgeting, projects and negotiating contracts. The last 25 years I acquired skills as an entrepreneurial business owner. Lifelong resident of Methuen with 3 children educated here. During the special election for mayor, I now understand how city government works, roles and responsibilities. I want to give back to our community, especially residents. City Budgets: are our tax dollars being appropriately allocated, reduce redundancy, and adjust and reallocate funds to prioritized areas. Schools: resources required to continuously improve the education of our children. Infrastructure: Roads main concern of residents.

FRANCISCO SURILLO
I work as an Economic Development Director and am committed to using my experience to serve on the council. My goal is to help drive economic growth, attract investment, support local businesses, and create opportunities that strengthen our city’s future.

JANA ZANNI PESCE*
I am an attorney with an office on Merrimack Street in Methuen and a lifelong resident of the city. I am a parishioner of St. Lucy’s Church and the co-host and founder of The Buzz, a local program dedicated to keeping residents informed about community issues. As a current Councilor-at-Large, I’ve worked to ensure that tax dollars are spent wisely, to eliminate contract ambiguities, and to make Methuen more attractive to businesses. If reelected, I will continue bringing professionalism, respect for procedure, and an open-minded perspective to ensure Methuen continues to move forward.

CENTRAL DISTRICT (pick 2)
* indicates incumbent

SHARON BIRCHALL
Director of Development at nonprofit Top Notch Scholars where I build partnerships and resources that strengthen our after-school programs, helping students grow academically, socially, and personally in the Merrimack Valley. Chairwoman Airport Commissioner representing Methuen; member, Methuen Exchange Club and Unico National; board member, LCAT. Methuen is my home, and I’ve dedicated my time and energy to serving our community through education, civic leadership, and volunteer work. As your City Councilor, I’ll bring that same commitment — listening to residents, addressing real concerns, and working toward solutions that improve our quality of life. Together we can move Methuen forward.

ELLA MACLAREN
I’m a student at Merrimack College, studying Political Science. As a lifelong Methuen resident and a proud graduate of our public school system, it’s important that we invest in the future of our city by investing in our young people. I want us to leverage our historical and cultural resources as economic drivers and community builders. I aspire to be the face of a new generation of leadership that prioritizes accountability and transparency in government. I’m proud to be from Methuen, and eager to put in the work to make it a better place for all who call it home.

LOUANN SANTOS
Married disabled Mom to 3 teens (Jake, Zach, Alana). Served on Methuen School Committee (2020-Feb. 2024). Volunteer with Methuen Youth Sports (2014-present), Methuen Day Committee/volunteer (2019-present), donations for food drives for Methuen students and veterans, city pumpkin drive-thru and trick-or-treat drive-thru (2020). Our family designed “Methuen Strong” flags thanking first responders. Coordinated with Senior Center for my son to perform as Grinch at their Holiday shows. I’ll fight for more disability access in Methuen and will push for updating streets/sidewalks. I’d lead/grow a better School Committee-City Council relationship to strongly advocate for fair/competitive wages for our MPS teachers/staff!

YANILDA SANTOS
I have built my career as a loan officer and real estate professional, guiding families toward the dream of homeownership. As a mother of three, I am committed to serving and giving back to the community I am proud to call home. I believe Methuen deserves leaders who listen, care, and take action. As a mother and a professional who helps families build stability, I understand the importance of safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and opportunities for every generation. I’m running to be a voice for working families and to help build a Methuen where all residents can thrive.

EAST DISTRICT
*indicates incumbent

IAN BUCKLEY
Did not respond.

RON MARSAN*
I am a lifelong Methuen resident, a general contractor, and have been married for forty-five years. My wife and I are proud parents of two children and six grandchildren. I currently serve as Chairman of the Methuen City Council and sit on the Economic Development, Unaccepted Ways, and Veterans’ Affairs Committees. I proudly sponsor the Veterans Day Breakfast, Fourth of July celebration, and local events such as the Fishing Derby and Fall Festival. My focus is preserving quality of life, supporting seniors and veterans, strengthening our schools, and encouraging business growth to stabilize Methuen’s tax base.

NEILY SOTO*
I serve as a Methuen City Councilor and Vice Chair, where I focus on community safety, housing, and giving residents a stronger voice. As the Broker-Partner of a real estate Firm, I help families, small business owners, while expanding opportunities for minorities through business opportunities and mentoring. I’m passionate about organizing cultural events and programs that celebrate diversity and strengthen our community. I’m running again because Methuen is my home, and I believe in its future. My mission is simple: Keep lifting up voices that are too often ignored and build a community where every family can thrive.

WEST DISTRICT COUNCILORS (Pick 2)
* indicates incumbent

DAN SHIBILIA
I am the Director of Contract Management for Summit Procurement where as an attorney I am focused on assisting our Fortune 500 clients with contracting and contract management. I currently serve on the School Committee. I am running for council to help shape the priorities of Methuen. Every year our taxes go up and we see nothing for it. We have neglected education, our seniors, our roads and so much more. It’s time to focus on taxpayers and build something better.

MIKE SIMARD
I am a proud veteran and a police officer in Lawrence for the past 30 years. I previously served on the Methuen City Council for two terms (2019-2023). I have volunteered with Methuen youth sports for the last 10 years as a coach and have lived here for 30 years. All three of my children went through Methuen schools. I hope to bring my experience from my time on the City Council when we fixed our police department, paid off our school budget deficit and voided the unsustainable superior police contract, back to city government to move Methuen forward.

PATRICIA VALLEY*
As West District City Councilor, I’ve worked closely with residents, city staff, and local groups to address concerns and improve our community. My involvement goes beyond council meetings, staying active in neighborhood initiatives and civic efforts that bring people together. Public service is my calling. I want to continue being an accessible, accountable voice for residents and ensure city government serves the community with transparency.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE (Pick 6)
*indicates incumbent

ALEJANDRO BAEZ
I am a 19 year old student studying political science and sociology. I served on Gov. Maura Healey’s youth climate council (being the only representative from Methuen) and I currently serve El Ministerio Nino Rey as a leader and advocate for education. I believe the status quo isn’t enough, we need reform and we need fresh ideas. I believe that our families and students can benefit from a member who understands the realities that our students are facing. As a young candidate I believe that’s me.

NICHOLAS DIZOGLIO
Most importantly, I’m a husband and father. My wife, Lindsay, is an educator, and we’re raising our two children, Olivia and Aiden, in Methuen. I also work in HR at a biotech company and serve on the City Council, giving back to the community we proudly call home. Methuen deserves leaders who fight for kids, support educators, and protect taxpayers. As a lifelong resident, former School Committee Vice Chair, and City Councilor, I’ve stood for transparency and accountability. I’m running to restore trust, strengthen our schools, and ensure every child in Methuen has the chance to thrive.

MARY BETH DONOVAN GRASSI
Worked for 25 years in Methuen Schools as a teacher and administrator, retired as Tenney Grammar supervising principal. Cofounded Methuen Literacy Partnership, a new citywide initiative to improve early childhood literacy and close reading gaps. Served 2 terms as an elected member of Nevins Library Board of Trustees. Methuen deserves leaders who understand the needs and strengths of students and families, know how schools operate, the laws that govern them and how to build purposeful relationships with stakeholders. I’ll work closely with City Councilors to build a responsible budget that’s transparent and directs resources where they matter most — into our classrooms.

DANIELLE FANTRY
I have spent time volunteering at school events and field trips. I have also been in classrooms as a substitute before COVID. Both of my children have put years into many sports. I have participated in a few youth sport boards and volunteered countless hours at events. If you don’t know me from sports then maybe from a moms group that I helped found before social media was really a thing. I have made meaningful relationships with many community members. I still am an organizer for this group and still meeting more wonderful parents.

MARIA ISABEL FIGUEROA
I am a public servant working with organizations dedicated to social development and community well-being, that create opportunities, and serve the rights and interests of the public. I work with community members and collaterals to fostering positive relationships that build trust and improve outcomes where people’s voices are heard. My hope is to equip our community and schools with the essential resources and support required for success by fostering safe and inclusive learning environment, enhancing the curriculum, improving teachers’ working conditions, and ensure equitable school funding. Establish a transparent budgeting process that keeps our community well-informed and adequately represented.

LAURIE KEEGAN*
I am a special education advocate with a degree in math and secondary education. I co-founded a non-profit, ABLED Advocacy, from 2012-2024 providing special education advocacy to low-income families in the Merrimack Valley. I will continue to be a strong advocate for special needs students. Additionally, we are heading into a difficult budget cycle. I want to use my knowledge and understanding of the budget process to collaborate closely with city council to find creative ways to bring in new revenue for MPS.

MARTHA SIROIS
As of 9/22/25, I am retired from my position as Executive Secretary to the Superintendent of Schools. I will be staying on as the recorder to the School Committee just while they transition to a new candidate. I have been a member of the Board of Directors at Methuen Credit Union since 2018. I wish to continue working in the best interests of students, families and staff. My work experience lends itself to helping make an informed decision about the next superintendent and the future of Methuen Public Schools.

KEN WILLETTE*
I am honored to have served 14 years of local public service as a School Committee Member and former City Councilor at Large. I’ve dedicated my energies to reform measures, accountability standards and the fulfillment of constituent services. I hope I’ve maintained the trust of voters. I’m proud of my record. I recommended the strongest residency enforcement policy in our history. I voted for the most effective cell-phone policy ever. My idea – to dedicate the proceeds from our surplus buildings back to fund our schools – may soon become reality.  We’re cleaning up our schools and investing millions to upgrade them.

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