This Week at Rotary

This week, the Salem Chamber of Commerce joined us for the first event in the Legislative Series featuring Mayor Dominick Pangallo.

Mayor Pangallo kept his remarks brief so he could spend more time answering attendee questions, but he did share updates on several major initiatives in Salem. He started by thanking those who were involved in the Salem 400+ Kickoff Festival and Volunteer Fair. The turnout was amazing and the interest from the community in engaging in volunteer opportunities was outstanding.

Another significant focus of his talk was the new Salem High School project. With a construction manager selected and costs finalized, residents will vote in a special election on May 5 on local funding. State support will cover nearly half the cost of a new high school if approved, making a new, code-compliant school substantially more affordable than renovating the existing building. The Mayor emphasized that this is a once-in-a-generation investment that will serve Salem students and families for decades, and that an investment will need to be made whether the funding is approved or not.

While there’s a cost to taxpayers for voting “Yes,” there’s also a cost to taxpayers for voting “No.” In fact, for Salem taxpayers the cost of a “No” vote is greater than the cost of a “Yes” vote, because the state will not cover any costs to update the existing building to be code compliant, which will be required if a new high school is not approved. More information on the high school project as well as a calculator to see the tax increase for a “Yes” or “No” vote can be found here.

Mayor Pangallo also updated the group on Salem’s port and its role in offshore wind. Despite federal uncertainty and recent funding challenges, the city remains committed to a long-term vision that supports clean energy, job creation, and economic resilience. Work is underway to adjust the project’s scope in the short term while preserving its long-term potential.

Progress continues on the South Salem Commuter Rail Station, a project decades in the making. While federal funding delays for the full design persist, the city and its partners are advancing planning and design work to ensure the station can support future growth, reduce congestion, and improve regional transit access.

Finally, as Salem celebrates its 400th anniversary, Mayor Pangallo reaffirmed a commitment to community, inclusion, and civic engagement. Salem’s long history as a welcoming city—and its continued support for immigrant neighbors—remains central to its identity and future.