'Demo' Returns for Another Stint in Ward 3

Jim "Demo" Moutsoulas won another term as the city councilor for Ward 3 on Tuesday, only his last term was 16 years ago.

Moutsoulas, 68, first represented the East End of Peabody from 1986-1997 and since then has run for Mayor, State Representative and Councilor-at-Large before his successful campaign this year.

Moutsoulas secured 738 votes Tuesday, defeating Tom Serino, who had 644 votes in his second consecutive run for the seat. Moutsoulas also won a primary race in September, which saw former councilor Bill Toomey place third behind Serino.

Incumbent councilor Rico Mello announced earlier this year he wouldn't seek a sixth term in office. Shortly thereafter, Serino, Toomey and Moutsoulas all drew their papers.

"I feel great...we worked hard," Moutsoulas said, adding that his main goal for the campaign was to stay focused on getting his message out to voters, chiefly that he has the skills and experience to get the job done.

"I will put my experience to work," he said, adding that he's confident "he'll fit right in" back on the council, whether that's considering bond orders, zoning or any other matters that will come up.

He added that the main part of that job is listening to his constituents and representing their interests in regard to public safety, development, traffic, etc.

"I like to think I know as much about zoning as the lawyers do," Moutsoulas said.

The plan going forward is a simple one -- "I'll do what I always did, I'm going to make Peabody a better place to live," he said.