Press & Media
GOVE CREDITS PERSONAL APPROACH, ATTENTION TO DETAIL FOR WIN
AMESBURY — Mayor Kassandra Gove credited personalized campaigning and an attention to detail for her reelection victory Tuesday.
“Over the last two years, we have worked really hard to communicate with folks who live and work in Amesbury,” Gove said Wednesday. “I’d say that the residents and electorate are more engaged than ever. They better understand municipal government and how it works and are more passionate about what happens in their community and they showed that by coming out yesterday.”
Staying true to her core values of communication and transparency, as well as paying close attention to infrastructure, economic development and student-centered education, were also key ingredients to her electoral success, Gove said.
GOVE WINS REELECTION IN AMESBURY
AMESBURY — Mayor Kassandra Gove easily won reelection to a second term on Tuesday, tallying 3,611 votes to 2,304 for challenger James Kelcourse.
After the final totals were announced, Gove said, “This has been a very rewarding day but we proved that this is about people, not politics. It doesn’t matter how much money we spent or how many lawn signs we had. We were successful by doing this together.”
A LETTER FROM MAYOR KASSANDRA GOVE
Dear Amesbury residents, business owners, friends and colleagues,
I was recently quoted for saying, “I love what I do. I wouldn’t call it a job. It’s a lifestyle.” I truly mean that. Being your Mayor is an honor. This isn’t a stepping stone or about political ambition for me. As a fifth-generation Amesbury native, my focus and commitment has always been our community and everyone who lives, works, and plays here. I’m a graduate of our public schools. I have been involved in our community for years, from the Lions Club, the Amesbury High School Boosters and Amesbury’s 350th Anniversary Committee to my extensive work as Executive Director of the Amesbury Chamber of Commerce.
I’m asking for your vote to re-elect me for another 2-year term to continue the important work we’ve started for Amesbury. During my time as Mayor, I have deepened my connections to businesses, nonprofits and residents through new initiatives, improved our services and programs at the City level, and led us through the COVID-19 pandemic.
DAILY NEWS ENDORSEMENT: GOVE DESERVES ANOTHER TERM
Two years ago Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove burst onto the local scene, squarely defeating the incumbent, Ken Gray. She was only 34 at the time; the youngest mayor in the city’s history won that race on a dual promise to move the city forward and increase transparency in government.
Less than 75 days after taking office, the coronavirus pandemic upended our lives, closing schools, shutting down businesses, forcing people into isolation and sending the economy into a spiral. Mayor Gove responded with foresight, compassion, and direction.
Gove has made great strides for Amesbury in two years, during a public health crisis, yet as she says, her work has just begun.
Like Mayor Gove, we too are looking forward, and endorse her for another two years as mayor of Amesbury.
ENDORSEMENT: AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS AMESBURY LOCAL #1033
The rank-and-file membership of the Local #1033, AFT Amesbury, has voted overwhelmingly to support incumbent Mayor Kassandra Gove for a second term.
“Amesbury educators wholeheartedly support Kassandra Gove,” said Cynthia Yetman, president of AFT Amesbury. “We know that the past few years have been extremely challenging. Our rank-and-file has confidence in Mayor Gove to lead us forward. We are excited to get to work with her to help her win reelection.”
ENDORSEMENT: AMESBURY FIRE FIGHTERS IAFF LOCAL 1783
The Professional Firefighters of Amesbury IAFF Local 1783 would like to announce that we have decided to continue our support of Ms. Kassandra Gove by endorsing her for reelection as mayor of the City of Amesbury.
In her tenure as mayor, she has proven her ability to speak freely on her plans, goals, and objectives, and even has a clear vision for the future that not only applies to the fire department, but to all public services, businesses, and residents of the City.
ENDORSEMENT: 8 CITY COUNCILORS ENDORSE GOVE FOR RE-ELECTION
The last two years have been at many times stressful, turbulent, and uncertain. Amesbury has, in our opinion, been well-served under the leadership of its current Mayor, Kassandra Gove. She has deftly navigated the challenges that have arisen, while still making progress on both improving the quality of life for its residents and the growth of its business community.
Mayor Gove has taken a thoughtful, fact-based approach to her problem-solving, and has greatly increased the transparency of Amesbury’s municipal government. We do not always agree on every matter or approach, but when we do disagree, we do so amicably and move on to addressing the next challenge ahead.
Mayor Gove has brought renewed energy, focus, dedication, and drive to the executive office. Her deep roots, her love of our historic community and hope for its continued prosperity are surely a benefit for all of us.
For these reasons and more, we endorse Kassandra Gove for a second term as Mayor of Amesbury.
– Pamela Gilday, District 1
– Anthony S. Rinaldi, District 2
– Matt Einson, District 3
– Nicholas Wheeler, District 4
– Michael Hogg, District 6
– Adrienne Lennon, At Large
– Scott Mandeville, At Large
– Steve Stanganelli, At Large
LETTER: 'wANT A NEW MAYOR? NO THANKS'
Want a new mayor? No thanks, we just got one. I moved to Amesbury during the previous mayor’s administration. What a sparking change there has been under Mayor Kassandra Gove, in spite of the pandemic. It makes no sense to switch mayor after only two years, especially given the changes that Mayor Gove has brought to our wonderful city.
Thank you, Mayor Gove. I will be voting for you and as your standing ovation at the end of the mayoral debate attests, so will a lot of other people.
LETTER: 'STUNNED' bY KELCOURSE'S RESPONSE AT FORUM
The group Amesbury Stands Against Racism (ASAR) sent a questionnaire to Mayor Gove and state Rep. Kelcourse on Aug. 18.
Our 750-member group wanted to find out where each candidate for mayor stands on the issues important to us. We requested responses by Aug. 31 and informed the candidates that answers would be published.
ASAR received in-depth responses from Mayor Gove but did not receive anything from Rep. Kelcourse, even after contacting him three times and offering to extend the deadline.
LETTER: IN THIS 'JOB INTERVIEW' HE PICKS GOVE
On Nov. 2, Amesbury will have a choice between two candidates to be chief executive of a $69 million enterprise.
This should not be a personality contest, but a job interview focused on choosing the best person to lead and manage. I am endorsing the one who has proven that she can do the job. If you want someone who has demonstrated competence, compassion, collaboration and is nice, then vote Gove.
LETTER: GOVE 'IS THE PUBLIC SERVANT WE NEED'
Honestly, until I bought my first home, local elections were never a top concern. National and state elections were my focus, but when you start paying property taxes, you pay attention to who is dealing with that money.
Recently, the School Committee voted on mask mandates in the Amesbury Public Schools, covered by The Daily News, and I found myself disappointed in how our mayor voted, so I called her out on it. She responded respectfully and even though I didn’t agree with her ultimate decision, I appreciated her thought process and her willingness to step back into the line of fire over such a hot-button issue.
Around the same time, a good friend had posted some screenshots from friends who had been blocked by James Kelcourse on social media for taking issue with his stances and comments on particular topics. This gave me pause.
LETTER: SHE 'HAS DEMONSTRATED LEADERSHIP CAPABILITY'
During the two years Kassandra Gove has been mayor, Amesbury has experienced the trauma of a global pandemic with all of the economic challenges presented by it, and the upheavals of the summer following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis.
Mayor Gove’s response to each crisis has been action-oriented and responsive to the needs of Amesbury’s citizens.
LETTER: GOVE HAS 'WORK ETHIC AND LONG-TERM VISION'
Mayor Kassandra Gove inherited immediate challenges when taking office: a town struggling financially, an outdated technological and ailing physical infrastructure, and the arrival of COVID-19.
She was undeterred from her commitment to our city’s progress, while prioritizing the safety of our residents, including her determined communication with Gov. Charlie Baker to bring vaccination availability to our town.
LETTER: DISAPPOINTED IN KELCOURSE'S ANSWERS
During the Amesbury mayoral debate, Rep. James Kelcourse made a pitch for why Amesbury needs a master plan for the city. Aside from being a false claim — Mayor Kassandra Gove has launched a planning process called AMesbury 2030 — my biggest concern around Rep. Kelcourse’s vision is who it would likely leave out: neighbors, community leaders and entrepreneurs of color.
LETTER: 'INCREDIBLY IMPRESSED' wITH GOVE'S LEADERSHIP
I have been incredibly impressed with Mayor Kassandra Gove’s leadership since she took office, and will be voting for her again in November.
LETTER: LUCKY TO HAVE 'DEVOTED AND LOYAL MAYOR'
Every local election season is intense. The stakes are high, emotions are volatile, it is easy to become fatigued by and with the process. While most of you don’t know me, I have served my city in various ways since my family moved to Amesbury in 2013. I have worked with many boards and officials, community members, friends and neighbors.
Mayor Gove shows us all every day that she loves Amesbury, that this is not merely a stop on her way to something else. She is Amesbury through and through. We are lucky to have such a devoted and loyal mayor, and I look forward to casting my vote.
MV CHAMBER HOLDS ANNUAL MAYORS AND MANAGERS BREAKFAST FORUM
Despite a pandemic that just won’t let go, area mayors and town managers say they are going full speed ahead with plans for new housing, commercial and recreational developments.
Amesbury is rebounding from the pandemic, said Gove.
She talked about her city’s biggest successes over the last two years, noting the downtown village center is thriving.
“The last two available spaces are under agreement and we are full,” she said, adding that new downtown businesses include a record shop, a natural wine store, and an art supply store and gallery.
LETTER: GOVE HAS 'EARNED' ANOTHER TERM
I’ve never seen a public figure take such a comprehensive approach to governing.
Blindsided by a mayor’s worse nightmare — a public health crisis, Mayor Kassandra Gove didn’t miss a beat but immediately developed all-inclusive plans. Daily live broadcasts on Facebook, a COVID web page, and assistance for Amesbury businesses with the launch of the Amesbury Business Economic Adjustment Team.
Kassandra Gove demonstrated her leadership skills when she led the effort to procure the COVID vaccine for our region and set up Amesbury’s vaccine clinic.
LETTER: GOVE HAS 'BEEN THERE FOR US'
I’m endorsing Mayor Kassandra Gove for reelection.
I love her support of the arts in Amesbury as evidenced by the beautiful painted electrical boxes and crosswalks, but that’s just the icing on the cake. Her strong leadership during the pandemic has been exactly what we needed and still need. She took office just weeks before the pandemic hit and she rose to the occasion.
Amesbury Fire Fighters Local 1783 Endorses Gove for Re-Election
The Professional Firefighters of Amesbury IAFF Local 1783 would like to announce that we have decided to continue our support of Ms. Kassandra Gove by endorsing her for reelection as mayor of the City of Amesbury. We look forward to continuing in the path already being forged for the next two years of advancement through the leadership given by Mayor Gove.
LETTER: SUPPORTING GOVE FOR KEY REASON
In this day and age being mayor has to be a very difficult job. One where without fail, no matter what one does, many many people will not agree. Goes with the job.
CANDIDATES DENOUNCE AMESBURY CAMPAIGN SIGN VANDALISM
AMESBURY — The two candidates for mayor are both condemning the recent vandalism of political signs. Mayor Kassandra Gove is running for reelection to another two-year term, facing a challenge from Jim Kelcourse, the current state representative.
Acting Police Chief Craig Bailey said seven signs supporting Gove’s campaign were recently vandalized in front of a home on Haverhill Road, as was another Gove sign on Kimball Road.
LETTER: GOVE BRINGS 'GREAT LEADERSHIP'
Great success starts with great leadership and the foundation of any great city is based on trust. If that’s important to you, and you stop reading here, go vote for Mayor Kassandra Gove on Nov. 2.
AMESBURY MAYOR COMMENTS ON COVID-19 CONCERNS (LOCAL PULSE)
NEWBURYPORT — Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove discussed COVID-19 vaccination rates and other city issues during an appearance Saturday on Local Pulse.
AMESBURY MAYOR'S OPEN LETTER TO BOSTON COMMUTERS
Dear Boston Commuter,
As you read this, maybe you’re sitting in the backseat of your carpool stuck in traffic on I-93 or on the train pulling your bag onto your lap as more of your fellow commuters squish into the train car headed towards the city. Hello again, gridlock and delays; we did not miss you.
Over the course of 2020, you likely got a taste of what working from home could look like. You might have spruced up your home office into a space where you could be productive. Maybe you got to be present for more family milestones. Your workday wasn’t extended by the (unpaid) time to commute home.
LETTER: CONTINUALLY IMPRESSED WITH GOVE'S LEADERSHIP
AMESBURY — When Kassandra Gove was running for mayor back in 2019, I’ll admit that at first I wasn’t sure about her, but then I got to know her.
I learned that she listens to people and wants to hear from everyone about how we can be better as a community. She isn’t afraid to speak up, to express a different point of view, or to make a difficult decision.
MEET AMESBURY'S HISTORY-mAKING MAYOR
AMESBURY — Amesbury, Massachusetts, Mayor Kassandra Gove told NBC10 Boston about being the youngest person to hold the post, as well as the first woman to do so.
AMESBURY LOOKING FOR A NEW BRAND
AMESBURY — The mayor of the community often known for its long-gone carriage industry is looking to focus the city’s identity with a new brand.
Mayor Kassandra Gove launched her I AMesbury 2030 initiative with a series of listening sessions about the city‘s identity earlier this year. The I AMesbury 2030 initiative is designed to look at all aspects of the city to ensure it is moving forward with one vision.
GOVE PULLS PAPERS FOR ANOTHER TERM
AMESBURY — Citing improvements she has brought to communication and transparency in city government, Mayor Kassandra Gove said on Friday she is ready for a second term.
Gove confirmed she has already taken out nomination papers to run for reelection for her second term. Although no potential mayoral challenger has appeared, the city native said she is looking forward to a good campaign season.
“I love what I do,” Gove said. “I wouldn’t call it a job, it’s a lifestyle.”
CASHMAN ELEMENTARY JOURNALIST BRENNA CURRIE, "MY INTERVIEW WITH MAYOR GOVE"
On March 15, I went to City Hall and interviewed Mayor Gove. The first question I asked was: Did you always want to become Mayor?
EMERGE MA INTERVIEWS THE YOUNGEST MA MAYOR, KASSANDRA GOVE OF AMESBURY
Kassandra had the opportunity to chat with Linda Champion and Jacquetta Van Zandt at Emerge Massachusetts about what it’s like to be Mayor. She loved the conversation and talking about how knowing her “why” has helped her get to where she is.
AMESBURY MAYOR HOPES TO HAVE MAIN STREET MAILBOX RETURNED
AMESBURY — The mayor is asking her congressman for help in getting a drive-up mailbox returned to its Main Street location.
The mailbox was removed by the U.S. Postal Service when it kicked off a national campaign in October 2019 to beef up security and limit the weight limit for packages and letters that could fit through mailbox slots. The move limited weight to 10 ounces and thickness of any mail to one-half inch.
AMESBURY LOOKING FOR ARTISTIC CROSSWALK DESIGNS
AMESBURY — The city is putting out a call for artists to make a semi-permanent mark on the downtown this spring.
The city received a $38,316.50 Shared Streets & Spaces grant from the State Department of Transportation earlier this year.
AMESBURY MAYOR DETAILS FUTURE VACCINE ROLLOUT
AMESBURY — The pace of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout has begun to pick up in the city with a lot more yet to come.
Mayor Kassandra Gove gave an update Thursday on the progress of the Lower Merrimack Valley Regional Collaborative, which vaccinated 2,400 people at Amesbury High School the previous weekend, and a glimpse into the near future.
MAYOR: OUTDOOR DINING IN AMESBURY STARTS APRIL 1
AMESBURY — Spring is on the way and the city is ready to welcome back outdoor dining next month. Mayor Kassandra Gove appeared on Facebook Live on Thursday and said outdoor dining will return to the city April 1.
“Mark your calendar, you can eat outside again,” Gove said.
MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS IN AMESBURY
The city of Amesbury designated March 21-30 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period. Noting the occasion on Wednesday, from left, Dennis Palazzo and Paul Cote, both of the Mass. Motorcycle Association; Mayor Kassandra Gove; Amesbury police Officer Nate Basque; Amesbury Beat writer Tom Hanshaw; and Sue Hart of the Mass. Motorcycle Association.
HOLADAY, GOVE PUSH FOR MORE VACCINE DISTRIBUTION
NEWBURYPORT — During her weekly COVID-19 update Thursday, Mayor Donna Holaday acknowledged “difficulty and confusion” with the state’s vaccination appointment process, and detailed how the supply is affecting vaccine distribution.
Also on Thursday, Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove sent a letter to Gov. Charlie Baker calling for more equitable distribution of vaccine doses to this area.
CITIES, TOWNS UPSET STATE PULLED VACCINE RUG OUT FROM UNDER THEM
AMESBURY, Mass. — The state said it would stop giving vaccine doses to local municipalities starting the week of March 1st. Instead, the state will be placing a greater emphasis on mass vaccination sites and regionalized clinics. However, many communities say they have been denied the last couple of weeks doses they thought they were going to get.
“That first group of First Responders and healthcare workers got their first dose,” said Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove. “We were moving into their second dose and preparing to move into the 75-plus age group. We applied every week. We had been applying every week for the 100 doses we were told that we could get and continually being denied.”
AMESBURY AWARDED $84,131 IN GREEN COMMUNITIES GRANT
AMESBURY — Three city schools could soon have improved ventilation if the City Council gives approval to spending an $84,131 state grant.
In August, the state awarded $13 million in Green Communities competitive grants to help 103 municipalities fund clean energy projects.
AMESBURY RECEIVES $625k CDC GRANT FOR YOUTH SUPPORT
AMESBURY — The city has been awarded $625,000 to reduce youth substance abuse over the next five years.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded the Drug Free Communities grant, which will be administered in conjunction with the Partnership for Amesbury Community and Teens as well as the Essex County Asset Builder Network.
STATE AWARDS GRANT FOR AMESBURY'S UPPER MILLYARD
AMESBURY — The Upper Millyard and the Al Capp Amphitheater are in for a major facelift after the city received more than $38,000 from the state Department of Transportation to reinvigorate the downtown space.
Community and Economic Development Director Angela Cleveland applied for a Shared Streets & Spaces grant from MassDOT, which netted the city $38,316, according to a press release from Mayor Kassandra Gove’s office.
AMESBURY LISTENING SESSIONS START IN JANUARY
AMESBURY — The mayor is looking toward 2030 and wants to hear from her constituents, beginning with the first three Amesbury Listens sessions in January.
Mayor Kassandra Gove announced the Amesbury 2030 initiative during her State of the City address in October. That initiative aims to look at every aspect of the city to ensure it is moving forward with one vision.
STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
AMESBURY — Community engagement and silver linings were recurring themes in the mayor’s first state of the city address Wednesday night.
Mayor Kassandra Gove gave the address entitled “Looking to the Future” to a socially distanced crowd of just over a dozen people, including members of the City Council, Newburyport Mayor Donna Holaday and state Rep. Jim Kelcourse, R-Amesbury, at City Hall.
Mayor: Amesbury schools have made 'best' decisions
AMESBURY — In a letter sent Thursday, Mayor Kassandra Gove let the state education commissioner know the city’s schools are well-prepared to welcome students back to the classroom when the proper time comes.
Amesbury mayor taking pay cut
AMESBURY — The mayor said Tuesday she is taking a 15% pay cut and city departments will be also looking at reductions to reconcile the proposed $64.6 million fiscal year budget.
Newburyport and Amesbury Awarded $800,000 to Help Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic
NEWBURYPORT/AMESBURY — Newburyport Mayor Donna Holaday and Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove are pleased to announce the two cities have jointly been awarded $800,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to help businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Artists selected for Amesbury mural project
AMESBURY — Local artists were recently selected to paint murals on nine of the city’s electrical boxes, as well as the secure dropbox in front of City Hall, between now and the end of August.
Alumna takes helm as mayor of hometown during pandemic
Kassandra Gove, ’09 higher education administration, knows her educational background doesn’t immediately say “elect me as your mayor.”
Amesbury Mayor Gove preps city to reopen
AMESBURY — Local businesses will need to police their own pandemic response and be willing to adapt quickly when they reopen, according to the mayor.
Amesbury mayor provides update on city's progress
NEWBURYPORT — Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove appeared on Local Pulse over the weekend, saying she feels “at home” following her first two months in office and emphasizing her focus on transparency.
Amesbury welcomes new and familiar faces
AMESBURY — One new and one familiar face began greeting visitors to the office of the new mayor late last week.
Gove takes oath as Amesbury's fifth mayor
AMESBURY — Promising an open door policy and a stronger community, Kassandra Gove raised her right hand and took the oath of office to become the city’s fifth mayor before a crowd of hundreds packed into the City Hall auditorium Thursday night.
Amesbury's mayor-elect gets ready to take office in January
AMESBURY — Mayor-elect Kassandra Gove tapped into a young and growing electorate to become the city’s fifth mayor last week. She says she believes it is that energy and enthusiasm that is going to allow her to hit the ground running when she takes office in January.
Gove elected Amesbury's mayor
AMESBURY — The city will see a new mayor next year after Kassandra Gove defeated incumbent Mayor Ken Gray in the municipal election Tuesday by a 2,306 to 2,149 vote.
Two running for mayor of Amesbury
AMESBURY – Two candidates are running for mayor in the election Tuesday, and both responded to three questions from The Daily News.
LETTER: Gove driven by 'commitment, integrity' in mayor's race
The value of “community” guided our decision to move to Amesbury several years ago.
Part of my profession has been developing strong leadership for different kinds of organizations. It has become clear that Kassandra Gove combines the balance of a collaborative, thoughtful and inclusive approach to leading with intelligence, concrete skills, and a clear realistic plan for creating a fiscally and operationally healthy community.
LETTER: Praise for Gove's skills, 'fresh energy'
I have never written a letter to the editor to endorse a candidate, but I write in support for Kassandra Gove for mayor of Amesbury.
I had the pleasure to work under Kassandra’s direction at the Amesbury Chamber for nearly three years. During this time, I observed her unbelievable work ethic, her dedication, her passion for Amesbury and our businesses. She has the skills needed to succeed as our mayor, and will bring a fresh energy and perspective to City Hall.
Teachers endorse Gove, School Board candidates
AMESBURY — The union that represents Amesbury school teachers announced last week it endorsed Kassandra Gove for mayor in the municipal election Nov. 5.
The American Federation of Teachers Amesbury also endorsed candidates for Amesbury School Committee — Katie Currie, Jana DeBeer, Mel Webster and Maryann Welch, according to a press release.
LETTER: Her vote will be for Gove
When I moved to Amesbury in 2016, I didn’t know anyone in town and was looking for a job.
I reached out to the executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, wondering if she’d be willing to have coffee with me and give me some insight to Amesbury. She did, and that was the first time I met Kassandra Gove.
LETTER: Time for a new mayor in Amesbury
We are political people, not for the sake of being political, but because we believe deeply in community participation.
So much so that the concept of “community” was literally built into our wedding ceremony. We asked two close friends to speak about it who, like us, are committed to social justice and community engagement.
Amesbury Candidates Forum of October 17, 2019
Gray, Gove face off at Amesbury candidate forum
AMESBURY — Taxes, overdevelopment and transparency were among the topics touched on by the two mayoral candidates at a public forum Thursday night.
Amesbury Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kassandra Gove is on leave from her position while running for mayor against incumbent Ken Gray, who is seeking a fourth, two-year term.
Amesbury mayoral candidates forum
AMESBURY — Chamber of Commerce executive director Kassandra Gove is currently on leave from her position while running for mayor against incumbent Ken Gray who is seeking a fourth, two-year term.
The two candidates met on stage at Amesbury High School Thursday night in a forum co-hosted by The Daily News and Amesbury Community Television.
Amesbury fire union, mayor spar over endorsement response
AMESBURY – The city firefighters’ union pushed back on Friday against Mayor Ken Gray’s claim earlier this week that the organization endorsed Kassandra Gove’s bid for mayor to gain leverage as Gray and the union try to hammer out a new contract.
On Monday, Gray issued a statement saying the union was “playing politics as a negotiating tactic in an apparent attempt to strong-arm their way into a better deal.”
Mayoral candidates agree on Amesbury school project
AMESBURY — The two candidates running for mayor found an issue to agree on this week, with both saying “yes” to building a new elementary school.
The city is working with the state to build the school next to Cashman Elementary School on Lions Mouth Road. A special election will be held Tuesday to see if voters approve a $60.5 million debt exclusion to fund the project.
Amesbury firefighters endorse Gove for mayor
AMESBURY — The city’s 29-member firefighters union endorsed Kassandra Gove for mayor Monday, choosing the Amesbury Chamber of Commerce director over incumbent Ken Gray.
David Carpentier, president of Amesbury Firefighters Local 1783, said Gove would better challenge the city’s political status quo. He said the union came to its decision in early September after holding a meeting she attended that included a conversation.
Amesbury Candidates Forum of September 25, 2019
Around Amesbury "Mayoral Candidates"
Gove, Gray win in Amesbury mayoral race
AMESBURY — Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kassandra Gove is a step closer to becoming the city’s next chief executive after topping Mayor Ken Gray in the preliminary election Tuesday.
Four candidates for mayor were on the ballot and Gove was the top vote-getter, receiving 802 votes.
Preliminary election in Amesbury today
AMESBURY — A preliminary election for mayor will take place today at Amesbury High School, 5 Highland St.
Four candidates are running for a two-year term as mayor: Kassandra Gove, Ted Semesnyei, James Thivierge and incumbent Ken Gray will be on the ballot.
LETTER: She's excited to vote in Amesbury
To the editor:
Today, I met a candidate for mayor of Amesbury who actually got me excited to vote on Nov. 5.
Kassandra Gove has been the director of Amesbury’s Chamber of Commerce for the past five years and is a lifelong Amesbury resident who cares deeply about our community.
LETTER: He sees potential in Gove
To the editor:
Recently, I met a candidate for mayor of Amesbury who actually got me excited to vote on Nov. 5. I am even more excited now given her first-place finish in the preliminary election!
Kassandra Gove has been the director of Amesbury’s Chamber of Commerce for the past five years and is a lifelong Amesbury resident who cares deeply about our community.
Amesbury mayoral candidates field questions
AMESBURY — Four candidates for mayor will be on the ballot in the preliminary election Tuesday.
Mayor Ken Gray is running for his fourth, two-year term in office and will face Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kassandra Gove, former Planning Board member Ted Semesnyei and former Selectman James Thivierge.
State: Gray outraises three opponents in Amesbury
AMESBURY — Mayor Ken Gray has raised four times the campaign funds of his closest opponent in a bid for a fourth term, according to state records.
Gray raised $12,619.99 as of Aug. 31, according to the latest filing with the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance.
Gray face three challengers in Amesbury Mayoral race
AMESBURY — City voters will pick from among four candidates for mayor on the preliminary election ballot Sept. 17.
Tuesday marked the official deadline for candidates for public office to return their signed nomination papers to the Amesbury city clerk’s office.
Gove to take leave of absence from Amesbury Chamber
AMESBURY — The Amesbury Chamber of Commerce’s executive director said she will take a leave of absence Aug. 13 while she runs for mayor, a decision reached Thursday morning during a Chamber board meeting.
Kassandra Gove has been executive director since 2015 and took out nomination papers to run for mayor July 12 to unseat incumbent Ken Gray.
Chamber director running for Amesbury mayor
AMESBURY — The executive director of the Chamber of Commerce took out nomination papers to run for mayor, looking ahead to the municipal election Nov. 5.
Kassandra Gove of 9 Gardner St. pulled papers to run for mayor Friday. Mayor Ken Gray of 9 Riverview Heights took out papers and returned them with 50 required signatures of registered Amesbury voters to run for his fourth two-year term.
Bringing music downtown
AMESBURY — A new Market Square community piano will soon be making an appearance on a downtown sidewalk and should be looking very good, thanks to a paint job from some Amesbury High School students.
The Chamber of Commerce installed its first community piano – courtesy of local resident Jeanne Hallisey – in June 2017. But, according to chamber executive director Kassandra Gove, pianos don’t hold up well when left outside for too long and the instrument needed to be retired after last summer.
Perfect night for a block party in Amesbury
AMESBURY — Main Street Congregational Church’s lawn was once again filled with food, fun and a dunk tank Thursday night as the Amesbury Chamber of Commerce’s annual block party got underway.
“I love the block party,” Chamber Executive Director Kassandra Gove said. “It is such an old tradition and so many people come out and have fun. You get to see some people you might not see very often and get to kick off the summer.”
Amesbury Chamber of Commerce & Industrial Foundation provides fun summer activities in the Millyard
AMESBURY — Wow! Head over to the Millyard in Amesbury for the Pow Wow! Summer Series. Every weekend this summer, the Al Capp Amphitheater will offer movies, music, and fitness next to the Powow River and all the activities are free.
Liquor license request by Atlantic Sports Center clarified
AMESBURY — Although the Atlantic Sports Center is seeking four liquor licenses, the project manager said in a letter to the City Council Monday the company plans to open only one restaurant.
In a letter to the council, Global Property Developers project manager Michael Gorman said his company “is not seeking the licenses for four restaurants,” although it asked the council last Tuesday to approve an order petitioning the Legislature for four all-alcohol licenses for the winter sports complex.
Amesbury restaurant owner voices concern about sports center
AMESBURY — A quartet of liquor licenses set aside for the new Atlantic Sports Center will have to wait after the City Council heard boisterous opposition from a downtown restaurateur Tuesday night.
The City Council was due to vote on whether to approve an order to petition the Legislature for four all-alcohol licenses to be reserved for the $48 million winter sports complex to be built on South Hunt Road.
Pop-up stores show up in Amesbury over holidays, one staying
During the holiday season, pop-up stores popped up in Amesbury. Also called temporary retail, flash retailing, or pop-up shops, pop-up stores are temporary retail spaces that sell merchandise of any kind.
“It’s a different business model,” said Kassandra Gove, executive director of the Amesbury Chamber of Commerce and Industrial Foundation, “not often found in small towns. I would consider a pop-up store to be a brick and mortar on Main Street with less than a 12-month lease.”
Amesbury sees surge in young business owners, new companies downtown
AMESBURY — Kassandra Gove grew up in the city then headed down to Florida and South Carolina to go to college and graduate school. But rather than staying in a warm climate, Gove decided to head where many people in their early to mid-20s do not: home.
Pow Wow Summer Series hits its stride
AMESBURY — The Pow Wow Summer Series, presented by the Amesbury Chamber of Commerce, aired films, hosted exercise sessions and put the spotlight on musical acts in the Upper Millyard over the past four weekends and has five more weeks to go.
Chamber Executive Director Kassandra Gove said last year’s addition of games and a painted street piano in the Market Street bullnose proved popular enough with city residents that she was able to move ahead with an entire summer series this year.
Amesbury makes final 5 for web TV show
AMESBURY — Kassandra Gove had an early start to her Tuesday morning but said any sleep she may have lost was worth it to see her hometown become one of five finalists for the third season of “Small Business Revolution – Main Street.”
Gove, the executive director of the Amesbury Chamber of Commerce, has spent the past five months spearheading the #myamesbury social media campaign to get the city named the host community for the streaming web series.
Amesbury in Top 5 For Season 3 of Small Business Revolution
After thousands of nominations from small towns all over the country, Deluxe Corporation today announced that Amesbury has made it into the top 5 towns that are in the running for season 3 of the highly acclaimed Small Business Revolution—Main Street series. The top 5 towns are competing in a nationwide vote now through February 20. People can vote on smallbusinessrevolution.org every day through 9 p.m. on February 20, with as many email addresses as they have. Whichever town gets the most votes will win and be featured on season 3.
Amesbury a finalist to star in reality show for downtown revitalization
AMESBURY, Mass. – Amesbury is vying to win the chance to revitalize its downtown as part of a reality T.V. show.
Small Business Revolution, a show put on by the Deluxe corporation, chooses one town each season to revitalize and help ignite the small business that makes a town special, along with a $500,000 infusion.
Amesbury a finalist to star in reality show for downtown revitalization
AMESBURY, Mass. – Amesbury is vying to win the chance to revitalize its downtown as part of a reality T.V. show.
Small Business Revolution, a show put on by the Deluxe corporation, chooses one town each season to revitalize and help ignite the small business that makes a town special, along with a $500,000 infusion.
Marking a Milestone: How Amesbury celebrated 350 years in 2018
It was a very good year. Amesbury celebrated its 350th Anniversary with everything from an old-fashioned picnic in the park to a pub crawl. There were parties, trolley tours, historic talks, a Red Carpet Gala, and even a visit from The Lord Mayor of Amesbury England Richard Allen and his wife and town councilor Paddy Allen.
“I thought every event was unique, a lot of fun, creative,” said Sandra Morrissey, who chaired the 350th Anniversary Celebration with Joseph Poirier. “People were really thinking outside the box.”
Visitors bureau inducts officers, presents tourism awards
SALISBURY – The North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau held its annual meeting and awards ceremony recently at the Beauport Hotel, in Gloucester.
During the meeting, visitors bureau leaders presented the 2018 North of Boston Tourism Awards, recognized 2018 Tourism Mini-Grant recipients, inducted new board members and thanked outgoing board members for their service. The Salem Witch Museum and Topsfield Fair were event sponsors and the Briar Barn Inn in Rowley was the presenting sponsor.
Institution for Savings to open Amesbury branch
AMESBURY — The Institution for Savings plans to open a full-service retail office at the site of the former TD Bank branch on Main Street.
Institution for Savings President and CEO Michael J. Jones said the bank recently signed a purchase-and-sale agreement for the building at 150 Main St. after TD Bank’s lease ran out Dec. 31.
Cerasuolo to step down as Chamber director
AMESBURY — Saying that the moment is “bittersweet,” Amesbury Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Melissa Cerasuolo announced her resignation yesterday, effective at the end of the month.
“I have a bunch of mixed emotions,” Cerasuolo said. “I have loved every bit of the Chamber experience over the last three years and Amesbury has been so great to me. Everybody has really been very supportive of me and of the Chamber and its mission. But I am excited to move on to the next chapter in my life.”
