Daily News Coverage of Campaign Launch

Excerpt from “Ward 6's Lane not seeking reelection, McCauley running for mayor”:

There could also be a change in Ward 4, where current councilor Ben Harman has pulled papers to run for an at-large seat. Joining Harman to his trip to City Hall to obtain nomination papers was Low Street resident Beth Trach who took out nomination papers to succeed him.

"I heard it from him that he was going run (for at-large) so I said, 'OK, I think I will run," Trach said, adding she would never have run against him in Ward 4. 

Harman said he decided to pull papers because he would like to expand his focus to the city as a whole.

"My motivation is really the same, I want to be a force on the council to get things done for our residents," he said. "I ran two years ago on the simple promise that the best way to make progress on the issues most important is if we're in it together. I strive to be that kind of leader and if I earn a seat at large, I will bring that same approach to the whole community."

Harman added he has worked with Trach in her role as a member of the YWCA Greater Newburyport's Housing Choice Coalition. The pair also worked together to get the rec. center debt exclusion passed.

"I know her to be smart, responsive and independent in her approach to issues affecting Newburyport," he said. "Although it's too early in the process to make an endorsement at the moment, I can tell you I would be very proud to pass the baton to Beth, if she prevails in the election this fall."

Trach said she fully intends to run and is gathering her 50 signatures.

"I'm running because I love Newburyport and I want it to work for everyone. That means making sure that we are focused on making Newburyport affordable, sustainable, inclusive and collaborative."

Trach added she has watched a lot of City Council meetings over the past several years.

"I think it's time for some fresh voices, some fresh ideas and a new dynamic," she said.  

All 11 city councilors are up for reelection this fall, along with Mayor Sean Reardon.

Newburyport Daily News, June 6, 2025