PEABODY — Change was inevitable in Ward 6 when incumbent Mark O’Neill decided not to run for re-election. After a close race between two first-time candidates, Mike Higgins emerged victorious over Ryan Cox. O’Neill reflected on his six years on the City Council and expressed his confidence in the newest steward of his ward.

O’Neill’s three-term stint as Ward 6 councilor began in 2017. He highlighted some of the efforts he supported during his tenure, which included the rehabilitation of water-treatment plants, the purchase of land to prevent certain developments, and facilitating the provision of necessary equipment to first responders.

“Helping residents with issues is an important part of the job and I worked hard to respond when we could solve it,” O’Neill said. “I have met so many wonderful people over the last six years, which has been a nice bonus.”

He explained that his decision to not seek a fourth consecutive term stemmed from him taking on new responsibilities at his job as a manager for Lexington Insurance Company, which he said would have made it difficult to devote an adequate amount of time as a city councilor.

O’Neill endorsed Higgins during his campaign. He said he and Higgins have known each other for a long time and O’Neill was happy when he won his race.

“I endorsed him as I felt that he was the most qualified candidate given his education and his 30-plus-year business background,” O’Neill said.

While voter turnout was higher in Ward 6 than any other race in the city, O’Neill expressed disappointment in the overall level of political engagement citywide.

“I am always surprised by the generally low levels of voter turnout, “O’Neill said. “It was not that long ago in our nation’s history when some were openly excluded or roadblocks were set up to discourage or prevent others from voting. It is our civic duty to vote.”

O’Neill described what he feels is one of Peabody’s most important needs going forward, which is one that Higgins also emphasized during his campaign.

“We have to keep up with maintaining our city’s infrastructure including our streets, school buildings, and other properties,” O’Neill said. “We need a new high school and believe we are close to receiving state approval to move forward with a project.”