The FFRF Action Fund is pleased to endorse Zach Calderón in his bid for Salem City Council, Ward 5, an open seat. Calderón was successful in the September 16 nonpartisan primary and now faces another Democrat in the November general election.
Ward 5 is a coastal area and is the ward with the second most coastline in Salem City. It faces flooding and sewage issues. It also has a small population of approximately 44,000 and a low voter turnout in special elections like Calderón’s. In response, Calderón is focusing on voter turnout in his campaign efforts.
Calderón identifies as an atheist and asserts that the separation of state and church is one of the core values that drives his policies and support for political candidates. If elected, he intends to be sworn in on a copy of the U.S. Constitution and wants his time in public service to emphasize civic values rather than religious ones. He pledges to be a “Nay” vote on any city contracts with companies or programs that require religious participation or discriminate on the basis of religion. Calderón also stated he will collaborate with his counterparts on Salem’s School Committee to keep public tax dollars secular and ensure school holidays do not privilege one religion.
Calderón is a candidate with governmental experience; he has ample experience in advocating and campaigning for progressive candidates and has long worked to stop candidates intent on bringing their religion with them into office at the ballot box. He currently works as the governmental affairs director for a local environmental nonprofit.
The FFRF Action Fund staff joins the Victory Fund, Salem School Committee Member AJ Hoffman, former Salem School Committee Member Brendan Walsh and Dan Koh, Chief of Staff to Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, in endorsing Calderón.
Please learn more about Calderón by visiting his campaign website here.