During Wednesday s annual State of the City address, Mayor Chuck Bennett touched on the series of disasters and challenges to hit Salem in the past year: a global pandemic, unprecedented protests, devastating wildfires, a growing homeless population and the recent ice storm that left thousands without power. It s been a year for the history books, Bennett said.
But despite the grim events of the past year, he highlighted the promise of the future: economic recovery, a robust water system, a growing population and a strong business community.
The mayor began his address, which aired at noon on YouTube, by overviewing the impact of the ice storm, still fresh on many residents minds. The Feb. 12 storm left tens of thousands of people without power and heat for days, downed hundreds of trees and closed businesses and roads.