Ziqiang "Susan" Yuan

Email

yuanforquincy@gmail.com

Website and/or Social Media Links

yuanforquincy.com

Why do you believe you are the best candidate to represent Quincy residents at this time? 

I believe Quincy needs a fresh voice—someone who listens to everyday people and stands up for fairness, transparency, and responsible governance. I’ve shown the courage to speak out on important issues, including helping to lead the effort to oppose the mayor’s 79% pay raise. Over the past year, I’ve been listening to residents, attending city meetings, and advocating for policies that put residents first.

As an immigrant, a professional with a background in scientific research and experience across fields like publishing, education, public service, and direct primary care, I bring a unique perspective shaped by hard work, civic involvement, and a deep appreciation for democratic values. I’m not part of the political establishment. I’m running because I want to help build a city where working families, seniors, and young people can afford to stay and thrive.

I will push for term limits, fair pay policies, fiscal discipline, transparency and meaningful community engagement, and a safe, fair and community-driven city for all. I believe my independence, integrity, and commitment to public service make me the best candidate to represent all Quincy residents.

What three issues are you most concerned about, and if elected, how will you address them?

1. Transparency and Public Trust:

Many major decisions in Quincy happen with little public input. If elected, I will hold open office hours, publish regular newsletters, and push for meaningful public hearings where residents’ voices are truly heard and considered.

2. Fiscal Responsibility:

Quincy faces $1.6 billion in debt. Yet while residents are dealing with rising property taxes, big developers continue to receive generous tax breaks. I will push for stricter oversight of city finances, public access to contracts and budget details, an end to tax breaks for large developers, and spending that prioritizes community needs.

3. Fair Pay and Accountability in Government:

I opposed the mayor’s 79% pay raise because it was unfair and out of touch. I believe city employees—especially those on the front lines—deserve fair raises before top officials do. I will push for a fair and transparent pay policy, and advocate for term limits to prevent power from becoming entrenched.

If elected, what steps will you take to ensure responsiveness and clear communication between you and the Quincy community?

If elected, I’ll make it a priority to stay connected with residents. I will hold regular open office hours, respond to emails and messages in a timely manner, and send out newsletters to keep the public informed about key issues and decisions. I’ll also push for more meaningful public hearings and make sure community feedback is truly considered—not just checked off. Communication should go both ways. People deserve to be heard and kept in the loop, not left in the dark.

What do you plan to do about Quincy’s $1.6 billion debt? 

We need strong financial oversight to make sure every dollar is spent wisely. I will push to review major capital projects, limit unnecessary borrowing, and stop handing out tax breaks to big developers while families are struggling. I’ll advocate for public access to budget data and contracts so residents can see where their money is going. The debt won’t disappear overnight, but we can manage it responsibly—by prioritizing essential services, cutting waste, and making sure the people’s needs come first.

What do you think is the most important role of being a City Councillor? 

The most important role of a city councilor is to be a voice for the people—to listen, ask hard questions, and make sure city government is working for everyone, not just the well-connected. A good councilor represents the public interest, provides checks and balances on the mayor’s power, and makes decisions based on what’s best for the whole community. That means being transparent, responsive, and willing to stand up when something isn’t right.

What will you do to increase civic participation and voter turnout in Quincy? 

I believe civic participation starts with making people feel their voices matter. Many residents don’t vote in local elections because they feel disconnected or unheard. I will work to change that by showing up in the community year-round, not just during campaign season. I’ll visit neighborhood groups, and share information through multiple channels, including multilingual outreach. I’ll also advocate for more accessible public hearings and clearer communication from city government. When people see that their input leads to real change, they become more engaged—and more likely to vote.

Will you advocate for the City Council to allow the opportunity for public comment at every City Council meeting?

Yes