John Drew - Methuen Councilor At Large

08/26/2026

This morning, I learned that State Representative Francisco Paulino was indicted on federal charges.

A few weeks ago, I publicly endorsed Representative Paulino based on my experience working with him and the information available to me at the time. I was not aware of these allegations when I made that endorsement.

The indictment concerns the alleged misuse of pandemic-relief funds before Representative Paulino became our state representative. These are allegations, and he is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence. At the same time, charges of this magnitude can affect public confidence in elected officials and should not be ignored.

I appreciate the work Representative Paulino has done on behalf of Methuen, and I do not make this decision lightly. However, given the seriousness of the charges, I cannot maintain my endorsement while the matter is pending.

For that reason, I am withdrawing my endorsement.

08/06/2026

Registration open now!

🏈 Registration is Now Open! Methuen Rangers Youth Flag Football Fall 2026 Season 🏈

Get ready for an exciting season of Friday night flag football under the lights at Veterans Park! Whether your child is just starting out or ready to compete in our older divisions, there's a spot for everyone.

📍 Location: Veterans Park, 123 Milk Street, Methuen

🗓️ Day: Friday Nights
🌧️ Rain Date: November 13, 2026

🏈Divisions & Schedules:

Lil' Ballers Division (Ages 3–5)
Dates: September 18 – October 16, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Cost: $129 Residents / $139 Non-residents

6U Division (Ages 5–6)
Dates: September 11 – October 23, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Cost: $155 Residents / $165 Non-residents

8U Division (Ages 7–8)
Dates: September 11 – November 6, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Cost: $179 Residents / $189 Non-residents

10U Division (Ages 9–10)
Dates: September 11 – November 6, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Cost: $179 Residents / $189 Non-residents

12U Division (Ages 11–12)
Dates: September 11 – November 6, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Cost: $179 Residents / $189 Non-residents

15U Division (Ages 13–15)
Dates: September 11 – November 6, 2026
Time: 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Cost: $179 Residents / $189 Non-residents

⚠️ Note: Add $20 for late registrations.

Secure your spot today and get ready for some fantastic Friday night football! Sign up now at www.methuenrec.com to join the Methuen Rangers family!

07/30/2026

One year ago today, we kicked off a campaign that has changed my life.

If I’m being honest, I don’t think I fully realized what I was getting myself into.

I knew I cared about Methuen. I knew I wanted to serve and help make a difference. But until you actually put your name on the ballot, campaign across the city, and then take office, I don’t think you can fully understand what comes with it.

The campaign was one of the most exciting, eye-opening, gratifying, difficult and memorable experiences I’ve ever had. Meeting people across Methuen, listening to their concerns, hearing their ideas, and earning their trust is something I’ll never forget.

The last six months serving as a City Councilor have been eye-opening in a completely different way.

The job is challenging. The issues are often more complicated than they appear from the outside, and nearly every decision affects real people, real families, and real neighborhoods. It has taught me a lot about city government, about leadership, and about myself.

There have been long nights, difficult decisions, and plenty of moments when I’ve had to stop, listen, and look at an issue from every possible side. But I’m glad I stepped forward, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve.

My family has been incredible through all of it. They have sacrificed more of their time with me than any of us probably expected, and their support has made this possible.

To everyone who supported me, encouraged me, and trusted me with their vote, thank you for taking a chance on me. I do not take this responsibility lightly.

I look forward to another year of listening, learning, working hard, and serving the people of Methuen with dignity and respect.

Thank you for this privilege.

07/26/2026

Running around doing some errands this morning. Made sure to stop by and grab some lemonade. I do love me some lemonade. I hope everybody can take a quick swing by and support this young entrepreneur. 

 TODAY 11-2
14 woodland st

07/26/2026

Yesterday was one of those days that reminded me why I love this community.

The day started with an early drive to Rutland to pick up Logan from Boy Scout camp. He had spent the week with Methuen Pack 60 learning new skills, making new friends, catching fish, and making memories we’ll both remember for a long time. We definitely missed him while he was away, and it was great to have him back home.

On the way home, we came across something we just couldn’t drive past.

Outside Greg’s Restorations was an old tow truck that looked just like Mater from Cars. Since that’s Logan’s favorite movie, we had to pull over and grab a picture. Sometimes it’s the unexpected little moments that end up being the highlight of the day.

Once we got back to Methuen, it was time to put on my City Councilor hat.

Our first stop was City Hall for the Puerto Rican Flag Raising celebration. It was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate Puerto Rican heritage. Puerto Rican families have contributed so much to Methuen and to our country through military service, small businesses, public service, and by helping build the strong community we all enjoy today. I always appreciate opportunities to celebrate the traditions and history that are important to so many of our neighbors.

From there, I headed to the Islamic Academy as they celebrated the purchase of their school building from the City of Methuen. This is a tremendous milestone for an organization that has been educating students and serving families here for more than 25 years. Congratulations to everyone involved, and thank you for continuing to invest in our city. I wish you many more years of success.

The last stop of the day was the Disability Festival, where I had the chance to meet so many incredible people, families, advocates, and organizations working every day to make life better for others. It was especially meaningful that the event took place during the weekend marking the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a landmark law that has helped expand opportunity, accessibility, and independence for millions of Americans. It was also great catching up with my friend Wanda Santos and seeing members of our Police and Fire Departments there supporting the event.

As I was driving home, one thought kept coming back to me.

Yesterday wasn’t really about the events themselves. It was about the people.

A young Scout learning confidence and independence.

Families celebrating their heritage.

An organization continuing to invest in the future of Methuen.

Advocates making sure every person has the opportunity to succeed.

Those are the moments that make our city special.

Being a City Councilor isn’t just about meetings and votes. It’s about getting out into the community, listening, learning, and showing up for the people who make Methuen the incredible place we’re all proud to call home.

Thank you to everyone who welcomed me yesterday. It truly is an honor to serve this community.

What a great day to be out in Methuen. 💙

07/22/2026

Methuen Recreation Department is looking for Life Guards.

07/19/2026

COME ON DOWN!!!

You’re the next resident on COUNCILORS AT LARGE!

Come down TODAY and say Hi, bring a question, concern, or an idea. We are here to listen and help.

8-10am at Heav’nly Donuts- Merrimack St in Methuen.

No pressure
No Speeches
Just your Representatives here for you!

Jana Zanni Pesce Ryan DiZoglio

07/15/2026

Reminder for Methuen residents! ♻️

This Saturday, July 18, the City will be holding its Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day from 8:00 AM to Noon at the Methuen Transfer Station (50 Huntington Avenue).

This is a great opportunity to safely dispose of household hazardous items such as oil-based paints, solvents, pesticides, automotive fluids, pool chemicals, and other accepted materials. Please note that construction and demolition debris, household trash, recycling, and yard waste will NOT be accepted. The City also notes that motor oil is limited to 12 quarts per carload, and there is a $20 fee for 20-pound propane tanks.

If you’ve been meaning to clean out your garage, basement, or shed, this is the perfect time to do it safely and responsibly.

For the full list of accepted and prohibited items, visit the City’s information page:
https://www.cityofmethuen.net/416/Household-Hazardous-Waste-Day---July-18