Why I’m Running
“I’m running to provide responsive communication and active governance to the residents of Ward 4. It sounds so basic, but it’s something we have not been provided in recent years.
To me, responsive communication is responding within a reasonable amount of time, politely, ready to listen, and willing to take follow-up actions as needed and with direct answers when possible. I can’t promise that I’ll be able to solve every problem, but I will always make myself available to hear you out and be ready to seek solutions to the best of my ability. Not only that, but I promise to regularly hold neighborhood meetings so that I may hear your concerns, relay any major developments on the City Council, discuss any matters that you deem worthy, and do so openly and earnestly.
Active governance is exactly that, actively seeking solutions and putting forward initiatives instead of waiting for something to be plopped in front of me for action. Leominster has so much potential and has so much going for it: a rich history, a great location, the second largest population in Worcester County, a cross-section of hardworking residents, and so much more. We’re no longer the leader we once were, however. A resistance to change from within city government has left us behind many communities when it comes to improving the quality of life for residents, including reducing costs. I’m not saying we need to upend everything we’ve been doing, but we need to discuss the possibilities and chart a course forward that’s best for all residents. Forward thinking with action.”
- Peter Haigis
Peter was born in Worcester, MA, and grew up in Millbury, MA. His parents separated when he was a young child, and he was raised by his mother along with his sister. Throughout his life, Peter’s parents served as role models for public service, with both being veterans with over 20 years of service each, his mother being a retired public school teacher, and his father being a combat veteran with 100% disability and a former civilian employee for the US Army. Coincidentally, his mother’s National Guard Company was based out of Leominster and later Devens, and his father worked at Fort Devens for several years.
After graduating from Millbury Jr/Sr High in 2007, Peter went on to earn an associate degree in Business Administration from Quinsigamond Community College (Worcester, MA), a bachelor’s degree in Game Development, and a master’s degree in Game Design from Full Sail University (Winter Park, Florida).
About Peter
While studying for his graduate degree, Peter worked as a game programmer and producer, developing educational games at CelleC Games (Orlando, FL). After college, Peter worked at Atlatl Software (Charleston, SC) as a software developer for engineering and manufacturing applications. Peter returned to Massachusetts in 2015 and co-founded an online entertainment company that promoted local bands, Pariah Media. Shortly after Pariah Media closed its doors in 2016, Peter was thrust onto an unplanned career path when his then-girlfriend, Natalie Higgins, decided to run for State Representative. Using the experience gained managing Higgins’ campaign, Peter went on to consult and work on campaigns for state and local candidates and initiatives for nearly a decade (2016-Present).
Peter was elected and served as the Leominster Ward 4 School Committee Member from 2020 to 2021. While on the Leominster School Committee, Peter served as a member of the Finance Subcommittee and as an Auditor. In 2021, Peter married Natalie Higgins, and in 2023, his father passed away unexpectedly. Following his father's passing, Peter decided to return to his original passion and career choice, founding an independent video game studio, Growlery Games, in 2024. In early 2025, Growlery Games released its first title and began work on its second release.
Peter pulled nomination papers to run for the Leominster Ward 4 City Council seat on March 31, 2025, and was certified to appear on the ballot on April 14, 2025.