North Adams Informed Voter Commons

Your City Council Candidates In Their Own Words 

Notes-

Thank you to all candidates and to all voters who utilized the North Adams Informed Voter Commons. The questions and answers will remain posted as a reference point as we move forward. It has been an interesting and rewarding experience to play some part in the North Adams democratic process. Thanks also to all those who sent me letters of encouragement and appreciation. If there is a need for this format in the future it will be done. There seems to be a flowering of civil engagement in the political process in our town. Better still, it seems to be powered by a people full of ideas and hope for the future. I hope the discussions, participation and exchange of ideas will continue to invigorate North Adams and lead our town into a new and better future.

 

Sincerely,

Tony Israel  

- The polls are now closed. Candidate  Responses are no longer being accepted

- As of 11/01/09 8:29 the following candidates have responded and their responses have been posted in their own words- Lisa Blackmer, Michael S. Boland, Keith J. Bona, David A. Bond, Eric R. Buddington, David A. Lamarre, Alan Marden, Gregory Roach,  and Dennis J. Whitney.

The following candidates have not yet responded-  Michael Bloom, Ronald Boucher, Gailanne Cariddi, Marie Harpin, Robert R. Moulton Jr.,

Responses Will Be Accepted Until Polls Are Closed 

New Link (for additional info) -

On October 30^th the North Adams Transcript posed its own questions to the candidates. All candidates do appear in this article. To view this article click on the link below- 

North Adams City Council hopefuls share thoughts [North Adams Transcript, Mass.]  

http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2009/10/30/4455287.htm

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To receive new postings updates as they come in e-mail nainformedvotercommons@gmail.com

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The Process-  

In an effort to promote easy access to information about all candidates running for office in this important upcoming election the following questions will be presented to all those running for the office of City Council. The questions are completely non-partisan in nature and the answers are to be recorded directly in the words of the candidates themselves. The goal is to give the voters of North Adams one place to familiarize themselves with the candidates for the City Council. The questions and answers will be posted on this blog and will be accessible to all.

Candidates should feel free to include links to their websites or contact information as part of their biographies so that voters can further inform themselves about their candidacies.

Excepting the first question, all questions should be answered in as concise a fashion as you, the candidate, sees fit.

The Questions-

1. In one paragraph please give a brief biography and, if you wish, your contact information.
   
2. What is your vision for a reinvigorated North Adams 10 years down the road?
3. What is the roll of the city council in North Adams government and how should a city councilor’s vision of North Adams come into play in the course of governing North Adams?
4. Give concrete examples of how you would tackle three or more of the following issues.
   
   
   1. Employment in North Adams
   
   
   2. Poverty In North Adams
   
   
   3. Housing in North Adams
   
   
   4. Crime in North Adams
   
   
   5. Attracting business to North Adams
   
   
   6. Preserving, utilizing, and promoting the Natural Resources of North Adams
   
   
   7. Engaging the people, skills, and talents, of North Adams toward a better North Adams
   
   
   8. Engaging with and utilizing the neighbors and the region surrounding North Adams
   
   
   9. The Downtown of North Adams
   
   
   
   

*(See links in the upper right to candidate responses)

Mayoral Candidates Info

In response to peoples comments that they wish that the North Adams Informed Voter commons had included the mayoral candidates the following links to their websites are listed here:

Richard "Dick" Alcombright
John Barrett, III

Lisa Blackmer

1.    In one paragraph please give a brief biography.

e-mail-  lmblackmer@msn.com

I am running for re-election to the North Adams City Council. I was born in Pittsfield and grew up in Williamsburg, a small town in Hampshire County.

When my husband and I moved to North Adams 23 years ago, we planned to move back to the Pioneer Valley, where our families were. Then our life took over — we worked, took classes, our kids made friends and got involved in sports, music and other activities.

We became sports boosters and band parents, sold Girl Scout cookies, candy bars, and fruit to name a few, anything that Drury band leader Carl Jenkins could come up with. I served on the first School Council when the state's education reform was enacted in 1993.

After my children graduated from high school, I became involved in other activities to give back to the community. I served on the board of the Berkshire Food Project, and the former Downtown Development Inc.'s Mohawk Theater project. I was and — still am — a Fall Foliage Parade and Festival Committee member. I was a founding member of the Northern Berkshire Food Festival Committee, and currently serve as the treasurer of the North Adams Open Studios Committee.  In May of 2001, I had the privilege of  representing Rotary International, our Country and City as a team member of a Group Study Exchange program to Belgium and Luxembourg, a four week vocational and cultural exchange for young professionals. This gave me the opportunity to examine and discuss the issues of health care, education, energy and cultural resources on the international level.

It seemed a natural progression to continue my public service by running for City Council to serve the residents of North Adams. As a councilor, I have served on the General Government and Community Development committees, participated in the majority of the Finance and Public Safety committee meetings and was the liaison to the Office of Tourism and Cultural Development, as well as the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from MCLA with a concentration in economics and finance. I have a certificate in nonprofit management and am pursuing a Master's degree in public administration. I participated in the Berkshire Leadership Program, which introduced the class to the nonprofits and the workings of Berkshire County.

I have worked as a human resource, financial, banking branch and assistant downtown  manager, among other positions. I use my experience and education to research issues that come before the Council to make the best decisions possible. I am enthusiastic about the city and promote it wherever I go. I worked hard to get elected in 2007, and I continue to bring that level of effort to make this a great place to live and work. It truly is a labor of love. I ask you to vote for me on Nov. 3 so I can continue to address the challenges we face and to celebrate our successes. 

2.   What is your vision for a reinvigorated North Adams 10 years down the road?

My vision for a new invigorated North Adams 10 Years down the road:

For those of you who have seen the movie “UP,” discussing the future of North Adams is like “squirrel.”  My mind jumping from one thing to another but in the end they are all connected and come back to each other.

My vision would include a diverse economic base, a revitalized downtown, a renovated housing stock, and a 21^st century education system.  These all are interconnected and create a web, each having many threads to the other.  The economic base would be created incrementally, one job here, three jobs there, ten here, thirty there. Gone are the days of thousands working at the same place.  We will take advantage of “green initiatives,” - playing off the science center at MCLA, we will have the technology and innovation needed to attract and retain business.  Construction and the trades will thrive as we renovate and build “smarter” buildings, and take advantage of regional efforts such as Global Foundries. We have a state of the art Voc/Tech high school, with trained workers ready to enter the workforce.  The carpenters I hired to work on my house were artists and small businessmen in their own right.  The fine and performing arts will prosper as the empty mills fill with live/work space for more artists and small businesses, maybe even saving a few spaces for us “admin. type” people who want to be part of something unique. The Mohawk Theater will provide performing arts space for expanded programs at MCLA, community groups, larger touring groups, and I hope be the centerpiece of an annual city-wide chocolate festival.  These would provide a catalyst for the downtown.  Success breeds success.  As all of these pieces come together, demand would increase for retail and restaurant ventures.  As the economy grows, residents would have more discretionary income to spend and invest.  They would have the time and energy to become re-engaged in North Adams.  The schools would be able to take advantage of the Mohawk Theater and MCLA science center to expand the offerings to our children.  This would then allow them to become part of our diverse economic base, and start their own web or search for their squirrels. 

3.     What is the roll of the city council in North Adams government and how should a city councilor’s vision of North Adams come into play in the course of governing North Adams?

The role of the Council is to first “stick to the knitting.”  We approve the budget, ordinance updates, and licenses on a regular basis.  We take care of the legislative function, but I personally think we have a larger role to play, even with a “strong Mayor” form of Government.  I think the City Council should have more of a role in the budget process.  Over 20 years ago, during the process, the Council had conversations with department heads regarding expenses.  That would be a more effective method.   We should also see the projected revenue side of the budget.

We need to advocate for the community and anything that would help us.  When we travel, we need to pay attention to what is happening in other areas. If a business 30 miles away is looking to re-locate, upsize or downsize, we have space. We need to pay attention and go after them. The city is a business and we need to market it.  Other communities are aggressive in their recruiting. They go to trade shows and have entire departments dedicated to these efforts.  We can’t afford that, but the councilors can be surrogates.  Nine sets of eyes and ears are better than one.  When I played little league, we had nine position players, we didn’t send the pitcher off to face the other team alone.

We also need to use our state representatives. Synthespian Studios owner Jeff Kleiser told Sen. Benjamin B. Downing at a  tax policy hearing on October 21^st  that the state's 12-month limit on film tax credits could kill a plan to bring 250 - 300 jobs to the area to work on a full-length animated picture.  I told Sen. Downing that we need to change the law or provide exemptions.  I called Rep. Dan Bosley’s office the next day and told him the same thing.  I will be calling the rest of the Berkshire Delegation.  In addition to those jobs, there is the economic ripple effect of vendors and businesses providing goods and services to the production and its employees.

The Council should play a role in long term planning for the City. The Council committees should play a larger role in supporting the City.  The Community Development committee should have input on the Community Development Block Grant application, the Mohawk Theater Renovation, the Hoosic River Revival, the Office of Tourism, and an overall marketing plan for North Adams.  It should be renamed the Community & Economic Development Committee.  There should be a liaison to the Berkshire Visitors Bureau.  With the Hospital being one of the largest employers, that also plays a crucial role in our community, there should be a liaison to NARH.  The Council should be open to new ideas and ways of doing things and always remember that they are the people’s representative in City government. 

      4.  Give concrete examples of how you would tackle three or more of the following issues.

a.   Employment in North Adams

(Submitted with title "Employment and Attracting Business:")

For a concrete example, we should bring Unistress to North Adams.  They have lots of concrete.

On a serious note, we need to retain the jobs and businesses we have.  We can do this by working with the Berkshire Regional Employment Board and the Berkshire Compact to make sure that our workers have the technical and job readiness skills needed to adjust to the changing demands of the workplace.  We can make sure that our community is welcoming and provides a high quality of life.  Children and adults need things to do.  We need a pro-business environment that would be welcoming and user friendly.  I would streamline the planning process and put it on-line.  Again, I would advocate to our elected officials for money and incentives to help with these efforts.  Sometimes you need to spend money to make money.  I think a reconstituted Downtown Development, Inc. and Industrial Park & Development, Corp. could lead the efforts to market and promote North Adams.  These efforts would help retain and recruit businesses and jobs. 

b.   Poverty In North Adams

Submitted with title "Poverty and Housing:"

 
I think that tackling the economic issues will help solve these issues.  If there are good paying jobs, then people can maintain their properties.  Good jobs bring home ownership, community commitment and less crime.  It's hard to be involved and engaged when you can't feed your family.  It's hard to help your children with homework or root for them on the playing field when you are working two low-paying jobs just to keep a roof over your heads.  We have been mentoring our students in the school system.  I think we need to take it a step further and have a mentoring program available for  parents.  There are those, for whatever reason, who did not have a positive educational experience.  Some are passing those feelings on to their children, which has a negative impact on the school environment.  If we can mentor and re-engage those parents, just think of the possibilities. 

I think that code enforcement of housing would help.  If there are issues with a property, it is easier to remediate in the early stages, and there is sometimes even grant money available for that.  Code enforcement also helps keep the criminal element at bay.  Living Wage Jobs that support your family would help people ward-off the demons that lead to criminal activity.  Which would attract more jobs - that web of inter-connectedness thing again.

c.    Housing in North Adams

d.   Crime in North Adams

e.    Attracting business to North Adams

f.     Preserving, utilizing, and promoting the Natural Resources of North Adams

g.     Engaging the people, skills, and talents, of North Adams toward a better North Adams

h.    Engaging with and utilizing the neighbors and the region surrounding North Adams

i. The Downtown of North Adams 

As the former Assistant Downtown Manager, I know the role that a vibrant downtown can play in the community.  Completing the renovation of the Mohawk Theater is key.  Working collaboratively with a proactive office of tourism, MoCA and MCLA to bring visitors and students to the downtown would add an economic and social boost.  I have been party to that with DDI, the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, and as a City Councilor.  I would like to work to have green space in the downtown.  After K-Mart closed, I even suggested that we turn some of the parking lot into a park with a gazebo so that we could have downtown concerts and other events.  There has been talk of benches on the street.  Another thought was to have something like the Moosefest project in Bennington. Well how about “Benchtacular?” These could be designed and painted by artists, integrating the arts community, the schools, the business community and the residents.  There was an economic impact in Pittsfield with Sheeptacular.  I know, because I spoke to the stakeholders.  I shop in our downtown and make it a point to speak with the downtown business owners on a regular basis.  I will continue those efforts.  This is just one idea, but the continued revitalization will take the ideas and commitment of everyone in the City.

Michael S. Boland

1. Brief Biography:
I was educated in the North Adams public school system and left North Adams to attend Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire, graduating in 1990. I returned to the area in 1992 and have spent the past 17 years in the field of human services as a program director, clinician, manager, counselor, supervisor and educator, for both non-profit agencies and state-operated programs. I earned a Master's Degree in education, specializing in rehabilitation and disabilities, from Springfield College in 2003. I value the principles of lifelong learning and as a visiting instructor at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and an annual lecturer at Springfield College, I immensely enjoy the responsibility of teaching and instruction. In addition to my educational and professional experience, I have served on communitywide committees that address issues related to housing and homelessness, downtown revitalization, legislative advocacy and substance abuse. I served as vice president of the former Downtown Development Inc. and chaired its Friends of the Mohawk Theater Committee for five years. I was named one of Northern Berkshires 50 Most Influential People in the North Adams Transcript's initial profile of community members. I have been an active member of the North Adams Human Service Commission for the past seven years. I continue to be actively involved in youth sports and am proud to be raising my children in a community that offers so many varied activities for our youth. My family includes; 2 sons, 12 and 9 and a 2 year-old daughter and we reside at 6 B Street with my wife Jennifer.

2. A vision for a reinvigorated North Adams 10 years down the road:
My vision for North Adams in 10 years is that of a city that embraces its hardworking and gritty heritage, while integrating the artistic and cultural spirit that drives an ongoing and successful economic development plan. This vision would be inclusive of the varied and diverse demographics that make up the city’s businesses, families and neighborhoods.

Our education system would include three K-7 elementary schools with state-of the art technologies and adequate teacher to student ratios. The public school system would include the best and the brightest teachers who are committed to enriching the lives of our students and focused on community-based learning. Our improved education system would include the high schools, and a shift from a vocational/technical school to a technological and engineering school highlighted by the latest “green” technologies and curriculum. The educational focus would also include the state’s public college; MCLA. MCLA would be one the premier public educational institutions in New England. The college’s fine and performing arts program would be expanded to include initiatives and activities in the downtown areas; including the renovated Mohawk Theater as a performing arts center that would include educational programming for all students from preschool-college and beyond continuing education for adults. MCLA’s presence in the community would facilitate North Adams’s developing image as a “college town” with businesses and entertainment serving the vibrancy of the college population.

The North Adams community would provide a wide range of housing opportunities including; high end developments, a solid and broad housing stock for the middle class and adequate public and subsidized housing for citizens on fixed incomes and elders. Housing would be safe, affordable and reflect the diverse population needs of the city. The community neighborhoods would be thriving with planned events and activities that promote community pride and civic duty. The North Adams downtown would be a safe, vibrant, active and active hub of North Adams. The downtown would include a mix of commercial and retail businesses, residential developments, cultural and artistic galleries and the enter, / Downtown / Culture – renovation of the Mohawk Theater into a modern entertainment venues and the Mohawk Theater performing arts center would be owned and operated by a private/public entity and serve as the anchor of the downtown.


3. What is the roll of the city council, how should a city councilor’s vision come into play in the course of governing?
The roll of the city council in North Adams is to serve as the legislative branch of city government. The council’s duties and responsibilities should include being stewards of the city and be accessible for ideas and feedback from all the citizens. The role of the council also includes having an independent voice with a singleness of purposes to improve the quality of life for all of the citizens of our city. I am committed to utilizing my problem-solving, organizational and leadership skills to address issues affecting the quality of life for all residents of our city. As a City Councilor I feel it is my role to be a civil steward to the citizens of North Adams and the city’s administration. Additionally I believe a City Councilor is an optimistic and realistic change agent that addresses the social, economic and educational needs of our city. My vision will inform me as a North Adams City Councilor insofar;

• I will serve, that is what I was elected to do, and will do so always with the best interest of the City of North Adams
• I will respect the dignity of each citizen regardless of their perspectives, background, or socioeconomic status
• I will be accessible, accountable and civil
• I will encourage and support small business owners who strive to make a living in our community
• I will work with our educators from preschool through college to advocate for the best and brightest teachers and access to the technologies that are necessary in out competitive market
• I will inspire others to become civically engaged and never alienate the youth of our community.
• I will keep my eyes steadily fixed on the future with a broad knowledge and appreciation of our rich and vital heritage.
  

4. Concrete examples of tackling these issues:
As a prologue I think the fact that the question says “tackle” rather than “solve” is an important distinction, as I don’t necessarily see easy solutions, but do look forward to tackling all of these issues. I also condensed some of the issues due to their similarities.

Employment in North Adams / Attracting business
A concrete mechanism to address employment needs in North Adams is to rejuvenate the Downtown Development Incorporated (DDI) to assist established businesses to market their services and collaborate on downtown events and promos. Additionally a revised Planning Board with better representation of the creative economy, artists and small business owners to streamline the planning process and be responsive to potential businesses that would be interested in coming to North Adams

Poverty / Housing / Crime
These socioeconomic issues are inter-related and also dependent upon the labor market/ availability of jobs in our city. Job development and retention are key components to address the issues of housing, poverty and crime. As a City Councilor I would personally request the opportunity to sit on the North Adams Housing Authority’s Board of Directors as the Council Liaison. I would utilize my vast experience in housing, employment and substance abuse education to work with residents and administration of the Ashland and Park Street housing developments as well as the Greylock Valley project on the West side of town. A collaborative effort of the tenant’s association, Berkshire County Drug Task Force and the city is required to address issues of rising violent crime, specifically related to drug trafficking. Aligning people who struggle with poverty to the vast network of human service providers in our community is also necessary. Although I firmly believe that any public benefit (DTA, SSI/SSDI, Food stamps) should be conditional upon the individual contributing in a meaningful way to improve their neighborhood. This commitment can range from garbage cleanups, to landscaping, to supervised playgroups for neighborhood children…etc.

Engaging people’s skills and talents to improve North Adams
As a City Councilor I firmly believe that I have the responsibility of inspiring leadership in others and fostering their ability to contribute to our community. As examples; I would invite citizens with information and technology experience to provide suggestions on how to better streamline our licensing and planning permits to be accessible on-line. I would encourage artists and small business owners top join the city’s Redevelopment Authority and the Planning Board. I would support local businesses to collaborate within a Downtown Development organization. I would participate in the public school’s curriculum as a guest speaker informing students of the political process in our city and the nobility of public services etc.

Engaging and utilizing neighbors and region
I have worked in the realm of vocational rehabilitation and employment throughout Berkshire County. I posses strong ties with the regional efforts of the Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Employment Board as well as our local legislators. I have a proven record of collaboration and demonstrated ability to work hard for initiatives that benefit Berkshire County.

Preserving, utilizing and promoting natural resources in North Adams
I am a strong supported of extending the Ashuwillticook rail trial through North Adams to Williamstown. I am also a strong proponent of the Hoosic River Revival and the use of the water through our downtown as an economic engine.

Downtown
Restore the Mohawk Theater into a Performing Arts Center. The Mohawk should be the “anchor tenant” of our downtown, owned and operated by either a private management firm, or a public/private partnered corporation with a qualified and dynamic Board of Directions. As a City Councilor my work will not be completed until the Mohawk is renovated, operational and serving our public with a wide array of community-based and nationally recognized performing art.

Michael Bloom

Mr. Bloom has been sent our questionnaire and we will post it as soon as it's received.

Keith J. Bona

1. In one paragraph please give a brief biography.

phone 413.664.0729
web- kbona@bonamarketing.com

Age:41
Spouse/Children: wife: Anne-Marie Puricelli Bona, Children: Alexander 15 -
McCann sophomore; Elizabeth 11, Brayton 5th grade

Ancestors dates back to North Adams shortly after civil war.

Education:Graduate McCann Tech, Electronics; BFA Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, Graphic Design, Computer Graphics and Communications.

Occupation and Employer: Self Employed since 1990. Own Bona Marketing & Printing, and Creations Outlet (retail gift shop), Instructor at MCLA since 1994, Landlord.

Civic or Charitable Affiliations:
The several years I was away from the council, I spent that time working with the North Adams Elks, and served as their president. The local Elks raises almost $50k per year for local charities. I continued to come up with new fund raisers that raised $10k for the Children's Hospital, $20k for scholarships, and joined new boards and organizations to learn more about what our community offers.

I am proud to see the United Neighborhood Organization (UNO) is still active under the guidance of NBCC nearly twenty years after I co-founded it with Shirley Davis and David Dunn. Many of our local issues need to be attacked with grassroots effort, and UNO is a great example of how that works. Other organizations I worked with: North Adams Community Development Corp, Northern Berkshire Industrial Parks & Management, Berkshire Regional Employment Board, Northern Berkshire Visiting Nurse Assoc, North Adams Open Studios and several others. When on the council, I served as the liaison to Mass MoCA, School Committee, Hoosac Water Quality District along with Community Development chair and Public Works and Public Safety Committees.

2. What is your vision for a reinvigorated North Adams 10 years down the road?

A changed local government that is more receptive to new ideas. City hall has built a wall around itself that many fear to climb, or forced to stay out. These people have creative solutions that can help our financial situation, build a welcoming city for tourist and locals, and develop more businesses and jobs. City Hall needs to be the people's place, where issues are discussed, ideas are tossed around, and innovative and fiscally sound solutions become reality. A new mayor and council will not be able to make these changes immediately nor on their own. We need a roadmap of where we want go, and find our community resources that will build the vehicle to get us there.

Once the attitude of local government changes we need to move immediately to community and economic development. Keeping and expanding the existing business, and finding new entrepreneurs. I vision a full downtown with a strong connection to Mass MoCA and MCLA. I vision the empty mill spaces, industrial buildings, office and retail spaces filled with new and expanding businesses.

3. What is the roll of the city council in North Adams government and how should a city councilor’s vision of North Adams come into play in the course of governing North Adams?

The official role of the city council is to be the checks and balances and legislative body for local ordinances. Beyond that, the council needs to be a role model to others. They should be visible, interact with people, and be the ambassadors for the city. One rarely sees a city councilor beside the televised meetings or a couple of the largest events. They need to endorse their downtown by simply using it themselves. They need to go beyond the council chambers and committee meetings and get to know the people they are representing.


4. Give concrete examples of how you would tackle three or more of the following issues.

a. Employment in North Adams I served on the Berkshire Regional Employment Board and the North Adams Community Development Board. Both dealt with job creations and developing small businesses. Sad to say NACDC no longer exists and the presence of BREB is not as prevalent as other parts of the county. City hall has been uncooperative at times making it difficult for third party organizations to accomplish their tasks. Many give up and dissolve their local presence and organization.

b. Poverty In North Adams

Increase the quantity and quality of jobs. Improve what people make for a living and it will trickle down and improve most of our major issues including poverty. But before we get there we can increase grassroots efforts. I co-founded the United Neighborhood Organization which still exist nearly twenty years later. This group empowered neighbors to have pride in their neighborhoods no matter what income level they were at.

c. Housing in North Adams

I grew up helping my father renovate apartment houses worse than those being torn down today. I fought to save some historic beauties, but city hall insisted on razing the painted ladies. Their scars still show today with empty gravel lots scattered in neighborhoods. The blighted homes are not a problem until they fall in long-term disrepair where they no longer are economically worth saving or a safety issue. The city should evaluate these homes early on and try to save any with historical value. What causes the blight? Abandoned homes, absentee landlords, disrespectful tenants and jobs. Loss of jobs decreased our population by thousands. The demand for housing went down. There are more homes and apartments then people needing them. Work on creating jobs and encourage first time home buyers with assistance from the banks is one way to eliminate a portion of the problem. I would rather support more housing similar to the eclipse mill, than the Clark Biscuit mill. I am thrilled the Clark Biscuit mill is preserved, but disappointed it's reserved for low-income housing with rent that is mostly subsidized.


d. Crime in North Adams.

As mentioned above, when I co-founded the United Neighborhood Organization for the Bracewell, River, Hall, Houghton, Holden and Eagle Street areas crime was a major concern of the residents. We formed local crime watch. There are new programs other communities are doing which strongly connect volunteer crime watch groups to the police department. I encourage our city to examine these and expand from what we already have. If we see increase in violent crime and gang related activity we cannot continue to decrease police presence.

e. Attracting business to North Adams.

Start with an internal community/economic development director, reinitiate programs that have gone defunct in the past that helped small and expanding businesses. Create a relationship with financial and local venture groups that make it a priority to invest in those who want to grow here. It's not necessary to find businesses that employ 1000s of people. Having many micro-businesses is a healthier long-term approach.

f. Preserving, utilizing, and promoting the Natural Resources of North Adams.

It wasn't until recently that the Berkshire Visitors Bureau realized tourist are more interested in our natural resources than our man made art and cultural events. The Cascade Falls is one of my favorite places to walk with my family, and is a hidden treasure to most visitors and locals. We can make better use of our campground, trails, forests, and mountains to attract and market our area. Big cities don't have peace and quiet, the Appalachians, and awesome scenic views. We got it, let's use it to bring people here along with reminding ourselves these natural resources are precious.

g. Engaging the people, skills, and talents, of North Adams toward a better North Adams.

We have an excellent college that can train a needed workforce. We also have many current residents with talents and experience the city isn't utilizing. Many of these people may be willing to volunteer for the city if given a chance and treated with respect. Minimally get these talents on the appropriate committees that benefit the city.

h. Engaging with and utilizing the neighbors and the region surrounding North Adams.

North Adams is too small on its own to accomplish everything. If it's us or a neighboring town that has the opportunity to grow business we should support it. For decades hundreds of residents of North Adams have worked in Pittsfield GE plants. When GE and Sprague pulled out it was detrimental to the entire county. Our relationships with neighboring towns is strained and needs to be healed, strengthened and bonded. Time to clean the slate, work together, create a cooperative team that empowers the best of all communities, and form a strategic plan that works on all the issues listed above.

i. The Downtown of North Adams

I disagree with Mayor Barrett that we don't have space for new businesses. We have the: former Sprague's building on Curran Hwy; the NoAMA mill (former Delftree) on Rt 2 has an infamous amount of space; Windsor Mill is only 1/3 occupied; Mass MoCA still has several empty buildings; there's an abundance of downtown office space; a large lot behind Big Y; a lot next to the Transcript; the Son's of Italy building or lot; Shapiro buildings on Ashland Street, space on Curran Hwy that we are hoping for development but has not come to fruition at this point, the Brown Street lot that was recently cleaned; the former waste water treatment lot that has been abandoned for years off of Mass Ave, and there may be more spaces coming available soon. Let's start by filling these before we say "we don't have space for more businesses." That's just an excuse why we haven't been looking for new business.

David A. Bond

dbond48@hotmail.com

cell phone- 413-281-6528

Age: 34

Spouse/Children: My wife Karen (Denault) and our 10-month-old daughter Anna

Education: Bachelor of Arts from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Occupation and Employer: Owner of The Range, PGA Teaching Apprentice, MCLA Men's Golf Coach. Civic and Charitable Affiliations: Treasurer of the Board of Directors for BFAIR, Board Member of the Northern Berkshire United Way. My family has a long history in North Adams as I am the 5th generation to live in the city. As a business owner, homeowner and parent I am committed to the future success of North Adams. I am looking to continue my family's long history of community involvement by serving on the city council.

Question 1:

What is my vision for a reinvigorated North Adams 10 years down the road?

My vision is a symbiotic relationship between the arts, education and commerce. This integrated relationship will create an atmosphere of inclusiveness for all people which results in a true creative economy. At this point North Adams becomes a beacon for other communities who are looking to embrace the future.

Question 2:

What is the roll of the city council in North Adams government and how should a city councilor's vision of North Adams come into play in the course of governing North Adams.

The roll of the city council is to approve the budget, act as the legislative branch as well as the conduit for residents to address issues. Each councilor should share his or her vision with the mayor as well as the residents and find common ground to move the city forward.

Question 3:

Give concrete examples of how you would tackle three or more of the following issues.

In looking at the issues I am going to address employment and attracting business as one question.

In order to increase our job base either existing businesses have to grow, new businesses have to be created or outside businesses have to choose North Adams. A line of communication needs to be maintained with our current bussiness to givem the ability to voice their concerns and hopefully assist them as they grow. Any new business has to welcomed and the planning board process needs to be efficient, fast and easy. Someone should be able to go to city hall and receive a packet of information as to how to start a business with sample applications included. The process for opening a business should also be online where anyone from around the globe can view our requirements and even communicate ideas to someone from the city who can answer questions immediately. North Adams needs to be at the forefront of welcoming new business and getting them open as quickly as possible.

The city needs a marketing plan to attract outside businesses. The business market is extremely competitive and North Adams needs to stand out if we are able to bring new opportunities. An updated website needs to be created to show people around the world what a great city we have. The marketing plan should also target certain types of businesses that would fit our work force. An example is Waterfront Media who currently employs 60 people, any other business that has a similar business model should be targeted. At this point these businesses need to be contacted and even visited by representatives from North Adams to convince them of the reasons why North Adams is the place to to business.

The marketing plan will also detail how MCLA can be an integral part of their investment in North Adams. Whichever business we target needs to know that they will have the ability to have input into the curriculum at MCLA, so students can graduate and move right into employment. Current residents would have the opportunity to take continuing education classes to update their skills for the new jobs that are available. North Adams is well positioned to attract new business and it is our job to do everything we can to provide opportunities for our residents.

Poverty:

The issue of poverty is one that has plagued North Adams for as long as I can remember. I am not a poverty expert but to sit down with these people and listen and then offer a hand to help them would be my first step. I am willing to lget involved with our current poverty situation and begin to address this issue immediately. When we begin to create new jobs these opportunities need to be extended to everyone so they can begin to improve their current situation.

Housing:

Housing is another issue tied directly to economics. North Adams has a high number of residents who rent. The rent that is paid by most tenants is relatively low which is what the local economy can support. This leaves landlords in a tough spot as to how to improve the property. Our housing stock is older with many homes in need of repair. If North Adams can increase our job market and provide opportunities for our residents this would allow some tenants to afford a home of their own and landlords the ability to charge a rent that leaves them room to improve their properties. North Adams has a history of attacking "slum landlords" instead of demonizing these people lets contact them let them tell their story and hopefully repair relationships. Our hope to create a community where everyone is on board working for a better North Adams.

Engaging with and utilizing the neighbors and the region surrounding North Adams:

North Adams is at the center of Northern Berkshire county and needs to be in constant communication with its neighbors. The town of Adams has been fighting for the development of the Greylock Glen for years and North Adams should join the fight because that development has great potential for North Adams. Any project that can be used to market the northern berkshire area as a destination is worth our attention. The city needs to continue working with Williamstown to cross promote the cultural components the area has to offer. It is my hope to expand the film festival that is held in Williamstown each year so it becomes one of the preeminent festivals of its kind in the country. The Mohawk Theatre could be used as another venue in North Adams in conjunction with the Hunter Center at Mass Moca. We need to be open to any idea and willing to promote our neighbors in the hope that they will do the same for us.

This is an important time for North Adams and I appreciate the opportunity to share my views. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments. My contact information is dbond48@hotmail.com or call my cell phone at 413-281-6528.

Eric R. Buddington

1. In one paragraph please give a brief biography.

http://eric.buddington.net/council.shtml

I grew up in Glastonbury, CT, and went to Wesleyan University, where I got a B.A. in Earth Science. After spending a year doing research with the U.S. Geological Survey on the forests of central Massachusetts, I moved to North Adams in 1997. In the time I have lived here, I have worked as a computer programmer and as a musician. I bought a house in the High St neighborhood about four years ago.

2. What is your vision for a reinvigorated North Adams 10 years down the road?

My vision for North Adams in ten years is a sociable downtown filled with locally-owned businesses, a significant central park, and limited car traffic on Main St, to make the area friendly to pedestrians. I expect to see local art and live music overflow the galleries and coffeeshops and have a greater place in the look and sound of downtown.

We will have benches on Main St.

I expect North Adams to find better security through long-term planning, which will ensure wise use and protection of land and water and streamline commercial and residential development as well.

Fuel prices will continue to rise, and we will respond by improving mass transit and expanding our green businesses to generate more solar electricity and heat, while employing local businesses to increase our energy efficiency.

The City will computerize its recordkeeping, which will keep taxes low while increasing the number of citizens who are informed and involved in local government.

3. What is the roll of the city council in North Adams government and how should a city councilor’s vision of North Adams come into play in the course of governing North Adams?

The City Council must create the large-scale and long-term goals for the city. We need to keep a set of local laws that are as simple as possible, governing the essential aspects of property owners and residents, without getting in the way of daily life. Day-to-day decisions need to be left to the Mayor and our various boards and commissions.

To that end, the Council should end its practice of hearing individual taxi license applications; this is an administrative detail best left to the executive branch. On the other hand, the Council should be far more involved in the budget process. It should also establish clearer laws regarding the establishment and running of businesses, as our current regulation tends to be far too personal (as indicated by the fiasco of Chris Tremblay's sign from several years ago).

The vision of individual Councilors should show itself in the measures they propose, as well as by the discussion and votes of the Council. Some candidates for council have advocated acting outside of their role as Councilors; this is good as long as it does not become an attempt to turn the Council itself into an executive branch of government.

4. Give concrete examples of how you would tackle three or more of the following issues.

Poverty In North Adams

The way to combat poverty in the long term is to provide everyone, especially children, with security and a good education, and to provide adults with useful business training. We need to increase our efforts towards strengthening community to provide this security, and the Council can do this by ensuring that every neighborhood is near a park, community garden, and other social space. MCLA is already an excellent school that provides workforce training as well as an undergraduate education, and the council can form a stronger union between MCLA and local businesses.

Housing in North Adams

We have many conflicts between tenants and landlords in North Adams, and tenant-landlord problems are often difficult to resolve in the courts within a reasonable time frame. The city needs to clarify the rights and responsibilities of tenants, as well as landlords, and make sure that violations face immediate, but not severe, consequences.

Engaging the people, skills, and talents, of North Adams toward a better North Adams

North Adams has a vast reserve of underused energy, and a more accessible City Hall will make it available. The Council itself should:

1) Repeal the "Cardimino rule", which limits citizen input at Council meetings.

2) Make the council agenda public on the City's website as soon as it is available.

3) Post useful minutes (and audio/video recordings, when available) to the website for all council and committee meetings.

h. Engaging with and utilizing the neighbors and the region surrounding North Adams

North Adams should cooperate with other towns in the northern Berkshires for the disposal of hazardous household waste (batteries, electronics, lead, mercury, etc). Our current, occasional efforts are ineffective, which puts our soil and water at serious risk of contamination from improper dumping.

The City faces serious challanges managing its information; it is currently unable to provide meaningful access to any electronic records. However, other towns in the area are managing the same kinds of information - ordinances, financial data, property records. We should collaborate with our neighbors to share ideas and technologies.

As and end note, my proposals above are not full answers to our problems. They are actions that the City Council can take. True solutions will require the cooperation of the Mayor and, most importantly, the citizens of North Adams.

Ronald Boucher

Mr. Boucher has been sent our questionnaire and we will post it as soon as it's received.

Gailanne Cariddi

Ms. Cariddi has been sent our questionnaire and we will post it as soon as it's received.

Brian L. Flagg

Mr. Flagg has been sent our questionnaire and we will post it as soon as it's received.

David A. Lamarre

1. In one paragraph please give a brief biography.

I am a North Adams native, son of Ed and Claire Lamarre, one of seven children. I was educated in the NAPS system. I enrolled in the Restaurant Management program at Berkshire Community College and discovered the culinary arts. I worked in many restaurants over the years, earned a degree from New England Culinary Institute and have lived in several communities including Boston, MA, East Arlington, VT and Northampton, MA. I am especially proud of my accomplishments in the food business. I specialized in re-organizations, team building, profitability and business turn-a-rounds. The job of a chef goes well beyond food preparation and includes many essential business and management skills. I left the kitchen several years ago and moved into dining management, most recently at Williams College. Three years ago I left the food profession altogether and now work in Facilities administration at Williams. My wife Jane Marie and I live on Marion Avenue.

2. What is your vision for a reinvigorated North Adams 10 years down the road?

I see a broad based economy that is anchored by art, technology and tourism and all that they have to offer. The natural beauty of our surroundings and an expanding interest in environmental preservation present ecotourism opportunities that we can benefit from. I see us growing from all the opportunities that are available. I see a re-growth in population, a strengthening middle class and a solid public school system that rivals the best in the state. Our demographics shifts as young families find North Adams attractive with housing that meets their needs at the right price. I see progress and North Adams as the leader in our region.

3. What is the roll of the city council in North Adams government and how should a city councilor’s vision of North Adams come into play in the course of governing North Adams?

We have one mayor and nine councilors, not one mayor and nine assistant mayors. That doesn't mean that councilors can't bring forth ideas, build support for those ideas, lobby the mayor and push an agenda forward. We can focus on the vision, but we have to recognize that most often times we are a role player, not the quarterback. Maintaining continuity of purpose, a spirit of cooperation, respectful debate, and collective actions are essential elements to our progress and important roles for a councilor to play.

4. Give concrete examples of how you would tackle three or more of the following issues.

a. Employment in North Adams

We have to be proactive rather than reactive. It all begins with an educated work force, ready and available to fill the need of new and existing business. To prepare to meet the needs of employers we have to develop a strategic plan for the short and long term. Civic and business leaders and the leadership of our educational institutions must address this strategy collectively and on a regional basis. The Berkshire Compact for Higher Education has been a terrific beginning to this continuing process.

b. Poverty In North Adams

Poverty in North Adams is both generational and perpetuated by opportunists. Many of the less fortunate people residing in North Adams are the result of declining industry. Parents lost  jobs and  their skills became obsolete in this region. People chose to stay and try to remake a life here. Some were successful, many were not. Some of these families are in the third generation since the beginning of our industrial decline.  

                            The second and probably greatest contributing factor to our level of poverty is the housing glut that resulted when thousands of people left North Adams. The resulting availability of subsidized housing attracted many people in need of shelter and security for their families.  Some landlords saw Section 8 as a financial bonanza.  They drew many people to the city who came without job skills or education. They are now rolled into the generational cycle of poverty.

                           Education is the first step to helping improve their quality of life. Jobs are what's needed most and North Adams must demonstrate to new and existing businesses that we can provide a work force that meets their needs. This is a long term issue with no short term solutions. It takes generations to reverse the trend of generational poverty. 

c. Housing in North Adams

  I have been consistent in my position that we can begin to improve housing by working to encourage the creation of live and work spaces designed for artists. This is our first and best opportunity to begin rehab and or construction on quality middle class housing. We attract new residents and begin to re-grow population, strengthen the middle class and preserve and revitalize neighborhoods. This effort could take the shape of a public/private partnership or be a private enterprise supported with tax incentives. We should waste no time. People want to move into this community and be a part of a developing cultural center.  

d. Crime in North Adams

e. Attracting business to North Adams

    150,000 people come to North Adams each year to view the art work at Mass MoCA. Artists move here and create work that they hope to sell.  With a world renown art museum one block from Main Street an opportunity to attract buyers and collectors presents itself. At the first candidates forum I asked the question, If people will travel to North Adams from all over the world to view art ,will others travel here to buy it?  With credible art museums like MoCA, the Clark and Williams College Museum of Art right in our back yard, and with their help, I think the answer is yes. It might begin as a "festival" of top tier artists gathering to sell their work for a month or two each summer, DownStreet Art magnified. How would this benefit the relatively unknown artists living here who work to create art for sale? What violinist wouldn't want to share the stage with a world renown virtuoso. What fledgling band wouldn't jump at the chance to appear on the same stage as Springsteen? Discovery, recognition and the chance to sell. 

                            We'll give  people another reason to visit North Adams, expanding our tourist base and benefiting the travel and hospitality industry and put a brighter shine on our city.  

f. Preserving, utilizing, and promoting the Natural Resources of North Adams

g. Engaging the people, skills, and talents, of North Adams toward a better North Adams

Volunteerism is the backbone of so much that is positive about North Adams. As a community with limited financial resources we have seen time and again people with little step up to help those with less. We cannot underestimate the enormous value these people represent. What truly wonderful thing about this city does not rely on volunteers at its' root? Consider the Northern Berkshire United Way, local youth athletics, Mass MoCA, the SteepleCats and the Berkshire Food Project to name only a few. The people that I refer to as the true North Adams are generous, compassionate and responsive participants. We should encourage and cultivate civic participation. Who knows where the next great idea might come from?

h. Engaging with and utilizing the neighbors and the region surrounding North Adams

   i. The Downtown of North Adams

For so many years we have focused on downtown as the indicator of our health and vitality as a community. I don't believe that it is a completely accurate measure. North Adams is more than Main Street. Of course it would be wonderful to have full store fronts, lots of foot traffic and everyone making money. Given that we're up against shopping malls, online retailers, a decreased population and low incomes are our expectations realistic? I think we should focus first on housing, education and employment opportunities. People don't move to a city for its' downtown, a downtown develops when people move into a city. When we grow and progress entrepreneurs will see opportunities and downtown businesses will develop.