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.
