The Questions-
1. In one paragraph please give a brief biography.
djwhitneyrph@msn.com, home- 413-664-4575, cell phone 518-469-4730.
I was born in North Adams and am a graduate of Drury High School and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. I have earned the credential of being a Certified Geriatric Pharmacist, one of only approximately 2,000 in the world. I was fortunate to serve the city of North Adams for two years on the Conservation Commission, two years on the McCann School Committee, and eight years as a member of the North Adams School Committee, serving seven years as the negotiation subcommittee chairman. As a member of the school committee, many tough choices had to be made such as the closing of Mark Hopkins, banning of books, and most importantly, fiscal responsibility. I carefully researched each issue, and was not always with the majority on some of these issues. I am not afraid to take a stance that I feel is in the best interest of the subject, and to speak from a minority position. I will be totallly available to the citizens of this great community, both in the final days before this election, and, if elected, throughout my term. My email address is djwhitneyrph@msn.com, my home phone number is 413-664-4575, and my cell phone number is 518-469-4730.
2. What is your vision for a reinvigorated North Adams 10 years down the road?
North Adams tens years down the road should look quite differently. The national, regional, state and local economic downturn we are currently experiencing should be over and forgotten by then. State aid will be sufficient. The North Adams Plaza will be flourishing and have created many jobs. Mass MoCa continues to thrive and expands the artistic talent in the area, continually bringing in more tourists, which not only creates more jobs but also more businesses as well. Economic development has also created more employment, and has worked with current businesses to give them the opportunity to expand. MCLA has grown due to the upturn in the state economy, and this assists the area with as much, if not more economic impact as mentioned above. The Mohawk Theatre is alive and well, again assisting this area.
With all of these positive advances, poverty is down, crime is down and housing is up.
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 city council is very simple under our form of government. It is a legislative branch to oversee the executive branch, which is the Mayor. The city council is there to keep a check and balance so the Mayor does not take control. The city council should question the executive branch whenever deserved, and veto any issue that seems out of order.
The second part of this question brings up the word vision. Each councilor should have vision as to what he or she would think would be in the best interest of the city. My basic vision is to keep city services high while keeping property taxes low. It is trying to have open exchanges with, if elected, whichever mayoral candidate the voter's choose. I have discussed issues with both candidates, and would have no problem working with either candidate.
4. Give concrete examples of how you would tackle three or more of the following issues.
a. Employment in North Adams
b. Poverty In North Adams
Poverty has to be addressed by economic development. If we cannot attact new businesses, or sustain current businesses, we will not improve this situation. So, if elected, I would propse ans support any reasonable effort to bring any job to this community
c. Housing in North Adams
d. Crime in North Adams
e. Attracting business to North Adams
I am not in favor of hiring a full-time economic person. This would be a positive move, but one the city at present, cannot afford. The Mayor and the council should make every effort to not only encourage new businesses to come to the city, but also to protect and promote present businesses.
f. Preserving, utilizing, and promoting the Natural Resources of North Adams
I look out my window every morning and just say "WOW". Why wouldn't anyone want to live here? I left this area for a job promotion and moved to the Lake George area, another attractive place to live. When that situation ended, I had the opportunity to move anywhere in the country, and I returned to North Adams.
Just look at the foliage! We have new roads leading to Mount Greylock. Natural Bridge is pestine. The Mohawk Trail coming into the city is a picture beyond words.
We, as a city, must market these assets more effectively.
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
