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.
