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Alcombright Outlines Platform: 'Together We Move Forward'
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"With the election approximately five weeks away, I want to make certain my positions are very clear to the public including the positions I have taken on growth, schools, taxes and other opportunities. Through a succession of press releases over the next several weeks, I hope to show you that my positions and my decisions have been consistent with what was discussed two years ago. Most importantly, I want the voters of this city to see that the work that I have done, was done without political bias, political gain or political pressure. I truly want people to know that I have done what I have said I would do, manage this city, bring our finances under control, open up city government and create transparency, utilize the talents of many and begin the processes necessary to facilitate growth.”
Alcombright continued, "One thing that I spoke of two years ago was growth. The only way to stabilize our tax rate and to succeed as a community is through growth. The only way to begin projects, build schools, remediate neglected infrastructure is through growth. My campaign slogan this year is 'Together We Move Forward.' We cannot move forward by looking backward with only a handful of people making decisions. And while I have made some very difficult decisions, I have not made them in a vacuum. I indicated at one point that we are in an economic cycle whereby right now, it is difficult to spend and when you cannot spend, you must plan.
"Since January 2010, I have filled boards and commissions with close to 50 appointments tapping the energy, ideas and creativity of our greatest asset, the people who live here. Many of our boards were not fully appointed and many did not meet on a regular basis. Our boards and commissions are more active than ever and doing some great work. These are good people who are taking the time to make this city a better place. Unlike my opponent who wishes to have less involvement from the community, I want to reach out even more and invite greater collaboration.
"In this severe national economic crisis that has loomed for several years, I am very proud to have been part of what I consider significant successes in North Adams over the past two years. While many communities have lost ground, we have many great stories to tell. Growth at Excelsior Printing, Cariddi Auto, Shima, Shear Madness, Creations, The Transcript offices and I Got Goodies. We have seen four new restaurants - Rub, Desperados, Public and the Sushi House. My administration worked with private investment to be certain the Brien Center remained in the city at the former Transcript building, guaranteeing some $250,000 in tax revenue over the next 10 years. Walmart has installed a sewer system, our Juvenile Court is staying in the city, United Cerebral Palsy has established a new location on Union Street, Carr Hardware is engaged in a significant expansion, the Dollar Tree Store opened and we have secured $3.5 million in grants through the North Adams Housing Authority for much needed improvements in our public housing and we have completed significant roadwork. All of these accomplishments have retained jobs and brought new jobs while preserving our tax base. Again, all of this in the middle of a recession, with no money, just people moving this community forward.
"There are many other significant growth opportunities in the works and I will share those things in my next release. While some think that 'back' is the way to go, I will move this city forward through my continued efforts in working with a host of agencies, professionals, our neighboring communities and the public. We cannot survive alone and must look to the greater region to grow. I will not look back. I will continue to keep my vision clear and I will work with all who want to move this community forward."
State Election