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Criteria for a City Councilor

10-23-2009

To the Editor:

This is an interesting political season for North Adams. Much attention, deservedly so, has been focused on the mayoral race. And, while our form of government is referred to as a strong mayor and a separate wing of government with city councilors, it is important that these councilors represent the best and brightest.

It is not always easy to be a councilor, but the candidates who have run a campaign for the job have indicated a sense of responsibility to the people of North Adams and the policies of city government.

I would like to see a councilor who opens the City Hall "packet" and reads the agenda when it is received — not the evening of the meeting!

I would like to see a councilor who will, after referring an item to committee, attend the committee meeting to receive information first hand.

I don't just want a warm body sitting there voting on subjects with which they are unfamiliar. I do want a council who will attend community functions and interact with the citizens who they are now asking to vote for them.

I want a councilor who manages the time necessary to attend all council meetings. I want a councilor who is open to all, not just those who have voted for him or her.

I would like to have a councilor who does not have an unlisted telephone number. I want a councilor who is not hesitant to bring forth new ideas to the council. I want some time and research spent on issues; to merely say time has been served on the North Adams City Council is not enough.

Voters owe it to themselves to study position papers of all candidates and to compare their positions on issues and their individual qualifications. Those who have "done something" for the city in the past and who have worked effectively with community groups are most likely to perform councilors' duties effectively.

We have the opportunity to vote new members onto the council and to reward those who have worked hard with continuing to serve. Don't forget to vote on Nov. 3.

Joyce Wrend
North Adams
Oct. 23, 2009

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