Howard B.P. D'Amico
Candidate For City Council - North Adams NORTH ADAMS - Howard D'Amico says he's ready to serve the city again.
The longtime owner of Claire's Photo Supply on Eagle Street is running for a first time for the City Council, about the only city board he hasn't served on, he said.
He's been "on committees more than there's a list." That includes time on the school building committee and Planning Board and as chairman of the Rent Control Board. He also served many years on the now defunct Community Development Corp., working on the Mohawk Theater and housing.
A North Adams native, he is a retired city firefighter and also retired as a firefighter and master chief sergeant from the Air Force after more than 40 years of active and reserve service.
At 82, D'Amico, of Bracewell Avenue, notes he's the oldest candidate running but age also brings experience. And his priorities are clear: he's running to represent the city's seniors and veterans.
"I'm concerned about the elders and veterans of this community," D'Amico said. "These citizens have supported their community for 60, 70 years. They should have a place to sit down and enjoy this city."
That means benches on Main and Eagle streets, he said, not just for the elderly but for the tourists as well. He said visitors frequently come into his shop wondering where they can go sit. To help, he's put a couple of plastic chairs in front of his store.
He approves of the recent major development projects the council has given its approval to, but bemoans the loss of the Notre Dame Church and the community that once supported it.
As a shop owner of more than 30 years, he's not sure what more the city could do to reinvigorate the downtown, other than supporting activities that would draw more traffic. He suggests shutting down Eagle Street once a month for a flea market or bringing back events similar to those used at First Fridays, which no longer occur.
"It was quite successful," D'Amico said, in bringing people to the area, if not so much in ringing up sales. But as the local stores disappeared it petered out.
"We have the potential, we have the parking lot as a potential draw [for events]," he said. "There are a lot of ideas that could be discussed."
He thinks local merchants need to come together to succeed.
"We need local people to stand up and do things, not to depend on the Chamber of Commerce," D'Amico said. "I think as a city councilor, I can propose openly that if you want to succeed ... as a city councilor I will support you. Maybe give them a little spark of life. I hate to see a business fold."
Last year, D'Amico had represented a group of fellow veterans who had worked for the city in pursuing a benefit for those disabled on the job, a state act that the city had to adopt. The council did adopt the act, but refused to make it retroactive.
D'Amico said if elected, he would no longer represent the veterans in that matter. He also said his disagreement over the issue with Mayor John Barrett III doesn't mean he couldn't work with him.
"We've had differences of opinion but I have no ax to grind," he said. "I think the man's done a good job. Taxes are down. And who else is out there complaining about gas prices? The man's done a good job."
D'Amico has five children and four grandchildren. His wife of 54 years, Claire, died in July. He closed the store they'd operated for more than 30 years for awhile, but then decided he had to get involved with the community again.
"I feel I can contribute to the City Council to help the city go forward," he said. "A lot of people told me, I hope you make it because we can at least talk to you."
He described himself as an old engine that can still roar; a man with long experience that shouldn't be overlooked; a man willing to cooperate with the other councilors; a man with no major issues other than giving a voice to the city's seniors and veterans.
"It's up to the community to decide if I'll be an advantage or not," he said. "I'm available to the future of North Adams." |
