City Council Candidate: Robert M. Moulton Jr.
I am 59 years old, a lifelong resident of North Adams. Married to Bonny for 33 years. We have two children, Jessica Moulton and Robert Moulton III, and one granddaughter, Alexa Moulton. Third-generation downtown business (Moulton's Spectacle Shoppe), former four-term city councilor, president of the North Adams Ambulance Service, 16 years a master hunter safety instructor and 13-year host of local community talk show.
Why are you running?
Interest in the city, I have a different view on many issues put before the City Council.
If elected, what issue in particular would you push the council to address?
I would push public safety ,the downtown, education in our school system pertaining to drugs.
What experience or perspective would you bring to the council?
Downtown property owner, business owner, did four terms prior experience.
North Adams has a "strong mayor" form of government. How do you see the council's role in governing?
Council role is the voice of the people.
The current commercial tax at $36.07 per thousand is more than double the residential rate. Should the city rethink the current tax rate shift? Why or why not?
No, too much of a burden on the homeowners.
There have been claims that blight - abandoned or unkempt properties - is increasing. Do you agree? How do you think the council can be more proactive in addressing this issue?
Yes, I will have to think about that and have an answer on my show.
The proposed bike path, skate park and Hoosic River Revival have been touted as community development projects. Do you agree? Why or why not?
River I do, bike path I do, skate park I don't.
Should the city continue to try to resurrect the Mohawk Theater or is it time to turn the project over to a private or nonprofit venture?
Yes and yes
Plans for the private redevelopment of Western Gateway Heritage State Park have recently fallen through. Would you support another attempt at privatization?
Yes but with much more information. The city got holding the bag on that one.
How have you personally supported the community?
Already answered.
How would you reach out to constituents? Do you use Facebook or other methods?
Other methods - live TV talk show.
Should the city hire more police? If so, how would you support funding that increase?
No.
The public safety building is known to have a number of deficiencies, including violations of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Can the city afford to push for a new facility or should it try to "Band-Aid" the current structure?
Regionalize.
Heroin and opiate addiction have been related to increasing crime. Should North Adams focus on more policing, on getting addicts help or a combination of the two?
Education and combination of the two.
Do you think city government is transparent enough in its processes? Could it be better? Would you support an Open Checkbook system?
No, I do not think it is transparent enough; yes, it could be better. Open Checkbook depends on the cost.
Adams and Williamstown recently developed economic development committees. Should North Adams do so as well?
Yes.
What question have you not been asked that should have been?
Well covered.
Tags: candidates, election 2015, NorthAdamsElection,
