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Alcombright Questions Proposed Sewer Fee Cuts |
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Alcombright Campaign On: 08:47AM / Monday November 07, 2011 |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Candidate Richard Alcombright, who is running for a second term as mayor, responds to his opponent's pledge to cut the sewer fee:
In his most recent communication, Councilor Boucher states that he will reduce the sewer fee by 50 percent. He further stated that I promised at the time of the adoption of the fee that it would be placed in an enterprise fund to be used for infrastructure improvements. For the record, that was not what was presented nor was it what the Council voted on. But that aside, let me state the hard reality of Mr. Boucher's last-minute campaign promise.
While the sewer fee was controversial and one of the most difficult decisions I had to make, it has been used to offset the approximately $1 million assessment that the city receives each year from the Hoosac Water Quality District. This years' budget reflects a sewer fee revenue line item of $745,000 which is approximately 42 percent of our water revenue. Should Mr. Boucher cut this revenue line item by 50 percent as stated, $372,500 will be slashed from our local receipts.
Mr. Boucher's promise to cut the sewer fee with absolutely no plan as to how to replace the revenue or cut the budget seems very irresponsible. The reality here is that the FY2012 budget has been set and expenses have been allotted based on anticipated revenues (to include the sewer fee). Does this mean mid-cycle cuts in the school and municipal budget and what will those cuts be? Additionally, if Councilor Boucher is that adamantly opposed to the sewer fee, why not remove it entirely? How far back will this take us?
I have stated time after time that I have not made any of my fiscal decisions in a vacuum. They have been made in consultation with city finance department heads, the City Council Finance Committee, our external auditors and the Department of Revenue. I have made significant strides in reducing our deficits through a combination of cuts coupled with increases in revenue and the institution of efficiencies. Please believe me when I tell you....cutting the sewer fee will only add to further cuts in the budget and further reduction in services. And while no one likes a sewer fee, it plays a vital role in the funding of services in our city.
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Boucher Vows to Cut Sewer Tax in Half |
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Boucher Campaign On: 05:43PM / Friday November 04, 2011 |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — This is the fourth installment of mayoral candidate Ron Boucher sharing his views and ideas on important issues facing the city of North Adams. The below discussion focuses on the reduction of the sewer fee implemented by the current administration by over 50 percent.
"When the City Council originally voted to institute this fee, I was in favor of this because the mayor promised part of the fee would be placed in an enterprise fund for infrastructure improvements. This has not occurred, and instead the money has been used for pay raises, which is completely unacceptable. With the lack of an enterprise fund being set up as per the original plan, why should the people pay for something they are not getting."
"I am proposing an immediate reduction in the sewer fee, from 42 percent to 21 percent, a reduction by half. This would help immediately alleviate the financial burden on property owners. Now people will ask how can we do this and still balance the budget? The truth of the matter is that this fee is already built into our tax base, like the city of Pittsfield, and is not being correctly backed out by the current administration. Residents are being double hit and in these trying economic times that is neither ethical nor acceptable."
"Please remember, Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. I would like to ask one final time for your vote for to lead the city of North Adams."
The campaign to elect Ron Boucher Mayor of North Adams would like to extend an invitation to the public to stop by his campaign headquarters at 107 Main St. You can also learn more about Ron Boucher, his campaign and views by visiting his website at www.VoteBoucher2011.com or emailing him at VoteBoucher2011@yahoo.com.
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North Adams Mayoral Debate Video |
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By Tammy Daniels On: 12:41AM / Wednesday November 02, 2011 |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Mayoral candidates Richard Alcombright and Ronald Boucher met in a feisty forum about economic growth, school building options, transparency and whether visions trump plans and vice versa.
The hourlong debate was filmed at Northern Berkshire Community Television and can be seen at various times through Monday. The full debate is here, in four parts.
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Boucher Shares Economic Views |
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Boucher Campaign On: 06:22PM / Monday October 31, 2011 |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — This is the third installment of mayoral candidate Ron Boucher sharing his views and ideas on important issues facing the city of North Adams. The below discussion focuses on the economic development for the city.
"North Adams has been faced with reduced population, increased taxes and fees, and reduced services and educational cutbacks. This leads to a vicious circle leading to a downward spiral into economic disaster. Long-term, this economic model cannot be sustained. Real economic development is the only model which offers the promise of sustained economic growth. The MoCA-based artist community is a nice addition, and can help, but offers little for most residents in terms of good-paying, non-service-related careers. My plans for economic development should be consistent with the blue-collar work ethic of the city, as well as accepting input from the community.
I propose the following:
• Offer tax incentives for industrial development keyed to real job creation. Create an economic development zone. Consider medium-term tax abatements.
• Make subsidized commercial space available to existing and new businesses on a quid-pro-quo basis. No giveaways, subsidies should be based on countable new jobs created over a medium-term time period. The program needs to be carefully monitored to avoid abuse.
• Partner with Northern Berkshire HealthCare to create medical related jobs.
• Use the natural resources of the area:
- Water
- Railroad: A valuable asset, currently falling into disuse and neglected
- Forest Products
- Eco-tourism, which can bring publicity to the area
- Air Quality
- Quality of Life
- Partner with schools. MCLA, obviously, and possibly Williams College. There are public spirited academics with real expertise who are willing to help on a volunteer basis.
• Critical housing problem. Much existing housing is derelict and beyond useful economic life, and should be razed. Housing which is still viable should be turned to productive uses and returned to tax rolls.
• Marketing. Create a regional and national marketing program to attract viable, economically sensible industry. Foreign investment is also a possibility which should be researched.
• Approach investment bankers and private equity firms in Boson and New York for potential interest and/or assistance
"Please remember, Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. I would like to take this time to ask for your vote, to assist in bringing real economic development back to this city.”
The campaign to elect Ron Boucher Mayor of North Adams would like to extend an invitation to the public for Ron's 2nd Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser at the American Legion on Nov. 2, and also to stop by his new campaign headquarters at 107 Main St.
You can also learn more about Ron Boucher, his campaign and views by visiting his website at www.VoteBoucher2011.com or emailing him at VoteBoucher2011@yahoo.com.
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Alcombright Pledges City Will 'Move Forward' |
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Alcombright Campaign On: 10:14AM / Monday October 31, 2011 |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Richard Alcombright, who is running for a second term as mayor, said in a statement that this election "might just boil down to campaign slogans":
"In my previous communications, I outlined many of the positive things that have happened since I took office in January 2010.
"My slogan is 'Together We Move Forward.' Now this is a pretty basic statement but it says quite a bit. Simply stated, they are words that take us from where we are and continue to allow us to focus on where we want to go. My candidacy, my re-election, another term in office can only be successful through an inclusionary process that allows public input most specifically as it relates to the future of our fine city. We can only do this together.
"To hold on to our momentum, we must continue to involve many people in processes that push us to new limits as we focus on growth and economic recovery. This is what we need to do to move.
"Finally, I have worked tirelessly over the past 22 months to begin to move our city in the right direction. I have done this with the support of many at times and with very little support in other cases. My first two years have not been easy but they have displayed courage and progress at many levels. I will not compromise my mission nor the intent of my slogan if elected to this next term, and will continue to look forward.
"I and many others have worked too hard to look back. The city of North Adams deserves the opportunity to recognize its potential and we will, over time. With few monetary resources, it will take every ounce of human capital to help us reach our full potential. I have said that there are many things that make us look much bigger than we truly are: MCLA, Mass MoCA, North Adams Regional Hospital, our airport and our natural beauty and amenities. Couple those with a growing diversity within our populace, the will of our residents, the willingness of people to be involved and an open and accessible government and I think we have a great recipe for success.
"I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to be your mayor for the past 22 months. I fully intend to continue to do what I think is right and will make decisions based on well thought out and fully vetted processes. While I have provided sound fiscal management, proven that I can make difficult decisions, upheld my promise to be transparent and accessible, I need to do more.
"I need to do more in the way of economic development, I need to do more with our decaying infrastructure, I need to do more to clean up neighborhoods and I need to do more to control costs and promote efficiencies. I will work hard to accomplish these goals in my continued efforts to move us forward ... together."
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U.S. Senate Election
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The state is holding a special election to fill the seat vacated by John F. Kerry, who has been confirmed as U.S. secretary of state.
The special election is scheduled for Tuesday, June 25, from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
The nominees, as listed on the ballot, are:
Gabriel E. Gomez, Republican
Edward J. Markey, Democrat
Richard A. Heos, Twelve Visions Party
The last day to register to vote in the election is Wednesday, June 5.
You may vote absentee: if you will be absent from your town or city on election day, have a physical disability that prevents you from voting at the polls or cannot vote at the polls because to religious beliefs.
Absentee ballots are available at town and city clerk offices until noon on June 24.
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Election 2009 Stories
2010 Special Senate Election Results
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