Barrett Planning Run for Record 14th Term
 Mayor John Barrett III discusses his reasons for seeking a 14th term during an interview in his office Tuesday. |
"There was a lot of talk I would not run," said the state's dean of mayors. "Well, I'm running and I'm ready to go."
Rumors had circulated that Barrett would not try for another term in the corner office despite his several statements that he would not begin his campaign until after the city's budget was completed. The City Council and School Committee approved a $34.4 million budget last week.
The city's fiscal situation had been a top priority, he said, because of the global financial crisis' deleterious effect on state aid and revenues. Between this budget and the 2010 plan going into effect on Wednesday, the city had to cut some $2 million, on top of declining aid dating back to 2001.
North Adams' finances are a major reason Barrett said he would run for a record 14th term.
"This is a time for strong leadership, experienced leadership," he said, comparing today's financial climate as similar to when he was first elected in 1983. Nearly 4,000 people lost their jobs in North County back then; Sprague Electric was on its way out, Proposition 2 1/2 slashed the education system and the city had a cash deficit.
Barrett said he plans a more formal campaign announcement later this summer at which he will discuss a few projects in the works and his vision for the city. The mayor's last two campaigns have been easy rides to victory (no one even bothered to run against him last time) but this year is shaping up to be a tougher race with the entry of City Councilor Richard Alcombright.
Barrett said he's looking forward to two or three debates this fall, "where we can talk about the issues and people can see where we stand."
"The announcement that the mayor has taken out his papers comes as no surprise," said Alcombright. "I look forward to continuing the progress and further developing the message of my campaign. I will stay focused, positive, and on message and will continue open and honest discussion and debate as I run for the office of mayor."
Meanwhile, there are a four points that determined Barrett's decision to enter the election fray once again, including his long experience in keeping services intact and taxes low during difficult times. He also points to his strong relationships with state and federal officials in working to make North Adams stronger.
"Fiscal stabilization is critical at this time," he said, to prevent the city from sliding back to the dire situation it was in so many years ago. "The relationships I've developed at the federal and state level over the years are very important to getting the necessary funds for getting things done."
And at a time when the watchword seems to be change, Barrett says his administration has always been an agent for change, particularly in shepherding the city's transformation from mill city to artists' haven. "I've been an agent for change and will be again for the next couple years."
It's no secret that the mayor loves a challenge, and he sees the current fiscal climate as yet another hurdle to overcome. He frequently talks about his passion for the city.
"I have greater passion for the job today than I did 25 years ago," said Barrett. "If I didn't have the energy and the passion wasn't there, I would be saying goodbye."
