Election 2009: Flagg Outlines ABCs for North Adams

07:18PM / Friday, August 07, 2009

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Brian Flagg

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — City Council candidate Brian L. Flagg, released his thoughts on Friday on how to move North Adams in a more positive direction and create a community-focused and stronger city. He calls it the ABCs of North Adams.

In a press release dated Friday, Aug. 7, Flagg said, "While I recognize the city has moved in a positive direction over the last several years I do see some gaps we can close to make our community even stronger. These areas have been neglected for several reasons and it's time we focus our attention elsewhere in order to not only deliver the best for our citizens but to make them feel they are truly a part of the decision-making process.  The City Council has limited capabilities but can make a difference in how the community interacts with each other. My ABC idea is simple."

■ A (Assessment) – Help in organizing a group consisting of business leaders and citizens who will work to help identify and prioritize issues in the city that need to be addressed. On behalf of this powerful group of people, share those ideas with the mayor and the City Council and urge them to take action where possible.

■ B (Belief) – Through the group assessment process and subsequent action, help instill a belief within the community that the ideas matter to city leaders. There is a strong contingent in our city who don't believe they make a difference. This HAS to be one of the first steps in moving our city forward. If the citizens don't believe in it progress cannot be made.

■ C (Communication) – I will assist in making sure that any and all concerns expressed by members of this community are heard and communicated to the appropriate city leader. No matter how small or insignificant they may seem, the ideas our citizens have are crucial to the city's development. All too often in North Adams, ideas are put on the back burner or go unanswered. When this happens our residents lose faith in the process and in the leaders and then negative communication begins. Name calling and negative accusations result and nothing positive can come of that.

For too long we have been mired in negativity and unproductive communication. Before anything positive can happen, we need to come together as a city and have positive input and dialogue from everyone involved. Through my ABCs, I strongly believe we can make a positive impact on the future of this city.