Letter: Vote Alcombright to Move City Forward
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To the Editor:
I was born and raised in North Adams and now I live here again. I have seen many changes. However, the most significant changes I have seen have been in the last six years.
Dick Alcombright and his administrators are welcoming, open, and willing to listen. We have seen the infusion of ideas and private investment in North Adams because of Mayor Alcombright's willingness to talk with outsiders and collaborate with other communities. I remember working at the Williams College Graduate Art History Department when Tom Krens had a vision for MoCA and John Barrett said it was a very stupid idea.
Dick Alcombright supported the first master plan for our city in over 40 years and people are reading it! This plan, called Vision 2030, aligns efforts within North Adams with those of the region. Dick understands that we have to develop and work closely with leaders throughout the entire area.
The investors of the Greylock Mill and the Redwood Motel have said that the city's Vision 2030 was instrumental in their decision to purchase these properties. Another new development in the West End is a museum at the airport. This developer, too, noted that Alcombright's vision and willingness to work with them has made investing in North Adams an easy decision. This administration is planning for the future and making plans to ensure that North Adams continues to develop and is a welcoming place to live.
I'm disappointed that we no longer have a hospital in North Adams. I don't know if Berkshire Medical Center will do the right thing and provide us with in-patient beds. I do know that Dick did everything in his power to ensure we have the services we do today. I listened to John Barrett at the debate he did agree to attend. His statements were far-fetched, accusatory and not based on the true facts. Be wary of rhetoric.
I am encouraged about the future of my city and am confident we will move forward. I do not want to see us retreat to a place of closed doors, arrogant decision-making by one person, or fear from residents to make suggestions. This is our community. Let's be part of it and vote for the administration who is moving us forward. Please vote on Nov. 3 for Mayor Alcombright!
JoAnn Bates
North Adams
Tags: election 2015,
