Letter: Bashevkin Writes in Support of Alcombright
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To the Editor:
I am writing in support of Dick Alcombright's candidacy for reelection as mayor of North Adams.
I was born and raised in North Adams, attended its public schools, and graduated from Drury High School. For 29 years I served as executive director of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and worked to forge positive relationships with people throughout the community and region.
I worked with John Barrett for much of his administration, and then had an opportunity to work with Dick Alcombright for the past six years. In comparison, I believe that the collaborative approach that Mayor Alcombright has advanced has served the community well, and I note with approval his willingness to personally engage some of our community’s toughest challenges such as poverty and addiction.
I appreciate Mayor Alcombright's willingness to roll up his sleeves and help community members address these issues. True answers to community problems need to come from the residents themselves, and Mayor Alcombright's participation helped to encourage an engaged community.
The closing of North Adams Regional Hospital was a real setback for the community. From talking with many, I believe that the hospital's finances amidst a changing national health landscape made the hospital closing unavoidable. Mayor Alcombright's willingness to engage our county health-care providers bodes well in bringing some services back to the community. More needs to occur and this will take time.
A few weeks ago I attended the Fresh Grass Festival at Mass MoCA which, along with the Solid Sound Festival, has become a terrific advertisement for all that is good and welcoming about North Adams.
I urge my many friends in North Adams to continue to move the city forward and vote for Dick Alcombright next Tuesday.
Alan Bashevkin is the former executive director of Northern Berkshire Community Coalition. He lives in Bennington, Vt.
Tags: election 2015, letters to the editor, NorthAdamsElection,
