IMPROVE CORE SERVICES
In recent years, Newburyport has lost considerable ground in maintaining our services - the services residents expect their municipal government to provide. Many streetlights downtown are out or broken, sidewalks and streets throughout the city are in poor condition, we struggle to find the resources to paint our crosswalks and our parks in dire need of attention.
The effect of neglect is corrosive. Postponing maintenance of public assets is a costly and shortsighted mistake. The Department of Public Services needs personnel and equipment to provide a level of service that matches the care and pride our residents show in their own houses.
If elected, I will develop a funding source to maintain our downtown, our parks and other areas of the city. In addition, I will seek greater efficiencies and more public-private partnerships.
PRESERVE STRIDES MADE IN SCHOOLS
Excellent schools are not only important for the future of our children, but for the future of our community. Young families are a key component to any healthy community. We need to:
- Hire the best possible superintendent.
- Lobby the State for better funding.
- Collaborate with the School Committee and community leadership on best practices.
- Find additional ways to fund and return programs- especially foreign languages.
MAINTAIN AUTHENTICITY
The built and natural environment in Newburyport enriches our lives. Because our history is right here in brick and wood and we see it every day, we may not always realize its value-to homeowners, the local economy and as an important part of local and national history. Authenticity is good for our pocketbooks: it maintains our property values, brings people to our shops and restaurants and draws people to live, work and visit here. I supported and fought for the Demolition Delay ordinance to prevent the destruction of the historic homes that add value to Newburyport.
As Mayor, I will appoint people to the Historic Commission, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals that share these core values of appreciation and collaboration. And, I will support the creation of a Local Historic District(s).
ADDRESS THE WATERFRONT
Market Landing Park and the Peter Matthews Boardwalk are active vibrant public spaces. That land abutting is used for low value activities such as float storage and parking and has not contributed to our tax base for decades.
If elected, I will work with the NRA and the Waterfront Trust to create an active, value-added and self-sustaining waterfront that will give back to the people of Newburyport on a year round basis.
NURTURE PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS
Respected public institutions such as the Library and the Firehouse Center for the Arts are keystones of the cultural and intellectual life of our community.
As Mayor, I will ensure that we properly fund the Library so that our state accreditation and membership in the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium is never in question.
Creating a successful commercial center is the way to ensure that the cultural institutions such as the Firehouse Center for the Arts has the patronage they need to thrive.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Newburyport needs to increase and diversify our commercial tax base to bring relief to the residential sector.
I will foster the creative economy and sustainable tourism to lessen our dependence on seasonal day trip tourism. I will work with the Chamber of Commerce, private citizens and non-profit organizations to nurture and improve such hallmarks of sustainable tourism as the Literary Festivall, The Eagle Festival, Preservation Week, The Chamber Music Festival, and the Documentary Film Festival. These events not only bring in needed tourist dollars during the off-peak season, but most importantly, enrich the lives of the people of Newburyport.
I will work thoughtfully and constructively with Stephen Karp to ensure that changes made by New England Development will respect our authenticity and benefit Newburyport residents.
I will continue the efforts to revitalize the area around the traffic circle and train station.
I will continue the investigations into providing appropriate zoning to allow commercial office space at the train station and contiguous industrial areas.
