Editor’s note: This questionnaire completed by Christine Forgey is one of five for the candidates running for City Council seats in the Sept. 10 preliminary election. Look for more questionnaires in Thursday’s and Friday’s editions.
Address: 290 Barton Road, Greenfield
Education: Masters course work completed, thesis incomplete
Occupation (past/present): Assistant town accountant, Greenfield: policy specialist, Smith College: first mayor of Greenfield: retired
Political experience: Library Board of Trustees: School Committee: mayor
How long have you lived in Greenfield? 45 years
What sets you apart from the other candidates for city council? As an employee of Greenfield for over 12 years with a focus on budget and accounting in municipal finance, and serving the people of Greenfield in an elected office for six years as Greenfield’s first mayor, I am in an unique position to offer my knowledge to the city once again. It is time that we understand the Home-Rule Charter more fully and get down to the business of self-governance. We must recognize our commitment to the rule of law that we chose for ourselves in the creation of the Charter and ensure our government functions in the best interest of all our citizens.
What would be the most challenging part about being a city councilor and how would you overcome it? As opposed to being mayor, being a councilor means being one of 13. Quite an adjustment! Recognizing that I can cast only one vote on the council means civil discourse is essential to getting the work of the legislative branch of our government done. Compromise, respect, debate, representation is always always a challenge to everyone who holds political office. I am ready for the challenge.
Can you give an example of a successful time or project when you collaborated closely with someone who doesn’t share your political beliefs? Most of the progress during my tenure as mayor involved collaboration. I stand on my successes.
How would you rate the current council’s performance? This current council and some in the past have trouble understanding their role in the politics of Greenfield. This is not for any lack of trying on any individual councilor’s part. I think they get distracted too easily by matters that are not within council’s purview. Having said that, I want to recognize all who have served. It is not easy to hold public office.