Editor’s note: This questionnaire completed by Michael Terounzo is one of five for the candidates running for City Council seats in the Sept. 10 preliminary election. This is the final day of questionnaires.
Address: 171 Log Plain Road, Greenfield
Education: Greenfield High School Graduate, Associate Degree from Greenfield Community College
Occupation (past/present): Owner/Operator of Lawn Service, Etc. (Landscaping), former RMV road test examiner
Political experience: I discuss politics and world matters quite often with my wife, friends and colleagues; this is my first time running for elected office.
How long have you lived in Greenfield? I was born in Greenfield, and but for two years spent in Sunderland, I have lived here my whole life (37 years).
What sets you apart from the other candidates for City Council? I straddle “the aisle” I am told. I have no strong partisan ties; I have voted for things that are seen as liberal, and I have voted for things that are considered conservative. Good ideas are not dictated by a side of the aisle. I never have, nor will I ever, base an opinion or vote solely because that is what is expected by a political party view. With no formal political experience, I have fresh eyes and an open mind. I have no affiliation or allegiance with anyone on the council. I have no expectations of voting one way or the other. I am certainly not a “yes man” for anyone. I always strive to learn; I love to figure out the how and the why of things. I try to listen deeply to a person’s ideas, especially if they seem to differ from mine, to develop a better understanding of where one is coming from. I self reflect quite often. I am a deep critical thinker, and I enjoy figuring out ways to make things more efficient in all aspects of life. I enjoy puzzles, trivia, and I am always observing and intrigued by human behavior and interactions. I run a small business, covering not only the physical labor portion, but also the maintenance of my machinery. I am also responsible for the scheduling, budgeting, accounting and even filing of the business taxes.
What would be the most challenging part about being a city councilor and how would you overcome it? Certainly getting used to the different processes and the inner workings will be a little tough at first. I am fast learner, and very adaptable to new situations. I plan on listening and learning from those who have experience on the council and using their guidance to get up to speed on all of those processes. The public scrutiny may prove to be a little taxing at times, but I have some pretty thick skin, and know I am up to that 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? I collaborate with a group of friends for a game night at least two to three times a month. We all come from different backgrounds and walks of life. Sometimes new folks are introduced by one of the members. We have a very broad range across the political spectrum. We utilize a parliamentary type procedure to establish rules, always keeping democracy in mind. There is no petulant behavior or grudges formed when a vote does not go one’s preferred way. We often engage in passionate/heated debates, yet always with a respect towards each other. Minds may not be changed, but ideas are shared, and therefore further thought can be developed. Listening to one another helps to create a better understanding of how very much alike we are, even though we may have a few differences.
How would you rate the current council’s performance? The council will always be under great scrutiny. I think a lot of good ideas have risen and, in some cases, even passed. I also believe that discussion on some ideas has been stunted due to a bit of “partisan politics.” The denouncement of an idea simply because one “traditionally” disagrees with the other is very shortsighted. I believe that by sharing ideas, and allowing others to contribute to their development, citizens will not perceive the council as having a “my way or the highway” style of government. Instead, they will see that their councilors are representative of the civic body as a whole, and willing to find common ground for the common good.