Editor’s note: Christine Forgey is one of four candidates running for two At-Large City Council seats in the Nov. 5 Greenfield general election.
Address: 290 Barton Road
Occupation (past/present): Retired/mayor/policy specialist at Smith College, Provost’s Office/assistant town accountant Greenfield
Political experience: Mayor/School Committee/library trustee
How long have you lived in Greenfield? 45 years
What qualities would you bring to the City Council? Integrity, experience, institutional knowledge, listening skills, proven decision maker.
Are you up-to-date on your property taxes? Have you ever been delinquent on your payments? Yes; no
Which subcommittees would you be interested in serving on and why? I am willing to serve on any subcommittee where my ability is needed. I am most interested in Way & Means (finance).
Dissatisfied voters petitioned to put the library and safe city ordinance on the ballot. What does that say about the confidence voters have in the City Council to make decisions on their behalf? Nothing. This is not about voter dissatisfaction or confidence.
This is about process. What we have witnessed is the impact on the authority of the council to represent the majority of the Greenfield citizens, which has been lessened by modifying the petition and referendum requirements (state requires 12 percent of registered voters) to put a question on a ballot to override council decisions; effectively stalling our governmental process.
We need to pay attention to the fact that the form of self-governance we originally chose with the implementation of the charter is based on the premise that in our democracy, a majority vote of the duly elected council represents the will of the people.
Having said that, I uphold the right of every citizen to petition their government by following the established rules.
The city charter is expected to undergo revisions next year. What changes should be made, if any? My interest concerns the piece-meal way changes have been made to the charter over the years, without reviewing the overall impact of these changes on the intent of self-governance in the original charter. I would like to see a complete and thorough review of each article as it relates to the checks and balances designed in the original charter. I think that council authority to act as representatives of the people has been eroded. I would like to see that restored.