Brickett Allis’ political start was back well before Greenfield had a mayor. People thought of Greenfield then as a small town, not a small city.
You didn’t need unions and businesses pouring thousands of dollars into campaign coffers to start running for office. Most elected offices were held by dedicated volunteers, not people who barely show up despite getting stipends and reimbursed travel expenses. It was a time when council meetings weren’t spectacles of packed crowds, of yelling charges and countercharges. The council back then was literally a circle of residents from all walks of life who deliberated issues, voted then adjourned. Meetings weren’t flashy and at times painfully slow, but the work of Greenfield got done.
In other words, Brickett’s political philosophy reflects a small-town quality of life. He came of age when the factor driving people to run for office was a passion for the town, not a passion for politics. What mattered most was what benefited the town. People’s political affiliations were afterthoughts. When there were disagreements, people were treated with a decent level of respect. Even those on the losing side felt listened to. On Tuesday, Nov. 5, I am writing in Brickett Allis, 300 Wells St, for mayor because I don’t want the Greenfield of 20 years ago to be “the good old days.” I want the good days of Greenfield in the future.
Cody Pease
Greenfield