Greenfield voters have important decisions to make in the Nov. 5 general election, including who will be mayor for the next four years.
This election has further significance because William Martin, mayor for the past 10 years, is not seeking re-election.
As acknowledged by many, Greenfield will never return to the town it once was. It will be the job of the next mayor to lead Greenfield to the city it will continue to become.
As optimists, we envision a vibrant downtown that becomes a destination for residents and visitors. We see more opportunities for affordable housing and resources for those who are homeless. Its schools will keep our students here. The list goes on.
But to get the work done, the city needs an experienced leader.
And for that reason, the Greenfield Recorder endorses Roxann Wedegartner for mayor.
In making our endorsement, Wedegartner’s political experience at the city level was an important factor.
Wedegartner served six years on the Greenfield School Committee, an elected position, including three as its chair. The mayor also is a member of that committee, so she knows what is expected of that role and its responsiblities.
In addition, Wedegartner was on the Planning Board for 16 years, including 14 as its chair.
Both are key boards for Greenfield, ones that make policy, and serving on them has given her a clear understanding of how the city works from the inside. From her command of zoning and zoning ordinances, she is aware of how they can help or have unintended consequences.
We’ve heard a great deal about how the city’s residents are burdened by property taxes, that the city must live within it means.
Frankly, we favor Wedegartner’s approach — to grow the city’s tax base, so it can afford to keep the services it has and upgrade its infrastructure.
Wedegartner’s competitors in this race are Sheila Gilmour and write-in candidate Brickett Allis, both worthy candidates.
Gilmour has expressed similar ideas for moving the city forward as Wedegartner, but what separates the two is their involvement in city government. Yes, Gilmour has had managerial experience in the military and currently on a union’s executive board at UMass, and she brings fresh eyes from life experiences in other towns and countries. But she is mid-way through her first term as city councilor for Precinct 6. If she does not win, we look forward to seeing the contributions she will make in the future.
Likewise, we respect Allis’ service to the city — 19 years on the council, plus numerous committees and subcommittees — and his emphasis on affordability during his campaign, which is a big concern for residents. He has worked out the numbers for some key projects, always looking for the best value for Greenfield. Allis is not seeking re-election on the City Council, where his point of view, and those of his constituents, will be missed if he is not elected mayor.
In making our endorsement for Roxann Wedegartner, we based our decision on the candidates’ political records, the mayoral forums and in-office interviews.
Be assured that we take this process seriously.
Look for our endorsements for the two ballot questions on Saturday and City Council candidates on Monday.