The makeup of the City Council will undergo a significant change as a result of the general election with seven of the council’s 13 seats on the Nov. 5 ballot.
With the exception of Verne Sund, who currently represents Precinct 1, there are no elected incumbents. Norman Hirschfeld was appointed Precinct 9 councilor in June.
Three candidates are running unopposed: Daniel Guin, Precinct 2; John Bottomley, Precinct 4, and Hirschfeld.
Here are our endorsements for the four council races.
PRECINCT 1 COUNCILOR: We endorse Edward Jarvis, a 30-year city firefighter, a career that included code enforcement officer and deputy fire chief. He was the author of two federal grants that saved the city tens of thousands of dollars in needed firefighting equipment. Jarvis would bring the perspective and needs of the city’s first responders to the council, which will be important as it considers the next step to replace its aging fire station.
PRECINCT 3 COUNCILOR: We endorse Virginia DeSorgher, a former emergency room nurse who quickly became involved in the community after she moved here eight years ago. She has been on the Planning Board for seven years and is currently its co-chair. She also serves on the Commission on Disability Access and Affordable Housing Committee, plus is an active volunteer. DeSorgher is a regular attendee at City Council meetings, including those of its subcommittees, so she is familiar with challenges the city is facing and how its budget works.
AT LARGE COUNCILORS: We endorse Christine Forgey and Philip Elmer for the two open seats in this category.
As the city’s first mayor, Forgey is easily the most qualified of any council candidate on the ballot, one who brings first-hand experience on the budget process and how the city operates. She also recognizes the political discord that prevents the city from making progress, and cites the need for civility, cooperation and clear communication.
Elmer, a long-time journalist, is a relative newcomer who moved here five years ago. As a result, he could offer a fresh perspective and new ideas to the City Council. Touting the city’s robust high-speed internet, he sees opportunities to draw people who work in the high-tech field to what he calls the “friendliest little city on the internet highway.”
Now it is up to you, voters, to make your choices. The polls are open Tuesday, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Greenfield High School. Please exercise your right to vote.
Needless to say, the Recorder has been inundated with letters and my turns concerning the election. Many were written in support of a candidate. Others were for or against the two ballot questions. Needless to say, many arrived during the last weeks prior to the election.
We are pleased so many people were willing to express themselves in writing. However, despite our attempts to add space to accommodate the submissions, some op-ed pieces will not be published. But we believe we’ve printed a fair representation of the opinions expressed.