My name is Penny Ricketts, your current City Council President. I am asking for your vote so I may continue being your councilor at large.
There’s been lots of talk about uncontested races but there are more people running for School Committee than there are open seats. Great news! Do you want to make those decisions?
Last election, we had many City Council, School Committee seats and the mayoral race decided by you.
This is the first time in my political career I’m on the ballot alone. Now I understand why Tim Farrell always hoped for a race and the opportunity to debate.
I want you to know I still very much care. At this point in my life, I feel serving on council is paying it forward. I loved/love this community for raising my children, making a living and sitting on various nonprofit local boards and committees. I’ve always prided myself in responding to your emails and phone calls. This is the exact reason I am voting Yes on Question 1.
My votes and debates on the council floor came from conversations with you. Do I believe people have the right to petition? Absolutely! What I do not believe in is small special interest groups trying to undo thoughtful long hard work.
Love or hate me, but when I was not on the council and worked hard to allow a big box to come into this town, I wasn’t speaking for a handful of people. All the various boards weighed in and just like Home Depot, Walgreens and BJ’s — there was no respect given to the majority, even when it landed as a ballot question.
Explain why a small group that doesn’t get their way believes the appropriate next step is to sue the town boards and basically tell taxpayers “we know what is best for you.” Still , to this day I don’t understand why people don’t run for office instead of financially costing the city money we don’t have. Not to be arrogant but if I don’t like a decision, I’m prepared to go all in 100%. I will get the amount of signatures asked for, plus more. I will put my time and energy joining the boards I feel I can do my best work.
What I won’t do is vote for people I trust and then undermine them, sue the city or ruin projects I believe the majority want.
I will be voting Yes on question 1, voting for School Committee members, my precinct councilor and for myself! I’m a Black woman who watched for years from the sidelines and never felt worthy to serve. I’m here now and there’s no going back.
Question 1 is a great compromise and I can’t believe anyone able to vote would ever stay home Nov. 2 or any other election Day. I’ve seen a vote not pass by nine votes! I know the hope is to convince everyone that without heated back-stabbing council races there is no reason to vote. Good try! Show up!
Vote Yes on Question 1. Vote for fairness. Vote because it’s not always easily allowed in other states.
Penny Ricketts is running unopposed for reelection on the Greenfield City Council.