As a city councilor I have faced many challenges and embraced the difficulty of the role knowing that I cannot solve all problems or make everyone happy. Unfortunately, during the five-minute break at the last City Council meeting I was accosted by the chair of GCET board of commissioners, Timothy Farrell. He called me over, raised his voice at me and when asked to stop, called me a derogatory name.

Because of the public nature of this exchange, I feel it should not be ignored. As both a teacher and a city leader it is my duty to call out this kind of damaging behavior. Insults are offensive and deserve no place in our discourse. I believe this kind of ugly dynamic has been normalized on social media, one that encourages escalation and belittlement.

We desperately need leaders that have the strength to not give in to this type of behavior. There is no excuse for name-calling between public leaders. To accept this behavior sends a terrible message to our community and all those that choose to serve.

I strive to demonstrate my values by running meetings with integrity and by showing respect to elected officials, city employees, and members of the public. I understand frustration and anger. Oftentimes constituents are at the end of their rope by the time they reach out to city councilors for help. Those of you that know me, know that I will engage in a spirited debate and am willing to work through conflict.

How we lead, how we talk to each other really matters. Even though city councilors volunteered for the often-uncomfortable nature of this job, we are still just your neighbors with the goal of making a positive difference for our city.

John Bottomley

Greenfield City Council president