Vote Mike Tautznik for Mayor of Easthampton
The following is an independent political opinion:
On November 3rd, 2009 I’m voting for Michael A. Tautznik for Mayor of Easthampton, and I urge you to vote for him as well. While I like Mike personally (and always have), I have held out pledging my support to any one of the four candidates until only recently. In the spirit of democracy, I had wanted to hear what all of the candidates had to say (and the ensuing public dialog) before making my decision. I have heard and read many of the ideas and arguments put forth by the four candidates, and now I am convinced that having Mayor Mike at the helm for another term will help further the renaissance that Easthampton has undergone in the past decade. And this is really the bottom line: I like the changes I’ve seen in our little city over the past decade, and they have occurred on Mike’s watch, and in most cases, with his support and direct involvement.
Of Course, No One is Perfect (Pardon Me While I Kvetch A Little)
I am really glad that there have been challengers for the position. While I do think that Mayor Mike has done a great job, I think that the appearance of contenders has brought discussion to the table that otherwise might have been left on the back burner. For example, I think that Marge is correct that roads and other infrastructure should be a higher priority than they currently are. I know someone who literally broke the wheel of her car when she drove over a mammoth pothole on East Street, and had to replace the wheel out of her pocket. And there are some side streets around town that by all rights should have been repaved a dozen years ago. But I understand that these things take money, and would require sacrifices (i.e., higher taxes) that the community is perhaps not ready to stomach.
At first blush, I preferred JP’s instinct to protect Easthampton’s water supply by standing up against the landfill expansion at all costs. But Mike has demonstrated in word and in deed that he understands that this is a nuanced issue, and that carefully and skillfully managed expansion need not necessarily compromise our main water supply. Also, a lot of Easthampton’s solid waste ends up in the landfill, so it’s only fitting that we negotiate a fair and reasoned compromise with our neighbors to the north.
I’ll be honest, I differ from Mike on the issue of Stop & Shop coming to town. While I agree that such a business would bring a much needed influx of tax dollars without adding too tremendously to the burden of the public schools or public safety officials, I just don’t think we need another grocery store / pharmacy / gas station, and this is one case where I’d like to see the innate value of “town character” trump the desire for another revenue stream. Of course, I can’t hold this argument against Mike, because admittedly, if a Trader Joe’s or a Whole Foods were to come to town, I’d probably favor that. And if there is any district where such development is to be done, the Route 10 corridor is the most appropriate.
And, too, I think that more could / should be done to market our public schools so that the public perception is that they are every bit as good as the public schools in our neighboring communities who are receiving our tax dollars via school choice. Granted, the exportation of our student body says as much about the prejudices of our children’s parents as it does about any real or perceived deficiencies. Test scores are one thing, but it’s important to consider the context of the community, and the fact that Easthampton does have quite a bit of poverty which could contribute to relatively lower scores, and the consequent misperception about the quality of the schools. Here, I think focusing on infrastructure, more technology, and more community outreach will do wonders.
I’m also not a fan of the flag being allowed to fly over the pond—un-illuminated at night, at that—for as much of the year as it does. I am patriotic, Paul Revere is one of my heroes, and I do solemnly remember 09/11/01. I am simply a nature lover, and would prefer to enjoy the crown jewel of our downtown—the view of Mt. Tom reflected in Nashawannuck Pond—unobstructed by our flag whose misplacement cheapens the experience by putting the hand of man (flag) above the hand of God (mountain). But I understand and accept that I may be in the minority on this argument, so this is really nothing but idle ranting on my part. And I doubt any of the other candidates would change it.
As a professional designer, I’d say that Mayor Mike’s website looks a little dated from a design standpoint, but the fact that he is doing it shows his tenacity. This is a microcosm of how Mayor Mike gets things done that need to get done, often on a limited budget. He is focusing on the content, which is the most important thing. Sometimes delivery and presentation affect how content is received, but trust me on this, look at the content of his experience.
No one is perfect, but Mike comes pretty darn close
I fondly remember marching alongside Mayor Mike in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade, in support of the Easthampton Bear Fest, the most successful public art event in our city in recent memory (and possibly, in all history). This is but one example of the ways that Mayor Mike understands the importance of, and supports the arts in our community and in our local economy. He has also shown strong leadership in the effort to renovate Old Town Hall, which houses Easthampton City Arts, the Easthampton Cultural Council, and the nascent Flywheel. And now look, we have a band shell, and our lovely pond is being dredged!
The Bottom Line
All things considered, I think what makes Mayor Mike the most compelling choice in Easthampton’s mayoral election is his passion for the city, his dedication to the arts, and yes, his experience. And to repeat what I said above, I like the changes I’ve seen in our little city over the past decade, and they have occurred on Mike’s watch, and in most cases, with his support and direct involvement. Please join me in supporting Mike Tautznik for mayor.
