Economic development is one of Holyoke's biggest city-wide concerns.
When I say economic development, I mean development that considers the needs of the entire community - business owners, employees, realtors, home owners, tenants - everyone. Open Square is a wonderful example. The owners have demonstrated that they are invested in the future of Holyoke and all of its citizens. I will work to support and attract that kind of development.
Pat knows that small businesses are an essential part of a healthy community -- they contribute more to their communities and keep the money they make in the area. All levels of government should support and encourage small, local businesses that provide good jobs and invest in their communities. And encouraging small businesses can be key to the revitalization of the city center.
Downtown development is good for Holyoke and good for the whole region. But it's vital to make good, long-term decisions as opposed to quick-gain choices. There are two aspects of the city center that make it unique and attractive: the historical character and ethnic diversity. If we give those away, we have nothing special to offer.
Pat will work to make all parts of Holyoke welcoming to every citizen of Holyoke.
Crime impacts us all, and we all have a stake and a role in fighting it. We can give every neighborhood back to those who have lived and worked there. We must also explore the causes of crime: unemployment and a reduced police force. Community policing works. It improves the relationship between the police and other members of the community. But it requires adequate staffing levels.
Duffy wants to improve the political process, and address concerns about the way some decisions have been made in the past.
The original vote to put the final decision about privatizing our wastewater treatment solely in the hands of the Mayor was a mistake. Managing our public services and resources is what we elect our City Council to do - it's our local legislature. We need to stay involved and never pass the buck.
Our wastewater treatment is now being operated by Aquarion, but Pat does not want to see that trend continue across the city.
We have a proud history here of keeping our public resources public. HG&E has excellent service and prices because it is operated solely to serve the citizens of Holyoke. That is a standard we must maintain.