Thursday November 29, 2012

Could there be clarity in the winds of change happening in our City Council here in North Adams, or could it be a posture of political movement in the works with an up-and-coming election next year? Only you, the viewer of the bi-weekly, live-and-in-living-color, must-see TV and a local reader to this fine newspaper can be the judge.

I spoke at the City Council meeting of Nov. 13 during Open Forum about the right of the people to petition their local government for answers to their questions (called clarity, accountability and transparency) after emailing four councilors -- with full information on all aspects of my questions -- with only one replying back. That was from the Finance Committee Chairman Councilor Marden, who I did thank for all of his help.

From the other three -- Blackmer, Bona and Council President Bloom -- I got the standard answer of zippo. More action took place after the meeting then during the meeting for me, as both councilors Blackmer and Bona came up to me and said they never did receive the email, but seemed to know what I was all about. OK, I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt.

Councilor Bona went over to the mayor and came back with an answer on my question. Councilor Blackmer told me she would look into my question and get back to me. What a change -- are the winds of change happening?

Even another councilor, Councilor Harpin, called me over to talk about a matter regarding the

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downtown that I have been talking about for over a year. Again I thank her for her help and look forward to working with her on this matter.

Shocking to say the least. Just maybe wisdom from Soc rates is playing a part.

I know I can count on former Mayor John Barrett III for a true answer. Heck, now it’s a 5 to 4 game, but one must always keep their eyes on the ball.

I still have the "Dagger-eye Councilor" looking hard at me. Maybe her actions are louder than her words, as mum has been the word on most issues, or could it just be arrogance of public officials? Nothing personal, my dear, it’s only politics, along with Council President Bloom still in doubt. Let the games go on -- it’s all fair in love and war.

"If I have been of service, if I have glimpsed more of the nature and essence of ultimate good, if I am inspired to reach wider horizons of thought and action, if I am at peace with myself, it has been a successful day" in the life of this "Top Cop."

Just my thoughts

Mark Trottier

North Adams

Nov. 22