Barrett will pursue 14th term

In this state, we're talking about placing severe limitation on elderly drivers for fear of the injury and damage they may cause. If only we could do that with politicians. John should use his "strong political ties" to move on. Sometimes, when you're in a job too long, you get tunnel vision and simply can't see what's best because you think that only your opinion matters. So, you bully others into backing down. That's been John's method for years, and anyone who's dealt with him, knows he's a bully.

While taxes remain low, every department in the city has been gutted. The DPW can't even afford spare parts at times. When there was talk of the city changing to the state GIC health plan, John fought it vehemently and blew smoke in everybody's face. Factually, the plan WOULD have saved money, just like it did in Pittsfield, but the current self-funded plan is woefully mishandled and the cost of bailing would be millions that John has used elsewhere.

But, here we are in another political run, and John is singing a different tune even with the health insurance. One thing the mayor does quite well is politicking. He'll win because change is hard, and we'll all pay because his slash and cut policies can't work when the City is threadbare and broke, and we are.

And we have only one person to thank - John Barrett, who as I write this, has dug deep in his trunk of dirty tricks, and is polishing his halo, and ordering a fresh box of rose-colored glasses for anyone who will listen.

Too bad John can't read the tea leaves. He would have gone out on top. Now he is going to go out as a loser.

And who gives a crap what Peter Fohlin makes. Barrett makes more than 95% of his city and has the balls to call city employees greedy when they negotiate.

Bye bye Lumpy.

If that jerk wins we are all done we will all have to move it will really go to his vindictive controling head.

We all know he,s a Bully and we all know his dirty behind the scenes and we all know his controling anger.We all know we need a fresh start We all know anybody that likes JOHN BARRETT has got to be just like him and who would what to live as unhappy as him.So lets get OUR city back and get him out.

I can not believe that he is running again ! I wish I made as much money as he does. He thinks he is gods gift to NA I think he is the devil of NA. I really hope he looses WE DO NEED CHANGE !!!!

Ask some Alcombright supporters what he's done in retaliation to them so far - it's happening all over again. Be nice if we had a newspaper in town to investigate.

I see there are a handful of disgruntled citizens on here that won't for the Mayor ,while most voters in the cith realize he is the one to bring back North Adams from the clutches of depression and bring this city back !

All facts, no fluff. Facts people.

Thousands of us are proud that you are running again. The debates will be the turnng point.

Topix is funny, because I know I'm discussing this with the same 35 or less people. No more. At least I will admit it.

The real voters will be out in droves to vote John back in.

Debates debates debates. Can't wait.

anon wrote:

Too bad John can't read the tea leaves. He would have gone out on top. Now he is going to go out as a loser.
And who gives a crap what Peter Fohlin makes. Barrett makes more than 95% of his city and has the balls to call city employees greedy when they negotiate.
Bye bye Lumpy.

There are lots of North Adams citizens who make more than the Mayor. Is this 95% reference a fact, or just some smoke? At least he refused a pay raise. How about some positive feedback on that? North Adams is a city, while Williamstown is a town. I don't think it's a stretch to say that John has a bit more on his plate than Mr. Fohlin. The Mayor's salary isn't very high(to say the least). If you divided his salary by the number of hours he puts in, he would be making peanuts. I'm not saying he hasn't made any mistakes, and I'm not saying I agree with everything he's done, but he loves the city and wants it to prosper. He's had a positive impact on our city over his tenure. I've been here for all of it. I'm undecided at this point as to who I will be casting a vote for, so I look forward to the debates.

HERE"S JOHNNY.Fact He has the experience to take on the state He listens when presented in the right way.He tells it like it is.He has plans not just words.Hes a true public servant..A good leader is not well liked by everyone.They have to make those decisions some don't like...DEBATE GUYS

litigist wrote:

<quoted text>
There are lots of North Adams citizens who make more than the Mayor. Is this 95% reference a fact, or just some smoke? At least he refused a pay raise. How about some positive feedback on that? North Adams is a city, while Williamstown is a town. I don't think it's a stretch to say that John has a bit more on his plate than Mr. Fohlin. The Mayor's salary isn't very high(to say the least). If you divided his salary by the number of hours he puts in, he would be making peanuts. I'm not saying he hasn't made any mistakes, and I'm not saying I agree with everything he's done, but he loves the city and wants it to prosper. He's had a positive impact on our city over his tenure. I've been here for all of it. I'm undecided at this point as to who I will be casting a vote for, so I look forward to the debates.

he didn't refuse a pay raise....he defered it, just like he has done in the past....so he can call it in to boost his pension....

anon wrote:

Too bad John can't read the tea leaves. He would have gone out on top. Now he is going to go out as a loser.
And who gives a crap what Peter Fohlin makes. Barrett makes more than 95% of his city and has the balls to call city employees greedy when they negotiate.
Bye bye Lumpy.

...sour grapes anon?.....sounds like it

Burnt Toast wrote:

Ask some Alcombright supporters what he's done in retaliation to them so far - it's happening all over again. Be nice if we had a newspaper in town to investigate.

...well since u know, why dont u tell us.....thats if u have the facts

Debates? What do you possibly think you're going to hear in the debates that you haven't heard already?

The debates will happen, Shaftboy and the Barrett Bunch will say "Keep the Mayor Mayor" and the Alcombright crowd will say "No question that Dick was bigger in those debates."

Burnt Toast wrote:

Ask some Alcombright supporters what he's done in retaliation to them so far - it's happening all over again. Be nice if we had a newspaper in town to investigate.

I would actually appreciate it if you would post some of these incidents. It is truly disheartening that we don't have a local paper or even a website that really addresses civic issues and keeps our politicians accountable. It's sad, but for most people who are interested, the only source for even tidbits of the real stories is this forum, and you have to wade through reams of ranting and babbling in order to access them.

p.s. i'm posting from North Adams! I just noticed that topix says I'm in Easthampton, where I've never even visited. I'll assume that's some kind of Verizon-DSL routing thing.

nettle wrote:

p.s. i'm posting from North Adams! I just noticed that topix says I'm in Easthampton, where I've never even visited. I'll assume that's some kind of Verizon-DSL routing thing.

You are correct it's a routing thing--when I was posting from Norh Adams it showed variously Jacksonville Vt-- Easthampton- Cummington and several other places---everyone should be made aware of that- as some posters bash other posters--who "don't live in town"--and should have no say in local matters----chbpod

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