Moving forward to September & November

Now that the selection process to replace current State Rep DiNatale is complete, attention returns to the period between now and the September election runoff and the November election.

Numerous previous posts to this blog indicate the September runoff and November election represent a measure of individual popularity than a vote on the actual issues before the City. Who knows? Effective arguments to the contrary have also been posted.

However, it is never too early to gauge the sentiment of voters as to their concerns as to the main issues.

Reflecting a personal perspective (NOTE: My kids are well beyond the education age) the major issues this year are expected to be (in no particular order of importance):

1. Budget
2. Property taxes/overall tax burden
3. Delivery, or lack thereof, of municipal services
4. Education
5. Cost of municipal government
6. Is Fitchburg “on the right track?”
7. Burden imposed by municipal indebtedness
8. Crime & Safety
9. School budget
10.Ineffective, moribund City Council in terms of charting the future of Fitchburg

Without doubt, bloggers may disagree with the aforementioned, which are simply provided as a stimulus for the thought process.

Comments would be appreciated in terms of the issues-and-of the known candidates (Mylott has indicated he will seek re-election; Maynard has indicated he will seek a return to the Council; presumably, the current Council will seek re-election other than Turbo Ted DeSalvatore who appears bent on running for Mayor) are we in for “more of the same” or is substantial (radical-“throw the bums out” change in order)? Please be specific. Name names. Indicate issues of concern. Who among the elected do you find disappointing? Why so? Who merits praise? Why so?

FINAL QUESTION-What-in your opinion-are the 5 main reasons companies/potential employers fail to locate in Fitchburg?