Tomorrow, November 6th, 2012, New Bedford residents will vote for their next President (Barrack Obama or Mitt Romney), U.S. Senator (Scott Brown or Elizabeth Warren) and will decide the outcome of three state ballot questions. NewBedfordGuide.con does not endorse candidates, or try to sway opinions. I try to inform voters and let them make their own decisions. Here are five tips (or answers to important questions) that all New Bedford residents should know so you can cast your ballot smoothly and ensure you are informed on the three ballot questions.

1. Voting Hours. New Bedford residents can cast their ballot between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Expect the heaviest turnout after 5 p.m. as people get out of work and head to the voting booths. If possible, vote early so you can get in and out quickly!

2. Where do I vote? New Bedford has six voting districts and each district has several voting locations. A full list can be seen here. The best way to find your voting location is to use the state’s official database: http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.aspx. Simply fill out the form with your address and it will generate your voting location’s address.

3. Details on the three ballot questions. Voters in Massachusetts will vote on three ballot questions; the availability of motor vehicle repair information, prescribing medication to end life, and medical use of marijuana. Here’s a basic primer on the issues: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/2012-massachusetts-statewide-ballot-questions/2012/08/22. Get informed before you vote!

4. Where do I get official New Bedford election information? Residents should check the official New Bedford Election Commission website: http://www.newbedford-ma.gov/Elections/electionmain.html. If you want to get your questions answered in person you can visit the Election Commission Office at the New Bedford City Hall on 133 William Street. They are location in room 114.

5. Where do I get official state election results? Reference the Secretary of State’s election page: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleidx.htm.

“Should things go wrong at any time, the people will set them to rights by the peaceable exercise of their elective rights. ” – Thomas Jefferson

On November 6th, 2012, Massachusetts voters will decide “Yes” or “No” on three statewide ballot questions. Two of the questions are major medical issues and will have a lasting impact on our state. Do we want to prescribe medication to end the life of suffering patients? Do we want to be a state that prescribes medical Marijuana? As a general rule, I don’t take sides on political issues on NewBedfordGuide.com. In this article, I’ll simply provide the facts on each ballot question and relevant resources so YOU can decide.

Question #1: Availability of Motor Vehicle Repair Information

This ballot question would force vehicle manufacturers to provide consumers the same diagnostic and repair information that the car dealers and in-state authorized repair facilities get. Basically, it stops dealers from overcharging consumers for diagnostic and repair information and forces them to make it available outside of their proprietary networks. It provides the consumer (or the consumers repair facility) the right to obtain diagnostic and repair information electronically on a subscription basis, for no more than fair market value and on terms that do not unfairly favor dealers and authorized repair facilities. It also provides consumers unfiltered access to the information outside of the dealerships propriety systems. You can read the official ballot question summary here.

A YES VOTE would enact the proposed law requiring motor vehicle manufacturers to allow vehicle owners and independent repair facilities in Massachusetts to have access to the same vehicle diagnostic and repair information made available to the manufacturers’ Massachusetts dealers and authorized repair facilities.

A NO VOTE would make no change in existing laws.

Question #2: Prescribing Medication to End Life

This is probably the most controversial ballot question in decades for Massachusetts residents. At a terminally ill patients request, should Massachusetts doctors be allowed to prescribe medication to end that patient’s life? In 1999, Dr. Jack Kevorkian served 8 years of a 20-25 year sentence for second degree murder for assisting a terminally ill patient’s life. There are several strict requirements to the law. First, the patient must be “mentally capable” of requesting these medications. Second, the patient must have “an incurable, irreversible disease that will, within reasonable medical judgment, cause death within six months.” Third, the patient must “voluntarily expresses a wish to die and has made an informed decision.” Finally, “the patient would ingest the medicine in order to cause death in a humane and dignified manner.”  You can read the official ballot question summary here.

A YES VOTE would enact the proposed law allowing a physician licensed in Massachusetts to prescribe medication, at the request of a terminally-ill patient meeting certain conditions, to end that person’s life.

A NO VOTE would make no change in existing laws.

Question #3: Medical Use of Marijuana

In 2008, through a ballot question, Massachusetts decriminalized Marijuana use for anyone in possession of 1 ounce or less. Instead of jail time, these users paid a $100 fine. This year’s Question #3 addresses the medical use of Marijuana. In simple terms, “this proposed law would eliminate state criminal and civil penalties for the medical use of marijuana by qualifying patients. To qualify, a patient must have been diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition, such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV-positive status or AIDS, hepatitis C, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, or multiple sclerosis.” Currently, 17 U.S. states and the District of Columbia approve and regulate Marijuana for medical use. You can read the official ballot question summary here.

A YES VOTE would enact the proposed law eliminating state criminal and civil penalties related to the medical use of marijuana allowing patients meeting certain conditions to obtain marijuana produced and distributed by new state-regulated centers or, in specific hardship cases, to grow marijuana for their own use.

A NO VOTE would make no change in existing laws.

Are you for or against any of these ballot questions? Post a comment!

The New Bedford Board of Election Commissioners has announced that Friday, August 17, 2012 is the deadline to register to vote in the Massachusetts State Primary Election which will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2012.

To allow the public more time to complete the voter registration process, the Elections Office, located in New Bedford City Hall at 133 William Street, will remain open on Friday, August 17, 2012 until 8:00 p.m.  The voter registration deadline is also the deadline for voters to notify the Board of Elections of any changes in their address, name or party affiliation.

The September 6^th election is a Primary election and voters may only receive a ballot in the party in which they are enrolled.  Only Unenrolled (Independent) (Undeclared) voters have the option to select the party ballot.

Voters may cast their votes for the following seats:

• Senator in Congress ……………….     for this Commonwealth
• Representative in Congress ………..   9^th Congressional District
• Councillor…………………………..       1^st Bristol District
• Senator in General Court……………   2^nd Bristol & Plymouth Senate District
• Representative in General Court……  8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th and 13^th Bristol Representative District
• Clerk of Courts…………………….       Bristol County
• Register of Deeds………………….     Bristol Southern District
• County Commissioner…………….     Bristol County
• County Treasurer …………………       Bristol County (to fill vacancy)

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Election Commissioners has changed the polling location in Precincts 6A and 6B.  The City Council voted to return the polling location to its original location at Hazelwood Park Community Center, 553 Brock Avenue.

The Board of Election Commissioners also reminds the public that absentee ballots for the State Primary are available.  Any voter unable to get to the polls on Election Day can vote by absentee ballot during regular office hours or can request that an absentee ballot application be mailed to their home address.  In addition, to allow the public more time to cast an absentee ballot, the City of New Bedford Elections Office will be open on Saturday, September 1^, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 12 Noon.

Voters can visit the City of New Bedford website at www.newbedford-ma.gov to view the official specimen ballot for their district.

Any city resident who is uncertain about their voting status, designated polling location, has changed their address since the last election or would like to change their party affiliation or request an absentee ballot should contact the Board of Election Commissioners at (508) 979-1420.

After the 2010 Census, Massachusetts will lose the 10th Congressional District due to our state’s low population growth. This forced the district maps to be redrawn. In 2013, New Bedford will be represented in the Massachusetts’ 9th District that will include:

• All of Barnstable County, Dukes County, and Nantucket County.
• The following areas in Bristol County: New Bedford, Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Westport and much of Fall River.
• The following areas in Plymouth County: Carver, Duxbury, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Marion, Marshfield, Mattapoisett, Middleborough, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rochester, Rockland, and Wareham.

Massachusetts 9th Congressional District Candidates

There are five candidates running for the 9th Congressional seat; two Democrats, two Republicans and one independent. Here is the Massachusetts’ 9th District candidate list with links to their websites and social media sites.

Democrat:

• William Keating: 10th Congressional District Incumbent. (Website – Facebook – Twitter)
• Sam Sutter: District Attorney for Bristol County. (Website – Facebook – Twitter)

Republican:

• Christopher Sheldon – Business consultant. (Website – Facebook – Twitter)
• Adam Chaprales – (Website – Facebook – Twitter)

Independent

• Daniel Botelho – Senior Operations Analyst in the Global Financial Operations (GFO) group. (Website – Facebook – Twitter)

The state primaries, used to narrow down the field, will be held on September 6th, 2012 with the final election day on November 6th, 2012.

Here is a basic timeline for voters:

• August 17th –  Last day to register to vote and to change party enrollment for the State Primaries.
• September 6th – State Primary Elections.
• November 6th – State Elections.

A more details timeline can be found here.

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This is what the 9th District will look like in 2013.

This is what the current 10th District looks like.

On Wednesday, March 21, 2012, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell will join New Bedford commercial fishermen in Washington D.C., for a march and rally on Capitol Hill.  Organizers anticipate thousands of fishermen hailing from ports across America will participate in the rally.  The event will draw attention to the damaging effect federal fisheries regulations are having on America’s commercial fishing industry.

Mayor Mitchell said rally attendees will urge Congress to address the lack of flexibility in the Magnuson-Stevens Act and pointed to the 10-year rebuilding requirement as an example of the Act’s inflexibility.

“Decisions need to be based on timely, accurate information.  Today, the federal government is relying on data from 2007 and the lack of fresh, reliable science is unacceptable,” the Mayor said.

“An important step in the right direction is for Congress is to pass the Kerry-Snowe Fisheries Investment and Regulatory Relief Act which will invest in fishing science that we can have confidence in,” he continued.

The Port of New Bedford is America’s #1 fishing port with landings valued at $306 million. New Bedford is New England’s seafood hub, with more than 30 processors and distributors, ranging in size from high-volume international wholesale to local retail operations.

New Bedford voters unable to travel to the polls for the election on Super Tuesday, March 6, 2012 will be able to cast their ballots on Saturday, March 3, between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M. at New Bedford City Hall, 133 William St., Room 114.

In this Presidential Primary, voters will cast their votes for President, City Committee Man, State Committee Woman, and Ward Committees. Un-enrolled voters (Independent) will have to choose a Democratic, Republican, or Green Rainbow ballot.

Voters will be able to request an absentee ballot up to 12:00 P.M. the day before the election: Monday, March 5, 2012.  All absentee ballots have to be mailed by the voter, but completed ballots can be returned in person to the Election office by 7:45 P.M. on Election Day.

Due to re-drawing of precincts, many of the polling places have changed.  This will be the first election with the new ward and precinct lines.  Voters who are uncertain as to their voting status or who do not know where their assigned polling location is, should contact the Board of Election Commissioners at (508) 979-1420.  Voters can also visit the City’s website www.newbedford-ma.gov  to view specimen ballots and find out their polling locations.

The polls will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, March 6, 2012, from 7:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M.

The New Bedford municipal elections will be held on November 8th, 2011. A list of the candidates can be found here. New Bedford Guide does not endorse candidates and we offer our site for any candidate to publish articles. Here is an article submitted by Jan Baptist who is running for City Council At-large. 

As campaign activities heat up just before Election Day I hope that voters will hear my message. My candidacy for Councilor-at-Large is inspired by my life story and my desire to serve our community and impact the quality of life in our neighborhoods. I am dedicated to involving citizens from all sectors of the city.

Born and raised in New Bedford’s north-end, today I am a west-end resident. My grandparents were born in St Michael, Azores and came to New Bedford in the early 1900s. My father came to America when he was two and was never enrolled in the school system.  My mother was born in New Bedford and completed the 6^th grade. I remember teaching my father how to write his name and helping him to study for his citizenship test.  Both of my parents worked in New Bedford textile mills.

I attended Ottiwell elementary school, Normandin and New Bedford High School dropping out of at 16.  I returned to school after working a year in a pajama factory and did finally graduate.  I had begun to see the value of education and wanted to attend college, but my quest for higher education was an ongoing struggle.

I began to work full time at low income levels and as a full time wage earner, I was un-eligible for financial aid.  Making little money, I fell just above the income level.  I enrolled as a paying, part-time student and over the span of 20 years, earned an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Bristol Community College, and a Bachelor in Humanities and Social Sciences from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. I also studied at Smith College as an Ada-Comstock Scholar, finally earning a Master in Education from Cambridge College. Through my philosophy of life-long-learning, I continue to participate in educational opportunities and I am a 2006 graduate of Leadership SouthCoast.

I began my career in education as a 6^th grade teacher aid at the DeValles School for the New Bedford Model Cities Program, later participating in the New Careers Program at Bristol Community College.  Through this program I worked in the Reading Lab at Bristol Community College, first as a Reading Aid, advancing to Educational Assistant, then Teaching Assistant, as she earned her Associate Degree.  Upon completion of my Bachelor Degree I was promoted as Liaison to the Disabilities Office, then Assistant Coordinator of Tutoring, progressing to College -Wide Retention Coordinator and Assistant Director of the TRIO QUEST Program.   As a MCCC union member in these state positions I was very aware of the importance of union representation for educators.

Upon earning my Master Degree I was appointed as the Director of Disability Services for the now three campus college.   This management position provided the challenge of working within limited budgets, while honoring the rights of workers and delivering mandated services for students with disabilities.

I am the recipient of Bristol Community College’s Silver Shield Service Award, the Scepter and Scroll Award for Exceptional Leadership and Honorable Mention, as an Outstanding Advisor.  I have also received the Phi Theta Kappa, Honor Society, Recognition Award, for Outstanding Contributions to Student Success. These awards were earned for my ability to bring people together to solve problems, my mediation skills and my ability to connect people with the proper resources.

My long-time commitment to the YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts connects me to the community and has made me aware of the needs of both business and industry.  During my involvement with the YWCA, I first served as Assistant Treasurer for several years and was elected as president of the Board in 2006, where I currently sit. I have instituted an annual board orientation and retreat, and I serve on numerous YWCA committees.  I have also been a leader in the development and implementation of the YWCA’s 2008-2011 Strategic Plan.  I am passionate and dedicated to the YWCA Mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, leading the $4.6 million capital fund building campaign to consolidate YWCA services and programs Under One Roof.  With the completion of the campaign, the YWCA will be transformed as a first class vehicle for the empowerment of women and girls and families in the community.

I also serve on the city’s Human Relations Commission, where I was first appointed Commissioner and then elected as Chair, serving from 2006 to the present.  Under my leadership the Commission continues to grow and become more responsive to the needs of the community.

Other volunteer work includes:  membership in the Bristol Community College, Alumni Board of Directors, Friends Academy Multicultural Awareness and Diversity Advisory Board, and the New Bedford 20/20 Planning Committee.  I am also a member of the Women’s Fund Advisory Committee.

During the past 10 years, I have developed an understanding of the workings of our city, my connections with local educators, city leaders and business resources will prove to be an asset in the position of Councilor-at-Large.  I will strive to build consensus and provide platforms for effective communication that will benefit all walks of life here in the City of New Bedford. I often quote Marian Wright Edelman, who said “service is the rent we pay for living”; I believe anyone who knows me will testify that I live this value.

My dedication to the city is not my only asset for the position of Councilor-at-Large.  My working class Portuguese background serves as an example of the importance of opportunity for all members of our community. My teaching and volunteer work with the YWCA and the HRC has put me in touch with people of all cultures and I am dedicated to helping everyone. I am familiar with Cape Verdean culture and have traveled extensively in Cape Verde.

It is my objective, when elected to bring all voices to the table and respect varying perspectives to address the interrelated issues of education, jobs and neighborhoods.

First, education:  our children, our teenagers, our young adults, all have the right to ongoing quality education. To meet this objective our educational system must be transformed.  I am concerned when I read the newspaper, and, I know about the disparity in our school system from my own experience as a parent and educator.  It is everyone’s responsibility to remedy this.  We can’t stay in our solitary silos, with each group thinking it’s the other’s responsibility, nor can we tolerate professional turf wars. Transformation requires not just the mayor and the school committee or interest groups’ participation, but the entire community, the city council as well.  Education for the future requires a community coming together.

The quality of life in many of our neighborhoods is another concern. Though proud of many elements of our city, when I drive through some of our neighborhoods I see a different picture in contrast to the beautiful and energized downtown environment.  I am worried about an un-equal society; a growing problem in our nation, and something that is happening here and must be addressed here.

Not being a career politician, but someone who has worked hard in the community, I will bring a much needed fresh perspective as well as the 21^st century management, technology and budget skills I have practiced in my professional life; the necessary skills to move this city forward.

In January, along with a newly elected mayor the city council has an opportunity to carry out major community goals: such as the NB 20/20 Master Plan and such long-term considerations as job development, public transportation, capital improvement and improved financing. These things must be addressed more effectively.  I will encourage inclusion and build consensus among diverse interests: those of elected officials, the business community and all of our citizens, focusing on the entire community rather than the centralized interests of individuals or interest groups.  A top priority will be to develop a positive working relationship between the council and the mayor.

I will bring new levels of professionalism, sound judgment, logical and creative problem solving and an attitude of respect for the office and my colleagues. Above all I will be visible, approachable, and responsive to our citizens.

The New Bedford municipal elections will be held on November 8th, 2011. A list of the candidates can be found here. New Bedford Guide does not endorse candidates and we offer our site for any candidate to publish articles. Articles can be submitted to info@newbedfordguide.com. Here is an article submitted by Denis Lawrence, Jr. who is running for City Council At-large. 

My name is Denis Lawrence, Jr. You have allowed me he honor and privilege to serve as YOUR Councillor At Large for the past fourteen years. This is a job that I don’t take lightly. Committing to the city of New Bedford as a public servant has long been instilled in me as a child. My grandparents settled in New Bedford, and committed to the city, establishing the Lawrence’s Greenhouses, on Hathaway Road. My father, a former City Councilor and State Representative, inspired me to seek the position of Councillor-At-Large.

People constantly ask me why I do it. Why do I continue serve the people of New Bedford? Why do I like being YOUR Councillor At Large? My answer is a simple one. I do what I do because it’s about families, community involvement, public safety, improving the quality of life for our people and bettering our city.

I have had the honor to continuously provide our homeowners with the lowest tax rate possible while at the same time supporting initiatives for businesses large and small, which has helped to create or retain over 4000 jobs for our residents. I have over my years of service secured $1.8 million in funding to place a water pumping station in the far north end that has led to finally increasing the water pressure for its residents. I have been fortunate enough to secure $260,000 to build the city’s first ever handicap accessible playground. I have secured $200,000 to purchase and install surveillance cameras in our city, adding to the ability to take back our streets. These cameras are making a difference in protecting our neighborhoods from crime and unwanted elements.

I have had the pleasure in sponsoring and securing additional tax breaks for our senior citizens, so that they can keep the homes they’ve worked a lifetime for. Over the years it has been a privilege to work with neighborhood associations to help better the areas they represent, increasing lighting, working for larger police presence when needed.

I have always believed myself to be a public servant and not a politician. Politicians are motivated by what is in it for them, and public servants are motivated by those he or she can help. This is why I do what I do; to serve the public. It is about creating opportunities for our children and grandchildren so that they too will want to stay in our city and as we are continuing together to make New Bedford a better place to work, live and raise a family in.

It has not been an easy process, but I can confidently say that the City of New Bedford has moved forward during my 14 years of service. Our business park is filled and our Downtown is revitalized. There is so much more to do; reinstate the neighborhood police program, work to keep our children in school, improve our neighborhoods and create additional jobs for our residents. I’m certain that, block-by-block and step-by-step, we will continue to point our city in a positive direction.

This is our city, we are its people, and it is what we make it. Over the next two years New Bedford will be faced with more challenges with a new mayor.  Now more than ever I feel we will need an experienced, reasonable and rational Councillor At Large representing you. I’m humbled that over the past 14 years you have recognized these qualities in me and I always keep this in mind with every vote I take.

This is why I do what I do. This is why I enjoy being your Public Servant. This is why I enjoy being Your Councillor-At-Large. In short, it’s about getting things done, it’s about moving New Bedford forward, and it’s about leadership making changes.

On Tuesday November 8th, I humbly as that you re-elect me, Denis Lawrence, Jr., as YOUR Councillor-At-Large.

The New Bedford municipal elections will be held on November 8th, 2011. A list of the candidates can be found here. New Bedford Guide does not endorse candidates and we offer our site for any candidate to publish articles. Articles can be submitted to info@newbedfordguide.com. Here is an interview and background piece on Jon Mitchell who is running for mayor. Learn more about him on his website and Facebook page.

I’ll admit, I knew little about Jon Mitchell before he decided to run for Mayor of New Bedford. He is best known for being a tough federal prosecutor, but I wanted to know more about the man who could be our next mayor. What are his ties to New Bedford? What kind of upbringing did he have? What are his views on a New Bedford casino, property taxes and other important issues that concern New Bedford residents? I wanted information that wasn’t common knowledge. Fortunately, Jon Mitchell was accessible for a full one-hour interview over coffee at the Celtic Coffee house in downtown New Bedford.

The first impression you get of Jon Mitchell is that he is a nice, approachable guy that puts you at ease with genuine qualities. A little research yields that his path up to this point is one of a husband, father, military man (both enlisted and officer), prosecutor and mayoral candidate. All of these experiences give voters some broad insight on how the man would lead the city over the next two years. To provide some refined knowledge about the man, I started with his family history and childhood.

Mitchell has roots in New Bedford and the the fishing industry that date back to his grandfather Alexander Mitchell, who was the only one of 18 children that immigrated to New Bedford.  He was lost at sea aboard the Anna C. Perry in the dangerously shallow waters off the Nantucket Shoals in 1952 along with an entire crew of six.  His name is enshrined at the world famous Seamen’s Bethel located on Johnny Cake Hill. This history is why Mitchell announced his run for mayor on the New Bedford wharf.

As the child of two school teachers, Jon gained a unique perspective into the world of teaching. I asked him what it was like growing up with two educators.

“It gave me some insight of what school teachers go through day-to-day, both the joys and the disappointments, and an understanding of the pressures teachers go through.” Mitchell explained. “I learned that if you are going to get ahead and do better than your parents you have to buckle down and hit the books.”

His father was a major influence on his educational path.

“My father always felt that the path to success is through education. I was the first of many grandchildren from my family to go to college.”

Before being a Harvard graduate, Mitchell went through the New Bedford and Dartmouth school systems. After asking about what he reads to stay current, it was clear that reading frequently is a ingrained into his fiber.

“I think it is important to read, to be a life-long learner and to be in a habit of learning. That is what I cultivate in my kids. I think I’m succeeding because they like to read. It’s not just for recreation and self-education. If you are a professional you need to read to improve yourself to broaden and deepen your view. People who don’t read have a tough time keeping up with the times.”

We talked about fixing the biggest issue facing the New Bedford school system today; the low graduation rate. A quick visit to the education plan on his website, reveals the ideas of home visits and graduation coaches. I asked him to explain the reasoning behind them.

“We need to get the school system to change their relationship and foster communication with parents. The idea of the home visit program is to get parents on the same page as teachers,” Mitchell explained. “Graduation coaches facilitate communication and ensure continuity from grade-to-grade, and facilitate early identification of at-risk kids. Studies show that kids hit a point around the 4^th grade when they are expected not to just learn to read, but to read to learn. They have to be self-starters and learn more independently. If they don’t, they inevitably fall behind as they approach middle school. Graduation coaches will help with this.”

It became obvious that he feels the government can only do so much and parents are a major part of a child’s education.

“The government, through the school system, can only take it so far. Parents need to step up at some point. Government can tear down the barriers, open up communication and get involved in homes, but government can only do so much.”

I brought up the fact that while New Bedford’s graduation rate has declined over the past three years to a dismal 53%, Fall River has increased their graduation rate over that same period.  These were similar cities with different results when it came to students dropping out. He agreed that we need to look at success stories and quickly pointed out the success of Brockton as a case study.

“Brockton has succeeded very well at reducing their drop-out rate with early literacy programs by focusing on the increased development of vocabulary with the focus on grammar at a very early age.”

Continuing the discussion on education, we talked about the role of the mayor.

“There is a role for the mayor to make the public realize education is important. Everyone needs to help, not just those with kids. We are all affected by a low drop-out rate. The mayor needs to be active in our school system. All of our efforts from public safety to economic development are tied to education. The mayor is in the best position to build a vision for education and get buy in across the board.”

He emphasized the importance of an education summit that involves parents, educators and all those with an investment in the New Bedford school system.

Regarding economic development and the finances of the city, Mitchell had some clear points on not relying on outside funds and how to improve the cities financial standing.

“The city needs to get its financial house in order for the long run.” Mitchel started off saying. “We rely too much on federal and state aid. We need to do more on growing our local tax base. We need to reduce overlap in city services and collect uncollected property taxes. There are $13 million in uncollected property taxes. The city needs to put more effort into collecting these taxes and It would fund itself.”

He also believes taxes are too high in New Bedford and a minority of non-paying property owners hurt the majority tax base.

“The vast majority of residents are paying their taxes on time and end up picking up the slack for the other 5%. To ensure tax fairness we need to put more resources into tax collection so others aren’t punished [with higher taxes]. We can also assist those that have trouble paying their taxes by putting them on a plan.”

I changed the subject to another important, yet hot topic in New Bedford and Massachusetts; the issue of a casino.  I researched the subject deeply and wanted to know as the potential chief executive of New Bedford, what were his thoughts on the subject. I asked him if he was for or against a casino in New Bedford.

“It depends on the proposal. If it is good for New Bedford I’ll support. The question is where do you look for guidance? The Atlantic City experience is something to look at as a fellow sea-side city, which really hasn’t been a success.  I’d want to see real job projections [for New Bedford residents].  I’d want to see real revenue projections [for the city]. It concerns me that in the current legislation that a Boston area casino will be created. The idea of a New Bedford casino is to bring people from Boston and the surrounding areas. People tend to gamble close to home. If there is one near Boston, one in Rhode Island and two mega-casinos in Connecticut, where are the people going to come from to gamble in a New Bedford casino?”

The conversation quickly turned to the protection of local business.

“Casinos by nature are designed to retain people, so you have to consider whether a casino will mesh well with the rest of the community. Traditionally, casinos haven’t been designed to integrate well with communities. A New Bedford casino would have to be designed differently than other casinos. You can’t have a set of [corporate] restaurants coming in and taking business from the rest of the city. Also, crime is an issue and a real risk. I know this as a former federal prosecutor. You can mitigate some of it, but not all of it. Also, what happens if congress legalizes internet gambling? If that happens people may just stay at home.”

I turned to the subject of absentee landlords, those that own property in New Bedford, but do little to maintain or improve their properties.

“The absentee landlord problem centers around landlords that own dozens of properties and are unwilling to put money into them. People are coming to New Bedford from Boston and Brockton for cheaper properties. This puts a strain on city resources to include the school system, police and firemen. The city needs to enforce the codes to ensure the properties don’t fall into disrepair.”

His solution?

“The city should put together a task force to include a police officer, fireman and code inspector to go out and start to aggressively enforce the existing codes. Also, some properties are beyond repair and need to be cleaned up. These single properties bring down the value of all the properties on that block.”

Moving on, I asked Mitchell about the Buttonwood Park Zoo expansion, which has become a hot topic in New Bedford over the past few years.  He is a board member of the Buttonwood Park Zoological Society and has some clear ideas on the subject.

“The zoo needs to change to remain viable. Attendance and revenue are dropping because the Zoo doesn’t have new exhibits. The zoo has to look at ways improve attendance by getting more charismatic animals. We have Ruthy and Emily, but these are the same attractions since my grandparents took me to the zoo. A minor expansion or compromise is needed. Generally, I agree with what Mayor Lang is proposing.”

Next, we talked about improving the city’s communication with the residents.

“We need to re-establish the tourism and marketing director position. Also, the city’s website contains a lot of good content, but is tough to navigate. I’d look at other cities that do it well and make our website user friendly.”

Finally, I asked who inspires him the most. With little thought, the answer seemed obvious to him.

“I gain a lot of inspiration from the World War II generation. People who went off to war after struggling through the Great Depression. They served the war, came back and made the most of their opportunities.  They built up businesses and started families.”

He shared a personal story with me.

“I was visiting the Taber Street Nursing home a few months ago while campaigning and I met a World War II veteran named John. I walked into his room and noticed he was on oxygen. He sat right up in bed. He was a big, burly guy who conveyed strength though he was sick. He sat up and shook my hand with a strong grip. The first thing he said was, “are you hear to get my vote?”  I replied, “As a matter of fact, I am.”

John passed away the shortly before the interview and it was obvious the meeting was a positive memory for Mitchell.

The interview concluded after an hour of discussion. I came away with a deeper understanding of Jon Mitchell’s background and his policies on important topics like education, the economy, Buttonwood Park and a possible casino in New Bedford. Hopefully, you’ve learned something new about the man who just may be our next mayor. Please take a moment to leave a comment!

New Bedford Guide doesn’t back any candidate for mayor or other public office. Interviews were offered to all mayoral candidates to include Tony Cabral and Linda Morad (during the previous election). The idea behind candidate interviews is to provide a unique perspective for New Bedford voters.  Read up or watch videos on all the candidates here and don’t forget to vote on November 8th!

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The New Bedford municipal elections will be held on November 8th, 2011. A list of the candidates can be found here. New Bedford Guide does not endorse candidates and we offer our site for any candidate to publish articles. Articles can be submitted to info@newbedfordguide.com. Here is an article submitted by Tony Cabral who is running for mayor. Learn more about him on his website and Facebook page.

My name is Tony Cabral, and I am running for Mayor of New Bedford, because I love our city.

I have been involved in this community for nearly forty years. For the past twenty years, I have been serving and fighting to bring new jobs and dollars to our city.

In the legislature I passed tax credits that help grow jobs in this city. I have met with corporate CEOs, business leaders, and developers to discuss expansion. Just last month I secured $2 million for a new market on Acushnet Avenue.

As Mayor, I will use my experience and contacts to grow jobs in New Bedford; to cut red tape, so new and existing employers can expand and grow jobs quickly. I will continue to fight for our fishermen and hold NOAA accountable. And I will pursue new, innovative industries – including green energy and marine science.

But we must remember that education is the DNA of economic development. I’ve been in the classroom, and I understand the challenges we face.

In the legislature, I supported education reform, brought additional funds to New Bedford, and fought to expand full day kindergarten.

As Mayor, I will reform our public schools.

I will identify best practices from successful schools and adapt them for New Bedford. I will focus new funds on reducing class size for grades K-3. And we will promote changes that engage students and keep them on the path to graduation.

I will also fight to improve public safety.

In the legislature, I wrote and led passage of the bill that helps our district attorney keep dangerous gun offenders off our streets, and I sponsored successful legislation that protects our kids from bullying.

As Mayor, I will reestablish community policing in our neighborhoods. I will work with our district attorney to clear more than 10,000 outstanding warrants in our city, and bring all our public safety agencies together to address the problems of guns, drugs, and gangs.

I also understand that our residents are struggling, and they need some help. That’s why I have introduced a plan to cut property taxes for 95% of New Bedford homeowners by introducing a residential property tax exemption. This exemption already exists in 13 Massachusetts communities, including Boston, Somerville, Everett, Chelsea, Somerset, and Malden. Congressman Mike Capuano, the former Mayor of Somerville, called the proposal, “a winner for every city.” I believe it will be a winner for New Bedford, encouraging home ownership in our city and offering tax relief to our residents.

New Bedford is a city of first-class residents, and I am running to be Mayor of all our people. I am absolutely convinced that our city is poised for a new era of prosperity, and I hope that you will join me in this campaign to build a better, stronger New Bedford.

Thank you, and I ask for your vote on Tuesday, November 8.