Citizens group supports 4-year mayoral term for New Bedford

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A citizens group is asking voters in New Bedford to support a November referendum that would expand the term of the mayor from two to four years, starting in 2019.

New Bedford Fourward will try to gather the 2,500 signatures required from registered New Bedford voters in time to put the question on the Nov. 7 municipal election ballot. If the referendum passes, it would bring New Bedford in line with other Massachusetts cities with a strong mayor form of government, including Boston, Springfield, Lynn and Quincy.

It would not take effect until the 2019 city election. Whoever wins the 2017 mayoral race will serve a two-year term.

Dr. John Fletcher, a former principal and member of the New Bedford School Committee, said he supports the change to four years because there is a “learning curve, especially in the beginning” when a new mayor takes office.

“Fortunately, (as a school committee member) I had the advantage of a four-year term to ease into my responsibilities and hit my stride,” Fletcher said. “That same comfort zone in the mayoral term would allow for growth into a challenging job.

The mayor, as the CEO of the city, should be allowed to get to know what makes the city tick without an election hanging over his or her head in year one.

“A four-year term will also allow the mayor to establish relationships with constituents, the business community, Beacon Hill and federal officials. In my opinion, a four-year term will take the politics out of the learning process,” Fletcher said.

Victor Pinheiro, owner of Luzo Auto Center, served three terms on the New Bedford City Council.

“I witnessed firsthand the shortcomings of a two-year mayoral term, where sound governance can take a back seat to political expediency in the heat of an always near election,” he said.

“A four-year term allows the city’s mayor to make decisions and implement strategies focused more on the long-term results rather than the electoral pressures of the next and always-near election. Taking this to the voters is the best way to gauge their wishes, it will truly give the voters a voice in this important decision.”

Christian Farland, president of Farland Corp. and owner of Greasy Luck Brewery, is a lifelong resident of the city. He said he also supports the change.

“One of the advantages of going to a four-year term will be the positive message it will send to those who invest and who want to invest in the City of New Bedford.

A four-year term will allow a mayor to work with the business community on projects from start to completion. We have seen in the past when a mayor has a consistent run, progress is made.

“A two-year term sends a message of instability, which is not what the business community likes to see when considering a city to invest in. Two years simply is not enough time to truly evaluate a mayor, nor is it enough time for the mayor to adequately effect change,” Farland said.

About Michael Silvia

Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Owner of New Bedford Guide.

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