Transparency & Efficiency

There is always room for improvement in the way government functions, but four major shortfalls that I aim to rectify by working with other Councilors who have previously raised concerns are:

  1. Subcommittee Meetings - Subcommittee meetings are a normal occurrence in most communities, but not in Leominster. These meetings allow further deliberation of matters before the City Council, meaning increased transparency, better-informed decisions, and more opportunities for the public to provide input. We only need a change in leadership within the City Council to make this change and better serve residents.

  2. Quorum Challenges - On several occasions, essential boards and commissions have failed to reach a quorum due to members who have a history of absenteeism. Failure to reach a quorum means a meeting cannot take place, holding up city functions and sometimes costing petitioners money. When confirming and reconfirming members of such bodies, I will heavily weigh any history or sign of attendance being an issue. Additionally, I will push to better advertise and fill vacancies on our city’s boards and commissions to avoid challenges reaching a quorum.

  3. Abuse of Power - The City Council President has the responsibility of setting the agenda and including any matter that they reasonably expect to come before the City Council in the next meeting. They do not have the authority to pick and choose what petitions are put forward. Only the petitioner can withdraw their request, although the City Council President can ask a petitioner to withdraw their petition if they believe it is not within the purview of the City Council. Over the past couple of years, there have been numerous examples of matters not being placed on the agenda at the whims of the City Council President. As a member of the City Council, I will not stand for such unfair practices that do not adhere to proper procedure and, in my opinion, constitute an abuse of power.

  4. Lack of Inquiry - Having watched City Council meetings for several years, I believe that there is a lack of and even a resistance to requesting further information and asking questions regarding requests from the Mayor. As a member of the City Council, I will always be willing to ask questions when I feel that I or the public deserves further information regarding any request or petition that comes before the City Council, regardless of the source. I do not wish to be an obstructionist, but acting as a check against the executive branch is an essential function of the City Council that has grown lax over the 30+ year tenure of the current administration.