Charles W. Nichols, Ward 2


Friday, September 19, 2003


1 Merrimac St.


1. What is your background? Please include community and civic involvement, experience in local government, family and professional background and how long you have been a Newburyport resident.

Prior to moving to Newburyport in 1996, I lived in Boxford for 27 years where my wife, Susan, and I raised our two children. I was an elected assessor for nine years and a call fireman for four years. I am a retiree from Polaroid Corporation where I worked for 30 years. I served six years as an E5 Sergeant in the 26th Yankee Division of the National Guard. I attended the Newton school system, UMASS Amherst, Donahue's Civil Service School, Newburyport Citizens Police Academy, Ritner's School of Design and Butera School of Art. I am a former owner of The Olde Village Flower Shop in Andover. I am a member of St. John's Lodge in Newburyport and Dalhousie Lodge in Newton. I am an appointee to the Waterfront Trust, as well as a Waterfront Trust fundraiser and manager of Waterfront Park. I am also an inventor. I have six patents and six copyrights. I also wrote and published a book on the Boston Post Cane.


2. Why are you choosing to run for City Council?

Newburyport is an exciting city. I enjoy being involved, voicing my ideas and having visions become reality. I think of Ward 2 as the hub of Newburyport. I want to be a part of the decisions affecting my life.


3. What do you see as the new City Council's most important priority next year and why?

The council should work at projecting a better image toward the public, city boards and departments. The whole council should be admired for their honesty and dedication.


4. How serious are the city's elementary school building needs and what should be done about it?

Quality education is important. Maintenance of our public buildings is also important. We must identify the problems, prioritize them and create a plan that we can afford and accomplish our goals.


5. Should the Community Preservation Act surcharge be lowered from 2 percent and why?

I'm in favor of lowering the Community Preservation Act surcharge to 0.5 percent. It's a tax we cannot afford.


6. Is enough being done to monitor the capping of the Crow Lane landfill? Should the city hire a licensed site professional to monitor it and why?

It is my understanding that a company called New Ventures has signed a consent order paying the city of Newburyport $25,000 a year for the next three years. The city can use that money to hire a licensed professional to monitor the capping of Crow Lane Landfill.


7. Are there any city departments where you would you like to see fundamental changes? Which ones and why? How should such changes be carried out?

As Waterfront Park manager, I have interacted with almost all city boards and departments. I have found them to be extremely helpful and professional.


8. What's your position on the abandoned Interstate 95-roadbed/Little River Nature Trail area regarding industrial development versus preservation?

I believe the industrial park and surrounding areas (the abandoned I-95 road bed/Little River Nature Trail), should be used for future expansion or access to the industrial park.


9. How serious is the parking problem in the downtown/waterfront area and what actions, if any, need to be taken to address the problem?

As Waterfront Park manager, I observe the downtown parking daily. Survival of our downtown merchants and restaurants depend on parking. I am in favor of purchasing Lombardi's building and, if necessary, leasing the building until we can afford to build a garage. One example is boat storage. I'm also in favor of purchasing the Newburyport Redevelopment Authority's east and west parking lots for their outstanding mortgages and landscaping them to create approximately 350 parking spaces. The lots will have to be updated with underground water and oil separator tanks. We need the garage in addition to the existing parking areas. The city should not allow any group to influence 350 parking spaces that are so vital to our downtown survival.


10. Where do you stand on the Plum Island water and sewer project? Should a closer look be taken regarding the specific needs of individual homeowners on the island?

Plum Island water and sewer is a very serious health and economic issue. I believe everyone should be tied to the water and sewer. It must be done all at once. Consider this project as phase three of Newburyport's water and sewer program. It's going to happen. It's the right thing to do. I believe in exploring other water sources and the town of Newbury should share the expense.


 

 
 
(This article replicated online with permission of the Merrimack River Current.)
 
 
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