October 27, 2003

 

Candidates in heated race for Ward 1 City Council seat

The candidate elected to the Ward 1 council seat could make a big difference in the future of this ward.

On Nov. 4, voters in Ward 1 will decide whether to keep incumbent David McFarlane or support political newcomer Jeremy Gillis.

Ward 1 encompasses the city's east end, including Newburyport's portion of Plum Island and as far inland as the city's sewer treatment plant.

This will mark an important vote for the district, which has been split among the controversial Plum Island water and sewer project. Subsequently, both candidates are also split on the ward's biggest issue, the Plum Island project.

McFarlane, who lives on the island, has opposed the project. Gillis believes it's time to move forward with the project and give the people what they want.

Here's a look at the two candidates and why they chose to run for office, and the issues they believe need attention in the city.

David McFarlane

Incumbent David McFarlane said he's got the time and experience to continue representing Ward 1.

"I think I have the background in utilities and experience which includes two years on the council," McFarlane said.

McFarlane said it's his experience both on and off the council that makes him the best candidate for the seat.

Ward issues that McFarlane would like to continue to address if re-elected include working on streets, sidewalks, traffic and parking, as well as the Plum Island project. McFarlane has strongly opposed the Plum Island project.

As far as people who have dubbed McFarlane a one-issue candidate, he said, "My record will speak for itself."

McFarlane said he's done plenty in his two years as a councilor, including working with the Planning Board, Mass Electric on Perkins Playground and getting Bromfield Street paved.

"I attend all the water and sewer meetings not only because of Plum Island, but also the Low Street and access issue," McFarlane said.

However, McFarlane's opinion of the Plum Island water and sewer project remains strong.

"I want to make it clear; I'm not against water, but I'm against the way the entire project was run," McFarlane said. "I have grave concerns about the sewer plant , not the way it is run, but the age and the chlorine that is stored and used there. It's not safe in that location."

Overall city issues, McFarlane said he'd like to focus on include planning and looking into city growth. "It has to be well-planned," McFarlane said.

McFarlane said planning will stretch into city issues with schools and traffic.

While McFarlane thinks there's a need for a new elementary school, he said the city needs sufficient planning.

McFarlane said in the past two years he's learned more about the need to compromise with the council.

"Compromise is necessary, but it needs to be based on facts," McFarlane said. "You shouldn't compromise on your principles or values. I will continue to research and understand all issues and listen to other people's viewpoints. I'm willing to compromise and work with them."

Jeremy Gillis

Although he may only be 25, Gillis said that won't be any hindrance to his ability to do a good and fair job representing Ward 1.

Gillis, a lifelong Newburyport resident, said he wasn't happy with how things were being handled in Ward 1 with the current councilor, which prompted him to run for office.

"I feel McFarlane has become too much of a one-issue candidate," Gillis said. "I think the ward deserves something a little better than that."

Gillis said McFarlane has focused on the Plum Island water and sewer project, which has left other segments of the ward seeking adequate representation.

"He's too closely tied to the opposition of the Plum Island project. As a ward councilor, you should be able to listen to both sides and go with the majority of constituents," Gillis said. "It's obvious that the people want this project; he wants to hinder, not help."

Gillis said this has also hurt the ward because McFarlane has failed to address other ward issues, such as handicap accessibility and the bike path.

Among some of the ward issues that Gillis would like to address include repairing sidewalks and roads, making Joppa Park and Perkins Playground better and handicap accessible as well as the water issue on Plum Island.

A proponent of the Plum Island water and sewer project, Gillis said it's an issue of public safety, public heath and quality of life. "We need to give the island what we take for granted here," Gillis said.

Throughout the city, Gillis said parking will continue to be one of the largest issues in the next year.

Although he's undecided about funding a garage within the next two years, Gillis said he'd like to continue to investigate other costs before buying a parking facility.

Gillis said he'd also focus on traffic concerns particularly on Low Street and Woodman Way.

Finding alternative funding sources to more about city road conditions is also an issue Gillis would like to do more with.

"The Department of Public Works do a great job, but they are understaffed and we can't expect everything from them," Gillis said.

Lastly, Gillis promises an independent vote.

"Any vote I cast will be independent and not tied to any special interest group," Gillis said. "I'll think through every vote; it won't be tied to what other councilors want."

A look at the (Ward 1) candidates

Jeremy P. Gillis - Profile

25, 49 Purchase St.

Occupation: Assistant manager at Port Paint and Paper

Education: Bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island, and EMT certificate from North Shore Community College.

Community Service: member of the Library Improvement Association for the Emma Andrews Branch, member of the Historical Society of Old Newbury, member of Newburyport Police Citizens in Partnership, graduate of Newburyport Citizens Police Academy, helps raise funds for Opportunity Workshop, past sponsor of Yankee Homecoming events, past Yankee Homecoming parade official.

Family: single.

David McFarlane - Profile

68, 20 57th St., Plum Island

Occupation: retired engineer

Education: Bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering from University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Community Service: Serving second year on the City Council, serves on Public Safety, Public Utilities, and Planning and Development council committees, attend various municipal meetings as a citizen.

Family: wife, Zaida; father of seven children aged 39 to 43.

Questions

1. Would you support borrowing $2 million to help fund a downtown parking garage in 2 years?

Gillis: Undecided McFarlane: Yes

2. Should the Newburyport Redevelopment Authority disband and turn the NRA waterfront parking lot over to the city?

Gillis: No McFarlane: No

3. Do you support moving the Plum Island water and sewer project forward as proposed?

Gillis: Yes McFarlane: No

4.Do you support borrowing money to build a new school in the west end within the next two years?

Gillis: No McFarlane: No

5.Should the City Council retain the authority to approve the mayor's police department promotions?

Gillis: Yes McFarlane: Yes


 
 
(This article replicated online with permission of the Newburyport Daily News, an Eagle Tribune Newspaper.)
 
 
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