Don’t Like Government?
Run Yourself
I enjoyed Mark Roessler’s take on the Northampton mayoral contest [“Clique-y Hall Wins,” Nov. 15, 2007], and agreed with many of his perceptions regarding certain failings of Mayor Higgins’ last term. Reading between the lines, however, reveals the nub of the issue. As an incumbent, unless you’ve been a total flop, there is no need to defend your “record” unless you’re facing a legitimate challenge. Mayor Higgins did not, and although I commend Gene Tacy for mounting a late campaign, he had neither the organization nor the experience to seriously contest the inevitability of another round of Clare Higgins. Bravo to Roy Martin, too, for throwing his hat into the ring (again), but no one for a minute thought he had a chance. Being mayor is one tough job; although I also have some issues with some of the municipal decisions our elected officials have made, I think Mayor Higgins cares about this community and has worked hard to do the best job she can. Because we all know how tough a job it is, apparently there aren’t enough people interested to step up and apply. I count myself among them. I can’t wait to hear Roessler declare his candidacy next time around!
Multiply this perspective and apply it to state and/or federal government, and you begin to understand where the phrase “you get the government you deserve” comes from. Until we, collectively and individually, commit to running for office and supporting and/or encouraging worthy candidates, the “record” will continue to escape meaningful challenge. Look at what our federal executive branch has been able to get away with. I think I’ll run for President—can I count on your vote?
David G. Mintz
Florence
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Rebranding:
The Last Irony
Recent stories have foregrounded society’s troubled effort to care for the mentally ill. The Advocate’s own cover story on Old Main [“How Not to Save Old Main,” Oct. 25, 2007] described the poignant situation of patients in an important local mental health facility and that story predictably stimulated other eloquent comments. Now, in a bitter irony, “hospital” has been taken out of the name [of the new development] itself, so that businesses will find it more attractive to enter Village Hill, Northampton. Long after the site has been “rebranded” and the businesses have arrived, society will still confront the challenge of compassionately and intelligently dealing with mental illness.
Ralph Kaplan
Florence
