It's official, Northampton city councilor at large Mike Bardsley has declared his candidacy for mayor.
Of course as soon as he takes out nomination papers some will opine that he is grandstanding and a political opportunist as opposed to a willing public servant. The Gazette story today lists him as a, "devil's advocate," on the council, an unfortunate description if ever there was one. Mayoral candidate Bardsley does not appear to me to raise arguments simply for the sake of raising arguments. In my view more than any other councilor Bardsley asks clarifying questions of the mayor and her staff in order to more fully understand the issues he is voting on and to establish the ramifications policy decisions might have in the future. His lengthy tenure on the council and knowledge of the city's workings should make him Mayor Mary Clare Higgins' strongest opponent to date.
I will not be endorsing any candidates for office, but hope to offer my opinions on their respective strengths and weaknesses as the months go by, for what it's worth. I hope you offer your opinions as well.
Read the story in the Valley Advocate >>>>> https://valleyadvocate.com/article.cfm?aid=9475
