To the editor:
Enough is enough!
At a recent joint meeting of the City Council and the School Committee, three city councilors were basically told by the mayor that their suggestions are not relevant.
I thought that the City Council represents the citizens of Gloucester and their opinions.
It's time we reel in government and allow the people to speak. I'm talking about the mayor's attempt to actively promote her vision of the downtown campus without public input.
The lame proposal by MassDevelopment was more a commercial for a new YMCA at Fuller School than a legitimate site study. After all, moving the YMCA to a new location is needed to free up real estate to expand the campus.
Keep in mind that $56,000 of taxpayers' money was spent on this study. If that weren't enough, the mayor plans to spend an additional $10,000 on a survey asking your opinion on the subject. Unfortunately, the only one with input to the questions asked on this survey seems to be, you guessed it, the mayor!
When Jackie Hardy, Bob Whynott, and Greg Verga asked that the location be reviewed as a possible site for a municipal complex, the mayor explained that she would not consider that option. Excuse me, but whose money is this anyway? Why aren't all constructive suggestions on the table? Why is the proposal from MassDevelopment the only explored option, when many qualified individuals have offered their assistance for free?
It's very important to understand that, without the release of the Fuller School property by the School Committee, no action can be taken by the city to develop this parcel!
Faced with decaying buildings and possible school closures, the community might be better served if the School Committee decides to utilize Fuller for its intended function; a school serving combined areas of the city.
Either way, decisions must be made quickly; the meter is running!
GLEN BRESNAHAN
Essex Avenue, Gloucester
