To the editor:
I am writing in support of John
Michitson for mayor.
I first met John when I was coordinating
Danny's Friends mentoring program, a program that John had started
in 1994 to honor the memory of a special boy he knew who died
of cancer. John worked hard to pull together a program that started
out as an after-school program to help children with homework
and to teach them how to use computers. He did this not because
of political aspirations, but because he cares about children
in Haverhill and because he knew that children who are cared
for and well-educated grow up to be better, more productive citizens.
Fifteen years later, John continues
to demonstrate his passion for and sincere commitment to improving
public school education and helping the children of Haverhill.
For several years he has served on the Board of Trustees for
Hill View Montessori Charter Public School, which my son attends,
but his own children do not. I have worked alongside him on a
committee there and I have also been involved with a group of
representatives from social service agencies and private citizens,
including John, working to develop a youth mentoring program
similar to Danny's Friends. I can personally attest to his passion,
creativity in seeking solutions, perseverance, and strong work
ethic, not to mention his ability to build a coalition.
Last week, John sent out a campaign
flier to residents of Haverhill outlining his plan for his first
100 days in office. Having witnessed his determination, I have
great confidence that John will be able to implement his plan.
The current administration boasts
about bringing new businesses to Haverhill, but when you take
into consideration the businesses that have left the city, the
reality is that economic growth has been flat, there has been
no growth. The current administration has no plan to address
the city's debt, but they never seem to talk about it. They take
credit for finally implementing a partial curbside single stream
recycling program, a program John has been advocating for years,
but only because of pressure from Team Haverhill and other citizens.
John possesses not only the courage to take on these issues,
but also a sincere conviction. He is passionate about this city
and its citizens and that is why he is willing to give up a lucrative
position in the private sector. He has no political motives,
just a deep desire to get the city on the right track and move
us into the 21 century.
Julie Herget
Haverhill
