|
|
|
[ Join
John on Election Night - November 3, 2009 ]
 In this issue you
will find:
- Audio Slideshow: On The Campaign
Trail With John Michitson
- Article: Oct. 30, 2009 - Haverhill
politics runs in Michitson's blood
- Letter: Oct. 30, 2009 - Michitson
is best choice for mayor
- Video Link: Oct. 28, 2009 -
The 2009 Haverhill Mayoral Debate At NECC
- Video Link: Oct. 26, 2009 -
The Eagle-Tribune Haverhill Mayoral Debate
- Video Link: Haverhill Residents
Speak
- Sign Holding Schedule: Oct.
28, 2009 through Election Day
- Election Day Help: Link To Help
On Election Day (Nov. 3, 2009)
- Election Night Information for
Nov. 3, 2009
- City of Haverhill Voter &
Election Information
- Thank You!
Click HERE
to read all newsletters.
|
|
To the editor:
John Michitson is my candidate
for mayor of Haverhill. In John's business career, delivering
results is critical. John has extensive experience creating and
managing budgets, meeting aggressive deadlines and making tough
choices. He is not a politician but an experienced and successful
leader who knows how to lead projects and motivate people in
a fast-paced, changing environment for optimal outcomes.
A strong and respected leadership
voice in Haverhill for over a decade, John possesses honesty,
integrity and a lifelong love for the city. He's not afraid to
stand up for what is right for the citizens of Haverhill and
will work tirelessly to turn the city around by pushing it to
its fullest potential ensuring fiscal responsibility and fairness
every step of the way . . . [ Full
Letter ]
|
|
By Shawn Regan
The Eagle-Tribune Staff
HAVERHILL — For mayoral
hopeful John Michitson, politics runs in the family.
His late aunt, Theresa Baumann,
was the first female vice president of the City Council and the
first woman to run for mayor of Haverhill. Her nephew is following
in her footsteps, facing off in Tuesday's election against three-term
incumbent James Fiorentini.
Michitson's campaign strategy
is being formulated and directed from the same place that Baumann
launched her many successful election bids — his cousin
Sandra O'Dea's home at 4 Central Ave. O'Dea is Baumann's daughter.
"I remember laying awake
in bed upstairs listening to all the commotion as the results
came in on . . . [ Full
Story ]
|
|
 In this issue you
will find:
- My Pledge to the Citizens of
Haverhill
- I Want You To Know . . .
- Video Link: Oct. 26, 2009 -
The Eagle-Tribune Haverhill Mayoral Debate
- Letter: Oct. 26, 2009 - Michitson
is right choice for Haverhill
- Event Highlights: Oct. 26, 2009
- John Listens To Young Voters
- Sign Holding Schedule: Oct.
28, 2009 through Election Day
- Election Day Help: Link To Help
On Election Day (Nov. 3, 2009)
- Election Night Information for
Nov. 3, 2009
- City of Haverhill Voter &
Election Information
- Thank You!
Click HERE
to read all newsletters.
|
|
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 . . . [ Full
Letter ]
|
|
 In this issue you
will find:
- In My First 100 Days I Will
. . .
- 6 Years Under The Current Administration
- Letters to the Editor
- Signs Are Available!!
- Help Elect Our Next Mayor
- Thank You!
Click HERE
to read all newsletters.
|
|
 In this issue you
will find:
- John discusses City Management,
Education, Economic Development and Public Safety
- 10/16/09 Back To The Future
- Fundraising Event Information
- 10/18/09 FREE Seniors' Pasta
& Meatballs Supper Information
- 10/7/09 Letter to the Editor:
"Facility Maintenance and Capital Improvements" Program
- 9/25/09 Letter to the Editor:
"New Growth/Really??"
- Signs Are Available!!
- Help Elect Our Next Mayor
- Thank You!
Click HERE
to read all newsletters.
|
|
Dear Editor,
For the past several years, it
has been discouraging to read over and over again about Haverhill’s
historical structures and lack of attention to maintenance the
City of Haverhill has had towards its properties. One would think
that Mayor Fiorentini would take a leadership role in assuring
Haverhill’s assets are preserved similar to a typical homeowner
who would assure their largest single asset (their home) is maintained.
Professional management knows that small investments today mitigate
major future repairs.
This thought process has been
further solidified by recent stories of the crumbling . . . [
Full Letter ]
|
|
- Letter by Elizabeth Aicher
|
|
|
Subject: "NEW
GROWTH/REALLY??"
NOTE: This
letter was published in The Eagle Tribune on Sunday, September
27, 2009 - Letter: Fiorentini has weak record on business
|
Letter to the Editor of the Eagle-Tribune
Mayor Fiorentini has taken credit
for the new businesses that have moved into Haverhill but is
completely quiet on the closings of businesses. It was, therefore
disappointing to read that another longstanding Haverhill business
has closed its doors. The Circuit Board Express manufacturing
company, that had been in business for 16 years (with 23 employees),
closed for business last May. It was unfortunate that this closing
took the leaders of Haverhill by surprise; one would think that
the leaders would be more engaged with the business community
here in Haverhill and know who was in trouble.
Mayor Fiorentini touts what he
has done for Haverhill. However, he rarely comments about any
bad news for Haverhill . . . [ Full
Letter ]
|
|
As Mayor I will work to restore
your faith in city government and your confidence that tax dollars
will be well spent, getting the biggest bang for your buck.
 City Management
Education
Economic Development
Click here
for complete information.
|
|
- John Michitson - Brochure
|
|
|
|
Click here
to see brochure! |
|
Newsletter: Issue
#11 - Beginning of the Campaign Season
|
 In this issue you
will find:
- Letter to the Editor: July 29,
2009 - “Our Culture Must Change”
- Press Release: July 14, 2009
- Video Surveillance of Firefighters
- July 30th Fundraiser at Maria's
- It's All About Community! - Excerpts from speech
- Leadership in Curbside, Single-Stream
Recycling
- Signs Are Available!!
- Help Elect Our Next Mayor
- Thank You!
Click HERE
to read all newsletters.
|
|
What kind of City do
we want to live in:
|
|
a. |
|
Today's culture of mistrust and
drastic measures because we didn't do it right the first time, |
|
|
|
|
-- OR -- |
|
|
b. |
|
A strong community based on respect
and mutual cooperation? |
|
I vote for a strong community!
Here are three immediate actions
I am already taking to build a strong community in Haverhill: |
[ Click HERE
for Complete Excerpts ] |
|
Dear Editor,
We can no longer run our City
like a lemonade stand. I will change the way that the City plans,
performs, evaluates and audits the services provided to the community.
Expectations for everyone will be clear and corrective action
taken swiftly to remedy issues. Management needs the leadership
and authority to address problems fairly and firmly. Union contracts
must change.
It all starts with establishing
trust and changing the present culture with new leadership. Whether
it is school committee bickering, constant Mayor-union clashes
that . . . [ Full Letter
]
|
|
I agree with Mayor Fiorentini
that sick time abuse must not be tolerated. I'm trying to get
the details that I need in order to understand the basis and
appropriateness of this specific surveillance activity.
Hopefully, the individuals are
targeted solely on the basis of sick time abuse. Citizens are
entitled to and deserve a concise and cogent understanding of
the facts and the issues. I do not believe that is what we have
at this time.
However, three systemic issues
in our City are rearing their ugly heads. First of all, citizens'
trust in our City Government is at an all-time low. Secondly,
the contracts that . . . [ Full
Press Release ]
|
|
I recently held a Business Networking
Breakfast in Haverhill, MA. Dr. John Warner of the Warner-Babcock
Institute for Green Chemistry challenged the community to develop
the nation's first "Green Chemistry Demonstration Center."
As the hub of the wheel it would make Haverhill a leader in this
new and exciting approach to industry and the future of manufacturing.
As a prime mover, the Center
would perform four roles 1) validate new products derived from
Green Chemistry, 2) test existing products for toxicity, 3) provide
a forum for companies and academia to share ideas and 4) perform
community and regional outreach.
Since Green Chemistry can be
applied to so many industries . . . [ Full
Article ]
|
|
 In this issue you
will find:
- Press Release: June 17, 2009
- Response to FY10 Budget Review Thus Far
- Community Meeting at the AMVETS
on June 25, 2009 at 7:00 PM
- Tour of UNH's InterOperability
Lab
- "The Place was Electric"
- Door To Door
- Help Elect Our Next Mayor
Click HERE
to read all newsletters.
|
|
Here is my response to budget
review thus far:
1. It is absurd that deferring
Hale Hospital debt payments again and extending "albatross"
until 2026 is seen as central to the Mayor's "long range
plan." This is unsound and simply extends the financial
crisis, instead of shortening it. While on the council, I reluctantly
supported the last five year deferral with the understanding
that it was a one-time measure. I understand the need to find
capacity in the budget, but this is analogous to the nation's
credit card debt crisis - just pay the bill to lessen the long
term debt.
2. Councilor Michael McGonagle's request to get the honest cost
numbers for GIC heath insurance is crucial . . . [ Press
Releasse ]
|
|
Special Edition: World Expert
Challenges Haverhill to Take Charge From John Michitson, Candidate
for Mayor
|
 In this issue you
will find:
- PRESS RELEASE: Haverhill, MA
- Describing May 27, 2009 Business Breakfast sponsored by the
Committee to Elect John Michitson as Mayor, Dr. John Warner,
world renowned expert in Green Chemistry, challenged Haverhill
to be among the first to develop a program in Green Chemistry
that will attract 21st century industries, expand Haverhill's
economy and employ a large number people trained in this emerging
field.
- How to Volunteer Information.
Click HERE
to read all newsletters.
|
|
 At
a breakfast sponsored by the Committee to elect John Michitson
as Mayor, Dr. John Warner, world renowned expert in Green Chemistry,
challenged Haverhill to be among the first to develop a program
in Green Chemistry that will attract 21st century industries
, expand Haverhill's economy and employ a large number people
trained in this emerging field.
Interested citizens, educators
and local business people attended this free breakfast presentation
at Maria's Galleria this morning. In his presentation . . . [
Full Press Release
]
|
|
Michitson is best choice for
mayor
To the editor:
I agree completely with the recent
Gazette article concerning the "right candidate" to
help the City of Haverhill.
Haverhill is a great city with
great potential We must develop this potential.
- In order to do this, we need
a candidate who has: Haverhill-specific municipal management
experience
- Strong private business leadership
(because this is the 21st century!)
- Substantial community activism
that is not tied to politics
- Relevant experience and knowledge
of the new technologies and emerging markets that Haverhill must
grow into
I believe John Michitson, candidate
for Mayor, is the right leader for Haverhill because: . . . [
Full Letter ]
|
|
|
( This story opens
in a separate window. ) |
32a |
|
Free
Business Breakfast Event on "Green Chemistry as Catalyst
for Attracting Emerging Technology Industries to Haverhill and
Region" to be held on May 27, 2009
Keynote
Speaker: Dr. John Warner
President and Chief Technology Officer,
Warner-Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry,
Wilmington, Massachusetts
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Maria's Galleria Banquet Room
83-85 Essex Street, Haverhill, Massachusetts 01832
7:30-9:00 am
[ Full
Press Release ]
|
|
 In this issue you
will find:
- The New Haverhill Youth Mentor
Network Grant Proposals.
- Community Meeting at Riverside
Memorial Church.
- New HCTV Series Starts - "Innovations".
- Invitation to Exciting Business
Breakfast Event on May 27th.
- How to Volunteer Information.
Click HERE
to read all newsletters.
|
|
Education is a Community
Goal in Haverhill!
I am proud to be an organizer
for The Haverhill Youth Mentor Network, which is a collaboration
of city service agencies, the schools and private citizens committed
to helping Haverhill children achieve academic and life success
through mentoring. Participating organizations are the Haverhill
YMCA, YWCA, Boys and Girls Club of Haverhill, Girls, Inc., Team
Haverhill and Haverhill's public and private K-12 schools. Encouraged
to build strong and productive relationships between Haverhill's
youth and adult population, citizens in Haverhill have bonded
together to coordinate and provide professional and volunteer
experience to children in need.
Research has shown that when
youth have a . . . [ Full
Story ]
|
|
To the editor:
Reading Monday's article "Being
green, seeing greenbacks" is another wake up call for Haverhill
to get going on green opportunities in plans for economic growth.
It has already started growing around us: the Massachusetts clean
energy sector already employs 14,000 and will soon be the state's
10th largest economic sector. Responsible planning for economic
growth in Haverhill should consider how to attract such green
enterprises, encourage existing businesses to participate in
green principles, and prepare workers and students to become
green employees.
A noteworthy advocate for Haverhill
to improve its lot and advance this 21st century economy is former
City Council president and mayoral candidate John Michitson.
Michitson has been calling our
attention to the potential of . . . [ Full
Letter ]
|
|
|
( This story opens
in a separate window. ) |
30 |
|
 Dear
Editor,
Reading Monday's (4/20/09) article "Being Green, Seeing
Greenbacks" is another wake up call for Haverhill to get
going on green opportunities in plans for economic growth. It
has already started growing around us: the Massachusetts clean
energy sector already employs 14,000 and will soon be the state's
10th largest economic sector. Responsible planning for economic
growth in Haverhill should consider how to attract such green
enterprises, encourage existing businesses to participate in
green principles, and prepare workers and students to become
green employees.
A noteworthy advocate for Haverhill to improve its lot and advance
this 21st Century economy is former City Council President and
mayoral candidate John Michitson.
Michitson has been calling our
attention to . . . [ Full
Letter ]
|
|
 In this issue you
will find:
- Upcoming Events:
- April 29, 2009: Happy Birthday
Haverhill. A Wine and Cheese Social at Buttonwoods Museum to
celebrate Haverhill's 338th Anniversary of the sale of Haverhill
from Native Americans to the Settlers.
- April 30, 2009: First of a series
of community meetings will be held at Riverside Memorial Church
to discuss Haverhill's issues and to introduce The Haverhill
Plan.
- How to Volunteer Information.
Click HERE
to read all newsletters.
|
|
 In this issue you
will find:
- The Haverhill Plan including
the following highlights:
- Budget and Revenue History
- Integrated Performance-based
Budgeting and Long Range Planning
- Leadership in Education
- Leadership in Economic Development
- Community Vision
- Links are also provided so that
you can review John's presentation and blog your comments, including
your recommended changes or new ideas.
Click HERE
to read all newsletters.
|
|
 I've initiated a long
range plan for Haverhill, called The Haverhill Plan, with my
Long Range Planning committee. It is a work in progress, but
I want to share the draft with you now to incorporate your ideas.
The highlights
of The Haverhill Plan are provided along with a more detailed
presentation on The Haverhill Plan [ Download
Plan - PDF ] or, if you wish, you can review the presentation
and blog your comments, including your recommended changes or
new ideas by clicking here.
The Haverhill Plan will be updated
based on your comments . . . [ Full
Plan ]
|
|
 In this issue you
will find:
- Did You Know?
- State Funding Cuts
- City-Wide Mentoring and Tutoring
Program Update
- Congratulations to Hill View
Montessori Charter School on Five Year Charter Renewal
- Michitson Invited to Participate
in Green Technology Conference
- Winter Blue Comedy Night Fundraiser
on Feb. 28, 2009 information:
- Ticket and reservation information.
- Link to purchase tickets online.
- Celebrate St. Patrick's Day
With John on March 14, 2009 information!
Click HERE
to read all newsletters.
|
|
 In this issue you
will find:
- Winter Blue Comedy Night Fundraiser
on Feb. 28, 2009 information:
- Ticket and reservation information.
- Link to purchase tickets online.
Click HERE
to read all newsletters.
|
|
By Shawn Regan
Staff Writer
HAVERHILL — While Mayor
James Fiorentini wants to hire reserve police officers and firefighters
to cut down on overtime and save money, his campaign opponent
said he would make even bigger changes in public safety.
John Michitson, a former City
Council president who announced his mayoral candidacy last year,
said he would combine the city's Police and Fire departments
into one administration under a single public safety chief.
Michitson outlined his "recovery
plan considerations" in a letter to The Eagle-Tribune
yesterday. It comes with . . . [ Full
Story ]
|
|
|
( This story opens
in a separate window. ) |
27 |
|
Our community needs to address
the latest economic downturn by taking both of the following
actions: 1. make cuts according to priority of city services
and specific performance goals such as emergency response time;
and 2. initiate low/no cost performance improvements to take
Haverhill to the next level, even under these conditions. The
urgency of our restructuring has been hidden for eight years
by our singular reliance on one-time revenues, such as the sale
of city property. The long term benefits should be a top consideration.
A key to success and progress
is to break through longstanding excuses and bottlenecks. Two-way
contract negotiations and state legislation to relieve outdated
bureaucracy imposed on municipalities are keys to success. City-School
turf wars must end.
Here are some additional recommendations
for . . . [ Full Release
]
|
|
 In this issue you
will find:
- Crisis Presents Opportunity
for Positive Change
- The Sticker, The Truck And The
Mayor
- Economic Development Strategies
- Missing Pieces to the Downtown Puzzle
- Beginnings of Harverhill's City
Wide Mentoring
- Did You Know?
- Winter Blues Comedy Night
Click HERE
to read all newsletters.
|
|
To the editor:
As a program manager at a $500
million per year company, I have seen that a performance-based
budgeting process, also known as a program budget, is the most
cost effective approach for the future of the city of Haverhill.
Regardless of how one may view the city of Haverhill, it is a
$140 million per year business that must be managed appropriately.
In the private sector, departments are held accountable for their
performance. The performance of these departments is defined
and measured by the performance of the programs and activities
that make up these departments. The city must undertake responsible
management and accountability for every dollar that is spent
and manage the value of this investment. The city cannot continue
to operate without metrics or performance measurements, such
as emergency response time, and the fiscal understanding of how
money is spent.
Somerville's success with their
budgeting process proves that John Michitson's proposals are
correct and responsible.
The questions all tax-paying
residents . . . [ Full Letter
]
|
|
|
( This story opens
in a separate window. ) |
25 |
|
To the editor:
There is no substitution for
innovation and a sound fundamental business approach for city
government, even during a crisis. Now more than ever we need
fresh approaches to help us manage more efficiently, responsively
and creatively in every aspect of our government. We must manage
with greater accountability and oversight.
Limited fiscal resources need
not automatically diminish the quantity and quality of services.
Instead of being paralyzed with fear, we should embrace the opportunity.
We need a new budget structure
in place to . . . [ Full Letter
]
|
|
|
( This story opens
in a separate window. ) |
24 |
|
 Dear
Editor:
There is no substitution for
innovation and a sound fundamental business approach for City
government even during a crisis. Now, more than ever we need
fresh approaches to help us manage more efficiently, responsively
and creatively in every aspect of our government. We must manage
with greater accountability and oversight. Limited fiscal resources
need not automatically diminish the quantity and quality of services.
Instead of being paralyzed with fear, we should embrace the opportunity.
We need a new budget structure
in place to reverse bad habits, some of which we picked up out
of necessity and others unnecessarily. Using one time monies
to fund operational costs that repeat each year won't cut it
over the long run. We can no longer ignore potential new money
streams just because there is an initial startup cost. New residential
subdivisions bring in new growth monies to the City. A large
percentage must be put aside to address anticipated municipal
costs, such as increased school enrollment and
public safety costs, instead of spending it immediately to cover
unrelated costs. We should always be shovel-ready with an updated
capital improvement plan for infrastructure (e.g. buildings,
roads.)
As the economy continues to slow,
the need for . . . [ Full
Letter ]
|
|
 In this issue you
will find:
- John and Heidi's Holiday Greeting
- Link to John's 12/14/08 Letter
to the Editor (Finance Committee/Capital Programs)
Click HERE
to read all newsletters.
|
|
To the Editor:
In the past several years, we
have witnessed budgets for the City of Haverhill that have been
put together under crisis management. We need a different approach.
An ongoing issue has been the
absence of any long-range plan for major purchases, capital improvements
and associated maintenance, which has resulted in the deteriorating
infrastructure Haverhill faces today.
Without planning, our city has
been left in the undesirable position of responding to crisis
after crisis as elements of Haverhill's infrastructure fail .
. . [ Full Letter ]
|
|
|
( This story opens
in a separate window. ) |
22 |
|
 Dear
Editor:
In the past several years, we
have witnessed budgets for the City of Haverhill that have been
put together under crisis management. We need a different approach.
An ongoing issue has been the
absence of any long range plan for major purchases, capital improvements
and associated maintenance which has resulted in the deteriorating
infrastructure Haverhill faces today. Without planning, our city
has been left in the undesirable position of responding to crisis
after crisis as elements of Haverhill's infrastructure fail around
us, such as the Hunking and Whittier Middle Schools, Citizens'
Center and High Street Fire Station. The cost to Haverhill taxpayers
is much higher when infrastructure is only addressed under crisis
situations.
It would be my recommendation
as Mayor to form a Finance Committee, drawn from citizens with
appropriate skills, that would work with departments heads to
review annual budgets and project capital needs for the next
five years. An overview of all the needs, current and future
for all departments is critical to the formulation and stability
of the budget.
Anticipating large items and
planning for them well in advance will . . . [ Full
Letter ]
|
|
 In this issue you
will find:
- John's Greeting
- Highlights from 10/16/08 Fundraiser
- Helping Those in Need
- Economic Development Strategies
- Recycling Recommendation
- Educational Plan
- Some Thoughts on the Budget
- Management Tip for this Edition
- Did You Know?
- And more . . .
Click HERE
to read all newsletters.
|
|
By Shawn Regan
Staff Writer
HAVERHILL — It's a topic
on residents' minds, and it is becoming a central issue in the
early mayoral campaign.
Haverhill is the only large Merrimack
Valley community that does not collect plastic, bottles and cans
at the curb.
Mayoral hopeful John Michitson
said it's time for that to end. He said residents he talks to
across the city said they want to do the environmentally responsible
thing and have curbside recycling of all items.
The city collects only . . .
[ Full Story ]
|
|
|
( This story opens
in a separate window. ) |
20 |
|
To the editor:
I have been canvassing our neighborhoods,
and one issue is clear: Haverhill citizens want to expand curbside
recycling. They understand both the global and local environmental
needs and see long-term financial benefits for our city. I propose
that Haverhill pilot single-stream recycling, benchmark the benefit/cost
ratio, and then decide on full implementation.
Haverhill can undertake a pilot
program similar to one recently completed in Boston. That curbside
recycling program had promising results. Boston's pilot program
in Jamaica Plain and Roslindale, for example, increased recycling
by 53 percent.
With the challenges our world
faces with . . . [ Full Letter
]
|
|
|
( This story opens
in a separate window. ) |
19 |
|
 Dear
Editor:
I have been canvassing our neighborhoods,
and one issue is clear: Haverhill citizens want to expand curbside
recycling. They understand both the global and local environmental
needs and see long term financial benefits for our City. I propose
that Haverhill pilot single-stream recycling, benchmark the benefit/cost
ratio, and then decide on full implementation.
Haverhill can undertake a pilot
program similar to one recently completed in Boston. That curbside
recycling program had promising results. Boston's pilot program
in Jamaica Plain and Roslindale, for example, increased recycling
by 53 percent.
With the challenges our world
faces with . . . [ Full
Letter ]
|
|
 Former
Army Captain Daniel Leary is a lifelong North Andover resident
who was deployed to Kuwait as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Now as President for a startup Renewable Energy firm he is fighting
to make the Merrimack Valley a global leader again.
Dan Leary started what is now
Nexamp, Inc. in North Andover,
MA in a garage with co-founder Will Thompson, also an OIF Veteran
(Army CPT,) and four other Veterans after completing an MBA program
at UMASS/Amherst. In graduate school, he wrote a business plan
on clean energy and solar power, and tapped into the Massachusetts
Technology Collaborative’s new program that offered rebates
to install solar panels. Haverhill must leverage
burgeoning regional economic development trend.
The company’s initial focus
was on solar panel installation . . . [ Full
Story ]
|
|
To the editor:
This morning at the recycling
center in Haverhill while I was dumping my cardboard, a young
woman asked me where the plastic went.
As I explained to her that Haverhill
only . . . [ Full Letter ]
|
|
|
( This story opens
in a separate window. ) |
16 |
|
To the Editor:
This morning at the recycling
center in Haverhill while I was dumping my cardboard, a young
woman asked me where the plastic went. As I explained to her
that Haverhill only recycles #2 plastic, I was reminded once
again of what a shame it is that Haverhill does not have a better
recycling program. This is one reason why I am so glad that John
Michitson has decided to run for mayor. Mayor Fiorentini has
now had almost 5 years to come up with a better recycling plan,
but he waited until the forthcoming closure of Haverhill Paperboard
to start exploring options. Michitson has been concerned about
this issue for a long time and I believe that when he is elected
mayor, he will implement many new innovative and "green"
programs for the city. Fiorentini did not even show up for the
presentation on recycling that Team Haverhill presented last
Monday, but I did see Michitson there. It appears as though Fiorentini
does not support the efforts of Team Haverhill, a group of citizens
who volunteer their time to try to develop solutions to some
of the problems facing the city. One would think that the mayor
would appreciate help from any corner, even if one of the founding
members of the organization opposed him in a campaign. [ Full Letter ]
|
|
By Joni Quinn
Staff Writer
Mayoral candidate John Michitson
believes his idea of a complete overhaul of the city's budgeting
system would have eliminated the current maelstrom over allegations
of sick-time abuses in the Fire Department.
Michitson, a former City Council
president and . . . [ Full Story
]
|
|
|
( This story opens
in a separate window. ) |
14 |
|
By Shawn Regan
Staff Writer
HAVERHILL — Mayoral hopeful
John Michitson isn't wasting any time criticizing his expected
opponent in the 2009 election, still 15 months away.
Michitson, who announced his
candidacy last . . . [ Full Story
]
|
|
|
( This story opens
in a separate window. ) |
13 |
|
HAVERHILL, MA, July 16, 2008
- It took the City Council
to uncover what appears to be sick time abuse in parts of the
School System and some Municipal Departments. On the School-side,
the Mayor, as School Committee Chairman, should be holding the
School Superintendent's feet to the fire on such matters, without
intervention from the City Council. For the City-side, the buck
stops at the Mayor's office as the CEO of the City. That's how
the private sector and effective City governments work. The Administration
should be on top of this in a timely manner; it is not the intended
role of the legislative branch.
One particularly disturbing aspect
of this is that the Public Works Department employees were identified
by the Mayor as abusing sick time, along with the Fire Department.
Considering the alleged abuses in the Public Works Department
which came to light early last year, it is unconscionable that
it would take the supposed abuses of the School Department to
trigger the Mayor's determination that there may be sick time
abuse in the Public Works Department.
As Mayor, I would immediately
implement a . . . [ Full
Release ]
|
|
To the editor:
The closing of Haverhill Paperboard
is a startling development and a wake up call indeed! Clearly
our first concern is with the families and I believe that the
city and various employment agencies will do the best that they
can to find new jobs for the displaced workers with the current
options available.
The longer view is our city's
economic health and the . . . [ Full
Story ]
|
|
|
( This story opens
in a separate window. ) |
11 |
|
Dear Editor:
The closing of Haverhill Paperboard
is a startling development and a wake up call indeed! Clearly
our first concern is with the families and I believe that the
City and various employment agencies will do the best that they
can to find new jobs for the displaced workers with the current
options available.
The longer view is our city's
economic health and the need for a vastly improved effort to
bring emerging technologies and the associated manufacturing
and trade jobs to Haverhill.
For many years this has been
a major . . . [ Full
Letter ]
|
|
 The
University of Massachusetts / Lowell prepared a report last December
entitled: “Clean Tech - An Agenda for a Healthy Economy”
to help the Merrimack Valley region engage in the clean technology
economy. The Clean Tech project identified specific economic
opportunities within five areas - safer alternatives, green buildings,
emerging materials, clean energy, and materials reuse. This article
addresses an emerging eco-system of the trades, research and
development, manufacturing and workforce development that is
spawning green building in our region.
While we constantly listen to
stock market reports about the exciting new technologies that
are driving the green and clean economy, the local trades are
quietly playing a key role in this emerging global industry.
All-Pro
Solar, a Division of
All-Pro Electric
in Haverhill, is an . . . [ Full
Story ]
|
|
The preliminary election in Haverhill
is still 15 months away, but the race for mayor is already under
way.
Former City Council president
John Michitson . . . [ Full Story
]
|
|
|
( This story opens
in a separate window. ) |
9 |
|
I am seeking your support of
my candidacy for Mayor.
I have lived in Haverhill my
entire life and love this city as did my parents and grandparents.
I understand Haverhill's great history and I have a strong vision
for its future. I have been one of your City Councilors. I have
been your Council President. I have also worked in the private
sector like you. For more than two decades, I have thrived as
a professional manager in private industry.
I offer you and Haverhill my
. . . [ Full Story
]
|
|
By Cara Spilsbury
Staff Writer
On Nov. 6, 2007, Mayor James
Fiorentini won back his seat in City Hall and began his third
consecutive two-year term. Just seven months later, he already
faces competition.
On Tuesday, June 24, former City
. . . [ Full Story ]
|
|
|
( This story opens
in a separate window. ) |
7 |
|
In a letter to Haverhill residents
dated June 23, former City Councilor John Michitson asks for
support for his mayoral candidacy in 2009.
"I will professionally manage
your . . . [ Full Story ]
|
|
|
( This story opens
in a separate window. ) |
6 |
|
By Mike LaBella
Staff Writer
HAVERHILL — John Michitson
said to run for mayor effectively, he must raise plenty of money
and have lots of personal contact with voters — all of which
will take time.
He has left himself plenty of
, , , [ Full Story ]
|
|
|
( This story opens
in a separate window. ) |
5 |
|
Former Haverhill city council president
John Michitson has announced he is running for mayor in 2009.
Michitson, who is a Valley Patriot contributor as co-author of
our Innovation Valley series
issued a press release today saying he vows to bring professional
leadership to Haverhill and improve the school district's performance.
[ Full Story ]
|
|
By Mike LaBella
Staff Writer
HAVERHILL — This morning
former City Council President John Michitson announced he will
run for mayor next year.
He will oppose Mayor James .
. . [ Full Story ]
|
|
|
( This story opens
in a separate window. ) |
3 |
|
Dear Haverhill Citizens:
I am seeking your support
of my candidacy for Mayor.
I have lived in Haverhill my
entire life and love this city as did my parents and grandparents.
I understand Haverhill's great history and I have a strong vision
for its future. I have been one of your City Councilors. I have
been your Council President. I have also worked in the private
sector like you. For more than two decades, I have thrived as
a professional manager in private industry.
I offer you and Haverhill my
unique blend of . . . [ Full
Letter ]
|
|
Dear Editor:
I read with great interest the
recent interviews of the mayors in the region, including those
from the Lawrence, Haverhill, Methuen, Amesbury and Newburyport.
The overwhelming theme was that every city and town in our region
is hurting financially. Each is lobbying for additional funding
from the State, additional employee concessions and other cost
reduction measures.
Each city needs an actionable
and flexible long range plan to pitch to State and Federal officials,
industry, foundations and other potential sources of revenue
and services, in addition to the usual practice of plugging municipal
budgetary gaps on a year-to-year basis.
Likewise, a regional long range
plan should be . . . [ Full
Letter ]
|
|
|
|
