With about a week until we elect who will represent us on the City Council and School Committee, it is time for the citizens of Waltham to ask themselves a few questions. Is Waltham all that it can be? With all the development that has taken place, why do we still have to leave the city to shop for most everything except food? With one of the highest per pupil costs in the state, why do we still have 2 schools that are failing and no elected official saying that it is unacceptable?
I find it fascinating that those who have led us down this road talk more about what they plan on doing and very little about what they have done. My question to them is: what are you waiting for? One of the accomplishments my opponent touts on his handout is the successful transformation of the Hardy School to Senior Housing. To call a building senior housing, don’t seniors have to actually live in it?
Before you can correct a problem, you have to admit one exists. The fact that the Hardy, Banks and Fitch Schools all remain empty is a problem. The fact that we have one of the highest per capita student cost and two failing schools is a problem. The fact that the city has no Master Plan is a problem. The fact that zoning and the cumbersome special permit process has had a negative impact on our downtown is a problem. These problems are all the result of the actions or inactions of our current elected officials.
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As I have said many times, accepting average is easy. Striving for excellence requires hard work. Career politicians are happy with average because they don’t have to make tough decisions. When your top priority is to be reelected, your main objective becomes not ruffling any feathers.
I am not a career politician. If I have the privilege of serving as the Ward 2 Councillor, I will not stay more than six years. Anyone who knows me will tell you, I am not afraid to ruffle a few feathers when necessary. I ask the residents of Ward 2 for their vote on Tuesday November 5th. For more information about me or my campaign, go to my website www.BillFowler-ward2.com.
