2018 has ended without much fanfare. On the national scene, so much seems unresolved; and in Framingham, the same seems to be true as well. We were fighting over our 55+ communities, our chapel, our downtown, our blighted properties, our crime, our empty storefronts entering 2018, and exiting 2018 the fights continue.
The mayor is giving her second State of the City address later this month, her first took place 36 days after getting her name placard affixed to her new office door. As a new mayor with only visions of the future and few actual accomplishments, her remarks were short.
In 2018, she highlighted her work developing relationships with division heads, the school committee, members and city councilors individually, her vision to increase citizen participation and create neighborhood associations who would meet monthly to discuss area specific issues, and ensure that peoples voices are "heard loud and clear".
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She also highlighted health and human services. She stated that she would be working with the adolescents in the school system to decrease "stress" and increase coping skills, stating that "stress remains a major concern that affects more of our adolescents than any other mental health issue". In 2018 we learned that stress may not have been the biggest issues in our schools after all, and that crime, hate, bullying, and perhaps even gang activity, were some of the overshadowing themes of issues in the schools.
Development was the largest issue discussed in 2018. She restated her commitment to stop the continuation of stagnation of blighted properties on the north side. In speaking about The Nobscot Shopping Center, Pinefield Plaza and the former State Lumber site, she said “As your mayor, I will look for those win-win solutions," and " I will do it in the best interests of the city of Framingham.” As we exited 2018, we learned of potential corruption or mishandling of bids in some of these projects, and in all of these projects, stagnation continues.
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On transparency she stated ″We will continue to refine our process to ensure that the greatest degree of transparency, while supporting participation from across the city, is implemented".
How will the mayor address the promises of the State of the City of 2018 within the State of the City this month? Will she ignore her past failures as she makes further promises she won't keep about our future? Or will she accept responsibility for her shortcomings and promise to make good before moving on to new grander goals.
How do you think the mayor did in 2018? There is a comprehensive survey to rate Framingham's First Year. It rates the mayor and other leaders, and each leader will receive a report card via USPS mail complete with a grade, and statements of criticism & commendation from survey participants. Survey will only be open a limited time. Take a few minutes and tell the city how they did at www.GoFramingham.com
