Mayor Reardon inherited projects and promises that had been on the back burner for far too long. Tohis credit, while he didn't initiate these projects, he has seen to, or is overseeing, their completion and they have been, or soon will be, brought to fruition. But that isn't enough for his critics. Projects he is working on are met with pushback and criticism – like Kmart. The outcry for more housing and more affordable housing has long been loud and clear. The Mayor negotiated a Friendly 40B Agreement giving the city protection against inferior building tactics. There will be many affordable units.
Nevertheless, the list of criticism and projected "what ifs" is long. Of course, work has to be done to resolve issues surrounding such a project but to focus on questions yet to be answered rather than acknowledging that an answer to the original problem around housing has been found, is nothing but short-sighted, contradictory, and often mean-spirited.
I am involved in a project at the Senior Center that is working to educate the community on composting, plastic reduction, and other "green" initiatives. We are making progress which would not have been achieved without the help and support Mayor Reardon has given. He has been receptive, collaborative, helpful, and an active participant in this endeavor, which is a vital step in addressing climate change.
This is a different Sean Reardon than that portrayed by his opponent's supporters. I am sure that this is just one of many projects that Mayor Reardon supports that aren't known publicly. My guess is that he's too busy doing the best job he can for us to take time to report on the many ways he contributes to our well-being.
In the 40 years I've lived here, I've never seen someone as enthused about Newburyport as Sean Reardon. I want a mayor who is mayor not because it's a job but because he loves Newburyport. Sean does. It's in his heritage and in his heart. He did wonderful things for Newburyport before he was mayor and continues to do so in that position. I could say more, but I won't. Suffice to say I'm voting for Sean Reardon.