Opinion: Pioneer Institute report shortchanges Leominster
By DEAN MAZZARELLA
While I appreciate the good work of the Pioneer Institute and its care for the state's urban cities, I must comment on the Feb. 19 opinion of Jim Stergios, executive director of the Pioneer Institute.
It is true that the City of Leominster faces urban issues. But while readers may see a dismal picture of our city, one quick visit will tell a completely different story.
When communities statewide are taxing to the maximum of Proposition 2 1/2, Leominster remains well below our limit, leaving more than $35 million in taxpayers' pockets every year. Over the past 14 years we have made more than $44 million in capital investments without borrowing one cent. Our combined water/sewer rates remain the lowest in the state, despite our spending tens of millions in infrastructure improvements. Through our aggressive pursuit of open space and watershed land, we have purchased more than 1,000 acres of land, which includes 75 percent of our watershed - and the last apple orchard in the city. We have made these purchases without ever borrowing. Our city's bond rating remains high and our stabilization/rainy day account tops $8 million.
Our downtown is healthy and alive. Vacancy is low. Many have purchased and restored historic buildings, while others have built new structures on vacant lots, or have chosen to demolish existing structures to construct a better project. To continue to offer downtown locations, we have expanded the area known as downtown into three directions. When complete, it will create a small business triangle connecting our downtown with a nearby shopping center, an area of mill style buildings and neighborhoods all of which will create new business opportunities.
A federal HUD report shows that Leominster alone is responsible for more than $1 billion in retail spending every year. Leominster is home to four large shopping centers, with another on the way, not including the seven smaller centers we already have.
We have lost manufacturing jobs, but once-vacant space is filling up fast with smaller businesses. Our business tax is the lowest of any Massachusetts city, allowing business to invest in new equipment, training and their employees.
Stergios mentions urban crime. Our city of 43,000 expands to about 60,000 in the daytime. We have some crime, but according to our surveys and community feedback, Leominster residents feel safe. We have problem-prone areas, but we deploy our resources to address those problems.
Lastly, we have responded to the standards of No Child Left Behind and MCAS. We have to bus most of our children across our roughly 30 square mile area. Our $1 million in busing funds does not count towards children's education, at a time when the state cut funding for transportation. We've added new schools, reduced class size, and next year, will be offering full-day kindergarten at no cost.
The Pioneer Institute correctly points out the assistance needed to urban communities. Every community mentioned in their report was once a regional economic engine. These communities were allowed to incrementally lose that distinction, while everyone who could have done something chose to ignore the symptoms.
James Stergios and the Pioneer Institute have provided us with a valuable document. Those in power can either choose to ignore the content, or bond together and really make a difference.
Dean Mazzarella is Mayor of Leominster.
WBJ Web Partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments