My Turn: ‘If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together.’

One of the most rewarding aspects of my campaign for mayor has been getting out every day and connecting with voters in Greenfield — hearing directly about concerns, fielding important questions about the community, and listening to citizens’ big dreams for this city. To date, I have had the privilege of personally knocking on more than 1,200 doors. Despite the polarized times we live in, I have discovered that we have much more in common than what divides us. By prioritizing honesty, integrity, and decency we can rebuild trust and shape a bright future. Greenfield has always been a place where a strong community spirit resides, and I am confident that by working together we can lift the bar higher.

On one recent afternoon I had the opportunity to have a long chat with a new supporter, discussing the importance of always treating others with decency. When he asked me why I’m running for mayor, I told him what I have told many on the campaign trail “I have two big ears and I listen. If it matters to you, it matters to me.” He shared the following quote that has stuck with me every day since: “If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together.”

In many of my conversations, folks are telling me they can’t afford to stay here. This is a particular concern for seniors, who are the fastest growing sector of Greenfield’s population. Assessments for residential properties have risen 36% over the past five years, but commercial assessments have only increased by 7%. This has shifted the tax burden onto homeowners. This is not sustainable. I will commit to a full review of our assessment process.

This year, as the chair of the City Council’s Ways and Means Committee, I worked diligently with others to return 1.5 million to the FY24 school budget when it was slashed by the present administration. No other departments suffered from this transfer of money, no layoffs happened, no services were cut, no one lost their health insurance or benefits, and the funding came largely from areas that were over budgeted. We had the money to fund our schools and we did. We cannot afford to lose any more teachers or staff. We must be able to recruit and retain the best possible educational professionals. The children are our future!

I will communicate clearly and directly in order to prevent misunderstandings and needless conflict. I will be a chief executive who listens and cares about your problems, a mayor who will prioritize our shared values. Please join me on this journey to make a future we can be proud of here in Greenfield. I am asking for your vote on Tuesday, Nov. 7 and I look forward to seeing you at the polls.

Virginia Desorgher is a Greenfield city councilor and candidate for mayor.