Brockton mayor promises to “attack the quality-of-life issues affecting our city”

By Maria Papadopoulos
Enterprise staff writer

BROCKTON — Ward 2 resident Lara Thomas said she was “not exactly sure” how the mayor would address concerns she has about public safety and city schools.

“I still have a lot of concerns about how he's going to implement some of the things he's talking about,” said Thomas, 38, among several Brocktonians who listened to Mayor James Harrington's State of the City address Monday night inside City Hall.

“It was a bit rosier of a picture than what I'm seeing in the city right now,” she said.

Among the topics in his address, Harrington discussed this year's anticipated budget shortfall, activities for city youth and the construction of two schools and urged residents to join neighborhood watch groups to fight crime.

“We are well on the way to building a healthy and safe community,” said Harrington, 59, who was applauded several times during his speech.

Dayanta Box, a 46-year-old West Chestnut Street resident, said she came out to hear Harrington address “crime. Crime going up, (my) not feeling safe walking the streets.”

Harrington said the city is adopting a zero tolerance on crime “effective immediately.”

He said he has met with local law enforcement agencies and “we have agreed that we will attack the quality-of-life issues affecting our city.”

A special police unit, comprised of city and state police from the Office of Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz, has been formed, Harrington said.

But Harrington would not comment further on the plan Monday because he said he did not want to compromise it.

“Very shortly we'll be able to talk about it,” he said after he shook hands with the entire City Council and members of his staff following his speech.

During his address, the mayor highlighted:

*His efforts to improve city government by extending City Hall hours on Monday nights, creating a Mayor's Advisory Board, making the city's Web site more user-friendly, and giving residents the ability to pay real estate, utilities and excise tax bills online.

*The addition of eight new police cruisers to the city's fleet, the purchase of two traffic enforcement vehicles to monitor commercial trucks within the city, and the addition of seven new police officers.

*An impending budget shortfall, but he did not elaborate. City officials said Sunday the city is facing a possible $3 million to $5 million deficit.

“My plan remains the same and that is to do more with less,” Harrington said. “Rest assured, we will continue to provide excellent service to our residents without interruption.”

*The drop in the city's unemployment rate to 5.9 percent in 2006, with about 1,000 more Brocktonians employed, he said.

*Plans to break ground soon on two city schools.

Reaction to Harrington's address from audience members was mixed.

“It was good. He said a lot of good things, so I guess they're doing a few things,” said Alma Kirk, 69.

“He didn't say anything about bringing the taxes down, though,” Kirk added, laughing.

“I would say it was more of the same old of the old than something of the new,” said Patrick Quinn, 33, a homeowner on the city's north side.

“I think it's worth everyone taking the time to digest what he's supposed to do and to assess his record,” said Jass Stewart, who has said he will run against Harrington in the Nov. 6 election.

Harrington said his initiatives for this year will include refurbishing the Manning Pool into a family recreational center complete with water slides and a picnic area. The project is set to begin later this year.

He also plans to complete the revitalization of the Pleasant and Prospect streets neighborhood.

“I will continue to walk throughout our city and learn firsthand our residents' needs and priorities,” Harrington said.

Box, who owns a transportation business, said she bought her house in 1989 and hopes the issues that concern her are addressed.

“I'd like to stay,” Box said.

Maria Papadopoulos can be reached at mpapadopoulos@enterprisenews.com.