I read the letter to the editor from the writer who ran unsuccessfully against Ryan O’Donnell in the 2016 at-large City Council race “Seeks removal of City Council president,” May 9).
The writer seems to fault O’Donnell for ambition. I would like to go on record with a counterargument.
I’ve followed O’Donnell’s career since he was voted the councilor for Ward 3. At that time, I signed up for the Ward 3 Association’s email list even though I live in Ward 1. On that forum, I found O’Donnell to be interested in and responsive to the needs of his constituents. There was a level of engagement I had not before seen in city government.
When he became councilor at-large, the involvement remained true. When I have contacted him with questions, he’s responded quickly and with reasoned advice or commentary. He’s been, in many ways, an ideal public servant. I also believe O’Donnell has a real true progressive agenda.
I have been a library director for about 10 years, meaning I’ve attended over 100 trustees meetings and far more friends meetings and subcommittee meetings. I served on the city’s parking and rail committees. As such, I have some idea how how consensus is reached and how the mechanics of public debate works over a period of time. Temperament is a large part of governance, and I think O’Donnell has the right temperament.
As to O’Donnell’s perceived ambition, I do not find this to be a feature and not a bug. I am happy to see progressives climb the ranks any place. People with good values should not limit their scope of possibility to present circumstance but rather find opportunity to do the most good.
In a discussion with a friend about the race, we were both glad to have good candidates to vote for and felt that the race was better contested than with just one candidate. Debate among progressives makes us stronger.
I wish the candidates luck in their future endeavors because I think they’re fine people and I count us lucky to have such fine candidates for the people’s seat.
Adam Novitt
Northampton