As a longtime resident of Easthampton since 1989, and as someone active in city economic development from 1999 to 2006 during the difficult years when factories closed and Cottage Street faced a 50 percent vacancy rate, I have had the opportunity to observe many turnovers in City Council leadership. Several individuals stand out as exceptional public servants. Salem Derby, J.P. Kwiecinski, and Tom Peake have all been stellar longtime members of the council. Now that Derby has become mayor, I have the utmost confidence that he will be as effective as one could hope.

The recent controversy surrounding Mayor Derby’s decision to change the role of Lindsi Sekula, who served as former Mayor Nicole LaChapelle’s executive assistant, has been met with indignation from some of her supporters. In my view, some of this controversy is intended to stir unrest for the new administration, while others sincerely believe that Sekula performed well and should remain in her $1,800-a-week position, with significant additional benefits and a lifelong pension at taxpayer expense. I find this controversy both telling and avoidable.

Every president of the United States has the right to choose the members of their administration as a matter of course. I have never seen any U.S. president since Kennedy retain the same chief of staff as their predecessor. The same principle should apply to a mayor. Mayor Derby should not be forced to work with someone if he believes a change is appropriate — especially someone who ran against him, believing his ideas and capabilities were inferior to theirs.

The administrative and personal implications of being compelled to retain the prior mayor’s executive assistant are complicated and unnecessary. Lindsi Sekula should have anticipated that her position might change once she chose to run for office herself. Unfortunately, in politics and life, one does not always get to have their cake and eat it too.

Going forward, all candidates should clearly state their intentions regarding their existing jobs, as well as any controversial changes they would seek to make if elected. This would allow voters to better understand their plans and would enable opposing candidates to respond with clarity.

This entire matter has become a distraction from the real issues of importance facing our city. It is time to move on.

Michael Garjian

Easthampton