Mayor John Moak
It was an enjoyable Yankee Homecoming Week. It was an excellent opportunity to connect with many older friends and meet new members of the community. Kathleen Bailey and her staff were so dedicated and creative in their approach to this event. I look forward to Don Walters chairing next year’s event. Don has a great deal of energy and brings a successful business career to the position. The fireworks display was, as my granddaughter described “beautiful”. It was encouraging to know that the community stepped up to raise the necessary funds. Mother Nature cooperated with a clear night, from my vantage point the moon was in the background during the performance. Nice way to spend an evening in Newburyport.
On the government side of Newburyport, I was very disappointed that the City Council did not approve the Regional Health Service Agreement with Amesbury and Salisbury. Through the cooperation of the three communities this was a well thought through plan. Government, to continue to provide effective service for all constituents, must look at new ways to providing existing services. This plan had many up sides not just saving of money, but shared resources, health data and consistent health regulations for the region. The state is encouraging this type of agreement; we could have been on the forefront of this initiative. I believe Amesbury and Salisbury will continue to work on an agreement, I wish them success, although I may be envious of their success in regards to their increased potential for funding. On a positive note, it is rewarding to know that other communities look to Newburyport for setting their level of expectations in respect to health services.
