Eric Bartkus Lowell City Council

I have attended many council, DDA, and planning commission meetings and often the council members explain why they are voting in such a way. Cliff Yankovich did this well at the last council meeting by explaining that a vote for rezoning the Rollaway property was not a vote to approve Copper Rock’s proposal. His vote was only a necessary step forward to improve that property. This explanation helps the citizens understand the rationale. We might not agree with some votes, but we have an explanation.

Sometimes however there are important votes with just a yes or a no answer. If the vote is opposite from expected, we are left wondering why. If elected, I promise to always explain why I am voting a certain way. The explanation will include how this vote helps the citizens and businesses.

As a side note, I will never convey how I am going to vote ahead of time. Citizens are free to share their thoughts and desires to me at length (and I hope they do), but my first answer will be on meeting night. I also will not try to influence the other council member’s votes.

This one is short and to the point. A few years ago the Lowell’s First Look wrote an article about transparency in the council, and I echo that desire. I want to represent the citizens of Lowell well. I will try to pass along their desires in my explanations and votes. Thank you, Eric