Promises Kept – Interview with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson
Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel spoke with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson on August 26, 2025. We opened the interview referencing the Mayor’s closing statement in a debate of June 2020 in which he made some promises. We then asked him about PROMISES KEPT. Listen to the interview on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Topics and questions included: Working with local, state, and federal government partners – budgets – union negotiations – collaboration with local business – knowledge and keeping an open mind – giving his “all” to the city – public safety – optimism – pragmatism .
We went through a lightning round checklist asking the following for each: What was the problem, issue, or need – how did you solve the problem, tackle the issue, or meet the need in the last 5 years – and if you have an idea for the future on the subject, tell us what you can.
Our lightning round list of dozens of Promises Kept
The list included look of the city, Gardner being recognized, basic city services, blighted properties, business vacancies, retaining employees, city transparency, revitalization of Downtown, improving municipal and school facilities, improving educational outcomes, supporting elders, protecting the environment, utilizing energy resources, fiscal responsibility, improving health of citizens, addressing the housing shortage, industry in Gardner, infrastructure improvements, internet connectivity, legal updates, non-profit relations, enough parking, honoring veterans, public transportation, recreation and open space, roads- streets – avenues, water and sewer.
Biblical Reference of the Rainbow
In creating the graphic, Gardner Magazine was thinking of a Biblical Reference: The primary biblical reference for the rainbow as a sign of God’s promise is Genesis 9:12-17, which describes God’s covenant with Noah and all living creatures after the global flood. In these verses, God promises never again to destroy all life on Earth with a flood, and He sets the rainbow in the clouds as a perpetual sign of this covenant. Here’s a breakdown of the promise and its significance: God’s Promise: God declared, “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth” (Genesis 9:13). The Covenant: This covenant was made with Noah and “every living creature of all flesh“. The Sign: The rainbow would serve as a visible reminder to God that He would remember His promise.