Editorial – Cosmic Significance of 20th Gardner MA Mayor Michael Nicholson and his very clear 20/20 Vision for the Chair City
Crisis Vision: As a Mayor in his 20’s, Michael Nicholson was at the top of the decision chain regarding many of the tough issues of 2020 including protecting citizens during the pandemic and the highly-praised vaccine roll out. He has supported advances in Public Safety including upgraded equipment and technology, a K-9 unit, and a change to a more effective management style.
People Vision: Working with the Gardner Team, Mayor Nicholson’s 20/20 vision with “people issues” is worth mentioning. Gardner has an effective Prevention Coordinator. Gardner has a Domestic Violence Coordinator. Gardner Public Schools are now “Tier 1” instead of “Tier 3” . 1/3 of the graduating class of 2023 also had college Associate Degrees. He also has involvement in, interest in, or has assisted many more than 20 non-profits, directly helping people of the Chair City.
Business Vision: Working with the Gardner Team, Mayor Nicholson’s 20/20 vision has extended to providing a more welcoming environment to business and industry. The number of new businesses coming to Gardner and the improving look of Downtown is evidence. A number of tools have been put in place to make it easier to open a Gardner business.
Project Vision: Working with the Gardner Team, Mayor Nicholson’s 20/20 vision has impacted various projects, often juggling more than 20 projects at any one time. Aggressive pursuit of grants has resulted in more improvement to Gardner’s infrastructure than has occurred in previous years. (Tens of millions in Grants during the Mayor’s time in office) More attention has been paid to roads with more miles paved in the last couple of years than at least the late 1990s. Water, sewer, technology, and even sidewalks have been impacted.
Contact Vision: Mayor Nicholson has made it a practice to cultivate valuable relationships with other officials in local, state, and the Federal government, resulting in a few visits to the White House in Washington, D.C. of all places. On a number of occasions, State officials including the Governor have come to Gardner to make announcements regarding Gardner and other communities. He has helped put Gardner ‘on the map.”.
Fiscal Vision: Working with the Gardner Team, Mayor Nicholson has cleaned up the books. For example, loan orders dating back many, many years which should have been rescinded were taken care of by the City Council’s approval of the Mayor’s request. Budget increases have been lower in percentage than similar size Cities despite financial pressures of inflation. Most notably, Gardner has had a perfect Federal Audit for 3 years in a row which has never happened before. Many things have gone electronic to save paper and improve efficiency.
Ordinance Vision: Working with a City Councilor, Mayor Nicholson put forth an ordinance which allows the City to more quickly and effectively deal with blighted buildings. No longer will unsightly buildings in Downtown or other sections of the City hold Gardner back from success. Other ordinances have been responsibly reviewed for needed changes, proposed, and implemented.
Education Vision: Working with the Gardner Education Team including highly acclaimed Superintendent Mark Pellegrino, Mayor Nicholson aided in unprecedented support for student meals, the music programs, technology, educational programs, and more on a long list. Increasingly, Gardner is being sought out by other districts who ask, “How are you accomplishing this?”