EDITOR’S NOTE: The Suffolk News-Herald has invited candidates for all of the city’s contested offices to submit 400-word columns soliciting the votes of Suffolk citizens on Election Day. A different race will be highlighted on this page each day through Thursday. All of the candidates were notified of the opportunity at the same time via email, and follow-up telephone calls were made to verify receipt of the emails. Today features the City Council election in the Suffolk Borough, which pits incumbent Charles Parr against challengers Donald Goldberg and Kerry Holmes. All three candidates’ columns appear below. Tomorrow’s installment will include columns from each of the two candidates for the School Board seat from the Suffolk Borough.

By Don Goldberg

My name is Don Goldberg, and I have called Suffolk my home for over 50 years. I am seeking the Suffolk Borough seat on Suffolk’s City Council in the election being held on Nov. 4.

There are many issues facing our city.

Having better schools to educate Suffolk’s future leaders is a priority. This begins with dialogue. The School Board and the City Council must work together to retain our qualified teachers and provide them with salary increases. We must also provide opportunities for remedial classes and after-school programs for our students.

It is essential that the School Board and the City Council are in agreement on what is best for our schools and that we promote parental involvement. A critical component of an effective school system is having parents take an active role in the education of their children.

Our firefighters and police officers are our first responders for emergency and fire services. They should receive adequate compensation for the important services they provide our community. These public servants work tirelessly on our behalf to protect us. We cannot let them down.

Transparency in government is of paramount importance, and our citizens need to be informed on issues relevant to their concerns. I will be responsive and responsible to the public and their concerns and will strive to keep closed council sessions to a minimum.

The city tax structure needs to be reviewed and new options considered. Water and trash fees for our city are excessive, and we must seek ways to reduce costs and fees. Even though the property tax rate in Suffolk is lower than other regional areas, the rate charged is still too high if real estate assessments increase.

In the Suffolk Borough our primary effort should be to promote downtown rejuvenation and revitalization. More business growth and opportunities should be encouraged.

Our city is growing. It is imperative that Suffolk have a vision for smart growth and economic development. I will use my years of experience in economic development to help our existing businesses and industries thrive in Suffolk, while also encouraging new industries and businesses to locate here. I will promote job creation and diversification of job opportunities in our city.

I believe in Suffolk’s promising future and will work daily to represent my borough, our city and our citizens.