Enjoy a Safe Super Bowl Weekend

I want to wish each one of you a safe and happy Super Bowl weekend.  We have been incredibly fortunate here in Massachusetts to watch our teams win championships on a seemingly regular interval.  It's a great way to bring the community together, and it's a lot of fun.

I also want to remind folks to be particularly careful as they go out to the local eateries to watch the game. This past week has provided a painful reminder of the dangers that exist when traversing busy city streets.  Please use crosswalks, obey the speed limit and wait for pedestrian lights to turn before you cross.

Happy Lunar New Year!

Monday, January 23^rd marks the celebration of the Lunar New Year, an event that is much anticipated by many members of this community.  There are a number of Lunar New Year activities taking place in Quincy to mark the occasion, the biggest of which is the Lunar New Year celebration on February 12^th at North Quincy High School.  It is free and open to the public, so please feel free to stop by and enjoy some great food, camaraderie and cultural exhibitions.

These festivities serve as a reminder of the rich diversity that makes Quincy such a unique place to call home. I wish everyone a Happy Year of the Dragon, and hope that it will bring you much joy.

Keeping in Touch

In our ongoing effort to you up to date and informed on the various happenings in the City, we have launched the City of Quincy Twitter account, @cityofquincy.

You may feel the same way I do that the changes in technology come fast and furious, but we strongly believe that implementing new ways of communicating with residents is of the utmost importance.  On the @cityofquincy page, we will be posting information on things such as roadwork, local community events, articles of interest and so forth.  I envision the Twitter page to be of particular usefulness if, for example, we should have to close a road and let folks know right away. You can also follow my Twitter feed @mayortomkoch.  If you're new to Twitter, it's pretty easy to work with, so fear not!

Adding Twitter to our online repertoire follows the development of this website with tools such as the constituent service system and online bill-pay, as well as our partnership with SeeClickFix.  We will continue to seek the best ways of getting and staying in touch with you as we move forward in 2012.

2012 - A New Year

I would like to wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.  These past few years have presented us with unique challenges, but we have been able to overcome them by working together as a community. 

As we move ahead to a new term and a new year, I remain committed to that spirit of collaboration. We have put into place a number of positive programs that will help each neighborhood of this great City, and in 2012 you will see the work we began in 2011 move toward completion.

In this space I've mentioned the downtown redevelopment project a number of times.  We have been hard at work behind the scenes performing the necessary due diligence to make the project a reality, and you will see more progress on that front this year.

As always, I look for your help in making this vision for our City come to pass. Please feel free to reach out to me or a member of my staff - we are here to serve you.

Happy Hanukkah

I would like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah, as today marks the first day of the eight day celebration.  Quincy is a City rich in religious diversity, and that diversity has been present in the City for decades.  It enhances our neighborhoods and strengthens the bonds that link all peoples, regardless of religious tradition.

The Christmas Season

As is always the case, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is flying by.  I certainly want to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a happy Christmas season, and that it will be a time to come together to give thanks for the many blessings we have in our lives.

Happy Thanksgiving

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your famlies a Happy Thanksgiving. We are entering one of the more hectic times of the year, but we should all step back for a moment and remember all of the many blessings that we have in our lives, especially the gifts of family and friendship.

I certainly also want to pass along my sincere gratitude to our men and women in uniform who will not be able to spend Thanksgiving Day with their loved ones at home. You sacrifice so much so that we may be able to enjoy the freedoms bestowed upon us in this Great Nation, and I hope that your Thanksgiving is a welcome respite from the demands of your service.

Thanksgiving also marks the beginning of the City's Christmas celebrations as we host the 59th Annual Christmas Parade this Sunday. Tens of thousands of people from in and around Quincy will gather together in admiration of the talented men and women who will be performing for us. It is a wonderful event, and I hope to see you there.

There are a number of other events taking place in Quincy this week, and throughout the Christmas Season, which I hope you will take advantage of. On Friday we will host the annual ‘Turning on the Lights' event in front of City Hall, and Santa will arrive by parachute on Saturday at Pageant Field.

One highlight for many is the rivalry game between North Quincy and Quincy High Schools. I want to wish all of our athletes the best of luck on Thursday. It is a wonderful tradition that brings many alumni from both schools together in a spirit of friendly competition.

Again, my warmest wishes to you and your family for a Happy Thanksgiving.

Honoring Our Veterans

Veterans Day is a time for us to remember our friends and family who committed their lives in service to this great Nation.  Quincy residents have fought in every major conflict in this country's history. We are rightly proud of those men and women who served in the past, and all those who are protecting us against the threat of terrorism today. 

On November 11 we will host our annual Veterans Day parade. The event kicks off at 10:30 a.m. at the Quincy Credit Union on Quincy Avenue. All are invited to attend.

One of the rights that our veterans fought for is the right to vote. November 8th is a local election, and I encourage residents to exercise this right, remembering that we are able to participate in the democratic process because of the men and women in uniform who volunteer to protect us.

City Mourns Passing of Devoted Employee

Often times in government we focus on office holders and department heads, yet the people who make the City run by and large do their job out of the limelight. One such person was Bob DeCristofaro. His tragic passing was a true shock to the entire City of Quincy family. Bob was a long-time City worker who went about his business in a quiet and unassuming fashion. He was a reliable presence in the Traffic Department. He never complained or waivered in his commitment to the City.

All of us here in Quincy were devastated to hear the news of such an unfortunate accident. Bob came from a wonderful Quincy family, and his roots in this community run very deep. I think that I speak on behalf of all Quincy residents in expressing my condolences to Bob's wife, Cindy, their son, and the entire extended DeCristofaro family. You are all in our prayers, and we will do everything we can to provide you the necessary support to help you get through these trying times.

Arts Fest and Fall Activities

This weekend marks one of my favorite Quincy traditions - the 14^th Annual Quincy ArtsFest.  It is an event that is near and dear to me as we began this event during my tenure as Executive Director of the Park, Forestry and Cemetery Department. 

As any of you who have attended ArtsFest know, it is an opportunity for local artists and residents to come together to celebrate the arts and enjoy the friendly competition that exists when awards are handed out.  All are welcome to attend, and I am sure that it will be a rewarding experience.

Now that summer is past, there are a number of other exciting events coming up during the Fall.  While we will all be rooting for the Patriots, there are a number of opportunities to get involved and participate in local happenings.  Our local high school sports teams have begun their fall seasons, and the City's community calendar will be updated each week with new events.  There's a lot going on in Quincy!

Commitment to Cooperation

Since I first took office in 2008 I have always viewed cooperation as one of the most important aspects of my administration. I have often said that I am a steward serving in the people's seat, and as such I owe it to all Quincy residents to work cooperatively with many different groups day in and day out.

This past week marks another occasion where clear communication and a commitment to cooperation paid great dividends to the tax payer with the extension of the GIC health insurance agreement. This agreement has shaved millions of dollars off of our annual healthcare budget and allowed us to preserve other core programs, even while other cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth have failed to take this important step.

The employees who serve you day in and day out have willingly come to the table to provide a mutually beneficial agreement that enables the City to stay on firm financial footing. I am delighted that we hammered out this deal, and I am certainly optimistic that our future is birght if we maintain this joint commitment in our negotiations.

Happy 4th of July!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Quincy residents a safe and happy 4th of July holiday.  This is a wonderful time of year for us to enjoy each other's company while celebrating the independence of this great Nation. 

While you are barbecuing with friends or enjoying one of the many neighborhood events this weekend, take an opportunity to thank a veteran.  This City has a long and rich tradition of military service - Quincy's finest men and women have served in every major US combat operation since the Revolution.  We owe our freedom to these people, and we must always be thankful of their service.

Major Investment in City's Infrastructure Coming

I'm sure that every Quincy resident is well aware of the many infrastructure needs that we currently face. As an older City, many of our roads, sidewalks, municipal buildings and seawalls are aged.

Unfortunately, over the years many of our neighborhoods have not seen the type of investment needed to keep our infrastructure - roads, sidewalk and seawalls - in good shape. As we saw last year with March's torrential rains, we simply cannot go forward hoping that Mother Nature is kind to us. We must be prepared to meet these challenges, and the Capital Improvement Plan starts that process for us.

The CIP provides $25 million of funding to go directly to improving the city's infrastructure. Included in the CIP is funding for school roofs, parks, roads, sidewalks, seawalls and flood mitigation. The CIP is not a silver bullet to repair all of the needs we face in Quincy, but it is a great start and demonstrates my administration's commitment to Quincy's neighborhoods - the lifeblood of our community.

The next few years will be exciting ones in the City's history. The downtown revitalization will fundamentally change Quincy Center and open the doors for thousands of new jobs for Quincy residents. The CIP complements our downtown plans by improving the quality of life throughout Quincy's six wards.

We will be posting construction updates on the City website (Click here to access the page) throughout the coming months. I encourage you to revisit www.quincyma.gov as we will continue to make every effort to keep you informed of the exciting events coming up in Quincy.

Get Involved Locally

This is a great time of the year to get involved in your community.  Cleaner Greener day occurs on May 7th, and it is one of the most enjoyable days of the year as thousands of volunteers get together with friends and family to make a true difference here in Quincy.  It is no understatement to say that the work done on Cleaner Greener is irreplaceable. 

When people get together to make their City a more beautiful place, I see an impact that goes far beyond just aesthetics.  Friendships can be built, and our youth can see what true civic involvement looks like.  And on top of that, you can come by and enjoy an appreciation cookout at Pageant Field when all the work is done.

As the summer approaches, the annual list of activities going on in Quincy will grow.  I encourage you to look into the many summer camp options offered by the Recreation Department.  They are affordable programs that teach young people valuable skills, and they are just plain fun.  My children have participated for years, and they continue to look forward to these programs.

I also encourage residents to come out and attend the various community meetings I will be hosting throughout the City.  More information is available on the website.  I will be addressing City finances, but feel free to stop by and bring up any concern you may have in your neighborhood. 

Spring is in the Air

It seems as though we have finally turned the corner with the weather, and spring is upon us.  The cherries are in full bloom in front of City Hall, and I encourage you to take a look.  It's a very short season, but it is truly a sight to behold.  The fountain at Merrymount Park is now on, and the Adams Historical Park is open, so get out and enjoy some of the natural beauty and history that can be found throughout our great City.

As I'm sure you've seen there is quite a bit of activity in the square.  'Here Comes the Boom' has been filming for the past several weeks.  Kevin James and his crew have been generous to the City, donating $80,000 to the QPS Music Program, $10,000 to the athletic programs, as well as smaller donations to other programs.  Many Quincy residents are participating as extras in the film.  The crew has been frequenting local restaurants and businesses.  While there has been some disruption, it has been a positive experience for the City.

We are closing in on Cleaner, Greener Quincy, one of my favorite civic events.  It is a time for neighbors to bond together to make a profound impact on the physical appearance, as well as enjoy camaraderie at the cookout hosted at Pageant Field.  It will be held on May 7^th at locations throughout the City. More information will be made available on the website.  I encourage all to participate.

As always, we seek your help in identifying potholes and areas that are in need of attention from City departments.  Our traffic department will be repainting lines throughout the City.  The Parks Department is delighted to see the spring sport season begin, and they will be out in full force improving the quality of our park system.  Please use the Constituent Service System, found on this website, to submit requests.  We will do everything we can to provide prompt, high quality service.

Long-Time City Clerk Receives Citizen of the Year Award

I do not get the opportunity too often to talk about some of the City's most recognizable faces, but I would like to do so now as John Gillis receives the Henry W. Bosworth , Jr. Memorial Citizenship Award.

I, like many of you, have known John for many years.  He was a friend of my father, and has been a great friend to me as well.  As many of you can attest, knowing John is a true gift.  He probably has forgotten more about the City than most people know.

On Sunday, March 27th, John will receive an award that he certainly deserves.  He comes from the 'Greatest Generation' and is a former Marine, fighting valiantly in World War II in the South Pacific.  He has been inducted into the Quincy High School Hall of Fame and was captain of the Northeastern University football team.  He is a devoted husband and a true family man.  He's a former City firefighter and is a Grand Knight Ave Maria in the Knights of Columbus.  And as you all know, he's the longest serving City Clerk in Quincy's history.  In short, he's done it all, and he's done it all well.

That generation of Quincy residents has carved an indelible legacy in this great City.  We are poised for a vibrant future because of the hard work and dedication of people like Mr. Gillis.  I commend him now, and thank all of our senior citizens for doing so much to make this City a tremendous place to call home.

Spring is on the Way

I think that saying that this has been a difficult winter would be an understatement, but we emerged from the snow and the cold a stronger community.

With spring comes potholes, and our DPW crews will be out over the course of the coming months making necessary road repairs. Your cooperation in bringing potholes to our attention is vital.  Our crews respond to your requests, and this process helps to bring greater attention to the many problems that are caused by the freeze/thaw conditions during winter.  Please call 617-376-1914 to report potholes, and the staff at DPW will be out as quickly as possible to repair them.  You can also use the online constituent services system.

I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Mr. Harry Williams as our new library director.  We are priveleged to have one of the finest library systems in the Commonwealth.  I encourage you and your families to take advantage of the many programs that are offered throughout the library system.

As always please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns.

Your Cooperation Helps

As you all know, this winter certainly has presented the City with tremendous challenges.  Each of the storms we've faced has put City departments under great stress, but our employees and contractors have worked long and hard to keep our roads safe during and after snowstorms.

I would like to take this opportunity to ask for your help in the snow removal process.  First, please obey the winter parking rules.  This year, residents can park on the even side of the street, leaving the odd side clear of cars.  We will be towing cars during snow emergencies, so please make sure that you are legally parked.  Click here for a link to the full list of winter parking rules.

Second, while we do not mandate that residents clear their sidewalks, I ask that you take into consideration this important task.  This is a walking City with rich neighborhoods, and being able to safely walk along sidewalks is something that every resident can help make possible. 

For businesses, it is mandatory that you clear your sidewalk.  Our Inspectional Services staffmembers are out issuing tickets for violators, so please be mindful to clear your sidewalks after the snow has stopped falling.

I also ask that you be considerate to your elderly neighbors, as shoveling snow can be a scary task for many Quincy residents.  I always find that the people of this great City show their true giving character during adversity, and helping a neighbor clear snow is one way of expressing that characteristic.

Thank you for your cooperation, and please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns.

Drug Awareness Week a Success

From January 4th through January 6th, the students at North Quincy and Quincy High Schools participated in the first ever Drug Awareness Week in the City of Quincy.  The events were a partnership between the Drug Task Force, the Quincy Public Schools and the Quincy Rotary Club.

The week was a ringing success.  I have heard from parents and students alike that the speakers provided powerful testimonies as to the impact substance abuse has not only on an individual, but also his/her friends and family.  Both John Morello and Ginger Katz poured their hearts out to our students, who listened attentively to their moving stories.  Kathy Laquale of Bridgewater State College provided an informative presentation on the dangers of steroid abuse as well.  Students at both high schools participated in an essay and PSA contest on substance abuse as well.

I would like to thank the teachers at both high schools, as well as Principals Santoro and Metzler, Maura Tenaglia and Dr. DeCristofaro for bringing this event to fruition.  The members of the Task Force are delighted that we were able to reach so many young people with such an important message.

It is my hope and intention to continue to bring innovative programs like this one into our schools.  The members of the Task Force always believe that if one person is reached with a message of making healthy decisions that their efforts were a success.  With Drug Awareness Week, I can say that we have reached thousands of young people, and the results of the program will be nothing but positive. 

Happy New Year

As 2010 winds down, I look forward with great hope to 2011.  2010 certainly presented unique challenges to all of us here in Quincy.  As always, Quincy residents worked to meet those challenges.  We emerged a stronger community no question.

I hope that you and your families will enjoy time together this weekend as we ring in the New Year.

Merry Christmas

This is the time of year I stop and reflect on the many blessings I have enjoyed, including the privilege or serving as Mayor of this wonderful City.

The gift of family is a blessing I truly cherish, and I want to wish and your family a Merry Christmas, a happy holiday season and a healthy, happy New Year.

For all of the Quincy residents serving in our armed forces overseas, know that you have the gratitude of a proud City.

May we experience peace in our hearts, our homes and our Nation.

Appreciating our Seniors

Each year I have the privilege of visiting the many senior buildings across the City.  I am always amazed and inspired by the people I meet there.  They have such experience and wisdom to impart on us, and their perspective on how our City is advancing enhances my own role as Mayor.

On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, many seniors gathered at the Kennedy Center for the annual Thanksgiving luncheon.  I want to thank all of the folks who came, and especially extend my appreciation to all those who helped make the event possible.  It is a wonderful tradition, and the Kennedy Center is a fine venue for such an important event.

As we approach Pearl Harbor Day, I would also like to extend my sincere admiration and gratitude to all those veterans who have served our country.  The men and women who served during World War II truly are the 'Greatest Generation'.

Quincy has a long and illustrious history of service to the Flag, and it continues to this day with Quincy's sons and daughters fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The work that you do provides us the freedoms necessary to do ours. 

Happy Thanksgiving

I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every Quincy resident a Happy Thanksgiving.  I always look forward to this time of year as it is a chance to get together with family and friends and celebrate all of the many blessings we have in our lives.

It is also a festive time in our City with the Christmas Parade, the Lighting of the Lights and Santa's Arrival at Pageant Field. 

I hope that you enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Thank You Veterans

Each November 11^th is a chance for all of us to take time out of our busy schedules to thank all veterans for their service to our great Nation.  As young men and women return home from Iraq and Afghanistan, and as we see veterans of Vietnam, Korea, the Persian Gulf, World War II, and any other armed conflict, let us all remember that those men and women were prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to keep us and our families safe.

Our veterans follow in the footsteps of the Massachusetts Militiamen who fought off the British Army.  They continue the legacy set forth by the hundreds of Quincy men who fought to preserve our union during the Civil War.  And when the world was at war from 1914-1918, and again from 1939-1945, Quincy men and women answered the call to serve.  Quincy's finest served during the Cold War to preserve democracy and maintain America's place as the greatest Nation ever to be established in the history of mankind.

Quincy's long tradition of military service is one of great distinction.  Those men and women continued to set fine examples upon their return home.  I encourage all Quincy residents to attend the Veterans Day Parade on November 11^th and to thank a veteran for his or her service to the people of Quincy.

Great Turnout, Great Questions at Downtown Meeting

Thank you to all who attended last night's presentation on the New Quincy Center Project.  Many important questions were asked, and I believe that the City's team provided those in attendance and those watching on QATV with a thorough picture of the plans for this exciting redevelopment.

I have said before, and I will say it again - the most extensive redevelopment in the City's history will be coupled with an extensive public outreach process.  The team is committed to answering questions and providing information throughout the many stages of the project.  Stay involved and stay tuned as more information will be provided over the coming weeks and months.

Downtown Presentation October 20th

Since taking office in 2008, I have been hard at work with our City team to bring the downtown redevelopment plans to fruition.  Earlier this month, that hard work resulted in the presentation to the City Council of the Land Dispostion Agreement. 

I won't get into great detail in this space on the specifics of the LDA (there is much information available in other areas of this site), but I would like to take the opportunity to invite you to an interactive and informative presentation on the plans for the project and information on the unique financing mechanism we are using to fund the redevelopment.

Another benefit of the presentation will be an opportunity to take a first hand look at the new Quincy High School.  This new facility brings together the most recent technologies to truly provide a first-rate educational experience for the young people in our City.  The presentation will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the school's auditorium.  We will stay until the last question is asked. 

This project will truly change the City of Quincy for the better.  The downtown is tired and in major need of an overhaul.  Working with the developer, Streetworks, we will be able to create a downtown that we can be proud of.  It will be an area that will draw new people to Quincy, and it will provide new revenues that will enable us to preserve and enhance core services every Quincy resident expects and deserves.

First Annual Quincy Prayer Breakfast

We are blessed here in Quincy with a vibrant faith community. Although we come from different faith traditions, we share a spirit of charity and love for the City of Quincy.

This year, my office, in conjunction with Interfaith Social Services, will host the first annual Quincy Prayer Breakfast. All of the proceeds from the event will benefit Interfaith Social Services.

As you may know, Interfaith Social Services assists local families in need with food, clothing and general assistance. Your participation will assist their efforts. Please join us as we come together as a community to help our neighbors.  For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.interfaithsocialservices.org

Take Part in the Democratic Process

November 2nd is Election Day here in Massachusettts, and I encourage all Quincy residents to take a ballot and vote.

As Americans our right to vote is a strongly protected part of the Consitution.  It is a privilege that when exercised expresses a powerful attribute of our society, namely that we have a government of the people, by the people and for the people.

As you begin to think about your final selections, I urge you also to remember all of the service men and women who are fighting across the world to protect the freedoms that we hold so dear.  Our soldiers put their lives on the line each and every day so that people like you and me can live and prosper in this great Nation.

Back to School

The start of school is right around the corner, and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all students the best of luck in the coming academic year.

For those attending Quincy High School, I trust that you will take full advantage of this beautiful facility.  I believe that we have provided all of the necessary tools to help students become leaders and innovators in the years to come.

Throughout the system we have made improvements to school buildings.  At North Quincy High School, the computer lab has been upgraded and the atrium was renovated.  At Merrymount Elementary, a new gym floor was installed, and we will continue to look to make improvements when possible.

We expect to request a capital improvement package from the City Council for necessary roof repairs in several school buildings.

I hope that you have enjoyed your summer, and I wish all students, teachers and administrators much success this academic year.

FY 2011 Budget - Final Thoughts

This letter appeared in the June 17th edition of the Quincy Sun:

Last week, the Quincy City Council unanimously approved our administration's Fiscal Year 2011 budget, one that is undoubtedly the most difficult in at least a generation and one that will see substantial spending cuts in virtually every area of government.

I am grateful to the Council for its advice, hard work and deliberation on the budget and every issue facing our City.

These are historic times faced by cities and towns not only across Massachusetts, but across America, and our budget reflects this reality. But through this process, the strength of our community has become abundantly clear to me, as has my resolve that we will not only withstand this crisis, but emerge a stronger community with potential beyond any City in the Commonwealth.

We entered this budget process with a single primary objective: Protect the core services the City provides without raising total property tax collections beyond new growth. As our families continue to grapple with job loss, stagnant wages, and a national economy churning slowly toward recovery, the thought of passing all of government's struggles onto our residents was simply not tenable.

So while many cities and towns in Massachusetts are raising property taxes to the legal limit and considering Proposition 2.5 overrides, Quincy for the second consecutive year will not raise any additional taxes beyond what is created by new commercial developments, home additions, and other growth factors.

The caveat attached to this policy is the inevitability of major spending cuts and the difficult decisions that must follow.

For this budget, that means at least 9 percent spending cuts in the Department of Public Works, Library, Parks Department, Inspectional Services, and a number of smaller City Hall departments. For a number of these departments, the two-year total reduction is approaching 20 percent.

Our Police Department will maintain critical patrol services, but its budget will be cut by 3.7 percent and 9 civilian employees. Our neighborhood fire stations will remain open, while the Fire Department will be cut by 3.7 percent, which will unfortunately mean losing a number of firefighters.

The School Department's bottom-line budget is reduced by 3.6 percent, or about $3 million, from the Fiscal Year 2010 budget. The cost of growth in the School Department - it would need a 7 percent budget increase to maintain all services at current levels - required further reductions beyond the bottom-line cut.

Thanks to the leadership of Superintendent DeCristofaro and the hard work of my fellow school committee members amid incredibly challenging circumstances, we will keep class sizes within School Committee guidelines and preserve important programs such as early literacy, full-day kindergarten, foreign languages and extracurricular activities. Make no mistake, these cuts are serious, but anyone who suggests that the Quincy Public Schools will cease to be one of the best in the Commonwealth as we face these historic difficulties could not be more wrong. Our commitment to our children remains our highest priority, as education spending continues to take up a larger share of our total City budget as it has every year since we have taken office.

It is important to note that our ability as a community to confront our challenges has been greatly strengthened by the cooperation and sacrifices of all our City unions, all of which have agreed to some form of wage deferral over the last two years. In some cases, unions, including our police and city hall workers, have twice deferred contracted raises, and our teachers and firefighters last year led the way to allow us to join the state health insurance program, an agreement that saved $10 million in the first year alone. We are all in this together, and our employees clearly recognize that fact.

Above all, I wish to extend my gratitude to the people of this great City. This spring, we held community meetings on our finances across the City attended by more than 1,000 people. The questions were serious, the dialogue was honest and the advocacy was passionate. Most importantly, it reaffirmed the fact that the strength of our City is in its people, and it is exactly that strength that will carry us through this financial crisis.

Flag Day 2010

This year, we mark Flag Day with the 59th Annual Parade and Fireworks show. It is an event near and dear to my heart as my father began the tradition in 1951 when he was Koch Club Director.

Quincy's Flag Day tradition is unique to the area and in our country. We have the longest running Flag Day parade and celebration in the United States. It is a day for residents and families to gather together in a spirit of camaraderie and patriotism, and its uniqueness is another way in which Quincy residents express their pride for their City. It is also an opportunity for any young child in the City to wave a flag and march in the parade.

Ever since I was a boy, Flag Day has been something I have looked forward to. As Mayor, my enthusiasm for the event has increased as I have the chance to meet many new people who are experiencing Flag Day for the first time. I know that many families mark their calendars and look forward to the second weekend in June with great anticipation.

All in all, Flag Day is about enjoying each other's company and celebrating our great Nation. I welcome every person in Quincy to come to Pageant Field on Saturday night. The weather forecast looks good, and I expect another memorable evening for all in attendance.

I would also like to thank the members of the Flag Day Committee for their hard work in coordinating the event, and our sponsors, Dan Quirk, Eastern Bank, Quincy Credit Union, Keohane Funeral Home, Colonial Federal Savings Bank and the Quincy Partnership for making the event possible.

Second Annual Prescription Drug Disposal Day

On June 5th, the Quincy Drug Task Force will host its second annual ‘Prescription Drug Disposal Day'. Last year's event, the first of its kind in the area, generated a tremendous response from dozens of residents. We hope that this year's event is an even bigger success because eliminating drugs from the home can play a major role in stemming the tide of substance abuse in the community.

When I first ran for Mayor in 2007, I heard many stories from residents regarding drug addiction in the community. These stories hit home for so many people because they were losing loved ones and felt helpless to find a way to stop it. Hearing those stories prompted the formation of the Quincy Drug Task Force in April of 2008. Community leaders came together to try and increase awareness of substance abuse, bring together different care providers, and create a more seamless communication on substance abuse here in Quincy. The many accomplishments of the Quincy Drug Task Force have been emulated by other communities facing the same problem.

I am proud of the work done by the Task Force. Many parents, care providers, court employees, police officers, teachers and others have dedicated countless hours to address this issue. While it is impossible to eliminate all drug abuse in the community, events like the Prescription Drug Disposal Day take away the temptation to start a life of drug abuse. Too many young people try one Percocet or one Vicodin at home and eventually find themselves abusing addictive substances and causing years of anguish and pain for their families and friends.

I encourage all here in Quincy to look in their medicine cabinet and throw away their old pills that have long since expired. You could save a life by taking this simple step on June 5th.  The link below has more information on the event.

City Continues to Work Through Budget

Over the past two weeks, I have had the opportunity to meet with nearly 1,000 Quincy residents at a series of community meetings. During that time, I was asked many serious and thought provoking questions; I was challenged by residents curious at how the City raises and spends money; and I welcomed the opportunity to present a clear picture of the City's finances to all in attendance.

This experience has been one of the most rewarding during my two terms in office. There is no reason that the information presented at these forums should not be absorbed and challenged by the people of this City. The money we spend is yours, and you should know where those dollars are going.

As we conclude the community meetings next week, we are still faced with pressing budget concerns. Cuts have been made in all departments, and we are pressed to provide basic services across the City.

I have written in this blog that we cannot continue to increase departmental budgets between 5 and 7 percent each year without having major consequences in future years. I must reiterate this point - as we deliberate the school budget, everything is on the table, but we will make it through these times provided we embrace open communication and discourse.

I am proud of the community spirit demonstrated these past few weeks, and I welcome an open and honest dialogue moving forward.

21st Cleaner Greener Quincy

Cleaner Greener Quincy Day is a special event in this great City. Flag Day and the Christmas Parade bring together thousands of people each year, but Cleaner Greener unites people in a different way as they work together to beautify their neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for all Quincy residents.

I am proud to have been a part of Cleaner Greener since its inception twenty-one years ago. Each year the event has grown and become more special as parents spend time with their children and neighbors get to know each other on a more personal level. The sense of community spirit that makes Quincy such a unique place is evident each year on Cleaner Greener, and it is that spirit that sets us apart from so many communities.

I encourage all residents of the City to again participate in Cleaner Greener. Not only is a way for you to get to know your neighbors, it is a chance to perform invaluable work on the City's many natural resources and public spaces. Join us after for a burger or hot dog (I promise I won't be on the grille) at Pageant Field, and enjoy this special day.

Community Meetings Scheduled to Address City's Budget

It is no secret that we are in the midst of a once in a generation economic crisis. While Wall Street has rebounded and certain indicators have shown signs of a turnaround, local government still struggles with serious financial problems.

The past two budgets have reflected cuts in all departments. All of the low hanging fruit was removed. We were able to maintain service levels without major layoffs, but we now face even more pressing budgetary concerns.

As part of our promise to have an open, honest and responsive City Hall, I want each and every Quincy resident to have the opportunity to see how our finances work here in Quincy. Our Municipal Finance Director, Nick Puleo, has created a first of its kind Financial Report that succinctly ties in the various elements that go into creating a budget. It sheds light on where tax dollars go and it shows the various channels from which we receive money.

With all this in mind, I would like to invite each Quincy resident to attend one of a series of community meetings specifically designed to cover these budget issues. I will be able to present this report and answer questions from you so that the hard working people in Quincy can gain a better understanding of how tax dollars are spent. As always, please feel free to email me at mayorkoch@quincyma.gov with any questions.

Click here for a list of community meeting dates.

Quincy Residents Show True Community Spirit

The recent heavy rain and subsequent flooding that affected so many residents here in Quincy was something very few, in any of us had seen in our lifetimes. Homes in this City were flooded, furnaces and water heaters destroyed, and personal possessions damaged beyond recognition.

Through it all, however, were Quincy residents showing the same resiliency they have displayed throughout the years when faced with true adversity. Those residents in West Quincy all went to work to restore their homes and bring their neighborhoods back.

Many people often say that the community spirit that was so common many decades ago is no longer in existence here in Massachusetts. From what I have seen since last week, that statement is not true of Quincy. Residents helped each other with cleaning efforts, but more importantly, they were there to support each other in the most difficult of times. It is that community spirit that sets Quincy apart from other cities and towns in the Commonwealth, and that spirit will ultimately bring the City back from this most unfortunate event.

Quincy Public Schools Shine

Starting last week, I began tours of each public school here in Quincy. During those tours, I have met with some of the most dedicated and creative employees in our entire City.

Educating today's youth is a far different and more complex process that at any point in recent history. New state and federal guidelines require our teachers to adjust quickly to an ever-changing environment. I am proud to report that the teachers we have here in Quincy are dealing with those challenges - and thriving - in a time when many other cities and towns struggle with under-performing schools.

In a recent visit at Lincoln-Hancock School, I read to over 300 students celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday. After reading, we began a tour with Assistant Principal Phil Diana and Superintendent DeCristofaro. In going from classroom to classroom, I saw proud children demonstrating their most recent accomplishments. From kindergarten to fourth grade, each class was truly inspiring, and the teachers leading their classes demonstrated a keen ability to get the most out of their students.

Those students at Lincoln-Hancock, and the students across the City, are studying in one of the finest public education systems in the entire Commonwealth. As the eighth largest City in Massachusetts, we face unique challenges that smaller communities never see, but we deal with them as they come and prosper in the process.

Toughest Of The Tough Years

As the state and national economy slowly rebound from this historic ecnomic crisis, this coming fiscal year for Quincy will almost certainly be the most difficult of any in the most difficult period in at least a generation. 

Public services generally feel the worst of a recession when most other sectors are beginning to recover, and that is exactly what is happening today.

The plan our team will be laying out in the coming months will be a stark reminder of the challenges we face. Our priority to maintain public safety and education has not, and will not, waiver, but make no mistake: There will be substantial spending cuts and nothing is off table right now.

As the spending plan takes shape, I want you to know that you will have a seat at the table with us every step of the way. We want the community involved, we want to hear concerns and priorities, we want to answer every question possible, and we will be completely transparent as the process moves forward.  

To that end, we will be creating a first-ever financial report for residents that will show in specific, easy-to-read detail exactly how the City spends taxpayer money. We will also be holding a series of community meetings in the spring to talk about City finances, listen to community members and answer questions.   

Please stay tuned to this blog, the City's website, QATV and other information outlets for regular updates and the schedule of community meetings.  

Charter School Denied

We received some great news this afternoon from the state Department of Education that it denied the application of a proposed charter school in Quincy.

The community came together to speak in one voice that this proposal was entirely inappropriate for the City, and we are pleased state authorities came to the same conclusion. Click here to read the DOE press release.  

The School Committee, Superintendent DeCristofaro and his leadershp team, the City Council, our state delegation and the entire community deserve great credit for making fact-based arguments that this proposal would have placed an unfair burden on the educational resources we are all working so hard to protect during this economic crisis.

Our goal remains unchanged: Providing our children with the best public school system possible regardless of the challenges we face.  We will need to continue to work together in the coming months and years to make it happen.

Mayor Launches Blog

Welcome to the Mayor's Blog!

Friends,

Welcome to my new Blog, which we believe will be another great new tool to communicate directly with you, our residents, on a regular basis about a wide range of issues. I hope you find it informative and useful.

In just a few short months, this new website has opened many new doors to make City Hall more open and accessible, and we have only begun to use the tools available to us. Our e-mail newsletter, text-message alerts, calendar updates, downloadable forms, and online payment options are substantial steps forward, and we plan to continue to expand the site's reach and interactivity as we move forward.

Over the coming weeks and months, I will be blogging regularly on new initiatives, issues, events and happenings around Quincy. I encourage you to visit the blog regularly, and feel free to e-mail me your thoughts or questions on any subject or if I can be of assistance in any way.

Thanks for reading!

Mayor Koch