Carolyn Kamuda running for Councilor at Large seat in Gardner election on Nov. 7

What made you decide to run for City Council?

I have been a resident of Gardner for over 30 years and am a successful real estate business owner. I've watched how the city council has made decisions through the years and want to be a part of that process. I want to see a council that works together yet challenges each other and the Mayor by using critical thinking and knowledge to make this city a great place to live.

What is the top issue facing the city that you would like to see addressed if elected?

There is no "top issue" facing the city right now. We have roads that need to be repaved or maintained, there is a housing crisis here, and truly each issue varies from one citizen to another. Listening to the citizens of Gardner will be my top priority to understand what their issues are. The key to good leadership is to prioritize each issue and deal with them as best we can. Sometimes that means addressing more than one issue at a time. Sometimes that means we have to consider our revenue stream. Every year will be different depending upon the circumstances of the times.

How do you see the City Council's role when it comes to attracting more businesses to the community?

First of all, the key to a thriving community is to have industry and business come into the community that pays a living wage. It's important to let those types of industry know that Gardner is open to their moving to this area. Incentives could be introduced that would make a move to the city desirable for them. Also to attract those businesses we have to be sure that there is a workforce available that can be trained for that industry and therefore working with the local community college is crucial to aid in that training.

How would you go about involving residents in the decision-making process in Gardner?

As an individual and business owner, I have always made myself available to the public. I've been called upon to help people find apartments and have answered questions on social media when someone needed an answer to a problem whether that is a referral to a lawyer or something simple like who do I recommend for a handyman or electrician. As a Councilor-at-Large, I will continue to make myself available to all citizens of Gardner via phone, email, as well as social media. When it comes to the workings of the city government I will be sure that I listen to what people want and need and work towards making Gardner a better place to work and live.

What changes would you like to see in Gardner over the next five years?

Over the next five years I would like to see completion of the Garbose Building, the apartments at the corner of Connors and Parker Street and would like to see vacant office space as well as commercial space fully occupied with long term tenants. I would like to see the Elm Street and Helen Mae Sauter schools repurposed to commercial spaces which would focus on artisans, artists and craftsmen who would otherwise not be able to have a brick and mortar location. I would like the city to work with the Massachusetts Cultural Council as well as NEFA (the New England Foundation for the Arts) to obtain funding for this type of facility through their grants program. On a final note for this question, transparency in government and better communication between the city and its residents will help bridge the divide that is so prevalent within the city.

What is something you'd like the voters to know about you?

First and foremost I would like the voters of this city to know that I care about them, the health of the city and its continued growth. I have always been creative and liked seeing the city evolve through the years. I founded an art association within the city 30 years ago which has contributed to the culture of the city and even fostered more creative endeavors by others. I am a critical thinker. I don't go along with the crowd and possess excellent analytical and research skills along with being a highly creative visionary.

What is your message to voters as they cast their ballot - why should they vote for you?

I believe in challenging myself and being positive in every area of my life. Voters can be confident that I will bring that positivity and my vast array of skills along with me in my role as City Councilor. A vote for me will assure you that Gardner will continue to thrive and be a place you can be proud to call home.

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Carolyn Kamuda running for Councilor at Large seat in Gardner election