College-aged Clark announces bid for Select Board


Michael Clark

Feb. 22, 2010

By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor

LONGMEADOW -- Michael Clark is a busy young man. He works at Urban Outfitters and Starbucks and is attending UMass Amherst full-time to earn his bachelor's degree in political science.

He also announced his bid for Select Board at the beginning of the month. His Twitter update from Feb. 2 reads "just launched the campaign, it's time to mix it up in town hall, vote for real reform and financial responsibility in town!"

And, although he's 20 years old, he knows what's going on in Longmeadow and has ideas on how to improve the town.

"I've always been really interested in the nuts and bolts of government," Clark said. "The power of it and of the people is what interests me."

Clark graduated Longmeadow High School in 2007 and noted that it was his senior year at the school that sparked his interest in politics. He took every elective course in history, government and politics possible.

"I absolutely love being a political science major because there are so many areas I can focus on," he said. "We haven't really focused on local government yet in class, but that's what I'm really interested in."

Clark said working at the Starbucks on Bliss Road has helped him learn about everyone and everything going on in town.

"I can stand here and complain all I want about something but that's not making progress," he told Reminder Publications. "Even if I run and I don't win, I raise awareness about the issues that are important to me. And the young people in this town care just as much about the issues."

Although Clark still resides with his parents, he said he's empathetic to the concerns of homeowners who see their property taxes increasing each year.

"I think everybody can understand the hardships they [the homeowners] are dealing with," he said.

Growing taxes are just one thing Clark is concerned about. The new high school project is one concern, and the loss of vital service providers like firefighters, police and teachers due to losses in revenue is another.

"There are so many issues to tackle," he said. "It's time to really start thinking outside the box. The revenue can't just come from taxes."

One idea he has for increasing revenue is opening up Longmeadow's commercial base -- something that hasn't been done in a long time. He mentioned specifically a five-acre location that is already home to a 250,000 square foot building, a space he feels would be appropriate for something like a Trader Joe's grocery store.

He also noted that Longmeadow should consider adopting the optional 0.75 percent meals tax.

"It's really about finding alternatives to the status quo," Clark said.

He also wants to mobilize the young voters of the town. He wants to ensure all those who are eligible to vote are registered and he wants young people to be more involved in local elections.

"As young people, we're looking forward," Clark said. "We're focusing on sustainability."

State Rep. Brian Ashe, a former Select Board member, believes in Clark and his potential.

"I think that Michael is an energetic young man that shows a lot of commitment to this community," Ashe stated. "He has lived here his whole life, gone through the school system and is currently employed in Longmeadow. An effective Select Board member has a wide variety of opinions and perspectives and I believe that Michael will offer just that."

Clark will be hosting a fundraiser on March 14 at Rinaldi's, the tickets for which are $25 each. Tickets can be purchased in person from Clark or via e-mail at michaelclarkforselectboard@gmail.com.

For more information on Clark, search Michael Clark for Selectman on Facebook or follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/m_clark4sman.

Comments From Our Readers:

meadow222 3/9/2010 3:52:20 PM	This kid is an utter Joke. He sits outside of Starbucks about 40 hours a week, with the strangest people you will find in Western Mass, wearing the most ridiculous clothes and smoking stinking up the entire area. He talks like he is straight out of Provincetown with a voice that could often be mistaken for a real life fairy. If this kid was representing my town government, I'd either start a petition to get him kick out, or I'd leave longmeadow. This is coming from someone who has been in the same school with this kid and someone who knows him. This kid will hopefully never attain any office because he strait up is weird. When was the last time there was a person in office who sat around a Starbucks in a sleeveless tank top that a 14 yr old girl would wear? exactly. I know the entire LHS body would agree with me on this one with maybe the exception of the 13-15 year old girls that he picks up in a heart beat if they send him a quick text, even if he is up at UMASS where he supposedly goes. I wish I could write a rebutle article for the Republican that actually shows the true colors of Michael Clark but unfortunately this will have to do. Don't vote for this kid. He's weird, hes a pushover, and his main concern isn't for the town of Longmeadow, its about the latest gossip at LHS and girls that are underclassmen at LHS who need a ride home from the shoppes. A Longmeadow Resident concerned for Longmeadow
Beth359 6/9/2010 7:23:01 PM	I don't think you've made one valid argument against Michael. Sounds like you have a problem with Michael because he's different...typical small minded High School stuff of people who think they are better than others. Time to grow up and accept people for the good they possess and not the clothes they wear. Doesn't say much for you. I have spoken to Michael twice in the last two days and he is articulate, bright and caring about Longmeadow. He has well thought out ideas that make sense and he offers a breath of fresh ideas. Something we desperately need in this town.