Written by Councilman Jared Rice, March 31, 2011
If one were to ask me to use three adjectives to describe my experience thus far on the New Rochelle city council, I would offer the words “intense”, “unpredictable” and “enjoyable”. Coming into office three months ago as a first time elected official, I had an idea that these three words would have a special significance on my newfound responsibilities as a public servant. However, I severely underestimated the level of the intensity, unpredictability and enjoyment that I would experience as the third district council member.
From the day of my inauguration speech on January 1, 2011, I felt the deep intensity of my relationship to my constituents. It was as if I entered a new world where thousands of people would now immediately depend on me to provide them with fair and honest representation. Although that feeling was surreal to me, it was the level of the intensity of the people throughout the city of New Rochelle that has really surprised me. On the few issues that have been brought to council in 2011, the passion of the people has been quite impressive.
The major issues that have invigorated the most activism so far have been the GreeNR sustainability plan, the proposed Iona college dormitories, and redistricting. I am proud of being a part of the passing of the GreeNR sustainability plan (which was done in a bi-partisan fashion), and I predict that New Rochelle will become a leader in the field of a new financial model that meshes economics and the environment. In the coming weeks and months, I am hopeful that the issues of the proposed Iona dormitory and the redistricting process can be resolved amicably as well.
I would presume that life in general is unpredictable. However, what makes the unpredictability of council so notable is that the format of council is inherently structured. Just when I thought that I had figured out the issues that were prevalent during my campaign, a whole new slew of issues have presented themselves to make things even more interesting. If you add a deteriorating city yard, massive snowstorms, and an impending state budgetary legislation to our already present staple of citywide issues, you quickly realize that in order to succeed as a council person, you need to think quickly on your feet.
I have found even more unpredictability at the “Citizens to be Heard” portion of the city council meetings. While many citizens speak of the well publicized issues of the day, other speakers bring new topics and ideas to the forum. Freedom of speech is a great attribute of our democracy and I am happy to say that for the most part, people have been respectful when they speak their minds. I view the various citizens’ comments as an opportunity to keep abreast of the ever evolving issues that affect New Rochelle.
Indeed, it has been intense; indeed, it has been unpredictable. However, most importantly, this experience has been enjoyable. When I decided to run for this office, I figured that it would be a gratifying experience. What I did not envision is that this would be the most rewarding professional experience of my life. Aside from the long hours, the numerous constituent concerns, and the occasional disagreements with fellow council members, I relish in performing the enormous responsibilities that await me. I always have my calendar circled and cannot wait for the next city council meeting along with the Citizens to be Heard segment. I look forward to being able to take part in the resolve of our next unexpected dilemma. And most of all, I love the opportunity to meet more people who, like me, want to be a part of the solution.
This is the path that I have chosen and I know that I have made the correct choice. I am extremely grateful to the voters who have decided to elect me to office; it is a blessing to be in this position. Whenever people stop me in the street and ask “how is it going on city council?”, I look them in the eye, smile and respond “I’m working hard and having fun”.