I am Adam Pacheco and I am running for the City of Derby’s Board of Aldermen (BOA). I came to Derby in 2005 and in the past 12 years I have served as a volunteer in both the Ambulance Corps and Fire Department, as well as on the Charter Revision Committee. I now currently volunteer as a Commissioner for the Housing Authority. I hope my actions make clear my belief in public service. I’m running for the BOA because I believe in Derby, I am invested in this city, and I believe I have more in me to greater serve this city.
I am also running because I feel that the Downtown section of Derby is underrepresented. As I look at the current makeup of the BOA, I can’t help but notice that not a single Alderman/Alderwoman lives in the downtown. As I look at those currently running for the BOA, I am amazed that out of the most densely populated area in our little city I, Adam Pacheco, am the only candidate that lives downtown. It doesn’t seem like much of a leap to me to correlate the state of downtown with the lack of representation. This, I believe, is shown through the current state of infrastructure disrepair, the volume of blighted properties, the volume of absentee landlords, the unaddressed quality of life issues, and that sadly this has become the status quo.
The reality is that the needs, wants, and desires of someone that lives on the hilltop or on the far west side are going to be fundamentally different than those of someone who lives in our downtown. It’s apartment vs. house, sidewalk vs. front lawn, sounds of a city vs. sounds of nature. Both are great and I contend that having both is a testament to the diversity and offerings of this city. But, I believe it is time both sides are actively represented. For the record, I am the only candidate in the First Ward who both owns property and lives in the downtown.
Active representation for those living on the north side of our Main Street would only lend itself to the larger development of the south side of Main Street, and that is good for the community as a whole, irrespective of your district. The people I have spoken with have told me that their tax burden is heavy, and I agree! We as a city need to acknowledge the reality of our size and know that we can’t make more land. We need to focus on maximizing the revenue out of every square foot that we have. I believe a comprehensive development on the south side of Main Street would have to include a variety of occupancies that would complement not just each other, but the community at large. There needs to be a residential component that could act as an affordable, commuter-friendly option for professionals. These residents would also support the commercial growth this area needs. I am hopeful for what is to come and I truly believe that, together, We can do this! I hope to earn your vote on Nov. 7.
The writer is a candidate for Alderman in Derby’s First Ward.
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