Maplewood Mayor Barry Greenberg has endorsed Marie Long as a write-in candidate for City Council, Ward 1, and shared his perspective on the endorsement process. He asked for his statement to be published in 40 South News. His statement follows.
During the 14 years I served on city council and the first four years as mayor, I never made a public endorsement of any candidate running for citywide office. Everything changed when I ran for re-election as mayor the first time. Endorsements took the place of policy and platform. When I took office this time, I had to serve with five of the six council members who publicly endorsed my opponent, four of which had never even spoken with me.
I believe that one of the reasons that I was elected as a write-in candidate is that I do my homework, invite debate, and consider all possible solutions. As an elected official, my duty is to serve all of Maplewood’s citizens, whether I agree with them or not. Anyone that has attended council meetings since I took office will notice that the second public comment opportunity has been put back in place and that questions from the public are addressed and discussed by council and staff. In our council discussions, I make sure that we get to hear from all of the council members. How else would the public see the democratic process unfold?
Upon taking office, I had concerns based on the manner in which the former city manager parted ways with Maplewood and the process by which the current city manager was hired. It was in the best interest of the city that I started my tenure without acting on preconceptions and Amber Withycombe has proven that she is very capable and professional in her role as the city administrator, and we work well together.
I am committed to working with anyone who is elected to council, and I feel that we have two good, qualified candidates that truly care about their community in Ward 1. My first priority as mayor is to make sure that the city is run effectively and that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. We are facing challenges as the cost of goods and services are rising while our revenues are not keeping pace.
We need to upgrade the police department facilities to meet operational needs, we need to address shortfalls in our solid waste and sewer lateral programs, we need to counter pre-emptions imposed by the state legislature and we have to navigate our finances with the very real possibility of no federal assistance. We need to take care of our senior citizens and low-income families, we need to make sure our business community is strong as they provide over half of our revenue through sales tax.
Marie Long reached out to me to get a better perspective on these and other issues facing the city, not just the ones that she was interested in. She also wanted to familiarize herself with the responsibilities involved in serving on council. I found her to be someone that genuinely cared about her community and had a perspective on Maplewood’s past, present and future. She has been in our community through many changes and challenges.
For these reasons, I feel that she will do the best job serving the residents of Ward 1 and the city as a whole. But now that the precedent has been established with current and past endorsements, I feel compelled to add my voice to that conversation and publicly endorse Marie Long for City Council, Ward 1.
The fact that this mayor, of all mayors, is endorsing this candidate as opposed to her opponent is the most telling thing here. Barry has a long history of opposing strong, intelligent women in favor of their more “controllable” counterparts.
Being strong and intelligent aren’t the only qualities required for good governance. I think this is evidenced by the fact that I ran against the former mayor and won as a write in candidate with over 62% of the vote. Could you provide more information on my long history, in what manner I have opposed strong, intelligent women and who the “controllable” counterparts are? Is there a reason the you anonymously post your unfounded comments?
I’m a woman in Ward 1 who you’ve frequently shouted over, and I know many such women who you’ve frequently shouted over. I do not invite you to know who I am, or I would surely invite the ire of your rabid supporters. Your endorsement in this race is all we need to see to know these my comment stands. Have the day you deserve.
Harry, you missed the earlier part?
Note to everyone: I appreciate hearing about the thoughts, focus, activity and commitment of the various of our city leaders and or candidates. The MANY folks we have who provide support and leadership throughout the community make us strong! Thanks to everyone who pitches in, cares and helps keep us on a positive track. Knowing plenty of Maplewood history in this regard over the years…the up and down make me appreciative. THIS is the way to move forward! Collaboration, transparency, honesty and respect regardless of outcomes are always key!! Stay strong Maplewood…especially during these trying times nationally!! Stick in there each and everyone!
Postscript: I am glad we are having this conversation as a community. I don’t think that anyone should blindly support the school district or any candidates for city government. They need to be held accountable to our citizens and businesses just as I need to be accountable for my role in governing the city of Maplewood. We are facing unprecedented challenges in today’s political climate and I am proud to live and serve in such a caring community that recognizes the value of public education.
Exactly! And this is why you are being sued and charged with political malfeasance, for your attempt to fraudulently remove a community member from boards and commissions because he worked with your political rival, as evidenced by your emails and that WHOLE case report. Holding our elected officials accountable is SO important, I’m glad you agree!
I strongly advise all community members watch this case closely. Mr. Greenberg here wants us to forget, but it’s still ongoing! Trial date isn’t until Jan 2026!
Interesting, since the court date isn’t public. Wonder how “Travis” knows all this. #obviouslybrad
Ha! DECIDEDLY not Brad, but another person cheering for Barry (Barrel?) to finally be held accountable! Rooting for Brad all the way!
All the court dates are in the CaseNet filing linked on the article here on 40 South, no scandal here.
I also strongly advise everyone to watch this case closely when it comes to trial. How do you draw the conclusion that I want people to forget?, because I can’t comment on ongoing litigation?
After a long conversation with one of the school board members today, I will endorse both Propositions B and E. As much as I support our school district, I had and have concerns with how our money was and is being spent. As I said previously, I like to do my homework before formulating an opinion. Just because there will be no increase in taxes doesn’t alleviate the need for the school district to balance the number of teachers and administration, make sure that staff is qualified to to do the jobs they are getting paid for, make sure there is a realistic plan, schedule and cost for needed improvements and other concerns. I was convinced that, while the system isn’t currently perfect, that the school board is working to ensure that our tax dollars are utilized effectively.
I have a daughter-in-law that is a teacher and I know how difficult the job can be, and that teachers deserve every cent they make. My wife and I are providing a yearly scholarship for a graduating senior to further their education at a public school, whether it be a trade school, junior college or state university. I have served our school district through our Maplewood Kiwanis Club and many of you have had the chocolate chip pancakes I have made at our pancake breakfast that benefit district programs. I am a regular contributor to Joe’s Place and am currently designing the elementary school classroom pro bono.
I am committed to furthering the mission of the district, but I am also committed to making sure our tax dollars are being used to efficiently fund that mission. I will be voting for Propositions B and E.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. I have been rather outspoken about my concerns with school district financial matters in recent years, however, I have also been following board meetings closely, and I have had numerous conversations with board members and administrators. I am convinced that both of these propositions are necessary and in the best interest of our community and school district. I urge everyone to vote yes on B&E.
I heard Barry is helping plan a new building at one of the gardens for the school district but also heard he is not supporting the bond. Since he is doing endorsements as mayor, will he publicly support both B and E? Strong schools make stronger community and vice versa? What you say Barry? How can a mayor not support the school in the community they serve. I hope this isn’t true.