Prouty seeks to regain council post

Wednesday, September 26, 2001

After only eight months since being out of public office, Fred Prouty has picked up a petition for a city council seat and will once again throw his name into the mix.

"People have asked me many times how I am enjoying retirement. My answer is simple. I enjoy receiving a hard-earned retirement check, but I am hardly retired, nor do I have any intention of doing so. As George Burns said, "Retire! And do what?'

"I enjoy working and serving the public. That is what I have done for the past three decades and that's what I would like to continue to do for a while. That is why I have decided to make another run for public office," he said.

Prouty noted that he believes the current city council and mayor are doing a good job. "They are dedicated public servants who have the best interests of the community and the people in mind. It is just the kind of team I would like to work with once again.

"The question is what can I bring to the table that would be worthwhile to them, the city employees, and the community." Prouty said he still has the drive and desire to work for the public, the good sense to listen more rather than talk, and the willingness to put whatever time and energy is needed to work through problems and projects. He sees a number of strengths he brings to the table.

"Of course I have an enormous amount of public service experience -- nearly 25 years in elected offices. Most, I hope, were productive years and benefited the city. With that experience I think I know how the system does and should work in order to get good things done. That includes working with the budget, various departments, advisory boards, and most importantly, the public."

As a school administrator and an elected official for many years, Prouty developed an ability to bring people and groups together to work out problems and develop and carry through worthwhile projects.

"I believe the city council and mayor should work as a team for the common good of the community.

"That is not always an easy task. As individual members of the city council, each has their own opinions. You will argue with each other, and anger will pop up from time to time. But all of that must be done in a professional manner and in a spirit of working for the common good.

"If I am fortunate to get elected, I promise to work hard, make myself available to people, listen to the public and make decisions based on good sense. We may not always agree, but we can always try."

Prouty expressed concern about the county/city law enforcement relations. "We need to work together for public safety. This splitting apart worries me."

New people on the council can change the dynamics of keeping a wholesome, open relationship with one another, said Prouty.

"The decision-making process takes a lot of time and cooperation among elected officials, department heads, employees and the public. I always fret about this." Prouty also hopes to keep the public informed. He would like to explore new ideas for getting regular broadcasts of city council activity back on public access television.

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