Narkewicz announces he won't seek re-election in Ward 4
March 14 ,2009
Northampton Ward 4 councilor to bow
out
By Chad Cain, , Daily Hampshire Gazette
By Chad Cain, , Daily Hampshire Gazette
NORTHAMPTON - Citing a desire to return to
"civilian life," Ward 4 City Councilor David J.
Narkewicz announced Friday that he will not seek a
third term on the council this fall.
Narkewicz thanked Ward 4 residents and his family in an email statement, saying he appreciated their support over the last four years.
"My return to ‘civilian life' will mean more time for family and the pursuit of new challenges both personal and professional," he wrote.
The 42-year-old, a stay-at-home dad who says "domestic engineer" will remain one of his main job titles, ruled out a run for any elected office this year.
"I don't have any immediate plans, but I'm not going to rule out running for elected office in the future," said Narkewicz. He noted that he supports Mayor Clare Higgins. "We are going through tough economic times now and she is doing a great job."
The two-time councilor said that he will stay involved in community endeavors just as he did before being elected to the council in 2005. Narkewicz chairs the Transportation and Parking Commission, as well as the Northampton Education Foundation.
As a councilor, he serves on the Ordinance Committee, the Finance Committee and the Committee on Public Safety, and in a handful of other positions. He and other councilors also spend numerous hours meeting with constituents and neighborhood groups, efforts that rarely make the spotlight during council meetings.
"My wife likes to joke that it's a job with no time parameters," he said.
The councilor made the announcement eight months before November's election to give interested residents time to explore running for the post. Nomination papers for all of the elected offices, including the mayor, City Council and School Committee, will be available on April 2.
One person has already contacted him about the position, and Narkewicz predicts many more will explore the idea.
Narkewicz is a former district aide to U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, D-Amherst, for whom he directed federal funding and economic development initiatives in western and central Massachusetts. Narkewicz and his wife, Dr. Yelena Mikich, have lived in Ward 4 since 1993 and have two children.
Narkewicz thanked Ward 4 residents and his family in an email statement, saying he appreciated their support over the last four years.
"My return to ‘civilian life' will mean more time for family and the pursuit of new challenges both personal and professional," he wrote.
The 42-year-old, a stay-at-home dad who says "domestic engineer" will remain one of his main job titles, ruled out a run for any elected office this year.
"I don't have any immediate plans, but I'm not going to rule out running for elected office in the future," said Narkewicz. He noted that he supports Mayor Clare Higgins. "We are going through tough economic times now and she is doing a great job."
The two-time councilor said that he will stay involved in community endeavors just as he did before being elected to the council in 2005. Narkewicz chairs the Transportation and Parking Commission, as well as the Northampton Education Foundation.
As a councilor, he serves on the Ordinance Committee, the Finance Committee and the Committee on Public Safety, and in a handful of other positions. He and other councilors also spend numerous hours meeting with constituents and neighborhood groups, efforts that rarely make the spotlight during council meetings.
"My wife likes to joke that it's a job with no time parameters," he said.
The councilor made the announcement eight months before November's election to give interested residents time to explore running for the post. Nomination papers for all of the elected offices, including the mayor, City Council and School Committee, will be available on April 2.
One person has already contacted him about the position, and Narkewicz predicts many more will explore the idea.
Narkewicz is a former district aide to U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, D-Amherst, for whom he directed federal funding and economic development initiatives in western and central Massachusetts. Narkewicz and his wife, Dr. Yelena Mikich, have lived in Ward 4 since 1993 and have two children.