Accomplishments

A proven record

Confronted with a budget shortfall, ballooning street violence, and natural disasters, Linda Balzotti met these challenges head on in her first term as Mayor of the City of Brockton. Her focus to resolve these issues is equaled only by her constant efforts to bring her bright vision for Brockton into reality through advocacy and collaboration.

Addressing violence and public safety

Balzotti adopted a zero tolerance on crime following an initial spike in violence at the outset of her term by bringing together the Brockton Police Department, Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, and State Police to reallocate resources, and step up patrols to help combat violence and crime in Brockton. As a result, in 2010 there were no homicides in Brockton from the end of the school year, to mid-September, and overall crime was down 11 percent in the city in June and July. Three raids (in November, January, and March) resulted in the arrest of more than 60 individuals involved the drug and illegal gun trade in the city.

Nine new fire fighters were hired under Balzotti’s administration, the first since 2007. In addition to that, five new police officers joined the force in 2010.

Commitment to Education

Faced with a budget shortfall that would dramatically impact the city’s schools, Balzotti worked with Chief Financial Officer John Condon to utilize reserve funds to stave off drastic cuts in the school department, saving jobs.

Collaboration

Locally, Balzotti has implemented an open communication policy with members of the City Council, regularly providing updates so all officials can relay important information to residents in a timely and efficient manner.

By setting up five task forces to tackle some of the city’s most pressing issues, and explore workable solutions to address them, Balzotti welcomed residents into the process, empowering them as citizens. The recommendations of those task forces will help chart the course for Brockton’s future.

Economic Development

Balzotti dissolved the controversial Building A Better Brockton organization, re-establishing the Brockton Redevelopment Authority, and enabling the agency to hire an Executive Director with planning experience which is vital to Brockton in the short and long-term.

As Mayor, Balzotti has worked diligently to attract businesses to Brockton, and to encourage department heads to assist business owners through the city’s permitting process.

As a result of Mayor Balzotti’s enthusiasm to attract new businesses to locate in Brockton, Bernardi Auto Group has made a $20 million investment in the city, opening a pair of new auto dealerships on Manley Street, and creating 200 new jobs. NorthEast Electrical Distributors has also relocated to Brockton, bringing 200 jobs to the city, and creating five new positions.

New England Development, the owners of the Westgate Mall, has begun work on a $13 million expansion project on their site, aimed at drawing more commerce to the city.

Two proposals have been submitted to redevelop vacant properties in the downtown area. Trinity Financial hopes to reimagine a four-acre site on Centre Street between Main and Montello streets, including the former Enterprise building; and Capstone Communities’ Station Lofts project plans to preserve the historic Knight Building on Montello Street by creating housing units.

Advocacy

Balzotti’s commitment to Brockton runs deep. She works closely with state and federal officials to advocate for the city’s needs, and those of its residents. One example of this is the state’s foreclosure law which was signed in August 2010 and provides greater supports for tenants and protections from predatory lending practices. Balzotti championed this issue as a City Councilor and again as Mayor.

A determination to get residents the help they need is also key to Balzotti’s approach to Brockton’s highest office. As part of the Mayor’s staff, a full-time Director of Constituent Services provides accessible and efficient assistance to residents every day, and monthly constituent office hours allow residents the opportunity to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns about the city with the Mayor directly.