Councilman Donald Goldberg honored for his service at end of term – The Suffolk News-Herald

[ad_1]

Councilman Donald Goldberg honored his service at the end of the term

Published 6:21 pm Monday, December 26, 2022

Goldberg

City Council members recognized Councilman Donald Z. Goldberg for his service as his term ends later this month.

At the Wednesday, Dec. 21 council meeting, Goldberg received a commendation for her service as a council member and Suffolk borough representative. He has served since January 2015.

It’s been a good eight years. We really enjoyed you. You have been a true asset to the city and we will miss you, said Councilman Timothy Johnson.

Councilman Roger Fawcett joined in praising Goldberg.

He’s been nothing to me but first class, said Fawcett. He was honest, a good individual to work with. Hes been more than a councilperson, became a friend. Became a friend to my family. He also supported me when I was in trouble when I was suffering from cancer. You are there every day. He never missed a day to see me.

Vice Mayor Leroy Bennett offered Goldberg his congratulations.

It’s been great working with you on this council, Bennett said. We had a great working relationship, and we might not agree, but we were still friends. And I will never forget you because of that. And thanks again for your service.

Mayor Michael Duman thanked Goldberg for his eight years of service.

The two of us don’t agree on everything, said the mayor. But the greatest board, the greatest committee, the greatest everything always has diversity. Everyone brings something different to the table.

When it comes to public service, Duman said, it takes a sincere willingness to give time for the good of the community, which he said everyone involved in the City Council does.

Very few people actually choose to spend their time building a better, safer community for other people, he said. And that’s what you do, and you’ve done a great job.

Councilman Goldberg spoke on his decision not to run for a third term, while thanking the city for its support.

A lot of people have asked me why, and it comes down to three things my age, my family and my health, Goldberg said at the meeting. I have enjoyed serving my borough and the city’s constituents. I tried to do my best to be fair, inclusive, in a cooperative environment. It’s a real honor, and I’m grateful to all the people who have supported me.

After thanking city staff, Goldberg also took time to speak on some issues that are important to him, such as city growth and the city’s approval process, as well as diversity and discrimination.

Our triple-A bond rating is no joke. Very few communities get that rating, he said. And I warn you, you can lose it faster than you can get it. If you try to stop the growth of this community, you will do a lot of damage.

This community’s success is wrapped up in its growth potential, Goldberg said.

People ask all of us Why can’t we have this business, or that company, or that store? Why can’t we get that here? he said. They won’t come unless this community offers the potential for them to be successful, and that includes new homes, businesses and more job opportunities.

Goldberg went on to discuss the city’s current approval process.

The system of getting things approved through the city process is currently quite slow and challenging. Trying to slow it down more is a big mistake, in my opinion, Goldberg said. Only by going through the approval process will you meet the needs for the city to get more needed revenue without raising taxes.

Goldberg also spoke about diversity, discrimination and the use of firearms.

We have a diverse community in many ways urban, suburban, farms, etc. We also have a diverse community in our makeup of our people, he said. It is your duty to speak up when members of this city or community are vilified and discriminated against.

Goldberg said the council should speak out about racism, anti-semitism and all forms of hatred. He went on to encourage them to also talk about gun violence and gun use in the city.

He said these are unpopular topics, but they must be dealt with.

Also, along with water billing and property rights, Goldberg also spoke about the work of councils in relation to the farming community.

Please note that this council has given a great deal to the farming community. Don’t say this council doesn’t care about the farming community, he said. We spend a lot of time talking about it, and we support it.

Finally, Goldberg thanked the council members.

Once again I wish you all the best, and I hope you have an enjoyable holiday season, he declared. You have a big year coming up in 2023. If I can be of any help or service, please call me. And I thank you all and I wish you all the best.

[ad_2]