“Mayors on the Move: The Crucial Journey to Secure Investments and Solutions”

I am writing in reference to the article regarding Mayor Mitchell’s travels. As a co-founder and dedicated advocate for The New Bedford Light, I served as the mayor of New Bedford from 1986-1992. In my view, this article reflects some of the most misguided reporting and editing I have encountered.

The piece begins with a flawed and unproven presumption that travel is detrimental, constructing a biased narrative around this groundless belief. My political rivals frequently claimed I traveled excessively. I countered by asserting that my role was to address New Bedford’s challenges, pursue opportunities, and acquire solutions, resources, assistance from individuals, learning from exemplars, and attracting businesses—all of which were located beyond the city limits. One cannot fulfill the duties of a mayor while remaining confined within those limits. Traveling is essential.

Like Mayor Mitchell, I actively participated in the U.S. Conference of Mayors to gain insights into innovative strategies from other cities addressing issues relevant to New Bedford. Sharing a similar experience, I visited Jerusalem as we have a considerable Jewish community, and Teddy Kollek was an exemplary mayor. I sought to learn from him. Similarly, I visited our sister cities to understand better the immigrant journey: the significance of leaving the known behind to chase the American dream in New Bedford.

When examining the hundreds of millions of dollars revitalizing the port of New Bedford, it becomes evident that these transformations result from the connections established over time through Mayor Mitchell’s travels. Your reports have covered the initiatives to renovate our aged schools and to construct hundreds of housing units. You have also detailed the city’s commitment to the arts and its economic influence, which originated from a vision cultivated by mayoral leadership that continuously learns from others and adopts the finest ideas for our city. Moreover, these results stem from relationships developed over time, often requiring many nights spent away from family as plans are presented in discussions at various offices, articulating what New Bedford requires.

Individuals who do not travel professionally often perceive it as a jolly affair. I have spent an excessive amount of time confined to hotel accommodations, taxi rides, airports, and the offices of others. It is exhausting. Throughout, you constantly yearn for your family and the dinners missed with your children. Nevertheless, you pursue these efforts for your city or for the greater cause that drives you.

New Bedford Light, enlighten us about the intricacies of this remarkable city of New Bedford. You are capable of far more than this.

John K. Bullard served three terms as mayor of New Bedford, led the inaugural federal office of sustainability at NOAA, and subsequently was the regional administrator for NOAA Fisheries in the Northeast. He currently presides over the New Bedford Ocean Cluster and is a co-founder of The New Bedford Light.

Editor’s note: The New Bedford Light’s editorial team operates with strict independence. Only the editors determine what stories to pursue and what to publish. Founders, financial backers, and board members have no sway over editorial decisions.