Newburyport, Massachusetts–Support for Nick Craknell as Newburyport’s Planning Director
January 22nd, 2006In the most recent publication of The Undertoad, January 20, 2006, the journal’s lead story is about a city councilor’s assertive effort to keep Nicholas Cracknell on as Newburyport’s Planning Director. At the end of the publication, Mr. Ryan states that unlike this particular city councilor, he is willing to give the new mayor “a chance” (this appears to be in reference to Nick Cracknell, I think.)
Now this had me scratching my head because in the previous issue of The Undertoad (see earlier posts), Mr. Ryan seemed to feel that Nick Cracknell was out. (And for those of you who don’t live in Newburyport or haven’t read the Undertoad, it is very rare that Mr. Ryan gives anyone the “benefit of the doubt”, which is one of the reasons people in Newburyport are so fascinated by The Undertoad.)
Yesterday I talked to someone who is close to the present administration who said that Newburyport’s Mayor John Moak was willing to seriously consider keeping Nick Cracknell on as Newburyport’s Planning Director.
I have no idea if this is actually true, but I would be delighted if it was. If Mr. Moak does keep Nick Cracknell on permanently it would say a great deal about his integrity (it is my understanding is that there is a great deal of pressure on John Moak to terminate Mr. Cracknell’s contract.) I believe that both John Moak and Nick Cracknell have the City’s best interest at heart even if their goals and styles may differ.
I would urge people to take Linda Miller’s advice in the previous post to “to give support, and encourage the City to look at the larger picture.”
If you would like to see Mr. Nicholas Cracknell kept on as Newburyport’s Planning Director, I would call the Mayor’s office at 978-465-4413. You will get his executive Secretary, Lois Honegger. Leave a message that you would like to see Nick Cracknell permanently reappointed. Also follow that up with an email to Mayor John Moak at mayor@cityofnewburyport.com urging the Planning Director’s reappointment.
Then call the Planning Office at 978-465-4400 and leave a message saying how much you appreciate everything that Nick has done for the City of Newburyport. Also follow that up with an email to Nick at ncracknell@cityofnewburyport.com, voicing your support.
Mary Eaton, Newburyport