It is with mixed emotions that I sit before you today to deliver my final message as your city councilor. As many of you now know, I recently assumed the role of president of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, and although I am incredibly excited to begin this new chapter of serving the community, I am very sad to be leaving my esteemed colleagues on the council and you my loyal constituents.
Although it was my intent to continue serving in both roles, I respect the desire of the Chamber Board of Directors that I focus solely on my new position. It has been an honor serving as your elected representative for the past term and a half and I have truly enjoyed the time I spent working with you on your concerns and dreams for the city. To those of you who helped me on my campaigns through donations of your time and money I am forever in your debt. I could not have achieved what I have without your continuous support. And while I will now be stepping down from my duties as councilor, I believe that in my role as Chamber President I can do even more good for the City of Haverhill. I think of this less as a goodbye and more as a re-imagining of my interaction with the community. While I will miss addressing you over the air on Haverhill Community Television on Tuesday nights, there will be numerous new opportunities where we can meet and collaborate. My new office is on Merrimack Street in the heart of downtown Haverhill so I will be even more connected and accessible to our businesses and citizens. I am still here to serve and assist and I will continue to collaborate with city officials as Haverhill’s rebirth continues. I leave you in good hands for I truly believe that this current City Council is one of the most balanced and accomplished elected bodies this city has seen.
Although I dislike the thought of leaving part way through my term, I decided to finish working on the city budget to ensure it was ratified by June 29th. There is no good time to leave something that you love doing, but now that the budget is complete, I feel this is an appropriate time to transition. I will carry any unfinished projects I have on the council to my new job and I will continue to work closely with the remaining councilors to see that any initiatives that I started during my tenure are completed.
If you have any questions or concerns about my departure or new position, please don’t hesitate to contact me. My website and email newsletter will remain active and I promise to stay in touch with you.
Thanks again for your support and friendship over the years and I look forward to continuing our work together to make Haverhill the best city it can be!
Sven Amirian
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