But first... here are the 3 recent news articles from The Salem News on the three ward races with challengers.
Two campaign for Ward 1 council seat
Newcomer, veteran vie for Ward 4 seat
Ward 6 hopefuls tangle over temperament
So lets start with the sad news... Ward 2, 3 and 5 can't even muster enough interest to get a challenger to the incumbent,
Ward 2: Arthur Athas (unopposed)
Ward 3: Rico E. Mello (unopposed)
Ward 5: David R. Gamache (unopposed)
This is a sad state of affairs in my opinion. I like to see a vigorous campaign with lots of ideas being tossed around and a future vision of Peabody being discussed. Sadly this will not be happening in Wards 2, 3 or 5.
Ward 1
Endorsement: Rob Forti
Why? I think he has shown he has both an interest in his Ward and a high level of energy that he is willing to put into the job. When he used to post on the Peabody blogs, he was often a very reasonable person who made logical arguments and seemed willing to listen to others point of view. I think he would bring some new energy and responsibility to the council and Ward 1.
Prediction: This one could be close... but I think inertia will prevail and Barry Osbourne will emerge as the winner.
Ward 4
Endorsement: Jeff Grayson
Why? I have met both these candidates (I live in Ward 4) and while I personally like Bob Driscoll, I think he has lost real interest in the job. He is running hard (first time in a while) but I don't like what he has turned into as a councilor. He has sided with irrational and misguided neighbors over zoning issues in Brooksby Farms (going against the recommendation of the City's experts in order to placate a few vocal locals.) But more importantly, while I have heard him blame the CC for inaction on many issues... he is PART OF THAT PROBLEM and has been powerless to do anything about it for too long. Time to give someone else a chance to try.
But enough about why Driscoll has lost my support. I think Grayson has a future in Peabody politics. He is young and bright and full of energy and ideas... and idealism as well. And while idealism alone is NOT enough to change the world... it is better than a "No We Can't" attitude that the current City Council membership seems to rejoice in.
Prediction: This one will probably NOT be close... Bob Driscoll will win.
Ward 6
Endorsement: Barry Sinewitz
Why? Or rather... WHAT?? How can I endorse Sinewitz? I do not personally find Councilor Sinewitz to be either well informed or particularly gracious in his actions as a councilor here in Peabody. I certainly often disagree with his opinions and voting record, but mostly I dislike his reactionary style of politics. And yet I am endorsing him.
His opponent, Mr. Sheehan is perhaps a fine fellow... but he has yet to make that clear to the people. I NEVER FULLY TRUST what I read online... but then he goes and makes the Westside a linchpin in his campaign when given an open opportunity in the Salem News article. I am beginning to see why so many people see him as a non-candidate.
Prediction: This one will be a landslide and Barry Sinewitz will win easily.
I welcome comments and thoughts on the Ward Councilor races here. I will be posting additional posts on the At-Large and the School Committee races.
I will not bother to look at the other races as the race for Mayor is a joke and Bonfanti will win by a huge margin (with no real competition) and as for the other races????? Who cares?
7 comments:
PI--it is clear that the lack of commentary on this thread pretty much sums up the political fervor here in Dark City. Our uninspired voting population is clearly too busy and not interested in local political affairs...wouldn't you agree ?
Or is it that this post is simply uninspiring?
Come on now OG, PI endorses someone then tells us all they are going to lose.
Simply stupid endorse and then stand by your pick. PI has set himself up so he can be right either way.
OG says...
his tilt is a bit different but that's why we love PI---now if you ask me what I think about these races and candidates I have to tell you that there is not one new candidate that has inspired me to go out and vote for them....each time around we have a few new faces running for School Committee and beyond the call for 'change' I am just not getting the 'message' that these new candidates are communicating but then I say to myself 'well how does any new candidate deliver their message in this town which provides them with virtually no forum to speak to the public ??? We have reverted to flyers left in mailboxes or inside front doors....a few yard signs...some cliches here and there and that just doesn't do it for me....until these new people show me something that grabs my attention why not stick with experience in these challenging times???
OG:
With the exception of Jeff Grayson, who I have met at my door and on the street walking the ward, I have little knowledge of the other new-comers.
The complacency of most voters in Peabody (and elsewhere) make the job of a new-comer all the more difficult... and yet another reason why I have been so desperately wanting these people to make themselves known. Too little too late for most of them.
the one thing that might actually have some effect is the whole "throw out all the bums" mentality... but I so despise that idiotic mantra-think that I hope it doesn't play out.
And to Anon:
I was asked for both my endorsement and predictions.
I am a very down to earth guy and while I might like someone or believe in their vision, I can also move past my personal feelings and consider how the entirety of the election looks like it will play out.
Thus... I like Forti, but think the ward will vote for Osbourne (again.) I like Grayson but don't think he can overcome the power of the incumbent (at least not this year.) And I DON'T like Sinewitz on a personal or political level... but I still think he is the better man for the job in this case... and I think the ward will agree.
If you can't understand the difference between personal support and the reality of the voting booth... I don't know what to tell you.
PI- Not sure who you are talking with in Ward 6, but I think you will be surprised with the end result of the race.
The voters are concerned that Sinewitz votes in line with Athas and Mello on everything. They want an independent voice but not to the detriment of the Ward.
Sheehan's postive message of being caring yet resolute is resonating throughout the ward.
The Westside thing is just a Sinewtiz sideshow and really doesn't mean much to most people.
So,as far as your predictions go, two out of three ain't bad ...
My problem with Sheehan is he gave the mayor an "A" for a grade. This tells me is he has different priorities for the city than I do.
Now this is pure conjecture on my part and I apologize if I offend anyone's sensibilities with this, but I believe shortly after the election Bonfanti will announce the closing of a West Peabody school (my money is on the West).
The special committee formed to look into this matter is at least 6months old and we haven't heard a peep from them. However, we have heard statements from Bonfanti regarding "right-sizing" the school system.
This of course seems like the perfect November "you get what you voted for" announcement.
And of course in Bonfanti's eyes, the whole process will go a lot smoother with Sheehan in office vs. Sinewitz.
OG says...
Hochman clearly has the edge over Rossignoll and Olimpio in my view of things...and surely Dunne will be back for another term...do we want more of Niz? I have to tell you I enjoyed hearing him say that he has learned to be a better LISTENER since entering the political arena....
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