Friday - More Election Thoughts

Today I am going to spend some time of the School Committee race in Fairhaven.  Four candidates returned nomination papers for the two seats available.  If no one withdraws papers, then the following names would appear on the ballot:  David Gonsalves, who is the sole incumbent on the ballot; Donna McKenna, Lisa Plante and  Collin Veitch.

This should be a pretty interesting race for several reasons.  The most significant issue should, but probably won't, be the FY 2013 budget for the School Department.  How does each candidate intend to address the budgetary issues that the School Department will face.  If services need to be cut due to funding shortfalls, what is each candidate proposing be done?

Something tells me that the budget issue is going to get overshadowed by other matters.

Unfortunately, it seems that the push to obtain a re-vote on the Wood School is still on.  Nothing was submitted for the annual town meeting, and it is expected that there will either be an article on the special within the annual, or another specially called, special town meeting. 

Admittedly, until something actually happens it is all conjecture at this point.  Conjecture with some basis though.  If you are involved in something, the first thing you need to remember is the bigger your group the more likely you have someone within in it who just simply can't keep things secret.

The other basis, one I will continue to assume as a legitimate point for putting forward this proposition, is the fact that there is a group, with a website, with a page devoted to the concept of a Wood School re-vote. 

So for me, this becomes an extremely significant issue.  Every candidate for school committee should be asked point blank what their stance is on this matter.  If they do support such an attempt, the should should be asked to explain their detailed alternative plan.  

Another matter to be thrust into the lime light is the alleged ethics violations and "potential" conflicts of interest issues which have been raised.  I am guessing this is going to be an area which some people are going to try to make points on.  

Let's see how it plays out.  I am torn between addressing what I have seen as "alleged" and "potential" violations on a point by point basis presently, or waiting for them to be raised as issues in the election.  I think I will wait.  At this juncture, the space and time needed to address the same within this particular piece would be a bit much.

It is going to be an extremely interesting election season in Fairhaven.  It has been very quiet for an election containing so many candidates.  That will change very soon I think.  

I am thinking of a piece that has some interesting aspects to it, especially involving the fairness, transparency, and politics.  I need to speak with someone first though and get their side of the "story" (yep, that's a tease ending).  

Everyone have a safe holiday weekend!