Coincidence & Coincidentally

Like the character Leroy Jethro Gibbs, I don't believe too much in coincidences.  Not saying that there are never any coincidences.  In my experience, however, most things do in fact have a cause and effect.  You know the old science lesson, for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction.  Noticed a bit of that yesterday (no not talking about the candidates' forum, yet).

It is just amazing how some things seem to play out.  There may be lots of cliches today, so make sure you are prepared.

Now I am a firm believer in the First Amendment.  Truly am.  As such, I consider pretty much anything people want to say as within that right.  Doesn't mean I accept everything said.  Doesn't mean I have to sit back and just take it.

What it does mean is when something is said, prior to jumping into the matter head first, I try and look at the cause and effect; weigh the action with the reaction; and, more often than not simply consider the source and let it be.  Considering a lot that is being said, let it be is probably best, at least for today.

There is a time to throw gasoline on a fire and a time to simply let the fire burnout.  With the price of gasoline these days, it isn't worth the cost of fueling anything burning at the moment.

Okay, last night's candidates forum.  Fairly packed house.  Fairly predictable outcome.  If you weren't there, I understand it will be airing twice on Friday, and if I heard right the times are noon and 7:00 p.m.  I believe it will also air Saturday, however I missed the time.  I am sure it will be posted on the access channel.  

Catch it.  You really need to.  

Didn't hear anything that will change my mind as far as how I am going to vote.  I am also at the moment somewhat set in my predictions, which believe it or not, do not mirror my present predictions.  Sorry no advance disclosure.  Been toying with the idea of scheduling a post to publish at 8:00 p.m. on Monday.  Be interesting to see how if I can call the races in this one.  

This is a tough one to call, at least several races anyway.  What compounds the problem is in talking to a number of people who are backing a number of different candidates, the information is really confusing.  

The one universal is the selectman's race is just a hard one to get a read on. Anyone thinking they have it locked in the bag is making a big mistake.  

Last night's forum, as stated held no surprises, at least for me.  I get a kick out of those things.  The questions, the answers, and the insight.  I might have a bit more to add to this either later today or as part of tomorrow's post.  

What does seem to be having some impact is all the facebook posting, and not the desired effect that the some of the posters are hoping for.

If you still need help making a decision about who to support, i suggest you read this week's edition of the Fairhaven Neighborhood News and The Advocate (you may need to subscribe to the S-T to get full access for The Advocate, so breakdown and spend the money for the edition if you need to.  My moths are still flying around when released buying the ticket for the candidates' breakfast.  So it should be safe to let your moths fly).

Both weekly papers have stories on last week's NFIA candidates' forum, and a bunch of letters to the editor.  In addition to supporting candidates, you will even find one encouraging write-ins for town meeting members.   Read it all folks, learn what is being said, and judge for yourselves.

Turnout will be key on Monday.  If I do end up posting predictions it will be based on the turnout % by around 5:00.  Still thinking 25% to 30%, and am sticking with that simply based on the number of candidates.  I am still amazed at the number of people who aren't even aware there is an election on Monday.  

That is definitely one prediction I hope I get wrong, and that we have a much larger turnout.  but to be honest, based on the present buzz, or lack thereof, we may be looking at a turnout on the low end of the amount.    Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope I am in fact wrong on this one.