That’s All She Wrote

 

Four years ago today, I wrote my very first post for this blog, about the uncontested D5 Council “race”.  I said:

According to the way the city tabulates votes, Eddy received 97% of the vote (3,069 votes out of 3,167 completed).  However, he really got 54% of the vote if you count those who left their ballots blank.  (3,069 votes out of 5,669 total ballots). 

Imagine what would have happened had we gotten a decent challenger in this race.  I certainly hope Councilor Eddy does.

Well, I guess we all know now.

I’d like to thank everyone who ran.  Whether I agree with you or disagree with you, whether I voted for you or not, you put yourself out there: getting enough signatures to appear on the ballot, knocking on doors, appearing at candidate forums.

Whether you won or lost, whether you’re ecstatic or disappointed or indifferent, we’re all in this together.  You don’t need to be an elected official to have a voice or make a difference.  Get out there and make our corner of the world a little better.

Why hold signs?

It’s a cold election day morning, and there’s that pesky anti-panhandling ordinance in place, so while his competitors have shivering volunteers out at the road holding signs, Michael Gaffney’s supporters just park their vehicle near a polling place and prop some signs against the vehicle.  Keeps the Gaffneyites warm, gets the Gaffney name out there (even closer to where people vote!), and skirts the dodgy Worcester laws.

Gaffney’s gambit at 2 Airport Drive this morning

Please vote

I can rarely think of a city election I have been less enthusiastic about.

In most years, Mike’s analysis of lawn signs is a highlight of the political season; this year, it’s the only highlight.

We live in a city where lack of a web presence is par for the course for many politicians, and where many incumbents’ list of accomplishments reads like a combination of the city manager’s self-evaluation and the average day of a DPW customer service rep.

You can vote for up to six at-large City Council candidates, and up to six School Committee candidates.  You can vote for one mayoral candidate and one district council candidate.

You can leave as many spots on your ballot blank as you wish; you can vote for one candidate or no candidates.

The way our city charter was written, write-in votes are not allowed, so, sadly, “Screw it, I’m voting for Nicole Apostola” is not an option for anyone.

If you don’t know where to vote, you can find out on the city website. 

And after you’ve voted, please consider completing this short survey about Worcester elections. [Note that you do not need to complete any questions on the survey, especially about address, if you don’t wish to].

I’m not much given to endorsements on this blog.  If you read this blog, chances are you live in Worcester, you’re a voter, and you’re probably better-informed than I am.

Which means you’re voting for Tracy O’Connell Novick, who is thoughtful, hardworking, and a great advocate for students and teachers.

After the break in this post is every piece of political ephemera I’ve been able to get my hands on or cajole someone into scanning for me.  Enjoy!