Democrat Chris Markey and Republican Joe Michaud will vie for voter approval in the Ninth Bristol District in November. So far, beyond yard signs, the race is pretty quiet. Who do you favor, and more importantly, WHY do you favor one over the other? Let us know in comments.
I have great respect of Joe Michaud and he has served the town and community well on many fronts. But I don't see any point in sending a Republican up to Beacon Hill given ...
... the enormous numerical advantage that the Democrats have. They can pretty much ignore the Republicans and still pass whatever they want. Or should I say whatever the Speaker and Senate President want. Actually, they pretty much ignore the governor as well.
While I am not averse to voting to send a message, I also would like to have a rep that at least can sit at the table when the pie is divided.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Any thoughts on our state representative race?
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71 comments:
Bill,
It's thinking like your post here that keeps us mired in "business as usual". Why don't we keep the U.S. Rep that chaired the financial oversight committee, raised no warnings about the great recession, yet has every excuse in the book along with the blame game after the fact while we're at it.
My thoughts turn to any effect on Dartmouth. If Mr Michaud wins, and resigns from the Select Board, does that mean you can become the undisputed Chair? And would you then be able to persuade Mr Watson to make his point clearly but just once rather than 3 (at least) times?
I have mixed feelings about this race and remain unsure of how I will vote. On one side, I have great respect for the job Mr. Michaud has done for the town. While I do not always agree with him on issues and how he conducts himself with people, he is far and away an improvement when compared to most of his predecessors. I do like his moderate approach, sense of ethics and his sense of fiscal responsibility. Regarding Mr. Markey, he clearly has not reached out to the public with his agenda. Having said that, your point of placing a Republican representative on Beacon Hill is valid. Would it be a complete waste of local representation?
Me and my entire family and most of my friends who pay attention are voting for Joe! While I may not agree with all of the decisions he has made while on SelectBoard, that's what democracy is all about. I have great respect for Joe, his service to our nation, his civic involvement and his record in getting things done in town. It's reported on Curt Brown's blog that he also just won Southeastern Veteran of the Year.
As to your comments Bill, Joe and others including yourself in some cases were able to build coalitions across the isle to get things done. If he can do it in Dartmouth, why not give him a chance to cross party lines in Boston?
I'm not familiar at all with his opponent Chris Markey. Enough said? All I am familiar with is his family name, but the buzz out there is that even his own party faithful aren't fully backing him. I'm a registered Democrat and I think the best thing this state could do is vote in a little balance up there in Boston.
It should be an interesting race. Any updates on any debates coming up?
Bill, this is the problem. Why send a republican to Boston when everyone knows the state house is controlled by the democrats and they devide the pie.
I'm voting for Joe Michaud because he understands the state can not tax away our problems. Our democrat friends have created a monster(s).
Scott Brown was told he didn't stand a chance but look at what happened. I'm not sure the ninth district will vote republican, I think not, but my vote goes to Joe.
I've been tuning into the National election, and feel the undertow created by the Tea Part advocates for a big change in Washington. If Joe Michaud could get Sara Palin to pay a visit to Dartmouth, he could win this election.
Bill, I am really surprised and disappointed that you would abandon support for Joe Michaud, someone you claim to respect and admire, for such a shallow reason. Of all the people on the Select Board, I thought you might have the spine to say that a record of achievement outweighs whether someone has an "R" or a "D" next to their name on the ballot. Please rethink this position. You are not thinking logically.
Change has to start somewhere. Voters will never send a clear message if they continue to elect the same people.
Joe Michaud has proven that he can work with all sides on issues. He has proven to be a strong leader and he is truly a fiscal conservative unlike others who just claim to be.
Other Republicans will be elected. They won't be a majority but it's a start.
Hello Bill,
I am supporting Joe Michaud for this race. You ask why. There are several reasons and the first one is leadership. Joe and you are included in this Bill, looked at our town make up and had the moral courage to ask for changed for the better. I am grateful for the stance on fiscal responsibility that Joe stood up for. In politics you cannot please everyone.
The first time I heard of Chris Markey was at town meeting when he wanted the town to buy the old State police building on RT.6. He wanted the town to pay $350,000 (which town meeting approved) and we ended up getting it for a dollar from the state. That first encounter with Mr. Markey did not impress me.
On one hand Joe's departure to Boston would be a positive for our community in the endeavors he will be involved in ,but leaving Stone and Watson supervised by Trimble as Select Board reps will be a disaster. I have watched the SB sessions recently and all I see is Joe sitting backing watching the dynamics of Watson, Stone and Trimble with an expression as though he wants to say " boy is Dartmouth in trouble" !
I thought ALL our representatives were there to do the people's work, not their party's work. If the people we have voted in cannot work together to do what they were elected for, then it is time to vote them out. I am unenrolled and will vote for the person I believe is the best candidate. There is very little difference between the two parties. I try to vote for the one who I think might screw me the least. I don't understand this loyalty to one party or the other. I will be voting for Joe Michaud because I feel he has represented me well here in Dartmouth and would continue to do the same in Boston.
Bill, with respect to Mr. Markey and Mr. Michaud: remember the tenure of the Select Board before you were elected? One person, maybe two, struggled to make our government serving all of us and not just a few. People voted you and others in, over what took years, true, because they wanted a change. Eventually our government began serving us.
We have to start somewhere. Again, it may take years, but how do you affect change if not one step at a time? Joe may face difficult obstacles, no doubt, but at least HE IS IN THERE TRYING. and making his (our) voice heard.
"But I don't see any point in sending a Republican up to Beacon Hill given ...
... the enormous numerical advantage that the Democrats have."
Why not just roll over and play dead? It's that type of mentality that this post exhibits: what's the use of trying if it's not going to make a difference anyway.
Sounds like the attitude some voters in Town repeat: nothing's going to change, so why vote? Sound familiar?
This apathetic, defeatist attitude only works for the other side. They count on those who will not get out and do something to change what they dislike in government, whether here in Dartmouth, or on the state and national level.
We need leaders who will AT LEAST TRY to change things for the majority of ordinary residents.
Just because Mr. Michaud's party affiliation is not that of the majority, I would hope those believing Mr. Michaud will work for us will go out and vote. It is more than sending a message. It is a belief that whatever is worth fighting for is worth the battle.
My prediction, is that Markey wins on a 2-1 margin. We will see on election day.
Bill, I agree with you 100%. You are right when you say that Joe Michaud will not be able to get anything done in Boston. At least you are honest and not a politician, not afraid to be rational and speak the truth!
I respect Mr. Michaud and think he has done a great job as a select board member, but he would get more done in Dartmouth than Boston. I will be voting for Markey and I hope Joe Michaud runs for select board again.
I assure you he will not run for Selectboard again
Joe Michaud can't win because he is a republican. Joe Michaud can't win because the majority in Boston are Demo's and the pie is divided between the demo's.
Joe Michaud can win as a republican. Joe Michaud can win and get the share of the pie. Joe Michaud is not your typical politician. I'm voting for Joe Michaud. My friends and family are voting for Joe Michaud. I've asked all my Democratic friends to vote for Joe Michaud. Don't be surprised on November 3rd when Joe Michaud wins this election. D.F.
What's the point of sending a political neophyte, with absolutely no experience in state or local government, to Boston because his daddy used to be Mayor? The guy will be absolutely LAST on the list of Democrats in seniority and will have no chance to get Dartmouth anything for decades. On the other hand, Joe Michaud will likely find himself in a leadership position in less than two terms. He knows his stuff. He's not an idealogue. He'll get things done for us.
Has Markey done ANYTHING? Someone please answer that question...
The only thing he has is a machine made up of political hacks that have abused the system for decades. We'll see if they can win over the Dartmouth crowd.
Bill
If you feel the Joe Michaud will not get a piece of the local state political pie, why vote for BARNEY to be Frank? Barney Frank will not be part of the majority, after the November elections. To be more Frank, I'm hoping he loses the election. This poor excuse for a politician needs a lesson from the district voters. Throw the bum out.
As it relates to the local election, I'm voting for Michaud.
I'll be voting for Joe Michaud. He's done a great job on the Select Board and he's earned my vote.
Bill,
I am beyond disappointed in your lack of support for Joe Michaud. The election of the 2 of you has changed Dartmouth for the better.
Your support of Barney Frank is unreal. You are an intelligent, fiscal conservative. Please Bill, let me know that you are the same man I voted for.
Bill, not sure if you saw the debate on DCTV yesterday, but it looked as if Markey provided no specifics except for continuing to talk about SouthCoast rail and had no solutions on how to fund it. Michaud also supported the rail but listed off reform after reform and means to pay for the plan.
Markey is not ready for primetime. He should serve a term or two on the selectboard when Michaud beats him for State Rep.
Lastly, my personal take, Michaud has defied the odds here in town, being re-elected in the face of unions and former officials rallying against him. His record shows that he'll do whats right for the taxpayer and not the politically connected, even if his political career is on the line.
As for Markey, he just recently moved here, and has only been on town meeting for a year, if that?. Wasn't he actively running for District Attorney less than a year ago? Now he wants Rep?
I watched the debates last night and am voting for Joe. Joe was right on about bringing jobs to our area, not us going to the jobs and having a 3 hour commute daily. I went to the debate at UMass Dartmouth and both Cahill and Baker agree there is no money for this project. The 2 billion price tag could be used to give businesses and individuals a break.
On a side note I was very disturbed by Chris Markey's comment that the rail would bring "those people here". What is wrong with the people who already live here. Mr. Markey has never held public office and his inexperience is showing.
Has Markey done ANYTHING? Someone please answer that question...
Yes he has always been a advocate in the court as a prosecutor. Rather than bash the Guy, why not speak with him, and you will find that he is a genuine person, who wants what is right for his district. Markey has class he did not throw stones on his primary, and has not thrown a stones at Joe, like Joe has thrown at him. Maybe somebody should look into the legal bills since Joe has been around, the Town has spent over 1,000,000.00 in legal bills and buy outs because Joe and his cronies what to have open government, and new faces, This GUY Cressman does not impress me, neither does the new Chief. We pay more and have no idea who we hired, THANKS JOE
"because Joe and his cronies what to have open government, and new faces,"
And that is wrong, why?
Wow, Markey is "a genuine person" and that's why we should vote for him. Please! Did Ray or Tavares or Michaud claim he was a robot or something? I guess I missed that. In all seriousness, if Mr. Markey's supporters don't have more to say than "he's a real human," their campaign is in far more desperate shape than I ever could have imagined.
During the debate, Joe Michaud demonstrated that he has a tremendous knowledge of state and local government and the real issues facing our district. If you watched even a few minutes and you were thinking of voting for either of the other two candidates, you'd know there's really only one candidate ready to be a state rep. That's Joe Michaud. Joe Michaud won, hands down.
I am an independent and watched the debate the other night. Joe Michaud won my vote! He was the only candidate with real ideas and substance. If you didn't watch it you should check out the reruns. It was very entertaining.
joe offer nothing of substance to the debate. He talks of cutting taxes, but I urge ALL Joe supporters to give me real examples regarding HOW a tax break for large businesses will spur growth.
Great talking point, but thats about it.
Cut taxes, less regulation...yeah thats is great...same old BS by GOP supporters...what about real solutions
MARKEY 2010
We can go on and on about who is the better candidate but it is all useless rhetoric. Those who want to suck the system dry on the backs of the taxpayers will vote for Markey. Those who have seen change and want more of it will vote for Michaud.
Mr. Trimble, what a disgrace! Your judgment here in stating that we shouldn't vote for Joe JUST because he's a Republican...can you tell us why we should vote for Chris? Can you tell us why we shouldn't vote for Joe with some concrete examples? The argument that we shouldn't vote for Joe just because he's a Republican is simple and weak. As a matter of fact, I'm voting straight Republican up and down the ticket. I would rather have a little more balance in state government than what we currently have.
On a side note, I caught some of the debate today on DCTV, and Joe clearly had command of the issues. Was it me or did Markey look like he was on serious medications....thought he was going to cry at the beginning of the debate.
Great op-ed letter from Greg Lynam supporting Joe Michaud. Very specific and factual. Spillaine's piece contained nothing but a bunch of negative, emotional rantings but that is always the case when you have no real argument to base your opinion on.
Greg Lynam's Op-Ed piece in today's Standard-Times really cements the deal for me. Greg knows what he's talking about. He only speaks the truth. In his Op-Ed piece, Greg explained exactly what Joe has done to move our town forward. Greg Lynam wants Joe Michaud. I want Joe Michaud.
Bill.
I am very disappointed in your support of Markey. You work with Joe on the SB and have tackled some difficult issues. Mr. Markey has no track record.
Great op-ed letter from Greg Lynam supporting Joe Michaud. Very specific and factual.
Actually remember this article, it shows that increased fees and not Joes' great management, with all his cronies, created the surplus. Just the TAX PAYER getting wacked!!!! By paying extra fees!!!
YOUR VIEW: 'It is foolhardy to place this town at risk'
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By GREG LYNAM
Greg Lynam is a member of the Dartmouth Finance Committee.
August 19, 2010 12:00 AM
Great op-ed letter from Greg Lyman supporting Joe Michail. Very specific and factual.
Today the taxpayer pumps in $1.6 million/year in pay-as-you-throw value then shells out another $2.1 million in a yearly override. In an atmosphere of falling revenue across all sources, these inflows really did not markedly increase available revenue. The fact is that careful management by then Financial Director Ed Iacaponi, superb cooperation from department heads all across town, and strict policies and procedures instituted by Fin Com and approved by town meeting, contributed to better management of our finances leading to our 'apparent' well being; "apparent" being the operative word. What we really did was to move 'reserves' from everywhere we could find them and concentrate them as one-time revenues, then applied those revenues appropriately to the purposes listed above. The reality is that we really are not any better off today financially than we were four years ago, but we are infinitely better managed. Now is not the time to send in the clowns
I don't think Mr. Trimble is telling anyone how to vote. As most of you know, voting is a privilege in this country and when one enters the voting booth, it's a private matter. I agree that Mr. Michaud has done a good job on the select board, but the state rep. position is very different. We are no longer talking five people voting on an issue for the town. One issues that is a top priority for south coast residents is the rail, something Mr. Michaud does not want. For that issue, I will be voting for Markey!
The rail will do little more than allow Boston to dump more of its trash on us. Like it isn't doing enough of that already. Of course those old New Bedford political families have stakes in the "business" of poverty.
Mr. Michaud supports the rail. If you listen to Jack Spillane's columns and read them as facts, you're dead wrong. Jack is an opinion columnist.
Mr. Michaud has only begged the question, how are we going to pay for it? At the debate, he said he was for it and then rattled off a list of 10 reforms to help balance the state budget and pay for it. Markey said we'll just enter into deeper debt. Markey illustrated his lack of knowledge of public finance and leadership during this economic downturn.
After watching the debate, I am completely unimpressed with Mr. Markey. He brings nothing to the table. Mr. Michaud has a significant command of the issues at hand, and a solid and responsible approach to them. Having said that, I am greatly concerned about the SB in Dartmouth without Mr. Michaud. I honestly believe that you will now have 2 or 3 members ASSUMING we will do overrides to pay for their agendas. Is there another added to replace Mr. Michaud? If so, it would seem we could go back to the days when Mr. Miller and his cronies nearly spent us into bankruptcy.
It's not fair to say that Joe Michaud doesn't support the rail project. Of course he does. Joe Michaud supports the rail project, but not JUST the rail project like his opponent seems to. Joe knows that rail must be a PART of a comprehensive economic development strategy that includes rail, freeing business (like fishing) from stranglehold regulation, and reducing our tax burden by cutting the bloated state budget. THOSE steps will help create real jobs. Jack, if you want to criticize Joe, that's fine. Just quote him accurately.
Joe has just been endorsed by an environmental group. If the Democrats can't even win the environmental vote, something is going on. To Joe's credit, he has had a decent record while on the board to promote green energy, pay as you throw, turbines, and the new solar park...
http://votejoemichaud.netboots.net/posts/ma-league-of-environmental-voters
Joe Michaud had a terrific Op-Ed piece in The Standard-Times today. I hope everyone saw it. It explains Joe's position on the train (he favors it) and economic development in general (it needs to be more than JUST the train). Good work, Joe
Can anyone explain why a candidate for the job would have a leaflet that says STAY THE COURSE on the front? I just saw a color pamphlet from Mr. Markey. It looks nice, then I read it. It says STAY THE COURSE. What "course"? High unemployment? High taxes? Big state budgets? I think this guy needs to get out in the real world.
I'm a Democcrat in Dartmouth who typically votes for the person over the party. In the past I have voted Republican. On November 2nd, I will be casting my vote for Joe Michaud because he's the only candidate I am familiar with, he's the only candidate with a record, and he's the only candidate with any experience.
Even though Markey is in my party, I cannot see the benefit of electing someone who was supposedly running for District Attorney prior to Scott Brown defeating Martha Coakley for the US Senate race. Markey's has zero experience in government and he'll just be another representative for the city of New Bedford. In the debate he slipped several times mentioning New Bedford over Dartmouth.
In regards to the debate, Joe offered solutions with details. Markey offered ideas and "what ifs." If Chris wants to be in primetime, I suggest he run for SelectBoard next SPring, or be appointed to the town's finance committee.
My last point before I stop blabbering..... even I as a Democrat know that cutting taxes is the right thing to do for the struggling people and business sector. Let me make this clear: Joe will cut taxes. Markey will raise them. The choice is yours.
I'm not voting for too many republicans on the ballot this year, but in this important race for Representative, I'm voting Republican. I'm voting for Experience. I'm voting for Joe Michaud.
Right up there with Obama's "Yes, we can," maybe???
Funny thing, I am hearing nothing about Obama anymore from my friends that were so wild about him before the election, practically claiming he was nothing short of being our savior.
Saw Joe got endorsement from environmental group. Just wondering. . . Do they know he drives a hummer?
Steve Sharek endorses Michaud today in the ST. He then goes on to credit Mr. Michaud with the positive change that has ocorred n our town:
"Working with a few courageous select board members and hardworking finance committee members, Joe Michaud was able to turn us around. Through skillful persuasion — and probably sheer willpower and persistence — Joe cobbled together a majority to bring about significant change.
This is not the doing of Joe Michaud!!!! This is the doing of the other courageous Selectboard and finance committee members. This is just Steve Sharek taking credit for it and placing it on Joe!!!
But just like Joe, Mr. Sharek is a politician and will take credit for others work.
Michaud BARELY WON the PAST SB race against a man with more garbage on his record than the transfer station.
Markey Hands down will win
I previous writer was mistaken. It WAS Joe Michaud who assembled and kept together a tenuous Select Board majority of himself, Bill Trimble, and Diane Gilbert. That majority voted to remove the Executive Administrator. With that change came many, many improvements in town government.
Re: Michaud BARELY WON the PAST SB race against a man with more garbage on his record than the transfer station.
You sound like a union man to me. Joe won the election in spite of intense support for Mr. Miller by the town unions solely due to Mr. Michaud putting the town's best interest ahead of the special interest groups wallets. Still angry you could't fleece the taxpayers for more?
People were looking for a savior after BUSH'S 8 long years. Obama walked into a mess and he has only had 2 years to clean it up, give him a chance.
Joe M. has done a good job on the SB, maybe he can win in Nov, time will tell. Markey has a powerful following. A big name for many years in New Bedford.
Obama is a blow hard. He promised thins he knew he could not deliver. He knew what he was getting into and lied to get the vote. He's finding out now its not so easy.
Michaud who assembled and kept together a tenuous Select Board majority of himself, Bill Trimble, and Diane Gilbert
Two down 3 to go!!
Yeah in New Bedford. This is Dartmouth's seat! We don't need another rep from New Bedford. Joe will win.
What a shame if people voted him in solely on his name alone. Having a "name" is not necessarily synonymous with being the best candidate.
Joe will make an excellent state rep.
Joe Michaud is the best qualified person to become state rep. Markey is the best qualified politician to become state rep. Joe Michaud has an R along side his name and Markey has a D along side his name. The letter D and the politician will get Markey elected and he will become just another John Quinn. This is how it is in local elections. The only chance Michaud will have will be determined by the independents who decide to vote for Michaud. Markey machine will be out in full force.
Joe Michaud has been pushing cost-cutting and streamlining government since he was on the Finance Committee. People can SAY he's had nothing to do with the improvements in the town. And they will be WRONG. If not for Joe Michaud, we'd still have those secret contracts, bloated insurance premiums, and an ambulance contract that helped only the owners.
If not for Diane Gilbert we would have secret contracts. Go Markey.
Hey Machine! I think you're about to meet the Monkey Wrench!
Michaud will win....big!
Gilbert exposed the secret contracts. Michaud got them killed.
Joe Michaud lied to the businesses when he said he would not vote in favor of a two class tax rate.
Joe Michaud is lying to the voters when stated that he is going to remain on the Select Board for the remainder of his term.
If Joe wins, he will resign his seat shortly after January which will result in an election for his seat in which Greg Lynam will run.
Last night I watched a re-run of the debate on DCTV. Joe Michaud clobbered the other two.
I for one am voting for Joe Michaud.. Markey thinks he going to walz up to Beacon Hill as part of the Democratic Coalition of the Southcoast and POOF the rail will arrive.... There has been a Democratic Coalition in Boston for over 20 years....The rail has been a part of every campain for all of them ... Has ANYTHING...ANYTHING been accomplished as far as the rail is concerned? Why not send a Republican we just might be pleasantly surprised!!! My vote is with Joe.. He's worked for it and he deserves it. Not because he 's a Republican but because he is a person who gets it done..
I hope that if Michaud should win that Greg Lynam will run for SB. We need a man like Greg to represent the tax payers of Dartmouth. He is the only person in Dartmouth that I have faith in. Please Greg consider.
The New Bedford police machine must be pulling out its hair over the endorsement that Joe Michaud received from The Standard-Times. We Dartmouth residents should be so proud of our guy. He won the fight for the endorsement against overwhelming odds. And he won the endorsement on the strength of his record.
I think that poster actually meant New Bedford POLITICAL machine...
I'd like to see Greg Lynam run for Select Board, too. His skills, financial knowledge and savvy, and interpersonal skills, plus his dedication to the town and determination to see the town run equitably would make him an excellent Select Board member.
The Board needs someone like him. We need him to keep three others in line with reality, that's one thing. And maybe by the time finances find their way to the FinCom they will be a little more in line with this reality.
I'm a long-time Democrat but I am voting for Joe Michaud. Do you notice that Markey signs do not have a first name? Don't tell me he is not trying to capitalize on his father's name in the New Bedford precincts!
Bottom line: Chris Markey wants public office, period. He doesn't know much and he cares less.
My prediction, is that Markey wins on a 2-1 margin. We will see on election day.
Somebody was close with their prediction!
I did not vote for Chris Markey on election day, but I do wish him well.
wait till the stuff hits the fan with taxes being raised and no opposition from Mr. Markey, just going along with the status quo.He has no municipal or any experience for that matter with budgets, etc.His brother is the happiest person because now little Chris can get out of his office and make his own money...be warned..no rail, higher taxes,less state money and a rep. who does not have a clue...you will all get what you wished for.
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