>>Valley Patriot>> |
Some
Thoughts About the Race
On the Council side, Bob fought for affordable housing and was the steady, judicious and equitable hand in the sale of city property. On both fronts his personal convictions guided his public actions. He exemplified a Christian in politics; he didn’t wear his faith on his sleeve; he made it work for other people. And, on a personal side, I owe him as much gratitude as anyone for help turning the dying Hale into the now thriving Merrimack Valley Hospital. When the deal looked stale, it was Bob who boarded a plane with me and traveled to Nashville to help revive it. It was Bob who shepherded the deal through the City Council, where, with Bill Pike’s support, it passed unanimously. A real legacy - affordable homes, much needed revenue, a hospital, and unabashed integrity. And who on the council can replace his hair?! No one understands education and ed reform better than Glenn Lewandowski. No one applies his knowledge with more consistency and zeal than Glenn. He and I served together for almost a full eight years. At times we differed, at times we agreed; throughout all issues he exemplified the professional in politics. He never flaunted his doctorate; he made it work for the betterment of the students and the school system. His piercing analyses made his influence felt on all the major issues; his influence was always positive. No one knew the rules of order better than Glenn. I regard it as a real triumph that I was able to slip a mistake of mine by him one night. The next meeting he called me on it; we both laughed. Another real legacy — impeccable, brilliant service. The
Mayor’s race spells hidden trouble for the
incumbent. If Captain Red Slavitt runs on the slogan,
“Send the Mayor a Message!,” he could get a
good vote. If the message is strong enough, as it was for
Mayor Jim Waldron in 1971, the race could be very
interesting. Obviously, it’s the current Mayor’s
race to lose, but right now the course of the race could
be steered by the Captain. Steady as she goes! *Send your questions
comments to ValleyPatriot@aol.com |
Prior Clumns by Jim Rurak |
My
last piece bemoaned John Michitson’s withdrawal from
public life; my hope remains that it is only temporary.
Now, two longstanding public servants seem to be leaving
for good. The truth is that Bob DesMarais and Glenn
Lewandowski are irreplaceable.