Billy Costello, Kingston's Champ, died yesterday after a long battle with cancer. Billy was a man who truly loved Kingston. When he won the title, he could have defended it in Las Vegas or Madison Square Garden for much more money, but instead insisted on fighting in Kingston.
After his boxing career, he devoted his time to teaching our youth in the Kingston PAL League. Even after his diagnosis, he continued to work in the gym until he was physically unable.
The last time I saw the Champ, he told me he was in my corner regarding the Mayor's race. His words meant more to me than I can ever say. The man was being honored in the ring for his accomplishments in what turned out to be his final appearance in a boxing ring. Yet, he took the time to walk over to me and tell me this. I still get emotional when I think about it.
Billy will be missed, but never forgotten. Rest in Peace, my friend.
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8 comments:
A fine tribute by you to a fine citizen who quietly did his work.
I hope for our citizens that we don't lose both you and the opportunity to replace the Democratic party's bureacractic monster created over the past 20 years. Step back be the Alderman at Large - a battle waged with Andi will give the Mayor's seat to the Democrats.
8:39,
Not going to happen. I am running in the 9/13 Primary and intend to win.
I can tell you that if I did take your suggestion, it would not help Andi. The Conservatives will not back her. The split would still exist.
Perhaps you and the conservative party will re-consider this position for the good of the taxpayers. Nonetheless - I respect your past and future efforts. But soon the City may go the way of the Dodgers - bankruptcy.
7:12,
I will say that there is a similarity between Frank McCourt and Mayor Sottile.
Let the argument about the cost of primaries die, because it's a politcal safe guard. It's the check and balance of ones party. It keeps the all the parties from becoming overly corrupt. The cost is built into the budget, otherwise it would be cheaper to have a totalitarian dictatorship. In those places it been said that they have a 100% voter turn out with only one candidate running. We can do one better and just eliminate the whole election process. Think of all the money you could save. Then there would be no worries and less to think about. Many of the power brokers would aggree with you, so their power would be near absolute and never challenged. If you want to save money, lets focus on real issues. My advise is simple, welcome the challenge. Let the winner raise and loser follow with support. If we can't do this, we will never succeed.
I received a nasty comment from someone claiming that I am a hypocrite and accusing me of not attending the services for Billy Costello.
Let me be clear. I attended the wake for Billy. I also attended the candle light vigil for Billy. I paid my respects to the Champ.
The Mayor was not quoted in the paper nor did he apparently attend any service for the man who put Kingston on the map in the sports world of what he named during "bloggate" the "Sweet Science"(I challenged the Mayor myself to a boxing match, and of course he danced all around that offer. I reiterate it here--he should box me and whoever wins the proceeds should go to the winner's favorite charity).
I hate to say it because the overall embarrassment over this reality is obvious, but this is commensurate with his own racism(which he very disgustingly admitted during "bloggate"). I think he's very frankly simply had so many drinks his whole head is swimming in booze--which is not to let him off the hook--a greater hypocrite there hasn't been in the Mayor's chair for a long time--if ever. It's as if he doesn't consider himself a Kingstonian--and many other actual Kingstonians seem to feel the same way.
6:16 PM,
I have to be honest. I saw Mayor Sottile at the wake for the Champ.
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