As the City Turns ...

There have been some interesting developments in city politics.

1)  Jim Noble said in the paper that he would "probably" not run for re-election if Mayor Gallo was on the Democrat ticket.  No question that he and Shayne are not getting along.  Of course, if Steve Noble runs, Jim would back him.  One thing I know about Jim Noble is that he is a family man.  He always puts family above politics which goes to his character.  He's a good man.

It does open questions, however, about likely successors.  Obviously, Matt Dunn wants to run.  He is not a great choice though.  He often goes off half cocked and some of his public statements really make me question his fitness for such an office.  That being said, I can see him teaming up with Steve Noble for a ticket.

Who should Gallo pick then?  In my mind, the logical pick is Jeanette Provenzano.  She is an experienced politico with significant gravitas who is related to most of the city.  She would bring competence, experience, and political strength to the ticket.  Plus, she would make history as the first women elected to the Alderman-at-Large position.  It would be the topper to one hell of a political career.

2)  Elisa Ball is not running.  This opens up ward six for both sides of the aisle.  It is an evenly split ward that either party could win.  No word yet on possible candidates.

Interestingly, her announcement came just a day or two after she unsuccessfully challenged for the majority leader position.  A connection?  Maybe.

Before anyone else asks, I am not seeking or running for the position.  I have had 4 or 5 people ask me already.  While I appreciate the interest, I am not going to run.

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Finally, there is something I have to address.  A recent blog whose author is anonymous (though obvious) has been making assertions that I "sold out" to Shayne Gallo for a position on the fire commission so I could get "a shiny badge".

First, I have not received nor am I looking for a badge.  Shayne asked me if I would volunteer my time on the commission and I agreed.  I have been a social member of a local volunteer fire department for many years and saw this offer as a chance to make a difference.  I have enjoyed my time on the commission and feel I have been able to  make at least a small difference.

Second, if someone thinks that I would "sell out" to anyone, let along for a non-paid, volunteer position of extremely limited clout, then said person is beyond foolish.

The 2011 mayoral campaign between Shayne, Polacco, Ladin,and me started as most campaigns do.  We were all adversaries.  However, during the campaign, Shayne and I became friends.  We are actually very similar people. We grew up in old school political and catholic families.  As such, we view Kingston similarly.

In short, Shayne and I are friends.  If people do not like that, tough.