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The endorsement conundrum
Posted on May 3, 2007 by kraus2686
Filed Under Clinton, Elections, Newsroom news, Noah's posts |
As an editor, making an endorsement is never easy — it involves a lot of thought, procrastination and a fair amount of indigestion. Some papers just skip out on the process altogether. I’ve always been a firm believer in them, however.
Probably more than your average citizen, newspaper reporters and editors see first-hand our politicians at work. We cover their meetings, follow their ups and downs and ultimately try to keep an eye on their decisions as they relate to the general good of the public. It seems sensible then, that the folks that do this should take a moment to say, “hey, this is who we think might do the best job.”
This year, the Times & Courier endorsed Greg Stahl and Steven Mendoza for two open seats on the Board of Selectmen. I can tell you, however, that such endorsements are never an easy decision. In fact — and here’s your Behind the Headlines moment of the day — I can tell you I was still deliberating right up to the point of writing it. Many endorsement letters newspapers receive are somewhat polarizing — one candidate is the salvation of the town and the other spells its doom. I think the world is much more gray than that. Each candidate in this year’s race brings some positive attributes to the table. And no one has a crystal ball to see exactly what those candidates will do with their three years in office if they win. Last year for instance, the Times & Courier did not endorse Anthony Fiorentino. Yet, in the view of this editor, Mr. Fiorentino has performed admiraly over the past year. He has proven himself to be a sincere selectmen who cares very deeply about trying to make the right decision for the town on each vote he is faced with.
Why don’t we endorse other races?
At www.clintonmass.us, School Committee candidate Tracie Perkins asked why we don’t endorse other races. Sometimes we do. The selectmen’s race is by far the one that typically garners the most attention. This year’s School Committee race includes Christine M. Quirk, who is an employee of Community Newspaper Company and editor of our monthly publication MotherTown. Given the connection, we did not think it appropriate for us to endorse in that race. The four ladies running — Christine, Tracie, Mariah Hunt-Legare and Tena Zapantis, however, have been very active in engaging voters at www.clintonmass.com. If you haven’t been following along, you should definitely take a look before heading to the polls.
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2 Responses to “The endorsement conundrum”
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In making a decision to endorse a candidate , did the Courier follow Kevin Haley around to his various civic activities? Mr, Haley is an active member of the Clinton Hospital/UMASS Memorial Board of Trustees, a member of the Clinton Hospital Foundation, a member of the Rotary Club and incoming President for the ‘07-’08 term, a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, a member of the B.P.O.E. Clinton Elks, a former member of the Wachusett Chamber Board of Directors and a former member of the Worcester Chapter of Junior Achievement. Kevin Haley has given tirelessly to support each of these civic organizations and he will do the same if elected to the Clinton Board of Selectman.
Further, Mr. Haley is well respected in the banking industry and is currently employed by Flagship Bank as Vice President of Commercial Lending. His professional experience of twenty five years will certainly enable Kevin to make the difficult decions that need to be addressed. Kevin is level headed and he will listen to all sides of an issue, analyze the economic impacts, and work collaboratively with all parties involved to reach consensus and a solution.
Kevin is very appreciative of his successes and is always willing to help others in need. For example, I urge all Clintonians to ask the residents of the Water Street Elderly Project on Kevin’s genorosity. When going door to door, Kevin was approached by some Senior Citizens of the Water Street Project to have a new picnic delivered. Kevin quietly ordered and paid to have a picnic table delivered for the resident’s enjoyment.
Kevin Haley is man of great character and I urge all Clinton voters to consider Haley for Selectman.
Thanks, Bruce. From what I know of Mr. Haley everything you say about him is true. Although he did not end up receiving our endorsment, this town could do far worse than Kevin Haley.