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Election Buck Stops on Saturday

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May 11th 2008

Election Buck Stops on Saturday, April 24

If the timing of the L. Knife & Son “up yours” public display did anything, it is a reminder of why the upcoming elections are so vital. On Saturday, April 24 we have the opportunity to turn out in large numbers to fill in the little ovals on the ballot card that could change the way business is done in Kingston. Certainly Knife showed no concern for what the result of their environmental tantrum might bring, and the question is why?

The answer comes from the mindset already exhibited by our leadership. Beginning at the top, you have a trio of Selectmen who control the shape of the board because they hold the numbers. Time and time again they work around issues, steer, evade and kiss the collective cheeks of the power brokers. There are too many private agendas in the second floor Star Chamber. Much of what happens is scripted in advance with little or no subtlety. In the old days, dirty politics was conducted in the smoke filled back rooms of government. Today, the “new wave” style is to do it on television with the lights on and an air purifier brought in when the deed is done. We have seen articles pulled from warrants, petitions not accepted, lawbreakers defended, committees running amuck, individuals ridiculed and a general sense that they are above the people they were elected to serve. We are needed during elections, so there is a 3-6 week period when we are courted and promised the moon.
We know that signs don’t vote, but where they appear certainly does tell a story. There are many such stories out there. Take the time and take a good look, then connect the dots.

Ed King’s Planning Board control is deeply troubling. He has managed to place himself as the “go to” guy for all the development proposals. The first glitch in the King armor was this week when he couldn’t “deliver” a positive vote for L. Knife. He does continue to broker “Plan B” for the beer moguls and that will come out shortly. His board needs to diminish his influence before he and his lawyer account for a third of new development. Do we elect development family member Rebecca O’Donnell to the Planning Board, make a gutsy, currently seated alternate, Penny Svenson a full member, or bring in Joel Michaud, a political outsider? The real question here is who can best provide a sense of trust and cut through the subtlety of where things are steered at the table.

The Sewer Commission seats represent a huge challenge. The Commission has been crippled of late with only one member. Our two selections will re-establish a working board. On the three-year side you have a division of concept. Mazzilli says Phase II of the sewer extension serves no purpose, Elaine Fiore says bring it on. Answer that question, add a touch of professionalism, and take your pick. On the two-year side you have a civil engineer and a former health board member. Alan Gifford has a quiet reserve about him, David Fitzgerald operates in high C; a study in contrasts.

The Treasurer’s position is about competence and trust. It is also about a part-time vs. full-time presence. John LaBrache is a mild mannered quiet man who is retired and sees the position as full-time. Ted Alexiades is already engaged full-time in Hingham, says the current staff would not require his full-time presence. He is not mild mannered and quiet. Here you have a real study in contrasts.

The Regional School Committee write-in race will see either John Creed or Laurie Doolan joining James Connelly. Creed is a well known veteran, Doolan an emerging presence. Both are engaging individuals, pick one.

Frustration comes in one-year intervals, the time between town elections. We can bellyache for that year, or savor the fruits of, first voting, and hopefully for the right person. Kingston is immersed in a full scale building boom. Good land is becoming scarce. When that happens we see developers promoting marginal lots. We rely on boards to do the right thing, what is within the best interests of the town. We already have too many people representing external interests. We need selfless, not selfish people. Look over the choices, vote for a more stable Kingston on April 24.

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