From My Corner: September 15, 2018

Picking a fight with Galvin

Mayor Dan Rivera’s actions seem to be so arbitrary that he continues to surprise me with decisions that only seem to aggravate his relationship with Secretary of State William Galvin.

Secretary of State Galvin just declared this week that he’s intervening in the Elections Department to insure that the November elections go according to the law once Richard Reyes leaves, being the only one knowledgeable of how it should work.

When the news broke about Secretary Galvin taking over Lawrence Elections Department, Rivera was interviewed by WBUR Radio and he said that he is “happy

Galvin is involved.” He added that, “The secretary is showing incredible leadership in a really tough situation where the votes are that small,” Rivera said. “That they are providing resources to communities like mine is 100 percent welcomed.”

I don’t understand Danny’s rationale provoking anger in someone who can make things difficult for him and for the city. He is treating Mr. Galvin the way he operates with DPW workers and parking lot attendants.

It was not bad enough that he campaigned for his Democratic opponent Josh Zakim, now that Galvin won by a big margin state-wide, he is welcoming Anthony Amore, his Republican adversary in the November elections.

He may call himself the CEO of this farm but doesn’t realize that he has superiors, too. There are people in government to whom he must answer so, I assume that he is overconfident with his support from Governor Baker.

Galvin is also watching the Elections Department in Lowell because “There were administrative errors in the processing of primary ballots and tallying of results,” according to the interview with WBUR.

Although Galvin’s office said that there were no issues with the ballots in Lawrence, it would be so wonderful if he conducts an investigation on the absentee ballots! Every election period my fear of cheating lies with the absentee ballots.

In the end, I am cynical enough to believe that nothing will come out of it. They are politicians playing a game of power where we are just the pawns and no one really cares to find the truth of anything or do justice.

Remember that this is just revenge to the “I made you mayor” comment when Danny revealed a private conversation he had with Galvin.

There is a rumor going around that he’s leaving in January (or sooner, I hope) and if so, he didn’t have to create this mess with the Elections Department for someone else to fix.

Exploiting titles

In this country, after winning an election politicians are referred to as President-Elect, Senator-Elect, State Representative-Elect, Mayor-Elect, etc. until the day they are sworn-in. It isn’t just misleading but boastful.

Just imagine if, after all the celebrations, there’s a candidate willing to run a sticker campaign in November and throw him off his horse? It can happen!

Jo Comerford, write-in candidate for the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester State Senate district, won the primary, earning 14,196 write-in votes, or 53.55% of the vote in a record-turnout primary. The campaign lasted only 100 days. She ran against Steven Connor and Ryan O’Donnell.

Any ideas for State Representative?

Tribute for Frank Benjamin

Bill Benjamin, Frankie’s son, is planning a memorial for Mr. B on October 13 at the British Club from 2-6 pm. In the next few weeks we will continue reminding all of his friends and give you more details.