Elections are over!
Yes, elections are over and now I can talk. No, nothing earth-shattering; just little things that caught my attention for the past few months and I didn’t want to criticize them so it wouldn’t be considered an attack. We have tried very much to stay away from the appearance of supporting any candidate and I certainly did not want to do the opposite. I worry that future generations will judge today’s Latino population of Lawrence based on the material we leave behind at the Lawrence History Center and political material never fails to amuse me.
For example, Maria De La Cruz had an ad saying “Your vote is my vote.” I’m still trying to figure that out. Wendy Luzon had something similar, “A vote for me is a vote for you.” More upsetting is the literature sent out by candidates poorly spelled or blatant error. What would future generations think of us? We are trying to tell them that Lawrence was inhabited by highly skilled, well-educated professionals; we hold an international book fair annually yet, we are lacking a public relations or advertising firm that could handle what is made public.
There were funny moments, too. Although we complained about the personal attacks on the radio and the lack of respect given to candidates and their supporters, at times I had to laugh. A couple of days before the big day, Fifi Garcia (a Dan Rivera supporter) said on her program on WCEC 1490 AM that she was going to do a survey among the listeners. When she started receiving calls praising Mayor Lantigua’s work she said, “Why don’t they call their own programs?” I still chuckle when I remember that. I know I’m going to lose friends because of these comments. It happens after every election period. I guess some politicians don’t really have thick skin.
Amesbury: Another Lawrence?
A similar situation is taking place in Amesbury with Mayor-elect Ken Gray and Mayor Thatcher Kezer preparing for a recount. Gray won by 2 votes. The Secretary of State’s office is involved there just like in our city. Mayor Kezer also has until November 15 to decide if he wants the recount. The recount will include counting all ballots cast for all the candidates for mayor, blanks cast, all spoiled and unused ballots, and absentee ballot envelopes and applications.
Veterans’ Day
Another Veterans’ Day that goes forgotten. We had a problem in Lawrence some years ago regarding the observance of Veterans Day and Memorial Day butit seemed to have improved recently. Apparently, Jaime Melendez, the director of Veterans Services in Lawrence has become too comfortable in his position.
And speaking of Jaime…
I was surprised to see him on the pictures in front of City Hall when Mayor-Elect Dan Rivera held a press conference. He was applauding and voicing his happiness yelling “Yeah!” like all other supporters. Of course he’s entitled to choose and support anyone. I said I was surprised considering that Lantigua gave him his job and his mother was Lantigua’s campaign manager.
