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Editorials
Although the council member race has not been declared official, I would like to extend my congratulations to all Lancaster candidates, winners and losers, for taking the high road in their campaign efforts.
It is my understanding, from talking to those who received flyers/mailers that all candidates focused on the issues and abstained from the smear and fear tactics often present in campaign rhetoric and campaign adds. Knowing all the candidates running for the council seats and for the Highway Superintendent position, I expected as much.
So congratulations to the victors John Abraham (Council) and Dan Amatura (Highway Superintendent), to Scott Phillips and Jerry Burgin in their unsuccessful bids for Highway Superintendent and council member and to Ronald Ruffino and Georgette Pelletterie whose fates are yet to be declared.
The campaign trail
Several months ago, before and even after endorsements were announced, Democratic Party incumbents Ruffino and Abraham were quite confident they would be re-elected, especially considering the Republican Party was in the process of reorganizing and were late coming out of the gate. In fact, the Republicans even had a problem getting a candidate to commit to run for a council seat, especially considering the Party’s financial position. The newly elected Republican Chairperson, Georgette Pelletterie, decided to fill the slot.
Several months ago, no one ever thought that Burgin and Pelletterie had a ghost of a chance to win, much less gather the votes they did. Being out-numbered 2-1 in registered Democratic voters and not having the endorsements from any other Parties, their chances looked bleak. That is, until the candidates hit the streets and started talking to the voters. It was then they began to hear of the issues and resident concerns regarding the direction the town had been taking over the past several years. They, and the Democratic candidates likewise, were hearing one major complaint, namely, bring the town’s spending and tax rate increases under control. Roads, traffic, infrastructure, environment and other concerns were also made mention.
What’s your point, you may ask. It is simply that the closeness in count for the council member seat is a strong indication that the community is not satisfied with the status quo; that a new direction is warranted. Republican Party Chair and council candidate Pelletterie states the challenge was a great experience and has helped her gain insight into what residents want. The race should have also been a learning experience for the Democratic incumbents should they both be elected. The public has made it crystal clear that they have not given a mandate to preserve the status quo. They have all heard residents voice that they deserve better, that residents deserve respect and a voice, and that resident best interests need to be served.
Should Ms. Pelletterie win, she should well understand that voters supported her look to that “new direction” she champions. She will be held to the same standard as members of the other Party. This is now not about politics, but what the residents expect from their representatives.
What this town needs is a new third Party. Attempts have been made on several occasions over time, but has been squashed by the two entrenched Board of Election officials who like things just as they are and for one reason or another disqualified the submitted petitions. A third Party with a platform and qualified candidates that would energize and give reason for Lancaster residents who are dissatisfied with both major Parties and their whore minor Party affiliates to vote.
Council races
As of this writing Democratic incumbent Abraham has 3,371 votes, Democratic incumbent Ruffino 3,194, Republican challenger Pelletterie 2,958 and Republican Burgin trailing with 2,439. Because of voting machine glitches and uncounted absentee ballots, an official announcement may not take place until next week; if then. Should the contest be extremely close, the loser may call for a recount.
Highway Department race
With 88 percent of districts reporting Democrat Dan Amatura was leading Republican challenger Scott Phillips by a vote of 3,733 to 2,495.
How sad that only 22% of the Lancaster registered voters exercised their constitutional right to vote. If you didn’t vote, you really deserve the government you get.
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