We’re sorry to be posting this at the last minute. It
has been a hectic time for many of us. We hope that you and all of your
loved ones are safe and doing well.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 12, there will be preliminary
elections for Worcester’s non-partisan municipal contests in Districts 1 and
5. We live in District 5 which consists of Wards 7 and 9, currently
represented by Gary Rosen. There are three serious and active candidates
in this race. After tomorrow’s vote the top two vote getters will
continue on to face one another in the general election in November.
Over the past few years we have been flattered to have had many
friends, neighbors, and colleagues ask us to share our recommendations
regarding candidates for public office. We are proud to be unusually
active in many political campaigns and we spend a great deal of time learning
about the candidates and their views. We understand that you probably
haven’t asked for our opinion at this time. You are, of course, free to
ignore this, to follow our advice, or to go in the exact opposite
direction. We are willing to discuss our opinions and we certainly will
continue to love and respect those whose judgment comes down differently.
We do think that it is important to vote as the turnout tomorrow is expected to
be low and the stakes are high.
Our views are quite obviously shaped in large part by our values
and ideology. We care about the city of Worcester, about the nature of
debate on important issues, and about the full and equitable inclusion of
voices of all our neighbors. At this moment in time, as President Trump
continues to speak, tweet, and act in ways that are very concerning to us, a
candidate’s posture regarding Trump and his supporters is overwhelmingly
important to us. We need leadership at every level, inside and outside of
government, that will stand with those who are targeted, that will rise in the
prophetic tradition to speak truth to power.
We have heard good things, that they are sincere, good
neighbors, hardworking, and nice people, about Matt Wally, Paul Franco, and
Doug Arbetter. We have donated to, assisted, and will be voting for Doug
Arbetter. We strongly urge you to join us in voting for him
tomorrow. Here’s why.
Doug Arbetter stands for much of what we believe in. Like
us, Doug’s role model and hero on the local political scene is Jim McGovern,
for whom he once worked. He is young and bright, part of an emerging
generation of leaders that as a whole fill us with optimism even in these
troubling times. He is an unabashed progressive Democrat who has already
demonstrated his willingness to stand up for communities at risk. He has
earned the endorsement of Mass Alliance, a coalition of political and advocacy
groups including labor, environmental, women’s, pro-choice, and LGBTQ
organizations. If elected, he will be an excellent city councilor and a
reliable vote for Mayor Joe Petty’s block on most issues.
Paul Franco has previously run unsuccessfully as the Republican
nominee against both State Senator Harriette Chandler and State Representative
John Mahoney. He is a leader in the local Republican City
Committee. The GOP City Committee is led by City Councilor Michael
Gaffney. Many of us believe that Gaffney is a very harsh, intolerant, and
divisive voice, a leader who plays to the cheap seats, who demagogues issues
and supports President Trump. Franco may be a nice guy but in politics
you are accountable for the company you keep. Franco is an enthusiastic
supporter of people who coarsen our civic deliberation and who promote policies
that harm some of the most vulnerable members of our community. If
elected, he will be a reliable vote for the Gaffney block on council. We
would be horrified to have him representing us.
Matt Wally ran unsuccessfully for City Council as an at large
candidate two years ago. He impressed us then even though, then as now,
he was not a top choice candidate for us. He is a Democrat and stands for
many things that are important to us. He has worked in the non-profit
housing sector and now works to assist a bank in meeting its community
responsibilities. We believe that he would make a good city councilor if
elected.
If you think you live in this district but are not sure, you can check your district and your polling place by going
online to wheredoivotema.com. Polls are open from
7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. You should feel free to forward this message or
otherwise share it as you see fit.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Margot Barnet and David Coyne
