Vote Doug Arbetter for District 5 City Council Tuesday, September 12

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