More on councilors’ override positions
May 29th, 2008 by Paul Leighton
Today’s Page One story in The Salem News points out that only two of the nine city councilors (John Burke and Pat Grimes) are saying whether or not they will vote for the override on Tuesday.
When we were asking councilors for their positions, a couple of them asked us if we had put that same question to selectmen in Ipswich, Hamilton and Wenham when those towns were facing overrides. We did not, but we didn’t have to. Selectmen in all three towns voted to support their overrides, so they were already on the record.
Here are some further explanations from councilors for not answering ‘yes’ or ‘no’:
Bill Coughlin: “I think it’s up to the people to decide what they want to do and I don’t think we should be interfering with what the public thinks. That’s why we put it on the ballot.”
Judith Cronin: “I’m one of four councilors who signed the order to put the override question on the ballot (along with Pat Grimes, Kevin Hobin and Wes Slate). This is a decision for the citizens of Beverly to make in good conscience because of the importance of the issues and its impact on education in Beverly. I will respect the voters’ decision.”
Tim Flaherty: “I think we did our job by putting it on the ballot. Our job was to let the people decide and we would not influence one way or the other. Let the people decide which way they want to go and we will not influence the process. The council has been careful not to get involved with the ‘yes’ camp or the ‘no’ camp.”
Kevin Hobin: “I voted to put the issue on the ballot and there’s a reason for that. The reason is it’s too big of an issue. It’s an issue that affects every family differently and it’s going to affect every city councilor differently. I don’t think it’s a decision that comes down to what your city councilor is going to do.”
Don Martin: “I’m not going to take a public position on the override. On this particular issue I’m going to keep my decision private. I think every individual voter has to make up his or her own mind. It’s a unique situation. I don’t think it makes a difference how any particular councilor is voting.”
Wes Slate: “I’m torn between representing an area that is really split with people that have been very supportive of me who are strongly in favor or against (the override). A lot of the kids that live in Ward 2 go to the Cove, so the issue’s been particularly strong among parents in the ward. Ward 2 is probably the most varied economically in the city, everything from the River House (homeless shelter) to multimillion dollar homes. I’m uncertain. I don’t see any other way we can generate additional revenue without (an override). The effect if it fails is going to be very dramatic. I’m like a lot of people. I’m trying to keep an open mind and listen to both sides. Beyond that I’m just another voter like anyone else. I don’t know that my position on it would make any difference one way or another with the way anybody votes.”
Maureen Troubetaris: “Quite frankly, I haven’t decided yet. But my vote really doesn’t matter. It’s up to the people.”
