Well Done, Keyport !!!!!

The recent elections have served up mixed reviews and I will leave the interpretation of those statewide results to others to somehow surmise for digestion.

However, here in Keyport we had our first election since the sentencing of our former mayor, John Merla (elected as a Republican) on the reduced (from the original 8) one count. If the results of the council race here in town is any indication, the town is ready/has moved on and rightly so.

In the hours prior to the results being known or tallied, I met John at the Keyport Republican outpost for election night and we shook hands, with the understanding that what is past is past, atonement by him with regard to his sentence to be carried out and once done, that we’ll take from there.

Democrat George Walling, was the big winner of the night, despite disarray in his own party about what measure of support he enjoyed from those who would seek to “control” every issue or discussion.

The fact that a Republican, John Kovacs, won and thus became the lone member of his party to be on the new 2008 council is a refreshing reminder that the 2-party system is alive.

Knowing both of these gentlemen, I believe the electorate sent a clear message that they want straight-shooting, open minded individuals who will really listen, who will respect those who might have a different view rather than attempt to brow beat or look down upon them.

These two gentlemen know how to check their egos at the door and they understand the concept that they do not have “power”, but rather responsibility. That the authority these positions supply is something that is best kept in the back pocket and used only when every good faith attempt at reaching consensus has been exhausted.

Well done, Keyport!!!