Decision 2008

I just came home from Bagel Central with my weekly standard, "everything" and cream cheese. I love this time of year. Leaves are turning, pumpkin cookies, crisp mornings, its all good. One cant help but notice the campaign signs on every corner. I know that technically the City has a R.O.W. for the little grass strip between the sidewalk and the roadway, but why does this give anyone the right to plant a campaign sign in front of my house? It happens every year. It used to be the annoying Stimpson family that constantly ran for office. They'd put a few up, and I'd take 'em down. This was a daily event, sometimes twice a day. I must be someone important for all the effort that they put into it. They haven't run for anything in a few cycles, so they must be out of signs. I've got about a few out behind the house if they want 'em back. This whole thing makes me think about elections. Like it or not, National. State, and Local elections all have an impact on our lives. So, here's my take on the big races....Nationally I dont know which way to go. I used to like McCain back about 8 years ago, but he's dragged himself down with W in my opinion. That leaves Obama. The young rookie. Can he do the job? We'll have to wait and see. In the State race its more of the same. Susan Collins, who I cant stand, and Tom Allen, another lazy bones from Portland who thinks he knows whats best for the rest of the State. Its a toss up for me. That put us at the State Rep race. Tom Sawyer is running as an independant for his old seat that Joe Perry took from him a few years back. Who's the republican in this fight? Certainly we can do better than these two idiots. Does Tom think we have short memories? When he last served he was one of the worst legislators as far as attendance was concerned. Seems he wanted the title 'Senator" but not the duties. Does Tom even live in Bangor anymore??? And don't get me started on Joe Perry. Please dont. My doctor warned me to stop thinking about his piss poor record. So at last we come to the City Council races. I'll back Dave Neally any day. Dave's not afraid to get the job done and doesnt mid kicking a little butt in the process. My boy Gerry Palmer is running for re-election this time around. Lord help us! The big guys latest grandstand was to attempt a sewer abatement for a new resident to Bangor. It seems this fellow was upset about getting a sewer bill (with his water bill) for the watering and hydroseeding of his new lawn. Gerry feels bad about that. Where have you been for the last 25 years Gerry? The City has been screwing people with this fee for years. And Pat Blanchette stating that this would be a dangerous precedent is so TRUE!! It would expose this rip off for what it truly is...A RIP OFF. The City knows damn well that the majority of water that is generated from hydrants for landscaping is taken up by the soil and does not find its way into the city sewer system or treatment plant. Thats a fact, yet the City hides behind a book keeping issue with sewer rates being calculated from water rates. Thats bullshit people. now I've digressed.....So get out and vote, or STFU.