A few, er, "fair and balanced" observations on the upcoming DTC primary (though few would accuse me of being fair; and everyone seems to agree that I'm quite unbalanced):
This primary has the potential to radically change the political landscape of West Haven for the politicians; but at the same time, it's likely that - whichever side wins out - some things will remain the same for everyone else.
You see, for the past 20 years, the Democrats have owned the only political horse in town. Registered Democrats comprise more than 60% of all registered voters, while Republicans are now less than 10%. Therefore:
You see, for the past 20 years, the Democrats have owned the only political horse in town. Registered Democrats comprise more than 60% of all registered voters, while Republicans are now less than 10%. Therefore:
The Democratic candidates are usually the winning candidates, and the Democratic Town Committee (usually) selects these candidates.
This is what the primary is all about...to the leaders.
Neither side has shown any desire to change the way our government is run. Both sides seem to think this is all about power...and the ability to decide who gets what City job or contract. In other words, the power brokers in both factions want to have the municipal plums all to themselves; but neither seems to accept the fact that West Haven's plum tree is barren of fruit and is dying.
In other words, the gravy train hasn't left the station; the trip was canceled for lack of funds.
Nonetheless, each side will continue to try to control whatever patronage is left (since that is all they recognize as their power base). In that way, it's likely that little will change. They'll play the games of the past...ignoring the realities of the present. And we - the taxpayers - will pay the costs of these games in the (near) future.
What will change is the makeup of the opposition in the general election. It's likely that the farce called "A Better Future" will cease to be a viable opposition (since - if victorious - their main backers will have no further use for this charade); and the "Republicans" will again be the holders of the minority seats.
While I won't shed many tears for the demise of ABF, nonetheless, this would be a loss for the voters. The Republicans have relegated themselves into irrelevance; West Haven needs a true opposition party...if for no other reason than to keep honest those in power. And I don't see the West Haven GOP becoming anything more than a Greek Chorus in our political futures...meaning there will not be any real opposition. And thus there won't be real change; ergo, West Haven will continue to be sapped by the politico's who have nothing to fear.
Democrats have to come out and vote in this primary...but they must also put the candidates on notice that things are going to change. The game has changed: the leaders better change as well.
Neither side has shown any desire to change the way our government is run. Both sides seem to think this is all about power...and the ability to decide who gets what City job or contract. In other words, the power brokers in both factions want to have the municipal plums all to themselves; but neither seems to accept the fact that West Haven's plum tree is barren of fruit and is dying.
In other words, the gravy train hasn't left the station; the trip was canceled for lack of funds.
Nonetheless, each side will continue to try to control whatever patronage is left (since that is all they recognize as their power base). In that way, it's likely that little will change. They'll play the games of the past...ignoring the realities of the present. And we - the taxpayers - will pay the costs of these games in the (near) future.
What will change is the makeup of the opposition in the general election. It's likely that the farce called "A Better Future" will cease to be a viable opposition (since - if victorious - their main backers will have no further use for this charade); and the "Republicans" will again be the holders of the minority seats.
While I won't shed many tears for the demise of ABF, nonetheless, this would be a loss for the voters. The Republicans have relegated themselves into irrelevance; West Haven needs a true opposition party...if for no other reason than to keep honest those in power. And I don't see the West Haven GOP becoming anything more than a Greek Chorus in our political futures...meaning there will not be any real opposition. And thus there won't be real change; ergo, West Haven will continue to be sapped by the politico's who have nothing to fear.
Democrats have to come out and vote in this primary...but they must also put the candidates on notice that things are going to change. The game has changed: the leaders better change as well.
It is up to US - the voters - to DEMAND that they do what we want...or WE will have to live with what they do.
If you don't vote...your tax rate is your OWN DAMNED FAULT! Don't waste anyone's time complaining about it
My point is: until every citizen in West Haven raises enough Hell to make the politicians take notice, nothing will change. The friends (of those who are in power) will still get their jobs on our tax dollars...and those who got their jobs from the previous regime still get their "state nickel". Whatever happens, The taxpayers (me and you) will keep paying and paying MORE...unless we act NOW!
It's time for US to shut down this patronage merry-go-round...and the only time to start is ...unless we're willing to pay more later.
Act now...or shut up and take it. Otherwise, you're stuck with me continuing on with this blathering blog!
OK?
It's time for US to shut down this patronage merry-go-round...and the only time to start is ...unless we're willing to pay more later.
Act now...or shut up and take it. Otherwise, you're stuck with me continuing on with this blathering blog!
OK?
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