This article appeared in The Standard-Times on May 24th, 2005.

Standard Times Opinion Tuesday May 24, 2005
Energetic leader can stop the drift
By John K. Bullard

With nomination papers being taken out for mayor and other local positions, it is officially election season for New Bedford. Given the impact that local government has on our lives, we take these elections very seriously.

Serving as mayor of the city of New Bedford is not anyone’s idea of an easy job. Its challenges are relentless, its pace is all consuming, criticism is frequent and loud, praise is a whisper. The compensation is not found in the paltry paycheck but in the honor of service. We owe a debt of gratitude to anyone who serves us in this office. Certainly that is what I feel toward Mayor Fred Kalisz. Fred Kalisz has worked hard. In addition, I happen to like Fred Kalisz and his family. They are good people.

But that debt does not mean I owe him a vote. Loyalty is a quality to be admired and encouraged. But in this election, my highest loyalty is to the city of New Bedford.

So reluctantly and with some sadness, I conclude that it is time for a change. For the first time I won’t be voting for Fred Kalisz.

It’s not just a disagreement on some issues, though I disagree with him on many. I would have supported a wind generator at Fort Taber to help power the sewer plant. I would have supported expanding the airport in a northeasterly direction. I would have supported Superintendent Michael Longo’s plan to close the four elementary schools. I would have tried to make the Fairhaven Mill the face of New Bedford, not Home Depot. Heck, I’m for clean needle exchange and gay marriage. I don’t expect anyone to agree with me on all issues. But leadership with integrity means that you are concerned more with what is right than what is popular.

No, there are three other fundamental reasons that I think it’s time for a change. The first is that I think the city is drifting in some important areas and we need energetic leadership from the mayor which we’re not getting right now.

The first area is neighborhood security. Despite almost 20 years of community policing and more police to do it, too many of us either are victims or feel like victims. We feel we are not in control – the criminals are. The second area is education. Only 10 percent of us have a college degree. That appalling statistic is in part a legacy of past. But a persistent 35 percent drop-out rate is an omen for our future. Both these issues require energy, good ideas, and leadership that gets us all involved. Right now, we’re not getting that leadership.

The second reason I’m changing my vote is that I think the mayor must be fiercely independent and accountable only to the people of New Bedford. My contacts from the mayor’s office on matters of fund-raising have come exclusively from Biff MacLean of Fairhaven.

And on other matters it always seems to be George Leontire of South Dartmouth who is speaking for the mayor. So when I read that the city awarded a contract for the construction of Sea Lab to the high bidder at a cost of $200,000 more than the low bid which came from a respected local builder, I see influence at work and I don’t think the mayor has the public’s interest at heart. And as I wrote in an earlier piece, when George Leontire is both the developer of a property like Fairhaven Mills and wielding his enormous influence over the mayor and others charged with protecting the public’s interest in reviewing this proposal, I think it is a fair question to wonder where the mayor’s loyalties lie.

When I raised this issue in the paper before, it didn’t take long to get a phone call from George Leontire which I can only describe as an attempt to intimidate. He mentioned how he has sued other who have criticized him. He mentioned how he will make me the issues in the upcoming campaign. Well the issue isn’t me. The issue is whether the mayor has the fortitude to stand up to self appointed power brokers and influence peddlers. I think on this score Fred Kalisz comes up short.

The third reason I’m changing horses is that I think there is someone who can do a better job and that is Matt Morrissey.

For me, Matt represents the best of New Bedford. From a North End New Bedford family, Matt is a product of local schools and shows in his life story the promise of our future. Like so many who saw in UMass Dartmouth the hope of a college education, Matt got his degree there and has spent most of his time since, in working to ensure that UMass Dartmouth can be the avenue to opportunity for the people in his city.

At a time when the mayor has gotten tired and complacent, Matt has the energy, ability and vision and the will that we need now. If you spend some time talking with Matt, then I think you will come to the same conclusion I have – it’s time to pass the baton.

Mr. Bullard of New Bedford served as mayor from 1986 to 1992. He is now president of Sea Education Association in Woods Hole.

This article appeared in The Standard-Times on May 24th, 2005.