05/03/2024
This is a bit of a long read. Thanks in advance for taking the time.
We had another great sign wave yesterday. Thanks for all the honks and waves! And thank you to the ten or so folks who stopped to chat and pick up a lawn sign. I appreciate you.
We’ll be in the same spot on the 7th, 9th and 13th. Speaking of the 13th, I’d like to invite all of the candidates to join us. I think it would be great to have everyone there. After all, we’re competitors, not enemies. This election will be in our rear view mirror in just eleven days. Our challenges won’t. Our ability to rise up and meet those challenges will depend greatly upon our acceptance of the election results and our support of those chosen. I pledge to uphold this belief and hope other will too.
I’ve been asked many times who I would like to serve with should I be elected mayor. I thought it was fairly obvious. But, in case it’s not;
Ward 1 – Eddie Rousse. I’ve known Eddie for most of my life. We grew up playing flag football together in the North End. While our post high school years took us in different directions, we reconnected in the mid 80’s as we were both starting our careers and families. Eddie is a Rotarian and I’m a Lion (both fine organizations) and our old flag-football competitive spirt reignited. This time, the “win” was who could raise the most money for local causes. If someone is in need, Eddie won’t be out worked and he won’t quit. As one of seven children and having lost his Dad tragically when he was only seven, Eddie understands the importance of family (everyone’s, not just his) and relationships. He shows that every day. As a financial professional, Eddie processes information and numbers more quickly than almost anyone I know. The only thing deeper than his compassion are his community roots. Eddie is exactly the type of person needed to represent Ward 1 and move us forward.
Ward 2 – Michael Boutin for Barre City. It’s no secret that Michael and I have a serious bromance going on. I’ve served with Michael longer than I’ve served with anyone in city government. The only responsibility that Michael takes more seriously than representing his constituents is raising money for Barre’s children during the holidays. Simply put, Michael is the conscience of the city council. He always has been. Michael is quick to point out that partisan politics are impeding our progress and he’s not good at numbers. The former is absolutely true. The latter is not. Michael understands the math, calculates it quickly and knows the difference between a good idea and a poor idea. His institutional knowledge and recognition of recycled “new” ideas are invaluable as a city councilor. Michael has the soul and compassion of a kitten, but the heart of a lion. I hope the voters recognize Michael’s value and send him back for another term. They won’t regret it.
Ward 3 – Michael Deering II for Barre City. I’m pretty certain Michael has a twin brother, because it seems impossible that one person can be in so many places on any given day. Whether its spending time with his family, coaching and teaching young adults or advocating (constantly) for his constituents, Michael does it 24/7, 365. Michael’s ability to engage with people is nothing short of incredible. He’s a husband and proud father of five, who sets a great example for his children every day. Michael is an inspiring example of someone who refuses to be a victim of circumstances, tries hard to improve every day and tries even harder to help someone else improve. Michael quick to express gratitude for what he has, but thirsty for more. You don’t see that often. He’s incredibly prepared for every council meeting and shows up prepared to make decisions and move our city forward. Ward 3 voters have an incredible advocate in Michael Deering, II. He’s earned another term.
