News endorses White for state Senate

White for state Senate

    Raise high the roof beams! Climb to your roofs and yell it from the top of your lungs and the bottom of your hearts: William A. White for state Senate!
    The Somerville News has given its enthusiastic endorsement to White, R-Somerville, in his bid for the 2nd Middlesex state Senate seat.

     In our endorsement for the Democratic primary in the same race, we praised White’s opponent Patricia D. Jehlen for her 30 years of tireless advocacy for this city. She has truly been a leader who has always fought the good fight. Then, as now, we decided not to endorse her. Not because of any shortcomings in her record and campaign, but because of an exceptional opponent who deserves our support.
     That exceptional opponent is White.
     The important facet of White’s candidacy is not the R next to his name, but the eight years of public service behind it.
     As Chairman of the Finance Committee, White has skillfully guided the city through its recent financial hardships with an expertise that benefited each citizen.
    He successfully lobbied Governor Paul Cellucci for a 30% reduction in property tax for Somerville residents. Certainly, many families have White to thank for the decrease in their taxes and extra cash in their pockets. But the move was about more than money. It encouraged long-time homeowners to stay in the city, thus allowing the people who helped build the city into the dynamic urban community it is today to stay.
     It has always been about community for White. In 2003, when the first dramatic cuts in state aid sliced into the city, he held public hearings not only to inform citizens of the consequences, but also to learn their thoughts and ideas on the city’s budget.
     In 2004 when the controversial gang ordinance was dividing politicos and residents alike, White added a provision to the ordinance that called for the formation of a gang advisory board. The board would be made up of community leaders who may not agree with the ordinance and were encouraged to give their criticisms of how it was being implemented in the street. Again, the important thing for White was including every segment of the community in the decision making process and allowing each citizen to have their voice heard.
     In his eight years on the Board of Alderman, White has elevated his legislative skills to an art form. He never isolated himself and is willing to compromise with his colleagues in order to get the job done.
     The four democratic aldermen who have endorsed White (Maryann Heuston, William A. Roche, Walter Pero and Dennis M. Sullivan) did so at great political risk. They did not risk being removed from the democratic city committee because they were “friends” or because they wanted to gain favor with him. They did so because they have witnessed his effective, non-partisan methods over the past eight years and know he will continue his excellent work in the State House.      
     The district, and Somerville in particular, is in dire need of a skilled advocate. When decreases in local aid cut into every corner of the state in 2003, the 2nd Middlesex District was cut deepest. Somerville lost funding for police officers, firefighters and schoolteachers.
     With a frightening fiscal future looming, Somerville needs a leader who can utilize financial expertise and advanced political acumen to bring home much needed aid. That leader is William A. White Jr. and he deserves your vote for state Senator September 27.

Comments

[yawn]

This should make the difference. Has Pat Jehlen and the Democratic Party offered their concession speech yet?

[Jeff O'Connor]

Today I received some literature about White. I was undecided until this morning. Now I KNOW I will not vote for White. Thank you for making my choice so easy. Picking a handful of votes by Jehlen, with some out of context quotes, and saying how White WOULD have voted instead is a ludicrously weak argument and a terrible campaign tactic. Doesn't White have anything better than this silly type of attacks that don't even make any sense? From what I see there, Jehlen seems to have the guts to stand up to a sheepish majority on various issues. That's what many people would want.
I almost fell from my chair laughing when I saw that White would have proudly voted "YES" about keeping "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. First, it is not an important issue; with so many crucial issues we are facing, bringing that up simply indicates they really could not find anything else to fill the page. Second, it reveals where White would stand regarding church/state separation issues and tolerance: which God would that be, anyway? Certainly not Allah.
In any case, I said enough, thank you again for the very informative piece of literature.

[Chris]

I admit it took me a while to decide whom to vote for. I'm not cynical about White because he's a Republican, or because he got the good word from a few Alderman I have no respect for. I know both White and Jehlen care a lot about Somerville.

One important difference was White's support for Romney's health care plan, which seems to be just a give-away to insurance companies, and which Jehlen doesn't support.

As for the Aldermen not supporting White because he's a friend, here's a quote from Pero in the Journal:

"I've worked so close with Bill [on the Board of Aldermen] the past seven years," Pero said. "I just know him better than Pat."

I don't think it's a good enough reason just to know someone well.

[go-Bill-White]

Sure it’s easy to play Monday morning quarterback by sending out literature on someones past voting record. However, when questionable voting patterns exist you need to start questioning that person’s judgment. The votes don't lie! This was the problem Mr. Kerry had with last year’s presidential election. Not wanting to be criticized on voting pattens he almost never voted. Obviously, the votes don't lie. Go Bill White! Somerville leads the way once again!

[somerville]

I liked White's piece. Even if you didn't agree with how he "would have voted" it shows how these two candidates are different and may help voters on the edge of the democratic party go for White.

[Jeff O'Connor]

Well, if White did such a great job as Chair of the Finance Committee, what prevents him from continuing doing so? That is probably the type of job he's best at. I'd feel comfortable with White doing that, but not in the Senate, at this point. Unfortunately, that does not make me very comfortable with Jehlen in the Senate either.
Regarding the literature sent around, I'd say that if one has only one page to say what one has got to say, that one page should include the best argument possible. What I saw was very weak and unimpressive, at best. Let's face it: it was a poorly designed attack ad. Perhaps the folks working on his campaign don't get it, I don't know. Personally, I think the idea of mentionining God in the ad will prove fatal for White. Many voters are so sick of the use and abuse of the religious themes in politics by the Bush administration that they will vote against White just for that. I know I will.

[Jeff O'Connor]

Well, if White did such a great job as Chair of the Finance Committee, what prevents him from continuing doing so? That is probably the type of job he's best at. I'd feel comfortable with White doing that, but not in the Senate, at this point. Unfortunately, that does not make me very comfortable with Jehlen in the Senate either.
Regarding the literature sent around, I'd say that if one has only one page to say what one has got to say, that one page should include the best argument possible. What I saw was very weak and unimpressive, at best. Let's face it: it was a poorly designed attack ad. Perhaps the folks working on his campaign don't get it, I don't know. Personally, I think the idea of mentionining God in the ad will prove fatal for White. Many voters are so sick of the use and abuse of the religious themes in politics by the Bush administration that they will vote against White just for that. I know I will.

[Ron Newman]

Bill White is too gentlemanly to launch a true attack ad, so instead we get this feeble attempt. None of the five issues listed are specific to Somerville, Medford, or Winchester. The overall impression I got is "we're not that different, and I really had to reach to come up with this list."

Sorry, Bill. I'll be happy to re-elect you to the Board of Aldermen in November, but you haven't persuaded me to put you in the Senate instead of Pat.

[sledge]

Bill White is clearly more intelligent and thorough on the issues. What I want to know is why hasn't BIG MAYOR CURTATONE endorsed his Democrat colleague PAT JEHLEN.. They were buddies when they both help elect Provost and Pero, and the rest of those clowns.

Joe, pick a side and stop walking the tight rope. You will never go beyond mayor of somerville. Have some integrity and make a tough decison for once. Mark Horan and Warsh are on the way out..
That's the scoop...All because of Cape Cod???

[Floormaster Squeeze]

If White supports Romney's health care plans it shows he knows nothing about the issues (so, if he really is intelligent then he is simply an opportunist). Romney's plan is more than a giveaway to insurance companies--it is a giveaway to health care providers as well. We need to choose to take care of our health needs in the most cost effect way possible, not give money to already wealthy hospitals.

Each year our state legislators (Reps and Dems) alike give away money to powerful health care providers without any additional benefit to Mass citizens. In this context any cynical attempt to say one is "concerned with tax impacts on voters" is an obvious and huge lie.

[eury13]

I've said in the past that even though I'm a Jehlen supporter I have a lot of respect for White. I'm sorry to say that I expected more from him and his campaign.

This attack piece is standard Republican fare: distract the voters from actual issues with an attack that focuses on a small number of hot-button, out-of-context points.

In the Democratic primary many people commented on how clean the races were run. Issue-focused and positive. Sad to see that Bill White's campaign couldn't keep that going.

Of course, I don't know what I expected from a guy who gave $250 to Mitt Romney.

[moredemocrats]

Billy is all done in the annals of Somerville political relevance. He may spend $25,000 or more to keep the at-large seat. This will at least give him a reason to wear a shirt and tie- because we know his "law" practice does not require that.

BUT the fact is he and his fellow 4 alderman are now labeled with the big R tells us that each is essentially a political moron. In the real world, we know that Republicans are always going to support Rich people over poor and middle class- which DUH - puts them in about 1/100th of 1% of Somerville. Somerville is all after all- about the poor, the disenfranchised, and the struggling/ working class. Yes property values have raised the mix to more struggling middle class- but get a grip folks- only a dope or a wealthy person with a lot of unearned income votes for Bush, Romney, or any other Republican.

If White or the other 4 think they have a future in Somerville politics- give it a shot so we can laugh our assess off at you JACKASSES. Sure, you may keep your role on the BOA- then again, Bill White may not- which IF the voters are smart they will throw his little Republican ass out.

As for the Somerville News- the "self proclaimed" most widely read paper in Somerville- It always has and always will be about one thing a real estate rag- Whoever places an ad will get good treatment. I guess that tells you all you need to know about their endorsements policies. If you want one- slip them a few bucks and its yours- right Bill?

Here's a suggestion- if your a real Democrat send the Somerville News a message- and dont place any more ads.

This is really about class warfare folks- dont let anyone fool you.

[lessofdems]

I'm one of the struggling middle class folks who owns a house here and I wouldn't vote for Pat Jehlen on a bet! She has NEVER voted to LOWER the tax burden on anyone in Somervile. Her answer to everything is "if we just had a FEW CENTS more". Every tax cut is a pay increase, every tax increase is a pay cut. Did you happen to read the "non-endorsement" Pat got in the other paper. That tells me enough. Go ahead... take a chance on Bill... if worse comes to worse you can elect him out in 12 months. My guess is you won't want to though!

[Tax and spend]

Vote for Pat...she wants to raise the income tax over 6%, if she could. I love her. Not that I am for tax breaks, especially for rich people...but enough is enough. Keep the taxes coming Pat! We love them.

[services]

In fact, let's keep cutting taxes, because lord knows we don't need all these police and firefighters around Somerville. And the ones we do keep will be happy to work more hours for less pay with worse equipment.

[lessofdems]

Local Aid is a farce! The idea that we will get our share by sending money to Beacon Hill, let the tax-and-spenders go through and take their cut, and then make us BEG for OUR OWN MONEY back is a disgrace. I'd rather pay another $1000 a year across the board on my house taxes than pay the state income taxes. At least then we'd have a little more say locally and people might actually pay attention to who's really ripping them off! if we kept the money local instead of allowing those morons on Beacon Hill to launder it and take their cut we would have all the money we needed. Think about it. There are 13000 homes in Somerville. If every one paid another $1000 a year in LOCAL property taxes, instead of state income taxes (average $3000 a year), then we'd have 13 million extra dollars a year to spend HERE IN SOMERVILLE on SOMERVILLE POLICE, FIRE and SCHOOLS (local aid cuts were 12 million $). Maybe the current mayor's no bargain, but I'd as soon trust my local pols with the tax money before the idiots on Beacon Hill! At least I can reach them and the money is staying closer to home.

[services?]

If Pat Jehlen could file legislation to come up with alternative ways of increasing revenue than maybe we could level fund or even increase or services, but Pat doesn't believe in legislation or anything that would bring dollars to our city...Just tax the crap out of everyone. Love the progressives. Peace out dudes.

[Grog29]

I thought Bill White's recent mailing was brilliant.
It shows how out of touch Pat Jehlen is and has been with everyday working men and women. She works hard for
criminal rights and removing religion from the public square.
Hard to believe she is originally from Texas. I hope Bill White sends her "back to Texas". We need one less progressive radical in the Massachusetts StateHouse. Think your taxes are high now? Just wait and see what your taxes will be if we elect Pat
Jehlen!

[goodbyebilly]

Grog you must have authored the piece of crap White sent out. I hope for your sake you got paid in advance because Billy Boy is toast in Somerville politics.

Do you plan to be at Browning Road on Tuesday night? If so, dress for a funeral- (aka) the end of Billy's brief and yet so irrelevant political career.

He will lose Somerville 5-1 on Tuesday. And, the best he can hope for is that people don't remember in November.

However, I think we will still be laughing as Billy goes off into the fall finishing a respectful 6th (lol) and says- now what- I have to get a job?

Thanks to NITWITS like YOU Billy has ended his political career.

[Brittain33]

The idea that we will get our share by sending money to Beacon Hill, let the tax-and-spenders go through and take their cut, and then make us BEG for OUR OWN MONEY back is a disgrace.

Lessofdems, you should bear in mind that Somerville gets its own money back, some more than that from other, richer towns, and then we have to beg for even more of someone else's money. Trust me, switching from income taxes to property taxes would be a terrible disaster for Somerville. The Yuppies would be in pain and the long-time residents would have to sell out.

[Ron Newman]

Which public square did you want religion to be in? Davis Square? Union Square? Ball, Teele, Magoun?

[Independent in Somerville]

To all those who hate Bill's latest mailing:

All of the votes are true, right?

As an elected official, I believe Pat has an obligation to be judged on her record. If she can claim to have accomplished so much on Beacon Hill--though I still haven't heard very much--I think it is perfectly legitimate for Bill to point out how the two candidates differ.

It's only an attack ad if he misrepresented her position. Simply pointing out how she voted is perfectly valid. It's not his fault she chose to vote how she did on those issues.

[don't go to sleep]

Do you think that Bill White dreams of beating Pat Jehlen by one vote - like the last time he made a splash in Somerville? White for Senator? Sure. Jehlen romps home - anyone taking bets? Show me the money!!!

[Jehlen's abominable record]

When did pointing out a politician's record become an attack? That's how you campaign against an 'incumbent' on their record! If Jehlen could criticize any of White's votes on the BOA, she surely would! How can anyone justify voting against a safe haven for abandoned babies, or against victims and their families from being allowed at Parole Hearings??? I'd love to hear Jehlen's answer for that. She also wants minors to be allowed to get abortions without a parents knowledge or consent (and people on this site call the Republicans fascists!). I had to accompany my daughter and sign a form before she could get her ears pierced, and a doctor can't treat her for an ear infection without my OK!!

[Brittain33]

When did pointing out a politician's record become an attack?

Around the same time that pointing out what party a politician belongs to became an "attack", it seems.