One thing that I do disagree with you on is:

“they are wasting time, money & effort on petty posturing, character attacks and demonization”

It is the Barrie Comegys ticket that is engaging in that right now. I’ve worked hard to stick to issues and analysis. However, the Barrie Comegys ticket has thrown everything under the sun from outright lies, to gay bashing, to claims of marital infidelity.

Your comment is proof that they are at least partially successful in their attempt to mimic the national dems – attack your opponent in the most nasty way while screaming that the very same opponent is guilty of what you are doing. Civility?

Two years ago, Campbell proposed budget cuts that were designed to give both fire AND police personnel the raises they were promised without raising taxes or greatly reducing the Barrie Comegys tax increase. Last year they changed the rules so that Campbell couldn’t propose specific cuts. She usually offers a counter proposal to an administration policy that she disagrees with. You may not agree with her proposals, but to claim that she doesn’t put proposals out is disingenuous (to put it kindly).

As for other specifics, look at every time the city spends money. Campbell is ALWAYS questioning the wisdom and efficiency of expenditures. I don’t always agree with her views, but there is no question that she is ALWAYS looking out for the best interests of the taxpayers. Do you think that taxpayers should be subsidizing developers? If you do, then you’ll disagree with her. Do you believe that taxpayers should subsidize a CDC? If so, you disagree with her. Do you think that the city should push a North Prong plan that forces the current businesses out and doesn’t even make them part of the discussion? Campbell doesn’t. Personally, I’m torn on the North Prong. However, the city should make sure that ALL of the businesses can participate in the process.

The claim that Campbell is obstructionist is primary a little piece of political theatre put forward by Barrie Comegys. The administration put items on the agenda at the last minute and then when Campbell asks to postpone so that it can be considered in the light of day she is ridiculed and labeled obstructionist.

As for Boda, I think he’s a great guy with potential. Unfortunately, he has allowed himself to become a poster boy for Barrie Comegys. He argues for civility, yet compared Campbell (and people like me who agree with her on PAC-14) to a terrorist and murderer (Saddam Hussien). He has been drawn in to the rental debate and doesn’t have a clue about the issue. His arguments that 4-2 (4-3?) have broadened rentals in the city is specious at best. He has allowed his friends and allies to spread the most scurrilous trash I have ever seen. Some argue that he has even encouraged it. If you look at Joe Albero at his worst (about 3 years ago), it doesn’t even compare. Again, I want to give him the benefit of the doubt. Unfortunately, he’s not advocating the same positions that he was at the very beginning of his campaign.

As for Shanie, give me a break. I don’t know Cynthia Polk. I do know that she can’t be much worse and believe that she’ll be much better. Shanie is a mere rubber stamp for Barrie Comegys and SAPOA. Any attempt to bring safe, affordable housing to the vast majority of her constituents is fought. Simply look at her votes on Sassafras Meadows. They promised things that would specifically aid her constituents and then reneged. Shanie could have fought it and instead buckled to Barrie Comegys.

“We need to stop the negative attacks and special interest groups”
Yes, and re-electing Campbell would certainly help stop the SAPOA, perhaps the most dangerous special interest group in town.

“As for Boda – I liked Debbie – its just that she seems to easily swayed by others around her.”
Examples, please. What positions has she taken that were not better than the rubber-stamp positions advocated by the 3 Stooges?

“And Salisbury is not better off than it was when she took office.”
Agreed, but she is only one Councilperson out of five and is not Mayor. How is she by herself responsible for whether or not the City is better off? One Councilperson cannot defeat this embarassment of a Mayor nor her incompetent and equally embarassing gang of rubber-stampers. She’s put forth the better ideas, but the numbers have been against her.

“Shanie is the clear better choice as Polk seems clueless.”
Admittedly, I don’t know much about Polk, but Shanie the better choice? Better than what?! This is not meant as a backhanded putdown of you John, but YOU would be a better choice than Shanie. You would at least debate and discuss, while Shanie does little more than second motions and eat snacks.

“That’s how I see it!”
Apparently,we see this differently.