Some Post-Election Observations: Dennis Martinek’s Letter To The Editor

Dennis Martinek

For those who were unable to read Dennis Martinek’s Letter to the Editor in Monday’s Southbridge Evening News, he has been good enough to provide a copy for O’Zone readers.

To the Editor:

First off, I would like to offer my belated thanks to all who came out to vote in our recent election, regardless of who you voted for. It was an outstanding and impressive turnout, and although I didn't win, I was able to have an enjoyable day with all the candidates and their supporters...it was somewhat of a party atmosphere, that proved to me that no matter how much we may disagree, we can do it politely, and even laugh, when we face each other face to face and just talk. 

Southbridge 2012 Town Election Results

Ken O’Brien

For Council it’s Moriarty, Peloquin and Clemence.

For School Committee it’s Donovan and McLoughlin.

Vote Totals

Southbridge Councilor McDonald Speaks Out

Ken O’Brien

As regular readers of The O’Zone know, we have frequently featured remarks by Southbridge town councilor Laurent “Butch” McDonald.

Last night he posted a comment on his Facebook page speaking out about an affliction that he feels is suffered by many people we all know.

Sympathetic as we have always been to the councilor’s views and requests we are complying with his stated wish to give wide circulation to his opinions.

His statement as it appears on his Facebook page follows:

The O’Zone Recommends

Ken O’Brien

Southbridge Town Election Campaign Alert

Ken O’Brien

Catch Dennis Martinek’s campaign videos which are being broadcast on Southbridge Cable TV channel 13 starting tonight at 7 pm and they will be rebroadcast on SCTV channel 13 at 7 am and 7 pm until the June 26^th town election.

Southbridge Town Council Pre-Election Charade

Ken O’Brien

I will have a more extensive review of last night’s town council meeting after I’ve had a chance to watch it again.

In essence it was an encomium to how wonderful everything is under the current regime, with the chairman’s and town manager’s announcement amounting to a defense of all their shortcomings. Clearly rehearsed appearances during citizen’s forum reinforced the “don’t worry, be happy” theme with which the leadership sought to lead into the final week before the town election next Tuesday. 

Clueless II: The Trailer

Not Appearing Anywhere Soon

A Quebec/Spinjelli Production

Martinek Releases New Campaign Web Video

Ken O’Brien

Clemence Redux

A Film by James Sottile

DiGregorio Announces Withdrawal From School Committee Race

Ken O’Brien

David DiGregorio announced his withdrawal from the race for Southbridge School Committee during tonight’s school committee meeting. Committee members John Jovan and Dr. Tanya Dominko were excused from the meeting. Their absence was unexplained.

DiGregorio filed his papers for the position just before the deadline and therefore his name will still appear on the June 26^th ballot. He failed to appear at the recent debate among school committee candidates and offered no explanation for his absence.

During the new business portion of the meeting, Mr. DiGregorio referenced his father as telling him, “Try not to screw things up.”

He went on to say that, after nine years on the committee, new candidates for the council offered new ideas, and he urged voters to support them.

Southbridge School Committee Candidates' Debate

Courtesy of Amelia Peloquin

Southbridge Town Council Candidates' Debate

Courtesy of Amelia Peloquin

Southbridge Democratic Town Committee Endorses Local Candidates for June 26, 2012 Town Election

Southbridge, MA – At their monthly meeting on Saturday, June 9, 2012, the Southbridge Democratic Town Committee voted unanimously to endorse the following candidates in the upcoming town election on Tuesday June 26, 2012: Eleven year incumbent and six-term Chairman John D. Jovan Jr. and newcomer Lauren McLoughlin for School Committee, Amelia Peloquin for Town Council.

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. All five precincts in Southbridge will be voting at the Southbridge Community Center, 153 Chestnut Street. The Southbridge Democratic Town Committee meets on the second Saturday of every month at the Southbridge Community Center, 153 Chestnut Street, Southbridge, MA. For more information please email southbridgedemocrats@gmail.com.

Open Thread on Town Council Debate

Ken O’Brien

The Town Council debate is over.

Did you watch?

What are your reactions?

Comment.

Open Thread on School Committee Debate

Ken O’Brien

The School committee debate is over.

Did you watch?

What are your reactions?

Comment.

Martinek Launches Campaign Web Video

Ken O’Brien

Local campaigning for public office has entered the 21^st century.

Southbridge town council candidate Dennis Martinek has released through his campaign website as well as YouTube the first in a planned series of campaign videos.

The animated power-point-like presentation focuses on the issue of Southbridge property taxes.