If you voted yesterday you know what I mean as you approached the Community Center...raw wind, cold, just plain nasty. I spent a little time in the Clark tent, I have to hand it to all the candidates, it was miserable out there.
Speaking of miserable, Pat Botbyl had not a great day politically. By 8:52 last night the count was in, Clark 353, Botbyl 274. From my perspective it was a royal butt kicking, Botbyl was a two time incumbent with the political high ground, but it was not to be. Clark ran a good campaign, had a coalition of people working on his behalf. 56% of the voters didn't buy Botbyl's look at me, I'm so pretty bragging about all his accomplishments. He alienated the Board of Aldermen beginning his second term and things went downhill from there. Not taking anything away from the Clark campaign but Pat has to look in the mirror this morning and realize it was his to lose...and lose he did.
The last minute McGovern campaign on the East was a flop, with Tanya getting over 73% of the vote. Some feel the Botbyl/McGovern alliance actually subtracted votes for Botbyl...remember Finn is a popular figure on the East Side and has vanquished other challengers. The challenge to Finn might have energized her base and pulled in votes for Clark as well. I think the McGovern write-in backfired for Botbyl...oh well.
The West side race is fascinating. Hoy wins 179 to 175 for Carlson. Razor thin. I don't know if a recount is in order but I am sure Carlson is disappointed. The Hoy name, of course, is recognizable by many on the West side, Britt is a relative newcomer in West Ridge. I hope Britt considers future opportunities at WL, he would be a great addition. Mr Hoy finds himself on the Board without his benefactor Botbyl or colleague McGovern. I know he tried to campaign on being "neutral"...but if you were paying attention yesterday, he quite clearly was standing with Botbyl and McGovern at the CC. I am hoping he puts aside all of that and works to make the next two years productive for WL.
Steve has plenty of issues to tackle, priorities to set. I know he sees it as a team effort with Aldermen and City staff. A preview of what is to come was demonstrated last night at the watch party. Someone asked for a pic of Steve with his election sign. He refused unless others on his "team" joined him.
The cold winds might have been blowing...but with them a breath of fresh air.
2 comments:
It might benefit Mr Hoy to stop tooting his horn about his life accomplishments and take note of the needs of WL citizens as a public servant. May also consider a dip in O-Cove after the WLIC treats the cove with truth serum...no political connections?
It will be interesting to see if he plays nice with the Mayor and his fellow Aldermen.
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