Editor: Since Mayor Chris Doherty’s opponent has seen fit to find fault with the mayor’s campaign slogan, I feel justified in calling to the public’s attention what I consider a misleading statement.
Mr. DiBileo touts himself as a mayor for “all the people,” (his italics- not mine). However, several months ago, I was surprised to see Mr. DiBileo approaching the front door of my home — surprised because I had a Doherty sign in my front yard. Because I hoped to avoid any unpleasantness, since I have known the DiBileo family for many years, I opened the door and said amicably, “Gary, you are working very hard.”
To which I received the surly reply, “Yeah, but it’s tough when a West Side Italian goes for a Green Ridge Irishman.”
With that, he abruptly turned away and left. I remained both stunned and affronted. I consider it an insult to my intelligence that anyone would expect that I would cast my vote for a candidate based on that candidate’s ethnicity despite a possible lack of qualifications.
I was stunned also that, after advertising himself as a “populist” candidate, he would demonstrate such a parochial attitude. I truly feel sorry for him that he so openly revealed his true feelings — that he is actually the opposite of a man for “all the people.”
How divisive is it to pit neighborhood against neighborhood simply for the sake of gleaning a few votes?
I have never before witnessed a candidate of this caliber, aspiring to the highest city office we residents can bestow.
I have voted in this city for more than 50 years and have seen many mayoral candidates, Republicans and Democrats whom I respected and admired — Schmidt, Wenzel, Connors, Peters, Hickey, Walsh, Hanlon, McNulty and yes, Chris Doherty. I did not necessarily agree with the philosophies of all these men, but no one can dispute their always polished and gentlemanly demeanor.
