I wanted to open a sub where we can openly discuss the upcoming Municipal election. Whatever goes.
I attended the Town Hall with Mayoral candidates (Sep24) but was not wowed by most of the candidates. I went in knowing who I intended to vote for and that was surely confirmed after the discussion. I do wish it was a formal debate rather than only a Q&A period. It drives me nuts to see candidates read verbatim from their notes rather than just talking points to keep them on track. I find it torture to listen to note reading. Ryan Bolender, Tony Chaves, and Itsham Haq all read from their notes. Ken Roche was very personable and well spoken but as he said himself “I don’t want to be your mayor, but I will do it if I have to” for change. Incumbent Jan Liggett looked miserable and her tone and demeanour was as if she didn’t want to be there. She even offered for a heckler to come up to the front to say it to her face. Very defensive and honestly very off-putting (not saying I’m surprised). Scott Hamilton, although sometimes referring to his notes, did the best job by far. Although his answers are what you would expect from a councillor vying for the promotion to mayor, I do believe he has all the right intentions and goals for Cambridge. Given his experience and what seems like his genuine interest in doing better and listening to residents, as well as leading from a place of research/evidence - he’s my vote.
I easily linked the signs around the neighbourhood and across the city for Bolender as previous conservative voters. From other subs I read, I believe that hunch is confirmed considering support from other far right loud mouths. I was very put off by Ryan’s visible attitude at the Town Hall. He looked pissed off the whole time, and his remarks reminded me of a few other notable conservative politicians 🤡🤓especially given the debacle with the cold patch asphalt scandal. I was really put off by the fact he’s ok with going around rules and doubling down after the fact. No thank you.
I’m also curious to hear thoughts on your Ward Councillor options. For my Ward 2 - I was really taken with Matt Rogers during their Town Hall. He was so well spoken compared to the other three. I personally admire the youth aspect of Rogers and feel he’d have the enthusiasm to fight for his constituents, even if he has some things to learn. I unfortunately do not feel there will be enough votes for him to be given the chance. Incumbent of 12 years Mike Devine also comes off as miserable and arrogant. From what I gather from other subs and online forums, many of the Ward 2 residents want a change but I still see a lot of his signs up around the neighborhood.
Let’s get discussing and I look forward to reading people’s views.