Ok, I’m curious.

I wanted to know why someone who has been here 3 months would want to run for Newburyport City Council at Large?

Life is pretty hectic, and in an effort to put some “boundaries” around the blog and election stuff, I try and talk to folks who want to talk to me, either on my daily (I try) walk around town, or running into them at places like the supermarket.

Kathleen Ives (Katy) emailed me and asked to chat, and I said I would stop by on my walk one day and see if she was in.

I did and she was.

Katy is a bright, delightful and energetic young woman. Any place or city would be lucky to have her on board.

And, obviously the subject of being here, in Newburyport, MA, a short time came up.

Now, A) It’s pretty gutsy to come into town and decide to get that involved in your new place of residence, i.e. to run for Newburyport City Councilor at Large.

That says a whole lot about Katy Ives.

And B) that she most probably doesn’t stand a chance, says a whole lot about the city of Newburyport, MA and politics in general.

Name recognition… yes, sad but true, makes a huge difference.

And the old Yankee suspicion about anyone “new,” combined with the old Yankee attitude of “you pay your dues.”

Incase Katy Ives might not win a spot as Newburyport Councilor at Large, we talked about the different boards and committees in the Newburyport City Government where she could make a huge difference.

And just as a btw, It is my opinion that serving on a board or commission on the municipal level for 2 preferably 4 years is a good idea for anyone running for Newburyport City Council, because it gives a first hand understanding of how things are run on a city level in Newburyport, MA.

(I passed this thought onto one other candidate who was brand new to the political process as well.)

And while I’m on the topic… I believe the late Ed Molin (former mayor and Newburyport city councilor) once told a young man who wanted to run for mayor, that it might be a very good idea to serve at least 2 terms (4 years) on the Newburyport City Council before even considering running for mayor of Newburyport, MA.

Mr. Molin was a very wise man, and his very wise advice, I think, is still applicable today. Not one of our mayoral candidates has served on the Newburyport City Council. And in my mind, this is not a good trend. The Newburyport School Committee, although a good start, is simply not the same.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport