How I would vote.

Instead of “endorsing” candidates, I thought I would share how I would vote on Tuesday, November 2, 2007. (Note: This would be how I would vote, and what I would look for in a candidate. It would not be the only or right way to vote.)

Many of you who have been following the Newburyport Blog, probably already have a some idea who I would be hoping for.

My leanings would be towards folks “In the Middle” and “Progressives.” But that’s just me.

I lean towards folks who are for historic preservation, rather than folks who would be for “property owner’s rights” or “developers’ rights.” I would like to see more “overlays” to ensure that our historic assets, the engine of Newburyport’s economy, are not destroyed.

I’m a big proponent of Open Space and Affordable Housing.

I like to see the bills paid.

I would like to keep our downtown as “authentic” as possible, and see some sort of “economic overlay” for downtown that controls the number of chain stores, so that we do not become one more bland place to live and visit.

I’m for more park and less parking on the Central Waterfront.

I’m for a Senior Center at Cushing Park. (I think we have a community center at the Newburyport Library, a truly nurturing and an incredible destination.)

I have no idea what the solution could be for the conundrum of our schools. I am hoping for thoughtful and civil folks in all civic areas, to wrestle with that very difficult dilemma.

Getting the Crow Lane Landfill horror finally resolved (which I think everyone in Newburyport, MA would like to see happen).

And I look for folks who are not rigid in their approach. Who have the ability, although they might see things one way, to realize that a different approach could be more appropriate and helpful for the citizens of Newburyport, Massachusetts.

And I am also looking for folks who would understand that whatever issue they could be voting on, would impact in some way, all of the residents of Newburyport, MA (young, old, middle-aged, rich, poor and middle income people), and would make that part of their decision making process.

(Again, for more information on various candidates, please check out “Election 2007, Newburyport–Blogs and Websites” at the right hand side of the Newburyport Blog.)

Mary Eaton
Newburyport

(Editor’s Note: Tom Salemi on his blog Newburyport Posts gives you a chance to practice voting. He also has a great break-down of the candidates and what they are running for.

Tom also has a great idea for the most official version of who is running for what, and that is the information from the City Clerk’s office (PDF Version).)