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Barney Fife, Mayor Dan & Foxy
People in Mayberry often laughed at Barney Fife, but I didn't. I thought he was a pretty smart guy sometimes. My brother Goose has always been quick to point out that Barney always had a great way of dealing with certain situations. I think "the Barney Fife method" is what we need here. You see, a few days ago a blog reader commented that what with Mayor Dan Stewart having already announced that he will not be seeking re-election I should run for mayor. That idea was supported by another blog reader and then I received several private e-mails, one from as far away as Albany, suggesting the same!
Barney Fife's saying in situations such as this would be, "You gotta nip it in the bud! Nip it! Nip it! Nip it!" And that's what I'm doing now. Foxy Gagnon will not be running for mayor. I have known that for several years. I received an early education in politics from my mother. Many years ago, when Don Garrant was a County Legislator, someone in the Democratic Party asked me about running against him. You see, Don is a Fox Hill boy and so am I. We are both graduates of Our Lady of Victory Academy, although Don graduated several years before I did. In fact, he was the guest speaker at my high school graduation in 1966. He was the epitome of success and the pride of the good sisters at OLVA, and rightfully so. I guess that this one politician felt that Foxy Gagnon challenging Don Garrant was an election made in heaven.
I was even considering the possibilities until I told my Mom about running against Don Garrant. Her reaction was immediate. "You can't do that!" she shouted.
"Why not?" I wondered.
"Because I always vote for Don Garrant!" she replied. It became crystal clear to me in that moment. If even my own mother wouldn't vote for me in competition against Don Garrant, then I knew I had little chance of swaying the masses. Thus ended the political career of Foxy Gagnon.
And now, so many years later, when it is suggested that the retired Foxy would have time to run for mayor, I say "Nip it! Nip it! Nip it!" I can suggest several men and women in the community who would make excellent candidates for mayor. I have no doubt in my mind that the lessons taught by Barney Fife and my Mom should be my guide. Personally, I think Mayor Dan should stay and win re-election. Or, maybe Don Garrant should run for mayor. I know he'd get my Mom's vote!
Comments
i totally agree with dkmc and their comments. if someone ....male or female chooses to enhance their haircolor....what difference does that make. i personally know alot of men who color their hair......let`s all give each other some respect and forget about who colors or not! have a great day...
Posted by: punki | January 14, 2006 9:21 AM
As a close family member of Don Garrant, I would like to set the record straight (and I know for a fact) that he has NEVER and would NEVER dye his hair to hide gray hair... In fact, he has always looked very distinguished in grey hair. So, why would he ever think of doing such a thing.
Now that the "record" is set straight on that one, let's move on to the political arena that Don had been extremely successful in for several decades. Foxy was very gracious in his comments about Don and rightly so, if anyone cared about the people that he represented, Don did!!! Don's roots began in Fox Hill and at OLVA where he thrived as a student and an individual.
Don is a person who is highly respected by many people and first and foremost by his family.
If we need to defend him in this Blog internet arena then there are many of us who would do so in a minute.
As one of my family members always says, look for the good in people... And you will be amazed at what you find. Isn't that what this Blog area is all about?
Posted by: Dkmc | January 13, 2006 9:48 PM
If I lived in Plattsburgh still, I would never vote for Don Garrant for this reason... Back in 1997-98 during my one year of both Heaven and Hell at the WIRY news desk after the departure of Gordie Little, I of couse worked the political beat. Don was running for his county seat and I noticed one thing that struck me right away....at the start of election, he had dyed his hair to remove the gray. All of us reporters noticed it, it was so obvious, and sooooo fake. Integrity must go down the bone, it galled me so that I remember it, even 8 years later. Kudos to Chris Ortloff who stopped dying his hair not too many years ago, that shows personal integrity.
Posted by: Scott Dosztan | January 11, 2006 9:48 AM
I also think Mayor Dan has done a great job as mayor. However, with the latest tax issues that will soon be upon us, we've reached the point where we need someone who won't be afraid to tighten the city's spending belt. I suggest we consider another former councilman, former St John's athletic stand out, the one, the only...Donny K
Posted by: the carver | January 11, 2006 8:19 AM
How would I vote for you both? I'd get somebody to sign over their absentee ballot. Oops, that's been done already. Maybe rent a home in a one of your wards. Not, that's if I'm running for office. I'm so confused!
Posted by: J | January 9, 2006 11:09 PM
That's "Bullet"with a capital B, and yes I am a "LOCAL". I grew up following the golden 60's with the great basketball teams in the Greater Plattsburgh area with the OLVA teams of Carl King, Richie Daul, Ron McGee, The phenomenal class of 65 at PHS, Burns, Yelle, Rowlson, Key. The dominant power teams of MAI with Seon, Wells, Dandrow and who can forget those great guards at SJA, O'Connor, Hayden and I always forget that third one, it starts with a "W". Willie something or other. I was just a punk kid, but I lived for those Tuesday and Friday night games and if I couldn't see them live than I had either Sidney "J" or later Mike Mannix to thrill me with their rendition. Great memories of great people.
Posted by: "Bullet" | January 9, 2006 4:06 PM
Foxy, now that i'm on the road again I am gonna comment on your blog, do not run for mayor, run for governor! the fox will run all the way to albany! (haha)
Posted by: Bryan Benway | January 9, 2006 2:30 PM
Well Foxy, I guess "FOXY FOR MAYOR" has really caused a stir. I just thought with all your new found, shall we call it free time, maybe for the good of the community and all... Well if we can't keep Dan, as we would all like, try never to close the door on the idea. I believe I learned that in a classroom at Stafford Middle School years ago.
Posted by: Angela Jennette(Reyor) | January 9, 2006 11:40 AM
J,
You'd vote for both of us?? How would you do that since we live in different Wards? Do you know of a voting scam going on in the city? Maybe I could be elected after all- think about it.
Posted by: W | January 9, 2006 9:14 AM
W,
I think you are wrong about Foxy running for mayor. The candidates have probably been selected by their parties by now. But I do think both of you should run for the Common Council. I'd vote for both of you!
Posted by: J | January 8, 2006 9:48 PM
If I ran unopposed for Mayor, I’d still vote for the other guy. Unfortunately that’s how most elections go- having to vote for the least objectional candidate. Foxy, you could change all that.
And who’s this ‘bullet’ guy? He doesn’t sound like a ‘local’. I bet he didn’t even have a nickname when he was younger- think about it!
Posted by: W | January 8, 2006 8:55 AM
Foxy,
I've got an idea who can run for mayor. How about your bloggin buddy "W'. He's got a lot of opinions!
Posted by: "Bullet" | January 7, 2006 11:51 AM