On The Sly

With over 50 people packing the small room it was a standing-room-only crowd. I was happy about the nice crowd, but wished they'd chosen a larger venue for the forum. It was in the old City Court room, a place I once paid a ticket for driving too fast on Margaret Street. But that's another story about me and Officer Doyle Raffield.

As the crowd filtered in, I chose a seat at a table near a distinguished-looking gentleman that I didn't know. Within minutes I was sandwiched by Marcel Giroux on one side and John Giroux on the other side, both younger brothers of Joe. I hadn't seen them in many years and we chatted quietly. Shortly, we were joined by more of Joe's family, including his wife Carol and son Todd.

Several dignitaries were in the crowd, and, among them, I recognized Marty Mannix, Tom Sears and William Favreau. Frank Woodward came in wearing his trademark cap. And, of course, Bob Pooler of Hometown Radio WIRY. The local radio station was carrying the forum live. The audience ranged in age from 20s to 80s, and they quieted when Myra Decker stood at the podium.

There was an eerie quiet as Bob Pooler introduced the event to his radio listeners and waited for commercials to conclude. It was sort of like those tv timeouts they take at pro football games. The players and officials just standing around waiting for the signal to start the action.

During the fifty-minute forum both candidates answered questions submitted by the audience. The questions were screened by a panel from the League of Women Voters.
As you might guess, there were not many humorous moments. The County Treasurer's office isn't a funny place. It's where you pay your property and school taxes. That's not a funny subject.

I learned many things about the responsibilities of a county treasurer. I never realized that they invest our tax money, searching through several options on what might be the best way to get a better bang for the buck. I didn't know that our county raises 27 million dollars in taxes per year.

That sounds like a lot, but it wouldn't even pay A-Rod for a year! But that's another story!

During the forum the audience occasionally applauded one of the candidate's answer. I never applauded. That was on purpose. I didn't want to tip my hand about my vote on Tuesday. Sometimes when people clap at these events they clap extra loud to make it sound as though they are really five people clapping. That never fools me.

In her closing statement Kim thanked the audience for their attendance and mentioned that this is "not the most exciting race in the world." She's right, but I find it one of the most interesting ones in our local election.

Just as moderator Myra Decker was wrapping up the event a spectator interrupted her by requesting that the audience be able to ask further questions based upon something a candidate said during the forum. Myra graciously responded that this was not in the guidelines of the forum. The spectator persisted, but Myra stood her ground.

I applauded. It was my only applause of the night, and it was followed by a big ovation for Myra and the League of Women Voters. As I exited I shook Joe's hand and then introduced myself to Kim.

I left with a good feeling that there is a lot right with local politics in the North Country. Two very nice, very different candidates, running for one two-year job. On Tuesday I'll cast my vote for one of them. And, I hope you will take the time, no matter the weather, to find your polling place and vote for the candidates that you feel deserve the jobs they seek. Your right to vote is something to treasure!