There are less than six weeks to go in the campaign for East Boston's open state rep seat, and it appears that Carlo Basile is running the best campaign so far. I’ve received a mailing and several flyers from the Basile campaign, his web site is the best looking and easiest to maneuver, he’s got several union endorsements, and the July issue of Eastie Latino magazine has a big cover story on the candidate. I’ve been told that the Basile campaign has a well-respected Latino managing its inroads into the neighborhood’s Spanish-speaking community.
The Basile web site does have an “On the issues” pages, but besides vigilance against Massport and opposition to casinos in East Boston, we are told that Basile “will continue to be diligent about issues that matter” to us. There is no discussion of his positions on education, healthcare, public safety, taxes, same-sex marriage, auto insurance, etc.
The same is true for Drago, who has a page on his site called “Press releases,” which is empty. From the start, Berninger’s site has listed her thoughts on a number of topics under the headings “Issues” and “Positions,” and she deserves credit for that. Mota recently added an “On the issues” page that outlines her thoughts on the areas most important to her.
So it appears that the two candidates generally recognized as frontrunners -- Basile and Drago -- are the least eager to share their points of view with the electorate. One way that voters can learn what the candidates think is a debate, which I’ve heard a whisper about from one of the campaigns.
On a final note, it seems that there may be a Republican opponent for the winner of the Sept. 25 Democratic primary. I’ve been told that a woman named Jacqueline Smith was gathering signatures in the neighborhood recently. The deadline for submitting the names was Tuesday, so we should know soon if she made it on the ballot.
282 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 282 of 282Chris, you are not helping Jeff Drago at all. Everytime you write in his defense you make him look more foolish.
In an earlier Post you stated he was a college graduate from Suffolk Law. Did you forget to write that he FLUNKED his bar test?
and wow he must have a world of experience, at the ripe age of 26.
Well at least we know that at 23 he was sneaky enough to have his parking tickets fixed.
Does using your position at City Hall to have your parking tickets fixed constitute Public Corruption?
All right, all right, this seems like piling on a little. I've seen this in the past where one side has more passion and begins to overwhelm the other side.
I would like a more even debate on the issues.
Unfortunately, some rather sronge but hurtful, charges have been leavied against The Drago camp and the only defender, (Chris), is overmatched.
This may be because Drago and hs supporters are unawear of this blog, or more troubling...they are very much awear and have no defence.
I think Drago's in over his head. He will do what he is told and that is just what the Political titans want him to do.
He's a nice enough kid, but this election is too important to simply serve as his political coming of age party. If elected, Drago’s victory will secure Menino’s stranglehold on Boston Politics, and provide an automatic “yes” vote for any pet cause the powerbrokers choose, up at the State House.
I prefer someone who will stand up for Eastie when doing so fits with the wishes of the politically powerfull and even more so when doing so makes pisses them off.
Right now I’m leaning toward Carlo Basile. He’s as much a part of this town as anybody. And I like his attitude – he’s got a backbone and a heart.
Guys, stop picking on Drago, they are three other candidates in this race. why don't you write the good things that Jeff has done, We all have skeletons in our closets. Jeff used bad judgement but haven't we all?
Isn't Jeff Drago the heavy favorite in this race? Jeff, how many more people is Menino going to bus in for you on Saturday to hold signs for you?
If I could fix parking tickets for all my friends I probably would too. But then again I am not trying to become the next State Rep. from East Boston.
The bus leaves City Hall plaza @ 10 AM. The Mayors "friends" will be taking note of who is on their side.
I think Chris went to sleep
What candidate besides Mary is going to do the right thing about illegals.
Mota, Carlo and Jeff won't respond.
My sister lives out in West Roxbury. I guess the police are everywhere. No potholes, no trash, and any small crimes are quickly dealt with. Even elderly residents walk around shopping in safety and comfort at nighttime.
Why can't East Boston get the same attention from the mayor's office? I love this town, and I refuse to play second fiddle to the more politically connected sections of Boston. If a group of kids on bikes started trying to intimidate anyone out in West Roxbury, the cops would be all over them. It’s just different.
I love the different attitude and culture of Eastie, I just wish we could get a little more attention from the Powers that be.
Basile's going to the State House to make friends and deliver for East Boston. If he has to step on the toes of those who don't respect East Boston to do it, he's up for the test. He's a mature, seasoned operative who’s in this for all the right reasons.
Basile's going to the State House to make friends and deliver for East Boston. If he has to step on the toes of those who don't respect East Boston to do it, he's up for the test. He's a mature, seasoned operative who’s in this for all the right reasons.
I just read the posting on West Roxbury. Sounds nice, but I’ll never leave East Boston! It’s time we started demanding the same resources and attention as the other sections of the City and for that matter the other towns around the City as well. Eastie’s problems aren’t because of the lack of pride of the residents, they primarily due to a lassie-fair attitude by the politicians. When we demand more from the politicians they will deliver or get out of way of those who will.
Is it possible to welcome all new legal residents and celebrate their contributions, and yet still point out the obvious fact that our beloved town is slowly slipping into the control of youth gangs most of whom don’t love this country or this community?
I think voters who are looking to send a message that East Boston is tired of the status quo, should look for a maverick with some class. Right now Carlo Basile is the clear choice.
Chris, where did you go? Waiting for Jeff to give you an answer because we all know your not smart enough polically. You don't bring anything to the political arena, your just a young kid trying to feel important.Oh yeah, Mr.Leone is excited about meeting you.
Just some quick points:
1) Though I am supporting Mota in this race, I think Jeff is a good guy and hate to see his good name dragged through the mud over $115 worth of parking tickets from years ago.
2) If one was to only look at this blog, you would think Carlo had existed in some bubble all of these years, devoid of politics. Yet, just take a look at entries for donations under Basile at the Office of Campaign Finance website (www.mass.gov/ocpf) If we are going to attack Jeff for honest work that happens to be in the Mayor's administration, we have to spread the blame to everyone in the race who has held a job that has political connections.
2a) With so many people saying that Jeff will be Menino's puppet because he "owes" him for his job, I have a question: Why did Basile make all of those donations to Republicans over the years, was it A) He felt beholden to them since he worked at the RMV, the same sin that everyone accuses Jeff of commiting in regards to the Mayor, or B) He is a big supporter of Republicans, though he wants everyone to know that he is a "solid Democrat" for the purposes of trying to win this race.
3) A previous post has said that Basile is going to go to the State House, make friends, and bring home the bacon to Eastie. Considering that he will be the most junior member of the entire House of Reps and actively OPPOSED the current Democratic Governor (who already has friends in the legislature) during the GENERAL ELECTION, how much do you think he is going to be able to get for us in half of a term? Less than Mota, who supported Gov. Patrick from day one, and even less than Drago, who came onboard after the primary.
4) I would have way more respect for Basile if he just ran as a Republican. If his ideas and skills would be so much more beneficial to the community than the other candidates, he should have been able to make that case as a Republican candidate. I am so sick of these DINO (Dem In Name Only) candidates, who show so little respect for the intelligence of voters by thinking they can vote for, donate to, and work on behalf of Republicans, and then expect everyone to ignore that because they slap "Democrat" next to their name in big letters.
5) Chris is a good guy. As long as I have known him he has been dedicated to East Boston, his hometown. We worked closely together, along with Gloribell, on Gov. Patrick's campaign. While I wish he was with us this time, I respect his decision to go with Jeff and look forward to working with him to improve the community after this race is over. With that said I take issue with those who would attack him based on his stated views here. As the Governor says, "we can disagree, without being disagreeable."
Chris is being attack because he tries to cover up for Jeff being a corrupt individual. He used his clout with the mayor to have an addition built for a handicap person torn down and he used his clout with City Hall to have his parking tickets dismissed. There are hundreds maybe thousands of people in east Boston who get tickets. Why can't we get ours fixed? Just curious didn't Jeff get fired after the parking scandal was uncovered and then hired back in a different capacity?
He is only 26 and he has already used what ever power he had to do corrupt things. Now you want to give him more power as State Rep so he can really abuse his power. I think NOT. People of East Boston be smart and vote for anyone else beside Drago.
Eastie....Eastie....I love Eastie... It's time to wake-up Eastie people. Irish. ..Italians...Americans...Latinos... Immigrants from all countries love Eastie.
Now it's time for Eastie poeple to wake-up and stand up togehter and make their own decisions. Eastie need to change for good. Do not let any "machine" tell you who to vote for. PLEASE, you have to know what the candidates stand for, please, do not vote because you see more signs from specific candidate, or because someone tells you ( or pressure you) to vote for other candidate, or just because other candidate is from a different immigrant group than your family...East Boston has to stand together on this one...we had seen a lot in our streets for many generations and nothing has happened. We need someone who really takes care of our loved Eastie, and take care of all of us.PLEASE, do not let anyone tells you who to vote for, you can meet the candidates, talk to them and decide...and do note let them put pressure on you...
I hope your candidate can talk and write English better then you. Why not just come out and say vote for Mota. Thats exactly what our are trying to say. My answer to you is I'm not voting for her. NO WAY IN HELL.
There are only 2 candidates in this race that I would even consider voting for and thats Mary or Carlo. Drago and Mota are all done.
What does sneaking into a Country and sneaking into someone's home have in common?
Answer: They are both illegal acts.
Jeff, If I get a ticket for street cleaning or for parking at a handicap ramp, do you still have clout to have them fixed?
Someone left a comment yesterday asking if I'd heard "that East Boston and South Boston combined take up the majority of handicapped spots" in the city. I have read that these two neighborhoods have more handicapped parking spots than any others, though I don't think there is a certain number alloted that Eastie and Southie "take up." I think that both communities have few driveways and limited parking, and therefore residents attempt to carve out their own spots by getting the signs planted outside their doors.
The Registry of Motor Vehicles recently started cracking down on the handicapped parking placards that people keep in their cars to park in designated spots at shopping centers and on busy commercial streets. They should also look into the spots created on residential streets that are passed down from generation to generation.
Hey Jeff, if you care about the people of East Boston so much then I think that instaed of keeping the money from your next fund raiser, you should be a real man and donate the money to Mrs. Leone.
Maybe that will help her and her family from the trauma you put them through by forcing them to tear down their handicap addition.
All I'm saying is that if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and sounds like a duck, then it must be a duck.
I agree that the Globe story on parking tickets is something that we'd all like to learn the details of, but there is no reason to post it six times. The first one is still there, yet someone keeps making me delete duplicate versions. If people continue to play games with the web site them I will have to restrict comments only to people who register. That will stifle a great deal of the discussion, so it is not my first choice. However, I can't spend the whole day monitoring personal insults and annoying reposts.
Jimbo.. just a little observation...so far including this post there are 228 post. I think over 200 are from anonymous people. You might want to take back your threat or you will have 5 people posting , You, Luna, chris, tony and troy.....oh yeah I forgot Jenni...so you 6 can have a party.
Jimbo I posted this twice because the first one had a few typos. Please delete the first one and not this one.
Jimbo, whats wrong with re-posting a very important messege? Maybe the person is re-posting it because your blog is becoming more popular and anyone new might not read close to 300 post. I don't think that it should be posted 6x a day but I don't have a problem with it being posted a few times a week. Peace
Hello -
I find this obnoxious. Everyone constantly using "the same old politician" excuse. Just b/c Jeff Drago works for the City does not mean he's behind the Mayor on every issue. Suffolk Downs for example. He and Anthony Petro specifically came out against the Mayor on that issue. Although Trav, Senator Petruccelli, Sal, Jeff etc. have all worked together on various issues and are on the same "team", they're all individuals with their own mind and views & political stand points who I have seen personally not agree with one another - So don't use that whole "I want to sound like I know what I’m talking about but I really don't " bull and excuse that everyone uses. It's not even true!
I have met Jeff maybe 4 times and it's obvious to me that he's the better candidate. He 's more experienced & serve East Boston best! I personally know and adore the 3 other candidates however I can't see myself calling either my Rep. I didn't vote for Anthony P b/c Trav was with him, I voted for him b/c he was the better candidate. I voted for Sal b/c I believe my Councilor should be from east Boston and Sal does a great job. & now I will vote for Jeff b/c he's the better candidate. I adore Carlo, Mary and Gloribell however should they be my State Rep.? NO! Every time I see Mary she's very one sided and not pleasant to deal with. Carlo is intelligent, family oriented and personable. Bottom line is he's not a DEMOCRAT! On paper yes, but he's supported every Republican candidate.
I'm looking for (& I believe East Boston is looking for ) a "TRUE DEMORAT" (which is what Carlo refers to himself as and I take a slap in my face )who will support and share my views, beliefs and what East Boston is all about. Plus I've heard his "boys" yell racial & immature obscenities at people while I was holding signs for Gov. Patrick. It was disgusting. They walk around EB like a bunch of thugs looking for a beef.Again, I love them dearly but not what I'm looking for in my State Rep. I’ve asked Jeff what his opinion of Carlo is and the answer was "he's a great guy, i wish him luck"- I bet the answer form the other side wouldn’t be as classy...I've seen them in action.
Gloribell is sweet and intelligent but not experienced to handle this position in my opinion. This is nothing personal.
I will vote for the TRUE DEMOCRAT....NOT THE FAIR WEATHERED DEMOCRAT. The other 2 I just don't think could do the job. And often people say, "the same old politicians" .... my motto is if it isn't broke why fix it! Especially where they’re not the same.
May the best man win! And by BEST MAN I mean Jeff Drago!
I bet Jeff won't win. He will be lucky to come in third. The majority of peeople that he met Jeff think that he is rude.
Its funny you praise Carlo but then call him a thug. Let me ask you something...What to you think about Jeff Drago being part of a "parking ticket scandal" ?
What to you think about Jeff ripping up a Basile sign at Maverick square?
What do you think about Jeff using his clout at City Hall to have an addition built for a handicap person torn down?
FRED THOMPSON FOR PRESIDENT
Anyone who votes for Drago is voting for the same old boy network... How come South Boston, West Roxbury and the rest of Boston look alot cleaner then Eastie?
The politicians at City Hall don't care what goes on over on this side of the tunnel, They never have. Jeff has been East boston's liason for Menino for quite a while and hasn't done anything. East Boston is the dirtiest section of Boston. Don't take my word for it ...just drive around.
We don't have problems with gangs huh....hmmm why did 3 young teenagers Gang members) get arrested the other night on Meridian streetfor being in possession of drugs and 3 guns.?? Don't believe me just call District 7 and ask them 617-343-4220
I agree with Jim's decision to delete repeat messages. I've been reading this blog for the discussion. This particular posting has degraded into personal and even bigoted attacks against the candidates, their supporters and the good people of East Boston. Jim's doing a service to this community and it's been hijacked by a bunch of immature people who apparently have nothing better to do all day then cast aspersions on four people who have the courage to put themselves out there for all of us to choose from.
I don't care to read uninformed and racist gossip. I certainly don't want to read it over and over and over again. I don't know who you people are but your attacks do nothing but sully the candidates you appear to be trying to support. I sincerely hope that those candidates who are reading this blog make it clear to their volunteers and supporters that personal and racist attacks are simply unacceptable. I certainly hope that none of the campaigns are directly involved in this. If that's the way you run your campaigns, I truly do not want you representing this neighborhood in the legislature.
I think it's great that people are taking the opportunity to tell the rest of us why they support a particular candidate. If you simply cannot control yourself and must continue with making personal attacks on any of the candidates, you should setup your own blog. It's free and easy to do. Just go to www.blogger.com and follow the instructions.
Thank you Jim for hosting this. I hope we can have a rational and respectful discussion worthy of our neighborhood.
wow you adore the other 3 candidates but you bash them? lol are you sure your not Drago himself...because if your not then get yourself out of his butt.
Jenni here, HI GUYS!
So, what are the candidates going to do about the RAPE! RAPE is no joke, and, as a woman, I feel as though this issue is very important. Carlo has spoken about law and order, perhaps he is the best candidate. Mary B. is speaking out, perhaps she is also a candidate that has the guts to do something about the rapes and the GANGS in Eastie (Eastie and Chelsea are loaded with GANGS, why not call the place Little East LA).
I would love to hear from Mota on this issue. Jeff too, although most Menino supporters always talk about how safe and clean Eastie is. YEAH RIGHT! Was it safe when those girls got gay bashed at the Eastie Pride Day celebration two years ago? What about yesterday?
Clean? That's funny. Next time you get off at Maverick look down at the ground and check out all of the gum all over the sidewalk. YUK!
I want something done here Jimbo.
signed~Jenni
A woman was raped early yesterday as she walked from her job at Logan International Airport to her home in East Boston, police said.
The woman, whom police did not identify, did not know exactly where the rape occurred, police said.
She told police she was attacked after a man flashed a knife about 12:30 a.m. in an alley or walkway as she approached her home on Bennington Street.
After the assault, she fled to her home and called police, authorities said.
She described the man as being between 18 and 20 years old, about 5 foot 8, with olive skin, a long black ponytail, and an earring in his right ear.
old chinese proverb. He who goes to bed with itch butt wake up with smelly fingers.
He who is part of a parking ticket SCANDAL loses on SEPTEMBER 25th.
Jenni, don't forget the stabbing at PIERS Park on the 4th of JULY.(this year)
Your right Jeff and the Mayor want you to believe that East Boston is safe.
Jeff, why don't you use your clout to have the houses on either side of your mother's house torn down?
This way she can have more sun ligh.
Yes its confirmed. Mr.Leone told me all the details. How sad it is.Jeff, you should be ashamed of yourself.
It's funny that everyone who thinks Eastie is soooo great hasn't been there in years. When I took this yuppie guy I was dating to Santarpio's he was like "gross, I thought Eastie was like the North End."
Wrong ex-boyfriend. Eastie is not like North End it's like Chelsea, Lawrence, and E.L.A.!
signed Jenni
I think a lot of the commentators here are getting bogged down with personal agendas and are here to either promote or bash a candidate. All of this bantering is masking the realization that there’s not much a state rep can do to improve the day to day life in East Boston.
Sure they can allocate funds for police and community programs, but the real angst should be directed to the City of Boston and the residents themselves.
The streets are a mess. Unless you have a home owner or resident that cares about their neighborhood nothing will change, you really can’t depend on the government to do everything.
The city doesn’t have enough trash barrels on street corner. Year round street cleaning should take place without the need to ticket/tow cars in the winter.
You need more programs that promote the importance of families and the schools should reach out to the families and get them involved with their child’s education on a daily basis. Get the parents involved with all aspects of their child’s education and get the kids into programs that keep them off the streets.
-Jenni ‘s sister
True, but, how can my son excel when the schools in Eastie are subpar? Savio's closed, and even if he get's in to Latin or Latin Academy when he comes home he's more likely to live next door to a Latin King than a Latin Scholar. Politicians can demand that the schools improve and that the streets are safer.
You still think that East Boston is safe. Where is Menino? why doesn't he put more cops on walking beats?
The article notes that there have been a dozen rapes or attempted rapes in East Boston so far this year, which is down 33% from last year. In another story in today's paper, the police commissioner, Edward Davis, announced that there would be more foot patrols in a number of city neighborhoods, including Eastie.
Down 33% from last year? is that going to make a woman feel safer???
##% less means that last year they were 18 and now this year there are ONLY 12...wow tell the 12 that have being sexually assaulted that the Mayor is doing a good job...Lets get Menino and his puppets out of office.or prevent some of them from ever being elected. East Boston is getting bad people, we need someone to step in and finally do whats right for East Boston.
I agree with the last post, Christopher must work for the Drago camp.
This is my first post and I've been reading this blog for the last 2 weeks.
I wanted to know for myself if that story about Drago terrorizing an old lady on Wordsworth St was true so I went out for myself to investigate.
I rang the door bell and this old lady answered.i explained what I was doing there and she rushed me in the house for fear of anyone listening to us. The wonderful woman offered me coffee and we went through the whole story, by the end of the story I felt so sorry that an old woman who spent nearly thirty thousand dollars just to have to demolish everything she saved for in life.
I challenge any of your readers Jimbo, including yourself to go there and speak to Mrs. Leone to find out the truth.
After leaving there I asked myself what can i do? My answer is to help one of the other 3 candidates to defeat this tyrant.
Again, I challenge any reader to go to Wordsworth street to find the truth and after you do please spread the word of this massive injustice! Have a great night to all
Hello?
Hola amigos!
Es tiempo de poner el liderazgo de East Boston en manos de la persona que de verdad va a hacer algo por East Boston, y no como en las generaciones anteriores. El grupo "old timers" ya tuvo su oportunidad por muchas generaciones y los que han representado a East Boston no han hecho nada para mejorar el vecindario. Este 25 de Septiembre, vamos todos a votar por el cambio necesario para hacer de East Boston un lujar mejor para todos...este 25 de Septiembre, VOTA MOTA!!!
I am writing in response to some of the recent postings regarding Democrats supporting Republican candidates. Think back to the Sheriff's race in 2004. Senate President Travaglini did what a good leader should do - he looked at both candidates and decided which candidate would be a better Sheriff. When he endorsed Andrea Cabral, a career prosecutor who switched her party affiliation from the G.O.P. to be a Democrat, he did it because he thought that she would be best for his constituents in East Boston. That is what elections and government is all about - electing the best public servants. When you look at the fine job that Sheriff Cabral has done with the Jail and House of Correction, it is evident that he was right. When someone calls a candidate a DINO - tell them that DINO was a dinosaur on the Flintstones and that the Stone Age is over. Vote for the best candidate.
I talked with Jeff Drago today, and he explained the Wordsworth Street construction issue and the parking ticket episode. I am transcribing his comments and I will post them as soon as I am done (which may be a couple of days).
I also asked him questions about issues and about the race in general. The entire interview will be posted in a new blog entry. Each of the other candidates will be able to sit down with me for an interview if they choose to do so.
Jimbo, I applaud you for sitting down with Jeff Drago and asking him to explain those 2 very important issues. I'm sure the Mayor had his people prep jeff on what to say. Why don't you interview Mr. and Mrs Drago and post their side of the story? I know that they say every story has 3 sides, (yours, mine and the truth which is usually somewhere in he middle.) I'm sure Mr. & Mrs. Leone can back up their side by calling numerous neighbors as witnesses. I hope you decide to interview them. Thanks for doing a good job with the Blog.
Sorry in the last post I meant Mr.& Mrs Leone not Mr. and Mrs Drago again sorry about the typo.
Jimbo, I also applaud you for asking Jeff Drago to explain why he had his neighbor tear down an addition built for a handicap person and for being involved in a parking ticket scandal. I like the previous author would like to hear Mr. & Mrs. Leone side of the story. I believe that as a journalist you have an obligation to investigate the entire story not just one person's side.
Jeff, what kind of spin did you put on the stories. I'm looking forward to reading it as soon as Jimbo writes it. It should be very comical.
Jimbo, did you reach out to Jeff or did he contact you?
Good work Jimbo. BTW, did you see Carlo's pic in the Globe today? he looked CUTE!
;)
Jenni
Jeff Drago contacted me yesterday and we agreed to meet today. We decided that a brief interview would be a good idea and that I'd extend the offer to each of the candidates. Those interviews are currently in the works.
I was a professional journalist, but now I am a citizen with a blog. It will take a few hours of my time to interview each of the candidates and then transcribe the conversation. I cannot go out and interview each person that has something to say on any issue that comes up -- unless you all want to pitch in and pay me.
Are you talking about this article in the Globe today...
Este 25 de Septiembre, VOTA MOTA!!!
sorry, here it is:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/08/23/hopefuls_court_e_boston_latinos/
I could use help typing up my conversations with the candidates.
Jenni?
let me guess what Jeff is going to say about the "Parking Ticket Scandal": It was a wrong thing to do and I'm sorry...Jeff theonly thing you are sorry about is that you got CAUGHT.
hmmmm about the addition... I bet you say that it was an illegal addition and that you were doing it for your neighbor...what a joke..do you think we are stupid? you did it for your mother, who was the only person who opposed it.
Jeff, if you care so much about homeowners and their rights. Why don't you use your clout (which you obviously have) and do something about all this illegal apartments? They are hundreds in East Boston..
You should know that, right? Aren't you doing alot of door knocking? Don't you wonder why a 3 family house has 10 different last names on it? Jeff be a man, I know that you are only 28 but be real my friend. YOU DID IT FOR MOMMY
Many of you may know who I am, I believe that "Anonymous" is just another way of being a coward. I do stand outs with Jeff Drago every week, he's has the experience and clout to make East Boston and Massachusetts even better than I think it already is. I have lived in Back Bay and Bay Village and choose to live here. I do know all 4 of the candidates, and on September 25th, Jeff will be our next representative. I've never worked in City Hall, I'm not part of any so called political machine. Jeff has helped small businesses, with the job he has now with the OBD and the entire community as the ONS for East Boston. The meaning of illegal is prohibited by law, that applies to immigration, building an addition without permits, and fixing parking tickets. Jeff did make a mistake by fixing the two parking tickets. Can anyone on this blog, honestly say they have never made a mistake? I have, yet voting for Jeff will not be a mistake. I do want to know more about each candidates views about the casino, our waterfront with it's great potential, growing Massachusetts economy. If trash on our sidewalks bother you as it does me, bend down and pick it up and dispose of it yourself. If 10 names are listed on door-bells, you as neighbors can see the amount of people coming in and out of the building, pick up the phone and call BFD and ask them to inspect the property,the BPD and Post Office. Jeff is out to meet the voters and ask for their support, he's not a vigilante. As a community we need to step up to the plate and help our state politicians, share our concerns, ask for their help when we need it over issues that impact the state, including East Boston.
This is the campaign of the century, I love it, I'm placing a $500 bet that Drago wins by a land slide, the kind of land slide you see in India,
with his help from trav and the mayor
it's a sure win, I see Basile signs on vacant lot's and on several pick up trucks, that's old school, I have'nt seen any thing like that since the serra days in 1977.
I have seen a campaign just like the old Serra days very recently. Kerry Healey's. The same team as Carlo's ran that fiasco in East Boston also. Just a reminder: Healey is a Republican.....
I'm curious how many people reading this blog are still undecided.
Ernie , so are you saying that when I drive through East Boston and see the filthy trash, which is every where, I should pull over, bend down and pick it up? You are kidding me right?
So are you saying that Jeff is aware of the illegal apartments in East Boston but isn't doing anything about it?
Oh I see, he is more interested in trying to get votes then have the law enforced.
Your right Ernie when you say that somthing illegal means its against the law but every 1st grader knows that too. So Jeff isn't a vigilante only when it comes to his mother.
I thought Jeff had the addition down to help out his neighbor and not his mother? He set the record straight with Chris by stating that he was going after "rogue landlords" but now you admitr that he while he goes door knocking he sees these illegal apartments with 10 last names on the mailboxes but he rather ask for votes. The more you guys defend him the more foolish he looks.
By the way..using your clout at City Hall to have your Parking Tickets fixed isn't a mistake. It was done with full knowledge that it was wrong and its "PUBLIC CORRUPTION".. He is only sorry because he got CAUGHT.. HE abused his POWER when he had the tickets FIXED....I know plenty of people who made mistakes..some are truely sorry but they are still in jail.By the way Ernie I don;t know who you are maybe I would if you wrote your last name..remember your not a coward but I am because I write anonymously
Ernie, I think I have heard it all now. As the Mayor's liason I belive that Jeff has an obligation to report anything illegal. That's exactly what I want from my next State Rep....Waht a bunch of baloney....So far what we do know about Jeff...
1) he abused his power by having his parking tickets fixed.
2) He used his power at City Hall to have an addition torn down. (Poor Mr. & Mrs. Leone)
3) Now he admits that he is not a "Vigilante" and ignores things that are illegal.
Ernie you see, a Vigilante is someone who takes the law into his own hands By reporting a crime that you see is not being a vigilante its just basically being a good citizen.
This post has led quite a few comments and that is wild to see when you start a blog and wonder if anyone will ever bother to look at it. The unfortunate part is that about half of the comments contain one or more logical fallacies: hasty generalizations; begging the question; ad hominem attacks; straw man arguments; biased samples; and ridiculous hyperbole.
While I delete the most egregious comments, I trust that virtually every reader will recognize the nonsensical arguments in a significant number of the other posts and that the people putting up these comments are just preaching to their own choir.
Jimbo, please please please interview Mr. & Mrs, Leone.....although you say that you are no longer a journalist uou still want to run a honest Blog right. Well get both sides of the stories please. In case you forgot they live on Wordsworth Street. Don't forget on September 25th to vota Mota
Wow Jimbo, you are the man 270 post and counting
Jeff you are a strong supporter of same sex marriage and you opposed it being on the ballot? Really , so you are smarter then the residents of East Boston? We don't have the right to vote? I'm glad you made that point clear. I was actually going to vote for you. You see, I'm not saying I'm against gay marriage, I'm just saying that we the people should have the right to vote. If you want to be a dictator go live in Iraq, you can take Saddam's place.
I have been reading alot of these post as being a bunch of non sense. Then I read Jeff's interview and realized that most of the post were accurate. I was shocked to say the least. I was even more shocked on how Jeff shrugged off most of the accusations against him. Jeff you will not be getting my vote on September 25th. can one of the other three candidates step up to the plate?
Two things:
1- Labor Day should be on May 1st and not on Monday on Sept.
2- Election Days should be on Sundays and not on Tuesdays
This two dates are keeping Democracy out of this country...
Jimbo.. your blog is only alive because of people like me. Without me you are nothing.
A certain candidate spent too much time hanging on a street corner (Bennington St - Marion St)and still has a maturity level of a 15 year old
There has to be someone out there (New Candidate)that can take on these bird brains
Continued references to the candidates' family members will force me to curtail comments. That would be too bad, but you will leave me no choice.
rocinante said...
At least the first half of the interviews with Ms. Mota, Mr. Basile, and Ms. Berninger will not be about how they did or did not use their political influence to extract favorable results for family and friends.
The ticket incident speaks to character. Being able to say no to something you know is wrong.
The Wordsworth street incident may be legitimate. My problem however is when city workers with influence live in city neighborhoods, they have to be careful how they wield that influence. It would have been better for Mr. Drago, to have taken a hands off approach to this matter. If it was illegal to begin with then it was going to be torn down anyway. If Mr. Drago had told his neighbors who were complaining about this project to contact the city directly and not involved himself in the process, the results, if they happened as stated, would have been the same. That speaks to judgment.
Character and judgment ……..
August 25, 2007 7:56 AM
Jimbo, I see you are at it again. Why did you post at 5:33am?????
Next time I go out to eat I will ask the waitress who she is voting for and depending on her answer I will decide if I will tip or not.
Now Jimbo buddy I didn't mention anyone's family. Is this ok with you Jimbo
Yup me too. I will only tip waitress who vote for Mota.
Jenni's brother from another mother
I find it comical when you use the term "old boys" when referring to your politicians- You are probably one of those types who call all of them every time someone honks too late outside your house. Give me a break! I did not call Carlo a thug, I said the way they walk around in pack like thugs. When see any group of men walking in clusters looking straight ahead with angry looks on their faces i'd say it's thugish. I'd tell him that to his face b/c it's the truth. Not sure about Jeff ripping signs but I do feel this race has turned into a gossip game. I heard a story about Jeff the other say and 2 hours later heard the same one about Carlo.I think their supporters and workers are causing more of a problem. I know neither one of them support or condone that behavior. And I know for a fact some of Basile's people ripped a Drago sign right off my uncle’s truck and replaced it with a BAsile sign. My uncle has the right to vote for who he'd like to. Whether it be Jeff Drago, Gloribell,. Carlo or whoever.
And I would not compare Carlo Basile and Bobby Trav. NO COMPARISON. Yes he supported Cabral b/c he believed in her, BUT he didn't flip flop his own position. Why didn't Carlo just run as a Republican & let the voters decide. I actually think that if he ran as a TRUE Republican which he is, I'd have more respect and even consider him. I personally don't know him or Jeff that well (i know them in passing and they know me) but we're not best friends. At the beginning of this I was between the two. I was researching and trying to figure out who my choice for state rep would be. I clearly chose Jeff Drago based on his experience etc. He's never been rude to me, I actually find that odd, and I called him for something once at City Hall and he couldn’t help me but called me directly to tell me he tried, couldn't accomplish what I was looking for and to call back if I needed him ever. To me that's a stand up guy. That's all I could ask for. I'm not one of the typical East Boston residents who believes that my child is entitled to a 80,000 a year job and if that politician can't help then damn him I’ll bash him all over town! I believe if you can't do it for me, fine just be straight with me. Jeff has always been. I'm sure Carlo would be too. I feel on issues Carlo doesn't stand a chance. Maybe in the personality department and he's suave but Jeff is the better candidate. Bottom line! And to say everyone who supports Jeff on this is working for him is ridiculous. I haven’t done any political work for him. I just am voting for him.That's like me assuming Mike S. is the person who is representing Carlo on here.
If you ask me all my problems would be solved if Eddie Deveau stayed in. Never have a met a more classy kid.
Why are people saying Carlo hangs on corners? Did Jeff ever hang around on a corner? Maybe, who knows.
When and if Jeff Drago wins this election on sept 25th where will his victory party be, I'm hoping it will be logan hilton, I will be there to congradulate his success, for there will be others there like nucci, trav, menino and the machine, just about every elected powerful official
will be there respectively.
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