Saturday, September 8, 2007

On the campaign trail

The forum for the four 1st Suffolk Democratic candidates seemed to go smoothly today. My guess is that there were 400 to 500 people on hand in the East Boston High School auditorium to watch the quartet answer questions.

The room was warm, but not oppressively so. Some of the candidates read from a prepared text for their opening statements, which made them look stiff, but generally they only referred to notes when responding to specific questions. The audience was generally well behaved, though Gloribell Mota got some boos when she pointed out that the state had cut funding to some youth programs during the Romney/Healey administration and that Carlo Basile had worked on both of their gubernatorial campaigns. Jeff Drago made a number of criticisms of Romney and Healey in his opening remarks, but didn't use Basile's name directly. Meanwhile, Basile attempted to use Drago's connections to Mayor Menino against his adversary by saying that he would be beholden only to the people.

Drago spoke forcefully during his responses, and it does seem clear that he has the broadest grasp of the nuts and bolts of most of the issues, which befits his role as a policy wonk in the Menino administration. Mary Berninger seems to be the candidate with the toughest road to victory at this point, but she speaks with fire and gets praise from Eastie old timers for saying what she thinks no matter what the fallout. Basile has been the most civil of the candidates, eschewing negative campaigning in his opening statement and quieting his supporters with a raised hand when their enthusiasm for him boiled over. Mota's warmth and charm allow her to get her foot in the door with almost any constituent, and once she has their attention her passion for the issues may win over quite a few.

A campaign insider with access to a recent poll showed me the numbers last week. Basile had a lead of more than 2-1 over Drago, with Mota and Berninger trailing in that order. Polls can be misleading and opinions can change, but with just over two weeks to go those numbers seemed to conform roughly to the my impressions of the campaign up to this point.

179 comments:

Anonymous said...

Honestly, were you watching the same forum today? Drago has the broadest grasp on the issues? Berninger was the most prepared candidate this morning. She was the one that had the most articulate answers, and not just "I oppose the death penalty." Ms. Mota, you need support for your answers. Speaking of which, Mota was warm and charming on the stage? Are you talking about when she directly reffered to Basile working on Healy's campaign? Because it made me feel like a liitle kid on Christmas morning! And while I agree with you that Basile was civil today, Berninger was also. She too did not participate in the negative comments made by Drago and Mota. Hey Hubster, it is time to give Berninger more credit as a true candidate in the race for State Representative.

Anonymous said...

I was there with two more undecided friends, it was strange to see each camp clapping every comment made by their candidate and then remain quiet when the others would make a point. I guess I have never been to a forum before-I am a new citizen. Drago seems more eager but I had a warm spot for Mota until she followed Drago in attacking Basile. She lost me there. Mary seems like an educated nut! and Basile looked a bit nervous but I liked the fact that he did not give into the attacks, just like he said in his opening remarks. That made me think that he just might keep his cool and his promises unlike the others, whom might be educated on the issues, but too quick to turn on people as soon as they see a chance or a potential gain for them, would they turn on us as they see fit? I will learn more about Basile now, I hope he does a good job and keeps positive the rest of the campaing!


Sad brazilian

Anonymous said...

Excuse me, folks, but how is it "negative" or an "attack" to point out something that is true, public, and highly relevant about Basile -- that he supported Kerry Healey in 2006? If he was embarrassed about supporting Healey, maybe he shouldn't have done it. It was in the Globe, for heaven's sake. If he can't handle that much heat, he should get out of the kitchen.

Anonymous said...

Not to drain the water out of your pool but did not Drago work for Menino? I have never heard Menino say a complete sentece that I could actually fully understand, yet I like the guy and he has been reelected everytime. He is likely one of the better mayors in Boston's history. So Drago gets points for trying but if those polls are true, it should be clear that popularity IS crucial! May be Drago should go back to working wiht the mayor to learn how he does it, then come back and try again?!Charm and charisma are always useful tools in a TRUE politician, without them perhaps one should consider aiming for poitions in government that do not require such talents?

SB

Anonymous said...

I was one of about 5 people who attended the forum nt yet committed to a candidate which is a sad testament to the democarcy in our neighborhood. I also felt as Basile had no grip on the issues affecting East Boston. He sadi "we need buildings but more importantly, we need programs in those buildings. Buildings are no good without programs in them". At another point he said "we need to attract people to East Boston for some reason". I mean he makes us look uneducated. Front runner? It really hurt me to hear someone with no sense of the issues have people booing more than one candidate, questioning one candidates education out loud and setting a really negative tone.

Anonymous said...

Jeff did ok but I agree that Mota had some great answers. I'm a practical person. How do you pay for it? Thats my thing. I support Dems but am often disappointed at the massive promises without plans to pay. I think we are ALL looking for a straight shooter and we might have her. I'm pretty diappointed in the guys.

Anonymous said...

Mota picked up two today. Maybe three. My mom and I were impressed. She showed what Eastie is all about. Young people who love our community that are full of energy and really understand the issues with real plans on how to change things. I was considering Drago. My mom and dad are with Basile because of Tony Canata who he strategically mentioned but he might have blown it tonight. Jeff didn't have the guts to call Carlo out. I advised him to be assertive and strong. I had a long talk with mr. Albano over the need for him to start taking this serious and showed he cares and i was let down. I'm convinced that win or lose we need to send a strong message with Mrs. Mota that things need to get better. No more blind support. My ma didn't appreciate him backtracking on in-state tuition. He was and claims to crowds in the hieghts that he still opposes in state tuition. Now he changes fior some Latino votes? Honesty, Integrity and Repsect. Thats the way it should be. No telling this group you support that and this group you support this. ONE STANCE.

Anonymous said...

Educated nut? is that because she doesnt support giving anchor babies instate tuition? or was it because Mary wasnt a low life and made negative comments toward any of the other candidates. And yes Carlo "appeared" to keep his cool, but theres a difference between keeping your cool and trying to find where the last spot you left off from is. I think your uneducated and, for lack of a better word, stupid remark is probably the reason you why your swaying toward Carlo, granted your not an Illegal Immigrant and you can vote. And to the first Poster, why is there no comment on Mary B. do you not view her as a viable candidate? or is it because you didnt like how she didnt name drop? or how she didnt mention groups she had nothing to do with? Some of the committies Mr. Drago mentioned, he wasnt even on. He was in school when some of those committies conviened. Start looking to Mary as a strong candidate because come the 25th, when we all go to vote, you all might be surprised where everyone falls.

Anonymous said...

This poll that Jimbo is referring to came from the Drago campaign and I took it one month ago. I don't know why someone would leak a poll that is over a month old given all that has happened recently. The only reason I can think of is that Drago is trying to hide the support that Gloribell now has after an extra month of campaigning and convince her and Mary's supporters to defect to his camp.

I also wonder how many spanish speakers and recently registered voters (in the past few months) were included in this poll. In addition to getting the support of long-time Eastie Dems, I know Gloribell's message has been resonating with the new progressive Democratic voters and Latinos in the district and that people are starting to find out that Basile is really just a Republican. With Drago clearly beholden to the Menino political machine, and Berninger showing her socially conservative views, it is now obvious that Gloribell Mota is the only real independent Democrat in this race. I am sure if the poll was conducted today it would show that Basile is losing support from Democrats, Drago is staying at the same level, and Gloribell is rapidly gaining votes.

I have seen Gloribell constantly walking the neighborhood and engaging voters on the issues. I am glad that she hasn't spent all her time putting up signs and instead focused on one-to-one contacts with the residents. This makes me feel that she respects the voters more than the other candidates who seemingly expect that we will only vote based on how many signs we see.

I am sure that if a poll was taken today, we would see that Drago, Basile, and Mota were all pretty much tied. This means that it is really anyone's race and the candidate who continues to hit the streets and talk with the voters about the issues is going to win.

Anonymous said...

I was in attendance today and unlike many people there, I really was undecided. Basile seemed genuine and I liked the fact that he talked about being positive and didn't retailiate when attacked by drago and Mota. He also seems like a family man, unlike Drago.
I found Mary to be the most truthful candidate. She took stances that I don't agree with but atleast she spoke from the heart.
I found Drago to be very pushy and he answered every question the same, that he was fortunate to be part of the meeting that took place. Well Mr.Drago why hasn't anything changed?
I found Mary to be nice but she definitely is the least capable representing this city,
As far as the audience I thought everyone behaved. I saw numerous Basile supporters clap for Mary and Mota, until she insult Basil towards the end and the clapping from the Basile side ceases.
Drago's supporters mostly clapped for Drago alone.
Mary had a small crowd but they clapped for everyone.
Mota had a small crowd too. I believe I saw councilman Arroyo and they mainly olnly clapped for Mota.
In conclusion after what I saw today my vote is going to Mr.Basile. He was the candidate with the most class. His closing statement was what sold me.

Anonymous said...

Jeff Drago looked like a robot up on stage. Mary was strong and I think its about time someone tells illegal immigrants, Enough is Enough.

Anonymous said...

In my comments posted at 11:06 I wrote that I felt mary was the least capable. That was an error I meant Mota was the least capable. Sorry Mary

Anonymous said...

Derek , who are you? if you took the poll I have a few questions for you?
Why did you take the poll?
who told you to take the poll?
and what were the final numbers?

Anonymous said...

Jeff, where were all your supporters today? oh yeah local 22 wouldn't show up on their day off.

Anonymous said...

Jeff, at the debate you stated that you supported Governor;s Patrick Bio lab ideas. Did you ask the residents of east Boston on how they feel about that issue?
No, you didn't!

Anonymous said...

Everyone likes Jimbo and agrees with him until he gives Mary or carlo some credit. Very strange thing folks. Jimbo in your opinion who had the best closing statement?

Anonymous said...

Lets talk strong stance on issues, lets talk articulate speaker, lets talk strong will and determination. All these qualities belong to the female who knows East Boston voters as a whole. Mary Berninger came out as the candidate who could speak for the entire East Boston population not just a select few.

If you want to talk about 10% of 10% (i.e. the percentage of Latinos in the city/the precentage of them that vote), if you want to talk about cheap shots, and if you want to talk about the agendas of EBEC, NOAH, and any other liberal organization in our community, go speak with Ms. Mota.

If you want to discuss what every democrate in the common wealth is for, or discuss the mayor who we all refer to as the Machine, go see Mr. Drago. And if you want to be too laid back for your own good, Im sure Mr. Basile would love to chat with you and drop a G off a word or two.

Mrs. Berninger whipped the floor with the other three candidates today. She has more experience with the issues facing East Boston then Mr. Drago, Mr. Basile and Mrs. Mota. Today she put her stance out there and backed up every stance with strong, accurate information. Mrs. Berninger was the best candidate at the forum today. So those who have no comment on Mary B. or dont view her as real candidate, think again. Cause the beauty of this country is we get to go into a "Private" booth and pick any candidate we want.

Mrs. Mota, add another UM to your speech and maybe the globe will call you the most articulate out of the four candidates.

Anonymous said...

I agree with the last poster but who do you think has the best shot against Drago and his evil empire?
Come Monday Menino is pulling out all his guns. He calle dTRav today and begged him to put upa sign at his house and begged him to back Drago.
Come Monday you will see an all out assault by Menino and his people. They will stop at nothing. You don't have to take my word on it just watch for yourselfs. Up until today Trav laid low but he got his marching orders today and he has no choice but to come out and back drago.
I feel bad for Mary, Carlos and Mota. They have no chance against the machine. It's too bad the three couldn't get togethjer and run as one against Drago and it's too bad that the people of EAst Boston will have Menino and the machine pick the winner. Wake up people. We need a new voice. All Drago talks about is what could be done. I ask him why himself or the current administration hasn't done it by now. How long as Menino been mayor? He hasn't don't anything and I'm betting that the trend will continue if Drago gets elected. Listen to Mr.Mason, if Drago gets in we will be in big trouble. Be afraid people be very afraid.

Anonymous said...

Wow the Basile supporters showed their true colors? How, by standing up and giving him a standing ovation?

I'm glad the the media, Jimbo, Mary and MOta were in attendance today. I think all supporters of each candidate behaved well.

Jimb, do you think that the Basile supporters acted like goons today?
Very interested in your opinion on this.

Anonymous said...

Basile said all the right things to get the progressive vote today. Unfortunately, he also sounded so scripted that it didn't come across as genuine. To me he sounded like someone had written his answers for him.

It also appears to me that the positions he took on stage today are just not consistent with the candidates that he has worked for and has supported in the past. Someone earlier mentioned that he changed his position on the in-state tuition bill. That sounds a little Romney-esque, don't you think?

I also did not get a positive vibe from the people supporting him. Someone else in other thread also mentioned that his supporters behave like thugs. I now see how they got that opinion. During one of Drago's answers, Drago mentioned that his slogan is something about that he delivers. One of his supporters shouted out, "Pizza?". That has also been stated here on this blog. You can't always account for the people who support you, but these people were wearing Basile t-shirts, so I assume they represent at least a part of who he is.

I personally applaud Mota for calling Basile out. I just don't see how you can open up the Healey campaign office and call yourself a Democrat. If he's got so many supporters here, I don't see why he doesn't run as a Republican. If he's not a Republican, why is he supporting Republican candidates? On another thread someone pointed out that he and his family gave almost half of their political donations do Republican candidates. There's no shame in being a Republican. If that's the way you swing, you should be honest about it.

I guess that is what I don't like. He doesn't come across as honest. His answers today did not feel like they were things that he really believed in. It sounded like this is what he needed to say to get some people to vote for him.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous who posted at 5:53 pm. I agree with you that Drago is the real Politician. I say enough of politicians lets get a real person in there as our next STATE REP>People you have 4 choices. Please chose anyone but Drago. Evberything that is wrong today is because of menino. They want to blame Romney for everything but GUESS what. He has been out of office for almost a year. Get over it. What has Governor Patrick done in the past 9 months besides give his wife a no-show job, buy $12,000 curtains for his office, buy a big gus gusler to rde around in? Its time Giovernor PAtrick takes responsibilities for whats going on today.
Drago wants to blame the rapes and assaults on Romney? Give me a break.

Anonymous said...

Here's what I learned about Mary Berninger's position on the issues:

1. children should be held "accountable" for the actions of their parents,

2. she wants to gentrify the neighborhood,

3. property owners can do whatever they want with their property, even if it means kicking people out of apartments they have been in for over 20 years,

4. she thinks gambling is a good idea.

I think Mary is in the wrong political party. She is clearly more Republican than even Basile.

Anonymous said...

Drago, Tell Menino not to hire more cops and to start using the ones he has. Mota is right, we need more beat cops. Maybe instead of sleeping behind Kappy's they can start to actually patrol our neighborhoods. Let's put GPS in our Police cars and start monitoring them. I really believe we have enough cops we just need to have them work instead of goofing off. I had actually had to wait behind a police car while the cops inside the car were blocking traffic to talk to a cute High school girl. This would be a great story for one of those news investigators.

Anonymous said...

So what you people are saying is, because Jeff Drago was mentored and tutored by ALL the fine politicians from East Boston, he is a robot???? More then half of Carlo Basile's supporters have been on the "Menino Machine" over the years and now you turn your back on those have done you good all these years. That alone says a real lot about your candidate! Sure when your getting paid to do things it does sway your decision quite a bit, but lets be logical here.

Anonymous said...

Mary Berninger is very well spoken, but lacks the firepower necessary for this role.

Anonymous said...

I was confused today. Did Jeff Drago have a mental collapse of epic propotions? Half way through his ramblings on the republicans convinced me the man has gone completely sideways and actually thinks Romney and Healy are in the race against him. Perhaps it was the heat but someone should tell him he's not running against a Romeny/Healy ticket.

Anonymous said...

I had the pleasure of attending the candidates forum yesterday morning. My assessment of the candidates would be: 1)Carlo Basile, while he did have some trouble with the letter G in his wording, seemed to be for the most part fiscally responsible. His closing remarks were some of the classiest I have ever heard.To recognize the other three candidates showed leadership and style. 2)Jeff Drago would frighten me for the people of East Boston. Clearly says the "buzz words" he feels works for the other politians he seems so desperately wanting to please. If elected, he will have no choice but to do what he's told, when he's told. "Never voted for anyone but a Democrat". That statement showed a real open mind!3) Gloribelle Mota, obviously passionate at times, but showed such a lack of class with her very much uncalled for,juvenile remark to Carlo Basile.4) Mary Berninger took the event, hands down. She was articulate, knowledgeable, and independent. I agree with a previous post, she will represent ALL the folks in the community with the same level of commitment. This forum will be played time and again on the local channel. Try to encourage your friends and neighbors to tune in. What happens on September 25 means so much to East Boston's future. Let's keep in mind that what is needed is an intelligent, independent thinker to represent our community. Vote with your head. Do that, and we all know, MARY WINS!

Jim said...

This blog has been full of negative comments about Mayor Menino since this campaign began, with many people insinuating that Jeff Drago's connection to the mayor is catastrophic for East Boston and a recent post going as far as saying, "Everything that is wrong today is because of Menino." I'm not sure why people feel this way. I'd like to hear specific reasons, but please leave the schoolyard name calling out of your comments.

My take is that Menino has done a pretty good job. I've always admired that it's clear, by choice or not, that this job was not a stepping stone to another office or even a sweet private sector job. He's a "pothole mayor," one that is concerned about city services. I don't feel that he's corrupt, and I think he's given a good deal of attention to East Boston.

Having said that, I don't agree with some of what he's done or plans to do. I think that relocating City Hall to the South Boston waterfront is a bad idea (though the Frankenstein of a structure we have now should go). I thought that the way protesters were handled during the Democratic convention was a violation of the Constitution, and Menino had to sign off on that. I think he has been too cautious in his treatment of the police and fire departments (though the fire fighters were upset with him for quite a while), but their unions are powerful and hard to mess with.

Menino does have a political machine, as do most big-city mayors -- and especially those who have served 14 years in the top office. That is sometimes troublesome, but that happens with everyone.

To say that Drago, should he win, would be beholden to Menino is, I think, unfair. Certainly he'd have Menino to thank for his political education, but Carlo Basile made known his reverence for the late Tony Cannata's mentoring and Gloribell Mota had Counclor Felix Arroyo on hand at the forum.

If elected I have no doubt that each of the candidates would do what he or she feels is best for East Boston, not what Menino or Arroyo or Kerry Healey think is best. The question for each voter is this: "What does each candidate think is best and does that agree with my ideas on what is best?"

Certainly it is legitimate to bring up and evaluate Drago's connection to Menino -- just as it is to bring up Basile's connections to Romney and Healey and Mota's connection to Arroyo. However, the constant bashing on the Menino connection is, after a while, monotonous.

And to preempt the anti-Drago readers from insinuating that I am supporting him and, therefore, that this is what you'd expect me to write, I am not saying that everyone should vote for him because of the above comments. I am just stating my observations. The parking ticket fix and the Leone debacle have to be part of an assessment of Drago, and both situations, by the way, came to my attention and the attention of everyone else via this blog -- not circumstances I would have allowed had I been tilting this site to Drago.

Anonymous said...

So after this over are all the supporters of Carlo Basile, for the next elections, are you all gonna scurry back to Anthony and Sal? After you turned your back on them after all the good they've done for you?

Anonymous said...

If Carlo Basile should win, he is going to hold office as a Democrat?

Anonymous said...

People of East Bostonare not stupid. You can come here all day long and say that Drago had the firmest grasp on the issues but the reality is that he did not write those answers. Menino and company wrote all those answers for him. According to him, we should believe that he attended every single meeting involving yesterday's issues. All I got from Drago is that he could read a post card printed by someone else. Drago did not have one original idea in his head. Mary on the otherhand spoke from the heart. I'm not supporting Basile but if I was not backing Mary I would be voting for him. He was the class of the day. On Sept. 25th come out and vote for Mary.
Jeff, now go back to the Mayor's attorneys, who wrote your answers and ask them what you should do next.

N.starluna said...

In the comments with Gloribell Mota's interview, one of the commenters stated that she could no longer support Mota because she stated out loud what those of us on the inside of this sausage factory already know: Basile has strong connections to the Republican party and he supported the Healey campaign. The commenter then made a very interesting assertion:

I would suggest you do learn, ironically enough, from Healey, she lost not becasue she was not educated and articulate on the issues, but because she went negative on Deval.

What I find interesting is the explanation for Healey's loss: she made a bad strategic choice and that cost her the election. This assumes two things: first, Patrick did not win because people believed in him, his message, or thought his policies were better than Healey's. Second, it assumes that all you need is a good strategy, not good policy ideas, not positions that are consistent with the beliefs and values of your constituents, not a commitment to truly represent the community. In short, if you lost its because your strategy was wrong, not because voters decided they didn't want you in that position.

The problem with this view is that it diminishes the mandate that being elected supposedly creates. If you win, it is not because people thought your positions or message was consistent with their values and beliefs. This view asserts that policy-making and community representation are secondary considerations.

This is a rather disturbing way to think about elections. It certainly is contrary to the democratic theory that is the basis of our political system. This cynical view of politics reinforces the personality politics that the writer seemed to see Mota's actions.

Assuming the commenter actually was a Mota supporter before the debate (and given the nature of a blog that allows anonymous, unregistered commenters, there is good reason to doubt it), the view expressed is widely held by many people, including Joshua Resnek, who stated in this blog that this is a popularity contest, not a contest of issues or platforms.

I would argue that it is a popularity contest if the voters allow it to be. It is a popularity contest if the local newspaper continues to cover this election like a high school newspaper covers the contest for prom king and queen. It is a popularity contest if people do not take a hard look at the candidate's positions and their history (because it is relevant). If all it takes is a good strategy to win an election then we have truly lost the ability to participate in this democracy and we'll get what we deserve.

Anonymous said...

Jeff was reading a postcard??? Are you serious??? As a very good friend of Jeff, I can tell you that, NO ONE PREPARED ANSWERS FOR HIM. Jeff is an extremely smart and capable individual who put a lot of time and effort into his answers. You want to talk about someone reading from a postcard, then talk about Carlo Basile. HE READ HIS ANSWERS OF A PIECE OF PAPER! He had from Wednesday until the moment he got onto that stage to prepare and know his answers yet, e still had to rad off a piece of paper.

So let me get this straight, anyone who has been backed by Mayor Menino is automatically a puppet. Gee thats funny, cause all of East Boston has backed Mayor Menino, Sal Lamattina, Anthony Petrocelli, Paul Scapicchio, and NOW you turn around and say Jeff Drago is their puppet??? By voting for someone other then Jeff Drago your spitting in the face of someone like Anthony Petrocelli who has done a TREMENDOUS job as State Representative. Jeff and Anthony share views, and ideas. Are you gonna start talking negatively about Anthony Petrocelli? ABSOLUTELY NOT! So all you people who keep on with the Jeff Drago is a robot, a puppet, or whatever it is your saying, STOP. YOUR ONLY CONTRADICTING YOURSELF! If I am not mistaken, a very large majority of East Boston voted for Deval Patrick. Correct? Well guess who was with Deval Patrick? MAYOR THOMAS MENINO!

The Drago campaign is aware that Berninger and Mota are 2 VERY CAPABLE women who could do the job, if things were a bit different. Their views and ideals are not what East Boston needs. Carlo Basile on the other hand, is just not good enough for this job! What is Carlo going to do, threaten people to get things done?
Are you people getting a hold of this yet. This election is making East Boston look REALLY bad. People are being brainwashed with such nonsense.

Anonymous said...

And if we all had your view, which in my opinion at off the wall, then we would all vote for Mota. If you don't vote for her then in your opinion the people in East Boston are not smart. That is bullxxxx. You vote for whoever you want to vote for but don't come here like you are the best thing since slice bread. as far as Governor Patrick's supporters: Keep blaming Healy and Romney. It's almost a year into Patrick's term and what has he done. Do you think it's ok for him to buy $12,000 curtains with taxpayer dollars? Do you think it's ok for him to drive one of the biggest SUV's out there?
You want to talk about Romney being out most of his last year. Where was Patrick for the end of July, All of August, and the first part of September?
I will tell you in case you don't know...ON VACATION.
Governor Patrick walked into this State(he is not from Mass). He was involved with Amerquest(the biggest predatory lending company,which took advantage of minorities)and he states "TOGETHER WE CAN" and the people of Mass bought into it. What will Patrick do 3 years from now.. Blame all thats wrong on Romney?
Almost 1 year into his term and he has done nothing positive.
VOTE FOR MARY on September 25th. We need someone to tell it LIKE IT IS!

Anonymous said...

and what do you mean..."if things were a bit different"....please, do elaborate on that...i'd like to know why things have to be "different" in order for berninger or mota to do the job?!?!?!

Jim said...

Posts that refer to the candidates' personal lives, no matter how seemingly inoffensive, will be deleted, unless there is some reasonable relation to the campaign or some issue of relevance.

Posts that insult or use expletives, even when blocked as in "bullxxxx," will be deleted. I'm sure we all have vocabularies that make such references unnecessary.

Anonymous said...

Come on Anonymous, Mary B has NO chance. She is having a good time and is trying. I respect that. I assure you she will be 4th. The real question is can Mota or Jeff beat Basile. I've said before and gotr a call at almost 1am about my post. Some are mad but others understand that I have to pull back from Jeff. I only went with him because I though Mota had no chance but I was wrong. We have to stand up folks. It shouldn't be personal.

Anonymous said...

Actually Menino was with Tom Riley. As waws Jeff Drago. He talks about Deval every chance he gets to try and link himself with a popular Governor but he backed Riley because of Menino. That means if in a future race the community backs one candidate but Menino backs another Jeff will go Menin's way. Deval had no one in the begining. He has made mistakes like any one would but we would have been in worse shape with Kerry Healey. Thats one reason I'm voting for Mota. Mota was with Deval fro m the begining. I've personally heard from Basile. He's conservative in Orient Hieghts, He's moderate in on the hill and Liberal in the point.

Anonymous said...

Why so many capitals? No need to get upset. I personally don't think mota was negative. Pointing to a record of support for Republicans is something i as a voter should know. Now if she told women they could be raped for supporting Basile like Kerry Healey who Basile did in fqact support with even an office in Day Square did to Deval that would be negative. So where was the positive campaign when Basile was Healey's general? Think about it.

Anonymous said...

I agree that Petruccelli and sal and scappicchio have done alot for East Boston, I remember when scappicchio was a city councilor, I saw him walking down meridien st on a saturday morning, and he was scooping up litter with his bear hands,from the gutter folks, that shows me he really cared about East Boston, thats
being dedicated,as for sal he done so much in the community dating back from the 70's from camp councilor to neighborhood coordinator, sal's done more for this community than all 4 candidates combined, he should be the next state rep.

Anonymous said...

All you hear is how educated Jeff is. I want to know how can someone so educated bget himself involved in a parking ticket scandal. He then brushes it under the rug and claims it was a mistake. Well educated people don't make those kinds of mistakes. Those types of mistakes lead to Public Corruption.

Jeff I want to know who paid for your school? If you don't want to answer I will tell the people: it was on tax payers dollars. How many days of work did u miss to attend college? Inquring minds want to know

Anonymous said...

Mota has no chance and yesterday proved. She was reading from post cards that Feliz Arroya had printed for her. She graduated from the same hall. Big deal so didn't most people in east Boston.

Anonymous said...

SAl did sqaut for East Boston. Where was Sal when the women got sexually assaulted? I bet he was complaining about the ice cream man. Give me a break. If Sal had to run today he would not win against Dan Ryan.

Jim said...

Are you serious? Do you want City Councilors patrolling neighborhoods at 1 a.m.? Should they wear crimefighter outfits?

The best approach I can think of to counter things like the recent sexual assaults are cops walking the beat, which the police commissioner has recently embraced. However, even if you double or triple the number of patrolling officers, they still cannot be everywhere at once. And if the city did that it'd have to pay for it, which could mean higher property taxes, which are already out of control.

As for the noisy ice cream truck, everybody laughed, but before the resolution was introduced in the City Council two friends of mine who don't know each other, but live three blocks apart, mentioned to me that there was this really loud and obnoxious ice cream truck going through the area around sunset on summer evenings. It was so loud, they told me, that while the truck sat outside -- for 10 or 15 minutes at a time -- neither friend could watch TV or have a telephone conversation.

Neither of those friends spoke to Councilor LaMattina, and I didn't relay their concerns, so at least one other person -- if not more -- brought it to his attention and he acted based on his constituents requests. Isn't that his job?

Anonymous said...

Where was Sal you ask? At the community meetings with the Massport officials and Mass turnpike officials trying to find out what was going to be done......

Folks if you don't knwo what your talking about, don't talk! Do yourself the favor.

Anonymous said...

Jimbo stop assuming things. There are way nore important issues than the icecream man, who is trying to support his family. As far as Sal patrolling the streets that is silly. We have enough cops. They just have to be forced to do their jobs!

Anonymous said...

So Basile is not about Negative campaigning huh? Well then why is it going? Why have people been openly threatened, signs torn down, etc. I can go on. Sure Carlo doesn't condone this type of stuff, but its going on in his camp, which they clearly exhibited at the debate when Drago who was finishing up his closing remarks was belittled by some meathead in the front row. Jeff stated, "I will deliver for East Boston". The man blatantly yells out, "Deliver what Pizza"? These are the type of people who are backing Carlo Basile. A community debate/Forum and where there were many of East Boston community leaders and the people you have holding your signs and doing whatever it is they do are acting like that? GROWN MEN LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!

Jim said...

OK, the referee steps in to say that the back-and-forth between the camps is getting out of hand. I've had to delete a bunch of pointless or negative items.

Please post comments when you have something to add to the discussion, not to just blast the other side with a smackdown. Let's have a reasonable discussion and exchange of ideas please.

Anonymous said...

Mary is just way to the right and Mota a is way to the left. They get so self righteous that they do not understand they trying to sell us a utopia. Jeff and Carlo are astute and know what it takes to be a politician ie making deals to gain support from other reps. NOBODY will go into the estate congress as a freshman and suddenly have their way, right or left, they will give into the machinery of government. That is just the reality Mota is a left wing activist trying to sneak in. she did good for a while but now her mask is off. She will be accountable not to the people of Eastie but to the left and the likes of NOAH and EBECC and that is just not going to fly. Mota has no old italian american supporters, she does not mean to unite with them she means to rid eastie of them that is what she is truly about,not unity but revange because her supporter strongly dislike the people that build eastie with their own hands, sweat and blood. I am sorry but I am not prepared to suddenly support someone becasue they show me some warmth or because they study for their little forum her attacks against Carlo had the poison and the bitteerness of someone that is just waiting to take power to castigate those she deems responsible for the problems of her world.

Jim said...

Wow, the rant at 4:31 is way off base, almost bordering on delusional. How is Gloribell Mota trying to "sneak in"? Isn't she going through the same electoral process as everyone else?

She wants "to rid eastie" of older Italian Americans out of revenge because her supporters dislike hard-working people? Her "attacks" at Saturday's forum were filled with "poison and ... bitteerness" (sic)? Yikes. That is quite a slant on reality.

Several comments referred to Mota's "attack" or her "negative" tactic when she made note that Basile supported Mitt Romney and Kerry Healey, whose administration cut funding to youth programs. Since when is stating facts a negative attack? The chorus of boos in response, on the other hand, was rather negative.

Jim said...

Franco asked, "Jimbo in your opinion who had the best closing statement?"

To be honest, I can't much remember the closing statements. None stood out, but I do think that the candidates who read their opening statements from a prepared text came off a bit stiffly. If I recall correctly, only Mota looked at the audience and didn't read her introductory statement.

Anonymous said...

Gloribell Mota wasn't attacking anyone! She was simply stating fact. Carlo Basile is a Republican! BOTTOM LINE!

Anonymous said...

Liberals will be the destruction of America!

Anonymous said...

It's sad that the host of this blog has decided to endorse his candidate on here. Jimbo, why didn't you post my comments asking the Drago, Basile, Berninger and their supporters to stop posting on here.

Jim said...

First of all, why would we want people who support the candidates to stop posting? I'm happy to read intelligent and insightful comments no matter who writes them. I think you mean that the cheerleading-type posts need to stop, and I agree.

Secondly, I haven't endorsed anyone. If you've been reading the blog right along you will see that I've said positive things about each of the candidates, and I've offered criticism where I felt it was warranted. I am on good terms with each of the candidates and, even further, I consider them all friends. I've done whatever they've asked, posting questions and conducting interviews at their request.

Thirdly, it's my blog and if I decide that I want to endorse someone I will.

Anonymous said...

I think Jeff Drago is the best candidate for the job,the most educated hard working of them all, with his ties to travaglini and travaglini's closeness to the governor, he will get
alot done for East Boston, the tradition will continue on from where petruccelli left off, East Boston will go backwards if the power is in the hands of a republican, as for mota come back in let's say 40 years and then run for state rep, you might have a chance.

Anonymous said...

I respect your decision but I feel Jeff is the least capable of the 4. Mary would do alot better. Jeff thinks this election is in the bag for him but he is mistaking.
He thinks this community owes him something but he hasn't done one thing except talk.

Anonymous said...

To tomsnyder:
If you believe what you wrote in your first posting last evening,then how does Mary not fit the bill? To quote you "Honesty, Integrity and Respect", just how others are describing Mary. She has been consistent and forthright. You stated you have switched your support from Jeff to Gloribell, which is part of the political process for alot of voters. There are still two long weeks left leading to the election. By all means, take your time in making your decision. You can always switch again.

Anonymous said...

Anyone want to guess what the Mayor, Trav, Dimasi, the Governor thought about who won the debate. That sign on Trav's house went up quickly. It wasnt there before yesterday.

Anonymous said...

Jimbo, stop sticking up for Sal, we all know you work for him. He isn't a good councilor and he will never ever get re-elected.
It seems Carlo Basile's biggest crime was backing a Republican. Jimbo, didn't Drago and the mayor back Cellucci, who was a Republican. Jeff stated that he was a true Democrat, what exactly does that mean. Does a true Democrat only vote for Democrats? Because if thats the case, Menino, Travaglini and Drago all endorsed and/or voted for Cellucci.

As far as blaming everything on Romney, wasn't the State legislature controlled by Democrats? They had to pass all of Romney's recommendations.

Drago stated that under Romney Massachusetts lost over 200,000 jobs. If Drago is so smart then he would know that Romney took over 4 months after 9-11 which hurt every State. Tons of people lost jobs at Logan airport alone. Another reason we lost jobs under Romney was because the BIG DIG was completed. The Big Dig had employed thousands of workers. So Jeff, are you as educated as you claim to be or do you think that we are stupid.

You referred to your education on almost every question. Didn't you flunk the Bar exam?

Anonymous said...

why was Travaglini at the debate?

Anonymous said...

Why didn't Carlo or Mary bring up the parking ticket scandal and the torn down addition that cost the homeowners over 26,000?

Anonymous said...

Jeff, during the forum you stated that you took part of the Umana school, you then corrected yourself and stated the right school which was the Barnes. The truth is you never attended any meeting and you had nothing to do with the Barnes school. Stop trying to take credit for projects that you had nothing to do with.

Unknown said...

Jim, for the benefit of your blog readers, I have posted all of the candidate's opening and closing statements on YouTube, as well as 5 of the 12 questions and responses. Here they are:


Carlo Basile Opening Statement
Mary Berninger Opening Statement
Jeff Drago Opening Statement
Gloribell Mota Opening Statement

Eastie Candidates Forum Question 1: Public Safety
Eastie Candidates Forum Question 2: Brandywyne
Eastie Candidates Forum Q3: Higher Ed for Immigrants
Eastie Candidates Forum Q4: Rent Control
Eastie Candidate's Debate Q10: Rollback the Tax?

Gloribell Mota Closing Statement
Jeff Drago Closing Statement
Mary Berninger Closing Statement
Carlo Basile Closing Statement

Anonymous said...

To anonymous, I feel as though you work for Mary. I'm sorry. I know what it feels like to be really into a candidate that can't win. I would consider her if there were a chance she could win. Lets be clear, she can not. We all know that. I like her husband though and feel like she wants change but don't think she has what it takes to be an elected official. Sorry. I mean it. Good luck to her.

Anonymous said...

Jeff, you insulted everyone's intelligence when you stated that you attended almost every meeting that had anything to do with the 12 questions. You referred to your education on almost every answer. Who paid for your college education? We the taxpayers did. Mary was by far the most educated person on stage, unfortunately the people of East Boston are too blind to see it. An earlier commentor asked if you flunked your bar exam, I heard you flunked it twice. It was clear to me and everyone there at the forum that the only candidate that didn't read from prepared answers was Mary.
I'm sure Basile received help from someone.
Mota, had her favorite councilman work with her (Arroya) and you Jeff had the entire City Hall general councils office along with a ton of Menino aids assist you.
I will vote for Mary as she was clearly the winner of the forum.

Anonymous said...

Jim you are clearly NoT fair. You post what you want and you feel empowered doing so. You are a liberal who wants to give away the world but I bet you pay the least amount of taxes on this blog!
How can you say Mayor Menino has done good for the people of Boston, when today's Herald reports that a grandmother was shot on her porch! Again, a grandmother was shot on her porch! where the hell is the mayor on combatting violence and We want to put another of his puppet in office?
Jim, your intelligent so please don't think your bloggers are dumb!
Now, this was a good discussion, lets see if you post this one?

Anonymous said...

Jeff, how came you didn't address the Parking Ticket Scandal or the Leone's addition in your opening statement? Don't you think you owe the community an apology for your actions?

Anonymous said...

Jimbo, for all you Patrick supporters, did you know that he bought $12,000 curtains for his office. The money came from us (taxpayers). Did you know that he bought an 8 cylinder SUV, unlike the previous governors. Did you know that he was on vacation from the last part of July, all of august and the first part of September. Gee what a refreshment!

Anonymous said...

Jeff, I'm not picking on you but since you are the "insider" and keep stating that you want to deal with the issues facing East Boston I want to point out the following which the Menino administration has failed to act on:
1) Dirty streets:
We have some of the dirtiest streets in Boston. So why are people allowed to rip open trash bags to look for cans and bottles? Shouldn't there be a fine for doing this. I'm not against someone trying to make money but it shouldn't be at the expense of having East Boston look like a dumpster. Every week my bags are torn open and trash flys around littering the streets. Any person caught ripping a trash bag should be fined.
2) Gambling:
Gambling is destroying lives in East Boston. The lottery is a scam that takes advantage of poor people. If you look at the numbers I will assure you that communities such as Dover, Wellesley, Weston, Lincoln, and other rich neighborhoods don't have a fraction of the sales that poor communities have. The fact of the matter is that rich people don't buy lottery tickets. The lottery takes advantage of the poor who buy tickets in hopes of striking it rich. Go into any conveniece store and you will see people glued to the Keno tvs. The State makes millions from the lottery and most of it comes from people who can't afford to play. This is an injustice to poor people.
I have to run but I will be back with other points. Please don't tell me that Menino has no say about the lottery and that it's controlled by the state. menino has plenty of say. remember Jeff you oppose a casino but do you oppose the lottery?

Anonymous said...

If I'm not mistaken I thought one of the rules of the Forum was " no name dropping". Mota violated this simple rule. How can she be trusted to follow other rules? Mota you blew it!

Unknown said...

What is up with seemingly everyone in East Boston thinking that associating a person with their very recent past campaign work is an attack? If Carlo Basile worked for Romney and Healey's campaigns (or even vocally supported them), which he did...then how is pointing to that fact an attack? Unless Basile is now ashamed as a Democrat to have supported these Republicans?

For me, I came into the forum undecided as I had only seen poorly developed campaign literature and websites to that point. I left the forum feeling that Drago had the most commanding performance and that he was closest attuned to my concerns. I felt Mary, while a clearly dedicated citizen, came off as uncomfortable, at best when discussing issues related to immigration and gentrification. I felt Basile, while coming off as a nice guy also came off as a developer's dream candidate. Mota didn't shine in this forum, but I had a chance to talk with her one on one while she was canvassing the neighborhood. She is not only personable, but very passionate...and informed!

I would be very curious to see the poll and its methodology.

Anonymous said...

Mota should come back in 40 years? What kind of comment is that? I hope drago doesn't feel the same as some of his supporters. what you are saying is that she should come back when she is 70? I hope you are not serious. Only Mota is a true Democrat. Drago is whatever Menino is and Menino backed Cellucci maybe because he was italian like himself.

Anonymous said...

Brian, you obviously don't pay attentin! At least Basile stands on his principles and isn't told who to vote for. Your a Drago supporter and all us bloggers arent dumb. Just like I'm a Basile supporter and vocal about it because he has given so many times to so many families and NEVER once did he do it for show or publicity!

Anonymous said...

to brain...i have to disagree with you on your comment about mary...if ANYTHING, she was the ONLY candidate who had the COURAGE to state how she truly felt about immigration and ILLEGAL immigrants...while the rest of them talked AROUND the subject, almost like walking on egg shells...sept 25th, mary's got my vote!...more people should be as confident in themselves, as mary was the other day at the debate

Anonymous said...

Jimbo, I've asked you to post a few comments that i've sent regarding you being slanted to one side and yet you have ignored me!
I guess then what i must do is the next time I see you on the street I will make sure that I embarrass you!
I don't care who wins this election but you take us for fools and you need to be put on the carpet just like the candidates.
I don't care when this election was over but you need to be accountable too!

Anonymous said...

Didn't Travaglini, Mayor Menino and other Democrats of this State back Cellucci for Governor? I'm a Democrat and I'm ashamed a voted for Patrick. I was sold a bunch of nonsense and I bought it. If the vote was today I would of voted for Healy. I'm so sick of hearing that Basile backed some republicans in the past. I understand that he backed up Democrats as well. He backed up Petrocelli, Murphy, Lamattina and others. I guess he is open minded and backs, who he thinks is best. Isn't this America? Doesn't a person have a right to vote for whom he or she believes in? I'm not afraid of conservatives or liberals. What I am afraid of are extremist. Take for example President Bush, I did not vote for him but he is my President. I will respect and support him as my President. I do not believe in the war but President Bush went to war so I will support him. Doesn't mean I agree with him but I nontheless will support him.

I keep hearing Basile being referred to as a "DINO". I read on another blog which I thought was funny that Dino was a pet in the Flintstones so get out of the Stoneage. I don't know who I will be voting for it won't be Drago. Drago, you are not a Democrat, you are an extremist.

Anonymous said...

Drago, I hope you straiten out your people. Do not make no good acusations. Mota should win now not in 40 years. whats wrong with you. thats a very disrespectful. You should learn some maners.

Anonymous said...

Mota will win this election hands down. She will do very well for our community. Mass Blue Grass is behind her. Good Luck Mota

Anonymous said...

Ms Tirteen, which community will Mota be good for? All East Boston or just the far left?

Anonymous said...

Leave Jimbo alone, so what he wants to post what he wants! He tries to play that he is unbiased but everone and I mean everyone knows he is a super Liberal.
Just ignore them because they are of the minority

Anonymous said...

I can not believe what I have just read on here! You peple are from East Boston, and I am sure you have lived here for quite sometime to be making comments on a site such as this one. I am absolutely appalled at the assinying comments that are coming from the same exact people that have been voting for Sal, Trav, Petrocelli, Paul Scapicchio, and Mayor Menino. What is wrong with you people? Since when does a parking ticket mishap or so you have all called it "scandal" effect an election, and not to mention were talking about parking tickets, not speeding tickets. SO WHAT! He flunked the bar exam?? is that what your basing your vote on? Carlo Basile didn't even graduate from college, last I heard! Let alone, law school. Carlo worked closely with Anthony Petrocelli, but do you see Anthony backing him? No, because he wants whats right for us, the people of East Boston.

Don't you people understand your making East Boston look awful with all your stupid comments and reasons why you shouldn't vote for Jeff Drago? You have someone like Jeff Drago who is more on top of the issues then I have ever seen in this part of Boston. I personally know who half of you are, the other half who are virtual unknowns in this city, should have kept it that way! People that have never been involved in East Boston politics all of a sudden wanna throw their two sense in. Why? Who knows. Maybe because Carlo is offering jobs to everyone he speaks to. It's gonna be a sad day for this city if Carlo Basile is elected to this office.

Unknown said...

I think it's unfortunate for readers and commentators to toss around accusations. I am not a "supporter" of any candidate, and am not affiliated with any candidate's campaign. Although my secretary supports Mota,and I plan to talk with her people more before the election.

What I said in my first posts about my impressions of the forum is exactly that. I had only seen literature and annoying campaign signs, and websites before the forum. So for "Betty" to say "you're a Drago supporter" as if to disqualify my observations is baseless. It's sad that anyone's supporters are so quick to be mean spirited, and factually incorrect. But I did witness that same lack of etiquette at the forum. Thankfully though, I judge the candidates own their own and not by the mob that follows them.

Further, "anonymous," I did pay attention very clearly to the forum. While I can appreciate the support you have for your candidate, I don't want to support someone who views gentrification and immigration how she does, and I don't agree with her views of equal marriage. Yes it's nice that she is honest about her views. However, I don't like her views. So please, don't lecture me as if I didn't listen.

I would ask "anonymous" and "Betty" to share your views and observations...but don't try to discredit others simply for sharing their views on a political forum. I didn't say anything about your views or ideas on the candidates that you support; did I? I didn't accuse anyone of being a so and so supporter as a discredit. So please stop assuming that everyone has your motivations.

And yes, I think it is a valid point to know who candidates have supported, be that Menino or Healey and Romney, Celuucci, etc. So everyone whining when it comes up makes me suspicious. Why is it a problem? I'm sure Carlo is proud of his association with Romney and Healey as Drago is with Menino. If not then, well, that's a problem for them and they should face it.

Anonymous said...

To Robert at 1pm: Don't crash my Democratic Party. We don't want ya and you're not welcome. And don't you dare thank about voting in my primary election either. Democrats Only!

Anonymous said...

To Anon who posted at 4:24pm.
Being involved in a Parking Ticket Scandal is a BIG DEAL! Don't come here and try to minimize this misuse of Power. He used his influence to get out of paying a measley $115. What will he do for a bigger amount? It shows a Character defect. he used very poor judgement. He keeps bragging about how smart he is. He should not be trusted and let's not forget that he destryed the Leone's lives. He made it a living hell for them. I've heard that even people that are forced to back him because they work for the City don't even like him. I still would like to know who payed for his college education. The taxpayers of East Boston Deserve better. So yes fixing parking tickets is a BIG DEAL!

Anonymous said...

so anyone want to answer why Menino, Travaglini and Drago all so called true democrats endorsed and/or voted for Cellucci, a Republican? is it because you are all italians? What a sad reason if that was the case but unless I hear otherwise thats exactly what I believe happened. Sad sad sad.

Anonymous said...

... just to make sure... MOTA will work for ALL East Boston residents... parents, grandparents, youths, children, low and medium income families, very much higher income families, homeles in East Boston, community organizations, small and all business, city officials, etc... for what: safety and cleaner sreets, better education system for East Boston students, better health service for all...and more... on September 25, VOTE MOTA!!

Anonymous said...

This is my first and probably last post. This is absolutely disgraceful! I started to read this as I was at the forum, heard about this blog and thought it would be interesting what others thought. To read comments about gender, ethnicity and nationality is appalling. Get back to the issues and grow up for all of our sakes. Hopefully, you are mostly in the minority and East Boston and it's many complex issues are in the forefront of the informed voters minds and that will prevail.

Anonymous said...

After reading all the comments it's hard to believe that in the year 2007 voters are still looking for puppets and hacks. Drago is clearly a Menino puppet and so on. He will have no individual thought process and he will do what he's told to do regardless of what the people of East Boston want and need. If he was told today by the right people to change his party he would and everyone who knows Jeff knows that he would. I don't know that much about Basile, but I know he does his homework and supports the person who he thinks will perform the best. So on September 25 lets leave Jeff at City Hall with his strings attached and elect a person who will think and act for the people of East Boston "Carlo Basile"!!! Wake up folks its not about the party, its about getting rid of the old and in with the new. Lets wish Jeff and his Menino boys a farewell and say " not this time boys we are ready for real leadership and real change. If you don't believe me just drive around East Boston and look, that's what the old leadership has accomplished, dirty streets and a crime filled area of gang members and sex offenders.

Anonymous said...

Jeff Drago, I agree, shouldn't you have apologized for your actions for your actions that prompted the parking ticket investigation?

Anonymous said...

I attended the community forum on Saturday and – just slogged through about 88 comments to get a sense of what others are feeling about it. Here’s my position.

It may not be an “attack” to state a known fact, however it is unfair to continuously call Basile a republican in every forum available - including newspaper ads, via phone banks, the forum and even while going door knocking – knowing that he has limited or no opportunity to address it. Perhaps the comments made during the forum and in the advertisement were less blatant than the harder to prove statements that are being made one on one during the door knocking and phone banking, however Drago and Mota are both guilty of utilizing these tactics. They are also both missing the point.

Our next State Representative must be able to represent all of East Boston - the Democrats, the Republicans, the Independents and everyone else in between. He or She must have the fortitude to be able to carry out the collective wishes of the constituency. He or She must be able to see beyond the arbitrary restrictions of party lines and do what’s best for East Boston as a whole.

As an aside – it is another well known fact that a bulk of the Drago and Basile supporters came out of the same East Boston political pool. I’m not so sure that the folks who are throwing stones weren’t sitting in the same glass house with Carlo a few short months ago.

If you haven’t figured it out by now – I am a staunch Basile supporter and take a major exception to having myself, or anyone in the Basile organization referred to as a goon or a thug. It has also been said on this blog that those of us unknowns who have never been involved in politics should have kept it that way. Well you may not know who we are so here goes: we come from all walks of life, levels of education, fields of employment, ethnicities, ages and orientations. We are passionate about Basile and East Boston. We are not goons and thugs! WE ARE EAST BOSTON!!!!! Everyone in this organization is a class act. We do not resort to threats as alluded to by one poster. No one is being paid to do anything for the Basile campaign. We are all volunteers that want the best for East Boston. I won’t call out names or go down the path of describing some of the less than above board tactics being utilized by some camps; however it is perfectly clear in the Basile organization that those tactics are not welcome, condoned, authorized or utilized. Carlo will not stand to have that type of behavior associated with his campaign.


As for Basile’s answers being “scripted”, it is common knowledge that ALL of the candidates were provided with the questions in advance. All of them also had notes available. Carlo may have referred to his notes on occasion, and he may not have graduated at the head of the class at “Toast Masters”, however he speaks from the heart and he has ALWAYS been true to his positions - no matter how much flack he has had to take for it. He - like every other candidate – had plenty of time to prepare, however isn’t it funny that he didn’t use any of that time to craft comments laden with nasty jabs at his fellow candidates. He decided to use his time, our time, wisely and share the information that is important to all of us - so we can get to know who the real Carlo Basile is. What I learned about the candidates, who decided to employ the negative methodology, is that they feel that their best option to get votes, is to try to steal them by berating their competitors. I learned that they have no problem wasting my time and that of everyone else, so that they can deflect from their own shortcomings. Carlo is a father, a husband, a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend, an advocate, a role model, a mentor, a community leader, a model citizen of this community and the best choice for the next State Representative of East Boston.

Anonymous said...

Mayor Menino's hold on the mayoralship is, like all things in life, coming to an end--and Jeff is one of the last chosen canidate in the twilight of a mayor's career. Unfortunatly, Jeff is coming in at the end--at a time when Menino does not command the same power he did in a Ward as he did 10 years ago. Look at Sal's race-152 votes folks.
Look, Menino was the self proclaimed Urban Mechanic at a time when the U.S. economy was strong, Clinton was president and funds for all social programs were abundant. Today, Menino has a hard time navagating through fiscal crisis and has lost hold on many Boston neighborhoods with violence. Sure he will go down in the books as one of, if not the best, mayors in Boston's history. However, when times are tough, Menino does not shine and that's when he begins the blame game for why things are not getting done in Boston--'it's the state, it's the republicans, it's budget cuts.'
It sort of the same stuff you hear from Jeff--he regurgitates the same stuff.
When Jeff loses on Sept. 25 it will say more about a mayor's inability to keep a firm grip on the city than a young man's political aspirations.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous at 10:42. You should be running instead of Carlo!

Unknown said...

I will admit up front that as of now I'm leaning towards either Drago or Mota. That said, I am not on the inside of any campaign (which others have most mistakenly stated out of their own biased fervor).

I have lived in East Boston for just over a year, and have come to love this neighborhood. This is a community with many, many assets, and just as many, many troubles. All of that said, I find it so interesting to follow the comments here. I posted earlier today, and was quickly accused of being a follower of the Drago campaign. Though, in my statement I simply presented my own impression of each candidate based on the forum...and an interaction with a candidate later that day while she was canvassing the neighborhood.

But as I read, it seems contributers are extraordinarily concerned with attacking and counter-attacking about whom various candidates may be beholden too.

It puzzles me that supporters of someone who would very publicly support, say a prominent Republican for governor, would take offense to that fact being pointed out in a primary race for the Democratic party. Even more so, those supporters would use the guise of independence as a supposed defense...because apparently a defense is in order.

My question is why doesn't someone run as a Republican, maybe a moderate Republican? Or as an independent?

Me, personally, I have a problem with the party of Republicans right now. Many may say that's a national level thing, but it all starts somewhere...and anyone who says otherwise is naive.

So whatever Mr. Basile's ardent supporters have to say, I don't think they are winning over hearts and minds by bashing those who don't agree. We would all be better served by talking about things far more significant than past affiliations or parking fines...for that matter.

What will Mr. Basile, or any of the candidates, do to ensure that the East Boston waterfront is developed, but in a way that isn't just drive-in gentrification detached from the community? What will Basile, Drago, Mota, or Mary do in the legislature? Will they lower the income tax while property taxes rise and local funding is slashed? What will any of them do to help our struggling primary/secondary schools? Forget about biomedical...if our kids don't graduate high school, they won't be discovering new technologies.

Let's be real people. Most of the comments here are personal jabs and not about the real issues. If anyone can represent (or at least speak their mind) to these issues and not just jabs at how one person is a low-life for liking someone, I would greatly appreciate it...I really would. My mind is still open, looking for the best person to represent East Boston.

Anonymous said...

Jimbo, So many letter writers have based their arguments on how this land is made up of immigrants. Ernie Lujan for one, suggests we should tear down the Statue of Liberty because the people now in question aren't being treated the same as those who passed through Ellis Island and other ports of entry.

Maybe we should turn to our history books and point out to people like Mr. Lujan why today's American is not willing to accept this new kind of immigrant any longer. Back in 1900 when there was a rush from all areas of Europe to come to the United States, people had to get off a ship and stand in a long line in New York and be documented. Some would even get down on their hands and knees and kiss the ground. They made a pledge to uphold the laws and support their new country in good and bad times. They made learning English a primary rule in their new American households and some even changed their names to blend in with their new home.

They had waved good bye to their birth place to give their children a new life and did everything in their power to help their children assimilate into one culture.

Nothing was handed to them. No free lunches, no welfare, no labor laws to protect them. All they had were the skills and craftsmanship they had brought with them to trade for a future of prosperity. Most of their children came of age when World War II broke out. My father fought along side men whose parents had come straight over from Germany , Italy , France and Japan . None of these 1st generation Americans ever gave any thought about what country their parents had come from. They were Americans fighting Hitler, Mussolini and the Emperor of Japan . They were defending the United States of America as one people. When we liberated France , no one in those villages were looking for the French-American or the German American or the Irish American. The people of France saw only Americans. And we carried one flag that represented one country. Not one of those immigrant sons would have thought about picking up another country's flag and waving it to represent who they were. It would have been a disgrace to their parents who had sacrificed so much to be here. These immigrants truly knew what it meant to be an American. They stirred the melting pot into one red, white and blue bowl.

And here we are in 2007 with a new kind of immigrant who wants the same rights and privileges Only they want to achieve it by playing with a different set of rules, one that includes the entitlement card and a guarantee of being faithful to their mother country. I'm sorry, that's not what being an American is all about I believe that the immigrants who landed on Ellis Island in the early 1900's deserve better than that for all the toil, hard work and sacrifice in raising future generations to create a land that has become a beacon for those legally searching for a better life. I think they would be appalled that they are being used as an example by those waving foreign country flags.

And for that suggestion about taking down the Statue of Liberty , it happens to mean a lot to the citizens who are voting on the immigration bill. I wouldn't start talking about dismantling the United States just yet.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
DO NOT VOTE FOR DRAGO OR MOTA.
Your Choice has to be between Mary or Carlo.

Anonymous said...

Let me get this straight, if you a Democrat in this State it's only ok to back up an Italian Republican?

Carlo is being attacked for backing up Romney and Healy while Tavaglini, Menino, and Drago self proclaimed "True Democrats" backed up Cellucci, a Republican.

Talk about being a racist.

Anonymous said...

Rosemary, you talk about "history" but you do not mention that in the 1900's US government was not involve (or maybe was) in Latin American countries gobernment policies.

2007 - The US intervention in many Latin countries on issues like: politics, war, commercial trades and more, makes the Latin American countries suffer,and US government exterior policies are managing some of those countries, hurting the people. If you ask, many people think that the presidents of some countries, wins the elections because US government wants them to win... in El Salvador, during the war, US government was giving to the army, 1 million dollar a day to fight the war, and US government with El Salvador army, killed thousands of civilians, not guerrillas...
People from Latin Countries are forced to migrate mainly because the US foreign policies in those countries, but that is something that is not in your "history" book.

How many of you know that the currency money in El Salvador is the US dollar??? and that in a small town, the government wants to privatize the water service, and sell it to an american company??? And that El Salvador is the “ONLY” latin country to have troops in Irak, in response to serve the US and that Salvadoran soldiers had died there too!!!!!!!
You need to update your "history" book.

Unknown said...

Don't be a Brown Shirt...Stop telling people who they have to vote for!!! Telling us that we have to vote for Mary or Carlo pretty much ensures that we won't consider your opinion at all.

My parents and grandparents are part of the same immigrant generation that "anonymous" so gloriously spoke of. They fought for labor and social protections that they did not have. They didn't love the idea of working and living in sub-par conditions. It wasn't a romantic and heroic story. And while "anonymous" speaks of history s/he seems to forget a lot of it too. Our ancestors were just as ridiculed, if not more so, when they came to America. The idea that immigrants from past generations are somehow superior from those today is simply prejudice and irrational. There were different conditions, different rules for immigration, in a different world.

It seems to me that "anonymous" (and many other contributers here) is living up to the expectations of American History itself. That every wave of immigrants will face prejudice, and especially by those who were not long ago considered immigrants.

N.starluna said...

Jim,

The letter by Rosemary is part of an email chain letter that's been circulated around the internet for more than a year. It is allegedly written by Rosemary LaBonte from Orange County, California in response to a letter to the editor printed in the OC Register. This email letter has found it's way around the internet and back.

I seriously doubt that Rosemary LaBonte lives here in East Boston. In any event, the LaBonte's are not registered voters in East Boston. Whoever posted this email should be ashamed of themselves. Not only are they guilty of plagiarism, but they are obviously ignorant of the history of European immigration to the U.S., the service records of different ethnic groups in World War II, and the history of social welfare in the U.S.

Maybe I will find time later to post some corrections with citations to these mistruths, but I can tell you that there are more parallels than differences between the Italian and Irish immigration experience and the modern Latino and Asian immigration experience.

More to the point, if you are going to post your views, thoughts, and opinions, they should be your own and not a tired email scam. The residents of East Boston are not as stupid as "Rosemary" appears to think.

Anonymous said...

Why do people even post on this blog. It's just a bunch of rants. No one is talking about issues. I'm all done with reading this Blog. I will not be voting in this election. I rather go golfing.

Anonymous said...

If you want the mayor to hold everyone single office in our community then vote for Drago. If you want change vote for any of the other three candidates. East Boston is going down the tubes real quick and we need change

Anonymous said...

TO: N.starluna.
FROM: Long time Eastie Resident
RE: Election for Eastie Rep. Seat

Why are you so against Carlo? You seem upset that he's going to win. Is this because he did not attend Harvard? Or, is it related to his centrist manner? You spoke of Eastie residents as not being "stupid," and you're right about that.

Know why? Because for once the Eastie electorate is not listening to the powers that be. Instead, East Boston voters are voting, en bloc, with their hearts and minds.

The choice is clear, and all the outsiders in the world can't stop the impending tide! GO CARLO.

Anonymous said...

This should be a rant and rave blog.
That's pretty much sums it up.
Too bad Jimbo that this blog couldn't be more productive

Unknown said...

More Eastie Candidate's forum questions...

Q6 Death Penalty
Q7 Suffolk Downs
Q8 Eastie as a Tourist Destination
Q9: Afterschool Programs

10 is already up there

Q11: Sameday Voter Reg
Q12 Waterfront Development


These are all up there on YouTube ... I'm missing a question 5 somewhere. Sorry, keepin track of 30 separate videos is a real pain in the ass.

Anonymous said...

Long time Eastie resident: Are you saying that it was Basile's people who put up the post from Rosemary? Basile's people are copying one of those email scam letters and posting it here?

The comment at 10:42 aside, that sounds like boorish behavior to me. Also sounds like a desperate attempt to tap into anti-immigrant sentiment that I would have otherwise assumed came from Mary Berninger's supporters.

If I am to believe that age old adage about birds of a feather, I would have to conclude that his moderate appearance at the forum was really a show and not what he really thinks. I too thought his answers weren't very believable.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous at 11:19, I am just one of thousands of Basile supporters, that previous posters have so cavalierly referred to as goons or thugs.

Through his proven dedication to the community, Carlo has inspired his supporters. We believe in Carlo and East Boston. Although I appreciate your attempt at a compliment - Carlo Basile is the real deal, and the absolute best choice for East Boston.

Anonymous said...

... all forum was recorded by Zumix... they are going to put it on air at Zumix Radio 1630am, and can be listened over the internet, they will let us know when, and we can ask them put podcast for whomever want to hear it...

Anonymous said...

Jimbo please give us Carlo's interview with you. It's only fair that we hear from all four. I thank you.

Anonymous said...

You Drago supporters are good but not that good. You guys are behind 80% of the post on here including Rosemary's post.
You are trying to use reverse pyschology but we are not buying it.
To Anon who posted at 5:17: What are you a mind reader. maybe you should change professions and become a Fortune teller.

Anonymous said...

Mary, Gabriell and Carlo I'm sorry but it's over. Jeff Drago is going to win this going away. You guys were right the so called machine can't be stopped. headlines for Sept 26th. "Drago leaves other 3 candidates in the dust."

Jim said...

The post from "Rosemary" is, as n.starluna points out, an email forwarded around the Internet, where it was introduced in the spring of 2006 as a response to a letter published in a California newspaper. That letter found it more than a little hypocritical that the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of immigrants from Ireland, Italy, Poland, Germany and elsewhere want to put up a wall to prevent other immigrants from coming to the US. You may as well tear down the Statue of Liberty, the letter concluded.

I heard an interesting story on NPR this evening about immigration. The reporter looked at the idea that today's immigrants aren't as quick to learn English as those who came over in the great wave from 1880 to 1920. The reporter referenced a study that showed that only half of those who sign up for ESL classes today can get in because the waiting lists are so long. They interviewed one gentleman who had been working double shifts at a cement factory from 12 noon to 3 a.m. I'm guessing that sleep was a priority during most of the nine hours he had off each day, but as soon as his schedule loosened up he was eager to join an ESL class.

The other item the reporter noted was that the turn of the century immigrants settled in neighborhoods where they were surrounded by people who spoke their own language -- Little Italy, Chinatown, Germantown, etc. -- and never had to learn English. In the Midwestern US, where the concentration of immigrant Germans was extremely high, classes at many public schools were held completely in German.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous @ 5:17 – Carlo Basile is the ONLY candidate that has consistently reached out to all members of the immigrant community in an effort to build a united East Boston. As one of his supporters who has worked with him on these efforts, I resent the implication that we are responsible for posting an anti-immigrant sentiment. I’m sure Mary Berninger and her supporters are none too thrilled with the insinuation that tactic is more her speed.

All of that being said, I’m pretty certain that any unbiased folks reading/posting here are smart enough to see your posting for what it is: another sad attempt to impugn Carlo’s character.

Anonymous said...

Jimbo get real you die hard liberal. If you come to this country, learn the language. Press 2 for spanish is nonsense. Why not press 2 for german, italian, chinese, korean, Japenese? It; stotal nonsese. I agree with Rosemary 100%. america will surly be destroyed from within and is Librals. remember librealism is a disease. Just ask Savage

Anonymous said...

I took sometime this weekend to consider the candidates, I liked Mary but I do not agree with her positions, I foud out that if fact it is true that Drago supported Celluci which in my book disqualifies him from attacking Basile on that issue and Mota has chosen that same issue to divide the voters too.

Mota strikes me as desperate to prove herself and t is incredibly unfair for her supporters to go door to door bashing Bsile using half-truths about him, and not agianst Drago too,without giving the man the chance to engage the voters and expalain the bigger picture to individuals; namely that in MA, a democratic state, democrats have for many years supported repubicans for various positions. Mota fails to mention that and to me that is called disinformation.

I do not want another person in office that disinforms me or anyone else by using partial truths as they see fit. I find that to be manipulative and higly deciving. Drago and Mota seems the same to me, the only differnce is that Mota responds to the left wing and Drago to the establishment. Clearly, I am for Basile and I just hope that other voters share my view.

Eagle hill resident

Anonymous said...

I think Carlo Basile is confused as to what it this election is about. After just watching the video clips I feel very sad for this city, that someone with no vocabulary skills such as Carlo is goign to be representing us in the House of Representatives. Simply embarrassing. Please for god sakes, do note vote for this man!

Anonymous said...

We should feel disgruntled about the East Boston Times newspaper. I think it should be renamed the Menino-Drago Free Press. Since Mr. Boston, aka Mr. Resnek, is known to spend so mch time with Mayor Menino, we can't expect him to be unbiased in his writings. Calling Basile's supporters Hessians was over the top for someone who should remain unbiased, at least in public. Hessians were mercenaries so I guess Mr. Albano might have thought about joining the Hessians too. Remember that mercenaries serve for pay or reward. Mr. Menino is the paymaster, there's the connection. Let's be honest. The EB Times picked its candidate a long time ago. But they try to tell everyone on the street that they don't have a horse in the race. If we believe that then we should believe the Mayor when he says he'll work on the litter problem here. That's in the EB TImes today too.

Anonymous said...

Jimbo: still no Carlo interview? What gives? You were quick to post Jeff's, slower on the ladies and nothing on Carlo's interview. ARe you sure you arent leaning toward Jeff?

Anonymous said...

Why do people feel the need to keep bashing on this blog! who cares about who did what and who supported who!
This is about East Boston and its people

Anonymous said...

To A distressed, lontime Heights resident:

It's shameful to think that you would vote for someone that has a good vocabulary. Obviously you should vote on behalf of what the individual stands for and how the community issues will be addressed by any candidate. It sounds to me that you will be voting for the candidate with only 1 word in his vocabulary and that word is "YES". Well I have news for you, this community is fed up with "YES" people. Please DO NOT VOTE FOR JEFF DRAGO on 9/25. ENUFF is ENUFF

P.S. You are an EB resident, not a Heights resident. This is one community, not 2,3 or even 4. People like you support candidates that try to keep us divided. On the other hand, Carlo stands for 1 community and 1 community only!

Anonymous said...

To: "A distressed, lontime Heights resident!"

Dear Sir or Madam:

Please proof read your comment posted on 9/11/07 at 9:24 pm and then report to all of us how you are qualified to critique Carlo's vocabulary, when in fact, your comment contains numerous spelling and grammatical errors.

Anonymous said...

Well, maybe we should blame Louie for selling the Times to an outsider like Joshua who has no real connection at all to Eastie. Maybe Eastie is in the shape it's in because people sold out and moved to Revere, Winthrop, Saugus, Medford, Lynnfield, etc.

Did you ever think of that?

Jim said...

I know that some of you are waiting to see my interview with Carlo Basile. I will get it posted as soon as possible. I need to transcribe it from my recorder and I have been quite busy with work.

The others have been posted on successive Fridays, so I hope to get this one up by this Friday.

Anonymous said...

To non who posted at 8:31am The Times did not refer to Carlo's supporters as Hessians. The article referred to Drago's supporters as Hessians. Go and re-read the artice. By the way I agree 100% with the article. You can have City Hall force you to vote for Drago or you can vote your conscious.

Anonymous said...

Jef Drago was seen yesterday in the Orients Area smoking a cigar and bragging about having this race rapped up. I say lets tell Jeff and City Hall that they can't and will not control us. Vote for any other candidate. Claiming that the race is rapped up is an insult to the other 3 candidates and their supporters.

Anonymous said...

Note the commemt who posted at 8:31am comes across as a Basile supporter but in reality is a Drago supporter in disguise. The Basile supporters were not called hessians. Do you even know how to read English?
Mr.Resnek is doing a fair job. It's funny how people come here and Bash the Times but every week you read it. If you don't like the Times don't read it. If youthink you could do a better job, start your own paper.

Anonymous said...

People sell out because they moved to a different community. Are you serious? Peole move for several reasons, such as bigger house, bigger yards, better school systems. Don't insult someone for wanting a better life. You are probably the same person who would tell a legal immigrant that he/she sold out on their mother country for moving here.

Anonymous said...

To the poster at 8:31
is that an attempt to piss off the Times. Basile supporters have no problem with the Times. You are an upset Drago supporter who didn't like Mr. Boston's take on he race. Mr. Boston was right on. Whoever he is, he definitely knows his stuff. I'm impressed that he was so honest. Via the Times

Anonymous said...

IN RESPONSE TO:
Anonymous said...

To: "A distressed, lontime Heights resident!"

Dear Sir or Madam:

Please proof read your comment posted on 9/11/07 at 9:24 pm and then report to all of us how you are qualified to critique Carlo's vocabulary, when in fact, your comment contains numerous spelling and grammatical errors.

September 12, 2007 11:03 AM


I'M NOT RUNNING FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE!

Anonymous said...

Jeff in Orient Heights smoking a cigar huh? Really?

THATS IT! Don't vote for Drago, he was smokin a cigar up the heights! HOW DARE HIM!

Anonymous said...

Mr. Drago, I am on the "no call" list so I don't appreciate receiving an automated phone call from you. I also don't appreciate someone from your headquarters hanging up on when I called to complain. You have a classless orginazation.

Anonymous said...

Carlo Basile has the Times bought. So how can you say that their pushing Drago?

Anonymous said...

Overheard Drago conversation at Donna's restaurant.. "I have this election in the bag" He then went outside and lit up a cigar.

Well Jeff, you should save that cigar until after the election. You may or may not win but to gloat about it before it happens is an insult to all the people of East Boston. You might have the machine behind you but Mary, Carlo and Gloribell have strong supporters too. To claim a victory before it's over could blow up in your face.

Anonymous said...

Mario:

I am just pointing out that the sad state of East Boston is in part related to the influx of outsiders who have no real stake in Eastie, and only seek to take advantage of its assets for monetary gain. 20 years ago this would not be allowed to occur. However, resistance has decreased because so many of our more sophisticated residents fled to the burbs. Sorry, Mario, but this fact is virtually indisputable.

Jimbo? Is Eastie fractured or what?

Anonymous said...

Geez, even Red Aurabach waited until after the Championship was won before he lit up a victory cigar. Talk about being arrogant.

Unknown said...

All this talk of overhearing conversations, cigars, bragging. The back and forth of so and so is a "Drago supporter because they looked at me funny!" "No you're a Basile supporter because you said I was a Mary supporter."

Should we wait to see the blue dress?

This is all very entertaining, yet horridly sad. Does anyone here making statements such as these think that they are convincing people what they should do?

"Oh you should definitely not vote for this candidate, vote my guy...because I'm just telling you to vote for my guy!"

No, what most people are doing here is running their own sling fest of a rumor mill. I really had hoped some people might articulate ideas or say "well there is this to consider." Instead it seems that contributors here want to intimidate and accuse. There isn't one thing wrong with strong views, but I don't see any views to feel strongly about. I just hope that none of the candidates are anything like the various supporters here.

Anonymous said...

To Brian,
Good point. Hopefully, these are just over zealous supporters. Let's hope the candidates read these and respond with some concrete answers pertaining to the issues. There are still many of us undecided out there.

Anonymous said...

I am 28 years old and a life-long resident of East Boston. I have known of both Drago and Basile for most of my adult life.

Although they are both good people and probably well qualified for the State Rep role, a factor that neither of them has probably given much thought to - describes why I lean towards Carlo.

The first time I met Basile, when I was about 18 years old, he walked up to me, shook my hand and introduced himself.

The first time Drago introduced himself to me, or even acknowledged me, was two months ago when he asked for my vote.

Anonymous said...

In answer to the last post, I would encourage any voter, undecided or otherwise, to visit my website for my issues and positions, view the video of the forum and read the synopsis of the forum in today's East Boston Times newspaper. Then, please call me at 617-569-3643 or email me at sail58@hotmail.com to ask me any questions you may have about my positions. If no one is home to take your call, please leave a voice message and I will get back to you. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Mary Berninger

Anonymous said...

Hi - I'm just wondering why it is that you interviewed Mr. Carlo Basile almost 3 weeks ago - why is it taking so long for his interview to be posted on this site? I noticed that once you interviewd the other candidates, they were up seemingly immediately. Is it because you are a Jeff Drago supporter, and work for Sal Lamattina that you are stalling?

It just seems a bit suspicious that you are saving Carlo's interview until the very last minute.

Jim said...

Actually it's almost two weeks since I interviewed Carlo Basile, but it was just at the time that I started a new job, which has monopolized my time. I'm doing the best I can here, and -- despite the inconvenience of my paying job getting in the way -- I wish you wouldn't confuse logistical issues with bias.

Anonymous said...

I agree with anon who posted at 9:53pm. I never even heard of Jeff Drago and I have lived in East Boston most of my life .
I met Carlo in 1998, I was 25 years old, had just lost my job, and was in the process of being evicted from my apartment. I was starting to drink heavily and was at wits end. I had no money for food, let alone enough for another apartment. That's when a friend of man introduced me to Carlo Basile, my guardian angel. Carlo showed me so much compassion. He talked to my landlord and worked out a deal with him. Carlo helped me land a job, filled my refrigerator with food and routinely checked on my well being. It is now 9 years later, I'm married, have 2 beautiful daughters and have my own business.
What I never told Carlo or anyone else is that right before I met him I had contemplated suicide. I'm positive that if it wasn't for Carlo I would not be alive today.

Although, I can't vote,(I now live in NH) I will be asking anyone I know that still lives in East Boston to vote for Carlo.

Carlo, Good luck and may God Bless you.

Anonymous said...

Good evening ladies and gentlemen(or should I say boys and girls). All of my friends and family have been telling me about this blog and I haven't gotten around to actually reading it until now, and let me just say, What has happened here?

What I am going to do is give you my honest opinion of what has happened here. Whether you agree or disagree, I don't really care. Also, I am on the fence with who I am voting for at this moment in time. I am leaning toward Jeff Drago. After learning of the many tactics and "assaults" that have been planted on this blog by Carlo Basile's campaign its more then likely Drago.

Carlo Basile. You are a great man, and a true East Bostonian. Why are you surrounding yourself with the rif raf that has destroyed what this whole election is about. I know that you wouldn't condone any of the rants that have been "OBVIOUSLY" planted here to sway opinion. Folks, this isn't how Carlo would want to win the election. Let him try and win with his views on what is important for East Bostons future. Not by tossing out stupid lies and misleading information that has absolutely no bearing on this election what-so-ever. It is very sad to sit and read through these comments and see Jeff Drago attacked by Carlo Basile's campaign. It's baseless. Exactly why is it most of you are supporting Carlo Basile? Oh wait I can answer that for you. He's good looking?? He's a nice guy??

We don't need a good looking nice guy in the House of Reps! We need someone who is going to go in there with their gun drawn and ready to make things happen for us, the East Boston residents. I have read ,"Your not an Orient Heights resident your an East Boston resident". Your absolutely right. We are all one here, and what Carlo Basile is doing is not making us one. He is creating havoc among friends!

Jeff Drago. No one has written scripts for Jeff Drago! NO ONE! Oh I get it, you people aren't use to hearing someone as articulate and intelligent as Jeff. Is that what it is? Are you threatened by his intelligence? Anyone who has seen the debate and/or the videos has been made well aware of what brings to the table and has to offer. It's quite a bit. Jeff's ideas and stances on the issues and topics that need be addressed are first and foremost the most positive and impressive stances I have heard in years. I also keep hearing how, he's Menino's robot, and he's a follower. Maybe so, but he has learned form the best around! The best in which ALL OF YOU AT SOME POINT HAVE CASTED A VOTE FOR! Get your minds right East Boston. Like I said I have not etched in stone thatI am voting for Jeff Drago, but its kind of a no brainer. The Mayoral Machine which has been referred to SO many times in this blog, has done many wonderful things for East Boston. MANY! To turn and spit in their face would be outlandish!

In closing, please grow up people. We are all from East Boston. We are all that is left of an amazing family atmosphere that cities all over this country wish to resemble. We are a very proud section of Boston, but I am not seeing anything to be proud of here. Do not let this election continue to ruin our city, which it has begun to.....

Anonymous said...

To Anon, who posted at 10:29. Are you for real? You are on the fence? You might be on the fence with other issues but you are not on the fence with this election. It is clear that you are 100% behind Jeff Drago. That's fine, but don't insult the readers of this blog with baloney. You think Jeff is the best man for the job I say vote for him. I say carlo is by far the best man for the job. I will give you credit that Jeff was more polished at the forum but everyone knows that he sat with half the staff at City Hall. My 10 year old niece would of looked just as polished with all the help Jeff received. Jeff claimed to be at every meeting that ever took place. The truth of the matter is that he was not at any of those meetings. He ws too busy having his parking tickets fixed and making sure that his mother's neighbor's addition was torn down.

Anonymous said...

Until we change the professors who teach college our Nation will be doomed. These professors are brainwashing our children with their libralism. American haters know that no country will ever be able to destroy us. So they are doing in from within. Yes folks the new enemy is liberals. Liberals are the reason why a police officer acn not check a person's immigration status regardless of the crime he/she committed. In New Jersey some kids just got killed by illegal immigrants. The illegal immigrants should of been previously deported but because of liberals they were set free.

Anonymous said...

Guys want to hear some interesting facts about illegal immigrants?
Go to "theguyfromboston.com" click on Rants, then click on Illegal immigrants. Enjoy it

Anonymous said...

Wow, I just went on theguyfromboston.com and listened to his rant about illegal immigrants. Does anyone know if those stats are accurate?

Anonymous said...

To Anon, who posted at 10:29. How dear you refer to the readers of this post as boys and girls. As far as we are concerned as a whole, you are nothing but a ranting Drado supporter. It gives us great pleasure for you to cast your vote for Jeff. After all, you must not be good looking or remotely as nice as Carlo. As for your opinion, who the heck really cares! How can you imply that our comments are baseless when your candidate admitted to the fact that he is deceptive by squashing his own parking tickets. Maybe this is the kind of candidate that you want up at Beacon Hill, but it's certainly not ours. I for one, am not affiliated to Carlo's campaign and take offense to your misleading and childish comments. Furthermore, how do you know if Jeff's responses were scripted. My feeling is that Jeff himself wrote this comment. Regardless, I have no respect for Jeff if he allows his cronies to write these immature comments. Last but not least, this will soon be over and we will have our next good looking, charming and intelligent State Rep up at Beacon Hill representing this fine community and I know this person to be Mr. Carlo Basile.

Anonymous said...

I just checked out "theguyfromboston.com" website and the man makes some good points. I especially like that he was targeting "illegal" immigrants. See, I am supporting Mary. For those of you who think she hates immigrants, go back and watch the video again. She's never said or written anything against legal immigrants. She just has a problem with people who come here ILLEGALLY and then want us to pay for all the services they seem to think they are entitled to. Lets face it. She says out loud what the rest of us think.

Anonymous said...

Can anybody tell me what the Mayor has done for East Boston?
I only know that he comes here for ribbon cuttings and to eat free food!
So please can someone give me details on what the Mayor has done?

N.starluna said...

Like all teachers, I would like to think that as a college professor I have the kind of influence that anonymous asserts we have over our students. While I do endeavor to assist my students in their ability to think critically and independently, to force a specific political philosophy on them would be completely contrary to my personal beliefs in the benefit of critical thought, the power of reason, and the goals of the Enlightenment.

However, while I would certainly fail the commenter for the numerous spelling and grammatical errors that litter his or her comments, I would like to allay some of the concerns expressed. You can rest assured that, because of the low level of college attendance by East Boston residents, you have nothing to fear with college professors somehow instilling any progressive values or critical thinking skills in your neighbors. Only a quarter of East Boston residents have attained any post-high school education, 10% have obtained a bachelor's degree or higher. I personally see this as a problem. Even Mary Berninger's dream of gentrifying the neighborhood is impossible with this kind of demographic.

I am constantly amused by the use of the specter of liberalism, particularly in relationship to the pursuit of a college education or higher degree. But rest assured those of you who read too much from David Horowitz, our young people actually have minds of their own.

Anonymous said...

To the 10:29 posting.

Please admit that you are supporting Mr. Drago. It's just not fair to say otherwise.

Also, I am personally aware of many of the things that the Drago camp is doing behind the scenes, and, these actions are totally unfair. It just seems to me that the machine and its candidate cannot believe it is going to lose to a candidate who is more of a centrist then a left wing loon or hack.

Too bad.

Signed~Once undecided, now firmly with Carlo

Anonymous said...

To N. starluna.

What do you plan to do to increase the proportion of those in East Boston with college degrees?

Anonymous said...

To Anon @ September 9, 2007 8:46 AM

I have been a resident of eastie all my life and voted for Sal and Anthony but what they just pulled on Carlo i will never find myself voting or helping them ever..Carlo Basile is the right man for this position and i will due my civic duty on telling friends and family to vote for him we need to knock the mayors machine down and it starts with Drago and Sal u will be next.....

Anonymous said...

... if Sal will be next, we should have someone already runing against him...he still counting the 156 votes that make that different...

Anonymous said...

Don't worry we can think of someone!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
... if Sal will be next, we should have someone already runing against him...he still counting the 156 votes that make that different...

September 13, 2007 7:06 PM

He is very lucky that he won that election and i regret every moment that i ever voted for him. The mayor should thank the people in the community that we put in another puppet for him to control.
And u could bank on it that maybe this time Sal runs unopposed but not next time.
Good Luck Carlo Basile u have my vote and my family and friends

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
... if Sal will be next, we should have someone already runing against him...he still counting the 156 votes that make that different...

September 13, 2007 7:06 PM

There will defintely someone believe me.. Just wait and see

Anonymous said...

To Anon: September 15, 2007 12:50 AM

At least Carlo Basile wrote his own answers and closing statement for the forum and Drago needed the mayors people to write his so please don't knock Carlo because he is one of the smartest person i ever met and spoke with

Anonymous said...

Critical thinking…the ability to cut through the crap and understand what is really being said. Some colleges are willing to teach critical thinking as long as it is critical of a certain point of view.

For some enlightened reading try CAMPUS LEFT FAILS SCREEN TEST FOR TOLERANCE. This editorial appears in the Boston Herald, Saturday, September 15, 2007. It is written by Delroy Murdock a syndicated columnist with the Scripps Howard News Service and a senior fellow with the Atlas Economic Research Foundation in Arlington Virginia. It is another opinion on higher education’s critical thought, reason and enlightenment.

If higher ed. equals enlightenment than how do you explain, Bill Bennett, University of Texas at Austin (political Philosophy), Harvard (Law School). Bill O’Reilly, Kennedy School of Government. You get the point.

If only 10% of the people in East Boston have a bachelor’s degree, that is most certainly a problem. I think education is a way up. Lack of it will hold East Boston back. However, I don’t think the opinions of less educated people can be dismissed unless we want to adapt a “let them eat cake” attitude.

While we poorly educated Lilliputians blog away the academic elite knows what we should think and they would be more than happy to enlighten us if we would just ask them to sprinkle some of their enlightened wisdom on us and by the way pay $300.00 per credit hour, minimum, for that privilege. The only prerequisite ……… stop thinking for ourselves.

The people on the Hubster blog are thinking critically. We may not have the proper educational background, our spelling and grammar may suffer, but our opinions are no less valid. They just differ with some people. I would not think less of someone’s opinion, who, because of a language barrier is having a hard time getting their opinion across, than I would of someone, who, because of an educational barrier is having the same problem.

The power of an opinion follows the power of reason. Many people may think about a subject in a logical and rational manner and end up with different opinions. We need not look any further than the Iraq war and General Petraeus’ testimony before Senate and House committees. He probably thought he gave a reasoned explanation of the situation and he got 250,000,000 opinions.

Anonymous said...

People like starluna think they are primadonnas. I think its very sad when parents are struggling to send their children to College just to have a teacher like Starluna. That should be a crime!

Anonymous said...

To Rocinante:

I really appreciate the fact that you took the time to write your lenghty comment. However, what the heck does the price of tea in China have to do with anything we're talking about. If you can't comment to anything related to the race itself, then just relax and watch tv for the night or speand a few hours enjoying the paint drying on your walls. Furthermore, if you have anymore of that tea from China, I'd love to try it! Credino!

Anonymous said...

N.Starluna is the reason why this country is going the tubes!
I also point out Jimbo and his ultra liberal views.
They try to use the excuse that we should help people because everyone is a human being.
The answer is that we first and I stress First have to help americans and who cares what happens in Haiti. Too bad for them.
We need have to help our families and if we have extra of anything then we can help others. Home is first Jimbo and N. Starluna

Anonymous said...

So is there anyone else here that can't wait for this to be over???? I know I can not wait and am counting the days. This is out of hand.....LOLOL

Anonymous said...

Why are people attacking Sal?

Please explain what it is that Sal and Anthony "supposedly" did to Carlo....

Anonymous said...

people are attacking Sal because he got directly involved in having city hall back Drago.It was a move he and the Mayor had planned for months, before Travaglini left office.Being barely elected himself, he should have just stayed out of it--he orchestrated the Drago candidacy thinking they could sell him. Now he will in all likelyhood be serving his last term in office--bye Sal--you're outta here in '09---

Anonymous said...

To Anon who posted on:
September 18, 2007 8:33 PM

U ask what Sal did to Carlo he should have stayed out of this race because i know for a fact both Basile and Drago supported him and worked his campaign and also could say Carlo raised him alot of money and without a doubt got him alot of votes for ex: me and my family would have never voted for Sal if it was not for Carlo. So thats what he did and i will let u know Sal hang up your political career u will never win another election in EastBoston

Anonymous said...

Three candidates worked to get Sal elected: Carlo, Jeff and Mary. Sal has a short memory. Sal, Trav and Anthony, and the Mayor, should have just stayed out of it and let us decide.

Anonymous said...

Travaglini, you are a piece of work. I would love to have a beer with you. You name the time and place. You care so much about East Boston that as soon as you resigned from office you put your house on the market. you are leaving East Boston and I couldn't be happier. Karma has a weird way of working and I'm sure someday, hopefully sooner than later, you will get whats coming to you.

Anonymous said...

what do you think...should mary take on sal next time he is up...because frankly, i think she would wipe the floor with him!

Anonymous said...

...some people going against Ice-cream trucks???? instead of keeping East Boston street safer and cleaner...

Anonymous said...

Hey Jimbo, I have entered many comments with a lot cold hard facts about Carlo Basile on here,a nd you denied them! Now you got some chooch bad talking Bobby Trav? Yeah good job guy!

Anonymous said...

Jimbo, you are really dropping the ball here, why aren't you updating this blog frequently. When it wasn't as crucial to read this blog, you would post often. Now ith less then a week to go, you're nowhere to be found. Whats Up?

Jim said...

Wow...tough crowd.

I update the blog when I can. Work has taken up much of my time lately. Sorry, but that is the best I can do.

Anonymous said...

TO Anon that posted on 9/20 at 2:07 pm. The only hard cold facts that you have about Carlo are in Sal's Ice Cream Truck. Obviously Jimbo didn't post them because they are irrelevent or you have nothing to back it up. Now stop whining and carry on, it'll be over soon!

Anonymous said...

waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
will be the sound froim Drago's headquarter's on Sept 25th

Now they have Trav, who is bailing out of Eastie making annoying automated phone calls to everyone in East Boston. Talk about being desperated. Drago, this just proves to people that you can't stand on your own two feet. You were ppart of a scandal and know you want people to trust you? Are you kidding me?

Anonymous said...

Trav: Where you at?

Nucci: YO.

JEFF: What happens after the 25th? Is Menino still going to allow you to work at City Hall?

Anonymous said...

So now its a crime to move away from East Boston? You people are braindead....

Anonymous said...

So is the rumor true? Gloribell Mota is backing Jeff Drago? Wouldn't that be a developmemnt....

Not really sure if that is valid information, but a little birdie told me Gloribell will be backing Jeff Drago come Tuesday. Would love to see it!

It is exactly the kind of statement we need to shut down the Basile campaign!

Jim said...

Gloribell Mota is not backing Jeff Drago. That is just a rumor. I saw her campaigning door to door just the other day, and then yesterday I received a phone call from her campaign and I had one of her volunteers knock on my door. Both inquiries asked if I would consider Mota and said nothing about Drago. She is in it to win it.