Sunday, May 10, 2009

He's still the one

Tom Menino can apparently keep his current job as long as he wants it. A recent poll by The Boston Globe gave the mayor a 73-percent approval rating, and when asked about head-to-head match-ups, Menino tops his closest challenger, Michael Flaherty, by 38%.

Though poll respondents generally weren't happy about Boston's schools, crime in the city and the current economy, they believe the mayor is doing a good job. A whopping 57% of those queried said they've personally met Menino.

I've always felt that the mayor has been helped a great deal by his lack of ambition to move up the political ladder. Of course, he probably doesn't have the communication skills to have been elected governor or Congressman, but how many others do we see who really mean it when they say that they aren't interested in running for higher office? I think voters like that.

In addition, it's hard to think of politicians who've served this long who haven't been touched by bigger scandals. Menino has had his share of minor issues, but nothing that has tagged him as corrupt. Few people get the impression that he is feathering his own nest.

Of course, the campaign will heat up this summer and one never knows what might happen, but right now Menino is on top and it is good to be the king.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

having just spent 100k on a tv buy is the best time to poll. Menino has avoided the bad press you hear about everyday in state govt,and the city is a mess.However his opponents have not waged credible campaigns thus far. I feel Menino can be beaten by a good candidate with some fresh ideas,but the talent pool however is rather weak.His opponents are simply not heating up the race.You cant beat somebody with nobody.

Anonymous said...

strong rumor that Yoon will be dropping out of the Mayors race,apparently due to fundraising.Dont know if he will run for the council,because he supposedly has a business opportunity in California. Anybody have more info on this?

Anonymous said...

Michael Flaherty could beat mumbles. He's a strong candidate and there's no way he's losing the southie vote. There's signs and bumper stickers everywhere.

Flaherty 09!!!

Anonymous said...

Flaherty has not credibility. It was Menino's boy untill last year untill he figured out that his Boss was not steping out.Maura won Southie,Charlestown and JP 4 years ago, but did not even come close to win it. Let face it, city has changed and would be very difficult to elect an Irish Mayor.Menino has very strong routes in community and has invested a lot in Mattapan, Roxbury and Dorchester. People there do appreciated.

Anonymous said...

Mike F. can beat him,that is if he wants to take Eastie seriosly,and he is not at the moment.

His aide spoke "IN FAVOR" last night to allowing a Beer,and Wine License in a Conveince store on Sumner street near Dozzies.

He must be insane.

He has also not shown hes willing to even open up an office in Eastie.

Until he gets serious here he has no chance to al least taking Easties vote thats ripe for the taking.

Anonymous said...

5:19 hit a home run with those remarks.My sentiments exactly.

Anonymous said...

Michael ross vs sal lammattina for mayor in the next 4 years.

Anonymous said...

More likely Consalvo vs Connolly.Ross would have trouble citywide without name recognition. Sal will probably retire in four years.But four years is a lifetime in politics and someone else could emerge.

Anonymous said...

The Flahery campaign has begun to show some signs of life here in East Boston.Some house signs have started to spring up in strategic locations.

Anonymous said...

We do not need any of the current politicians ,as they have not done much to improve our quality of life.

What we need is to be our own town,hire a manager ,and have 100000000000000000000000% open books.

Sal for Mayor? What are you smoking?

Anonymous said...

p.s.By the way;
Mike F. still has not opened an office here,and all of my e-mails to his camp,have not been responded to ,asking if he is,and when.

MIKE YOU HAVE NO CHANCE IF YOU IGNORE EASTIE.

Anonymous said...

I am somewhat surprised that the media doesnt come down on Menino.The city has huge problems like crime,overcrowded living conditions with illegals,an addiction to residential property tax to pay the bills,etc. A whole host of issues to be debated.People have to vote in higher numbers.Apathy wont make our problems go away.

Anonymous said...

I light of everything that is happening regarding more and more taxes,I have decided to do something different this year.I am not voting for any incumbents.I will pick four new faces for the council at large,vote for the new face in the district council race;and vote to remove Menino.Next year I will do the same with the house,senate, and governors races.Time to send a message.I invite you to join me.