Letter to the Editor: Danvers' Selectmen Race
"Noble Intention, Poor Engagement," a letter from Danvers resident Scott James.
To the editor:
Danvers is facing a Town election in which we have a contested race for Selectman. Bill Clark and Gardner Trask, the incumbents are facing a challenge by Richard Bettencourt.
Running for any elected office is a noble undertaking. Competition is healthy and choice is good, but it appears this new candidate has thrown his hat in the ring with minimal background, no easily definable positions, and no specific agenda. How am I as a voter supposed to make an informed decision? Where are the debates or position statements?
Mr. Bettencourt’s primary qualification seems to be name recognition. On his web page he answers a self-posed “why am I running” question by a lengthy paragraph dedicated to name dropping 6 family members who have served their communities.
He notes there are “tough economic hurdles” to face, yet he offers no specifics to what should be changed. He does not propose a single budget adjustment. As a matter of fact, he has not sat in on any of the four Selectman’s budget meetings in the past three weeks. How can you comment on a budget you have never seen?
He suggests that his desire to serve is “strong” since he came to town 6 years ago, yet he has never served on a town board or commission. He has never even sought office as a Town Meeting Member. And as far as I or my neighbors can tell, he has never attended a Town Meeting or Selectman’s Meeting.
And most telling; how can I be convinced his commitment to Danvers is “strong” when according to State election records Mr. Bettencourt has not voted once in the May elections for the past five years? Participation in our democracy is a right fought for by and guaranteed many greater than I.
The role of Selectman should not be a “learn-on-the-job” position. (We have tried that on the Presidential Level) Mr. Bettencourt, if you want to get involved, I applaud that. Start with serving on a board, a commission, or as a town meeting member. Learn about the job you want. Go to Selectman’s meetings. Read the budget. Take a public stand. Speak in a debate. And the most effective way you can help effect the town is to actually exercise your rights and vote in a Town election.
Signed.
Scott James
Danvers Voter
2:17 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
I would not consider a candidate for top office that had never voted in a Town election. i went to his web site to ask him directly to affirm or deny. Trust but verify.
Keith Lucy
3:20 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Way to go negative right out of the box... well done....
Chris Dembowski
5:02 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
That Is the exact reason I decided to run for town meeting for the first time this year, to learn! Would like to be in one of those selectman's seat one day!
Rick Bettencourt
5:08 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
I appreciate the commentary, I really do. I just posted a reply to "Danvers Voter" on my website regarding some questions he/she had.
When I moved here in 2005, my families intention was AT THAT TIME, to remain here for 2 – 3 years and prior to my daughter coming of age for school, we would move to New Hampshire, hopefully with another child on the way. Unfortunately, due to unforseen extenuating circumstances we are unable to have any more children, this was our driving force to move to NH. To have a larger home to accomodate our family. As I’ve indicated in previous posts, I’m a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and have quite a few friends that still reside in that state. I felt that it would be inappropriate to get involved with the town on a political level if my intention was only to remain a resident for a short period of time. I hope you see the merit in that. Imagine voting on important issues only to be leaving a short time later. I didn't vote, not because of ignorance but out of respect for the residents of this town. Since my family was permanently fixed at 3 people, our house became a perfect fit, and I decided to call Danvers my home. I might have not voted, but I also didn't complain either.
This appears to be a point of contention for some, so I thought I would address this issue here. Please, feel free to stop in at my office on Maple Street at any time. I would love the opportunity to speak with you in person. Thank you very much!!
helen burns
11:16 am on Thursday, April 5, 2012
Your reasons for not voting are irrelevant. What is relevant is the fact that you chose not to participate in any of the ways available to become an informed candidate. Mr. Trask and Mr. Clark have done the opposite, working their way up to the Board of Selectmen, after years of significant participation in the workings of town government. As for your belief that it was inappropriate to "get involved with the town"...unfortunately that choice now makes you un-qualified for the job. The fact that you are now ready to commit to this town would be best proven by registering to vote, serving on committees, volunteering and getting to know the importance of being a member of the Board of Selectmen.
Danvers Voter
8:27 am on Friday, April 6, 2012
Rick, I think running for office is a great thing. I think everyone owes it to their community to give back. But I just cannot support your bid for the highest office in town when you have no experience in town issues; you have not volunteered for a town role, or even voted for a town official. That was “Strike three” for me.
I went back and read your responses (and thank you for them). But passion and desire alone do not merit removal of experienced, dedicated people. You yourself say they are doing a fine job, and you do not provide specifics where you would do better or where your passion is more important than their experience or record.
You shared analogies to baseball, so let me say that if you replace baseball with selectmen, it would be like me saying “I am now running to be the head pitching coach of the Red Sox. No, I never met the current coach. But he seems to be doing OK. I have nothing specific to point to that says I can do better. But I am passionate so I see no reason I should work my way up through the minors. I actually love the game, and just recently got the official rule book. I read all 91 pages. No, I never played ball, and to be frank I never have gone to a actual game, but I can listen well to the players.”
Rick, work your way up. Prove that you have a grasp of the issues. You are asking voters to let you decide actions that effect 25,000 people. Please, please, please – keep the passion and start at the beginning.
Jim W.
8:12 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
There is no way that NOT voting is a positive! You bought a house. You send your child to Danvers schools. Now you want to run for the top position without ever participating in town politics IN ANY WAY? You either have a huge ego or are a put-up candidate.
Lee
4:36 pm on Thursday, April 5, 2012
Just what I thought would happen to Mr Bettencourt. Im sorry to say but if you are not from "town" you will not be welcomed to run for any town office. Say what you want to say.. think what you want to think about my comment. But I knew from the moment Mr Bettencourt stepped into the race he wouldnt be given a chance. He has been scrutinzied from day one. People have been looking far into his background professional and personal for that matter. I bet if anyone looks into the other selectmen- they arent so "clean" themselves. Give the guy a chance!
Danvers Voter
8:58 pm on Thursday, April 5, 2012
No one is looking into Mr. Bettencourt's personal or professional background. The questions were all about his own published statements on his website and his (lack of) track record on POLITICAL matters. It has nothing to do with location or vocation, it is about taking on the top job in town on a whim. It is about respecting the voters of the town to do your homework and learn about the job before assuming you are experienced enough to make decisions for the Town.
helen burns
8:46 am on Friday, April 6, 2012
You are incorrect to state that the posted comments are in any way related to the candidate's professional or personal background - they are a response to information he posted. Whatever scrutiny he has been subjected to is in regard to his qualifications to represent our town. Until your comment the discussion was constructive - your final comment regarding the character and background of "the other selectmen" is inappropriate and un-constructive. "Give the guy a chance"...we are voting for someone who holds the future of Danvers and the best interests of it's residents' in his/her hands.
Keith Lucy
1:44 pm on Friday, April 6, 2012
Helen - This whole letter is inappropriate and un-constructive. The two incumbents have a long record of service to the Town. Why not submit a letter highlighting that work instead of spending time putting together a letter bashing the opposition?
This is precisely the kind of trash that makes people stay home, both on election day and when it comes to volunteering.
Denise D.
1:00 pm on Monday, April 9, 2012
Rick, do you have any literature? Any position papers? door hangers? anything? I can't find anything on your web site, and there have been no updates for days? Who is on your campaign team? Who are you affiliated with? I need details to make an informed decision.
Danvers Resident
9:42 am on Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Why are people so quick to criticize? Why do some of the residents of Danvers feel that it is okay to call people names? "carpetbagger" "emperor" "You either have a huge ego or are a put-up candidate" I'm sorry, but I would discipline my child for behaving in such a manor. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but really, name-calling? Not very constructive. Isn't there a reason that public offices are up for election or re-election?
Doug
12:05 pm on Tuesday, April 24, 2012
The author is a good friend of Gardner Trask and I would have liked to have seen some full disclosure of that fact in his letter. His time would have been better served composing a good letter of recommendation for his friend rather than a poison pen diatribe. I will vote for Mr. Bettencourt BECAUSE he is not one of the good old boys and may bring a fresh perspective to the board like Mr. Lucy has during his tenure on the board. Sometimes not being a "townie" is a good quality.