Congratulations Mr. Clark / Mr. Trask - Thank You Fans!
First I would like to say congratulations to Mr. Clark and Mr. Trask on their wins. Mr. Clark, you are the utmost professional and I look forward to the opportunity to serve with you on this board in the near future. I'm not a quitter! Mr. Trask, congratulations on your re-election.
We learned a great many things over the last 12 weeks, and I guarantee you all we will build on those areas to improve our position within this amazing town. This was our first time diving into the "Town" political arena and I was blown away by the amount of support we received from the Danvers Fire Department and Police Department, just to name a few! To all of you, and I mean this with the most sincerity, Jenn and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts! To all of the parents of the Highlands School that voted for us, thank you very much! A big thank you to all of the supporters and friends from across the town that were looking for a change and a new set of eyes! We're not gone, only on double deck looking to take another swing!
Unfortunately, we were also surprised and taken back by the rude and down right ignorant comments made by some of the voters. These are comments and actions that should absolutely be absent from every single local election. Some people showed their true colors. To actually have a former school committee member, who until this point had never met me, walked up to my father without a formal introduction and while my Dad was holding signs and outright said to my Dad, in the most ignorant and inconsiderate manner "just letting you know I'm not voting for your son". I wonder about the morals on which he was raised.
Then for the same individual to ask my 7 year old daughter the night her Dad lost "so, how do you like politics", was in my opinon incredibly ignorant on every level! To this same individual who a few weeks ago, referred to me as "You People from Peabody", remember this, more and more "people" are moving into this town each and every month! They too deserve the opportunity to have their voices heard within the town.
To the person who said early on in the campaign "it's a slap in the face" for me to run. I question your moral and ethical standards as a person, your ignorance on that simple comment shows the town how truly blind you are to the system. I also think it was the same individual that said tonight "I'm surprised as to how many votes Mr. Bettencourt got". Perhaps it would be in her best interest to focus her attention on her preferred candidates in the given election, and NOT place greater emphasis on making demeaning comments and inconsiderate remarks. Try being positive to those you support and keep your rude, ignorant, and inconsiderate comments to yourself.
Mr. Clark and Mr. Trask ran an honest, ethical, and well fought campaign and it was truly a pleasure to be part of this process. You both deserve congratulations!
I would like to thank a few special people for their hard work and unwaivering support. Thank you to the Danvers Fire Department, Danvers Police Department, Tony and Maria Bettencourt, Louie and Kristen Glynos, Eddie Doyle, Mom and Dad, Steve and Melissa Gibbons, everyone that attended our fundraiser, everyone that allowed me to put a sign on their lawn, and of course, my amazing wife Jennifer Bettencourt and my beautiful daughter Kailey!
This was an amazing, educational, and unforgettebale experience! Thank you from the bottom of my heart to each and everyone that helped me with this experience! We are ONLY JUST BEGINNING!!!!
Sincerely,
Richard M. Bettencourt Jr.
Elaine Clark
10:48 am on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
I believe that you are referring to me in your statements and I quote "I question your moral and ethical standards as a person, your ignorance on that simple comment shows the town how truly blind you are to the system." I stand by what I said when I said that "it's a slap in the face" to the people who have served six years. I also said that you have a right to run and believe in the democratic process. Funny how you didn't mention that. My husband and Gardner haver worked countless hours doing their best to make this town a better place and then to have you come in without having voted in an election and/or attended a selectmen's meeting and accuse them of not listening or communicating with town residents is a "slap in the face" to them.
Also regarding my comments on the blog that I was surprised at how many votes you got. This was not meant as an insult to you but as genuine admiration as to how many people you reached and impressed by getting their vote. I did not mean it as demeaning but only as an observation. I actually thought that maybe you deserved a second look, but after this, I rescind that. I believe in freedom of speech and think that by attacking my comments and taking them out of context, you have demeaned me and that is unacceptable.
Elaine Clark
Lee
3:31 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Elaine, Mr Bettencourt wasnt the only one when reading your comments felt as though they were rude and bitter. When I read your first comments posted-- and others throughout the race.. and then last night--I am surprised He got as many votes as he got- I thought.. man, this woman has been hard on Mr Bettencourt the whole race! Thank you for clearing the air. But --Just until last night-- I didnt even KNOW you were Mr Clarks wife! Makes perfect sense now. I am with you Rick- I've heard alot of ignorance and rudness about you running in the race. Sorry.
We are all not like that. You ran an awesome race. There is always next time ! Looking forward to it!!
Elaine Clark
4:24 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Could you clarify "others throughout the race"? I only wrote twice and both comments have been noted here. I think I have a right to make comments without worrying about coming across as rude, bitter, inconsiderate, and ignorant. None of which I am, by the way. If you knew me, you would know how untrue these characterizations are.
Denise Burke
7:25 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Funny Elaine you should say this, for I left my comment and I have a right to do so as well and it came across as all you listed above and yet NO one knew me?
Denise Burke
7:23 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Wow I am sorry Rick that you and your family had to deal with that, not shocked, but say I say saddened. I wish you won, you should have. I hope you run again. You can always put as many signs as you like out in front of my house. Good try. You are a true gentleman and better luck next time. Towns loss I think :)
Maria Salvaggio
10:52 pm on Thursday, May 3, 2012
OMG, Rick,Not sure I truly get all this politic stuff, but I do know how ignorant people can be. Great job Rick Bettencourt, keep your head up high, If my daughter was not in the hospital I would have voted for you. But a sad situation happened to her right here with in our own town of Danvers, MA. She was assaulted at a sleep over this past weekend, which has now landed her in the Lynn hospital. Not for the bruises but for the emotional distress and no longer wanted to live. How she was trapped,didn't feel safe and how she was assaulted with marks up and down her arm. She is Disabled and has a hard time with her peers as she is picked on in our schools right here in Danvers. Rick we go way back, I know you are a man of integrity, HONESTY, class and a good man. Forget these people who have nothing better to do than be rude, ignorant, and make inconsiderate comments.
Funny how our local paper will print about an arrest of a man urinating in the parking lot, but won't give the ones a voice who could possibly make an improvement to the community. OBO my daughter. BB
Maria
Tom Flannagan
11:19 pm on Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Thank you for running an honorable campaign.