by Ken Brociner in Civic Action
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 9:59 am
Last Modified on June 10, 2012 at 10:33 pm
Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone has led a somewhat charmed political life. After being defeated in his first run for mayor in 1999, Joe Curtatone’s political career has been on a steadily rising trajectory. In 2003, he was elected mayor in a tight three–way race. Since then, Curtatone has been re-elected four times (running unopposed on three occasions).
[Note: This is a syndicated post. Read the original at Somerville Journal Opinions RSS.]
3 Comments »
Aren’t you just a little bit curious about the city administration’s refusal to respond to requests, demands, negative publicity, even legal action, concerning its handling of the state’s decision to change venues for an official event back in April? I know I am. Unfortunately, as we are learning, there is a price to pay here in Somerville when ones interest in or curiosity about such things is considered a threat to the mayor’s stellar public image.
I believe the mayor’s record of inclusiveness where people with disabilities, and all who care about them, are concerned, is terrible. I know there are reasons for this. First among them, I think, is that Joseph Curtatone is human. He, like the rest of us, is subject to private prejudices. We cannot help them, really. Nevertheless, we are responsible for what we do about them. I feel embarrassed for him that his have become so transparent. Wait- that’s a familiar word! Politicians strive for transparency! Maybe his apparent weakness is really a strength!
I digress. I’m just trying to find something positive in this ugly business. What I really want to say is that when elected officials- and their apologists- ignore the critics, or worse, attempt to discredit, dismiss, malign, in effect silence them, they are making a mockery of their own claims of accountability. Ken Brociner’s article raises troubling questions. The list of the mayor’s apparent acts of retribution against people who have challenged, opposed or disagreed with him is troubling. We have tough choices to make. We can join with the mayor in hoping that the messy stuff goes away on its own, or we can do our job as citizens in a democracy- hold our leader accountable.
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Julie, thanks for speaking up so honestly and courageously. Clearly, you’re referring to the March 23rd U.S. Surgeon General’s event.
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Ken Brociner’s article is brave, Julie Katz’s response here is truthful and brave, and Barry Rafkind’s defense of human rights defender Eileen Feldman is also brave; in fact, heroic.
Mayor Curtatone has well demonstrated what a coward he is; as he hides behind his staff’s appraisals of his character. Unfortunately, now they also come off looking like pretty ignorant public servants as well. After all, they’re just blowing hot air at a mirror. When that vanishses, we’re left looking at the same blemishes as before. Public service means serving the public in a manner that is uplifting and raises the positive potentials for everyone, not just the wealthy and well-placed. Curtatone’s readiness to bully and destroy the reputations of those who dare to come forward to defend human rights, justice and plain common sense- which can help him be a better leader and us a better community- prove that his motivations are merely to enhance his personal gains.
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