Blue Mass Group

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Sean Garballey invites YOU to his campaign kickoff and NEW website!

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Sean Garballey has a new and improved website:  http://www.garballey.com/  Come check it out!

While you may well get his mailing, if you are in Arlington or West Medford, just in case, here is an invite to Sean Garballey’s campaign kickoff party:

Join Sean Garballey and friends as he kicks off his campaign this Friday:

WHERE:  Sons of Italy Lodge, 19 Prentis Road, Arlington, Massachusetts 02474 [781 643 4255]

WHEN:  Friday, January 4, 2007 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Join us for good conversation about Arlington and West Medford’s needs as well as refreshments and the excitment of a candidate who is committed to the 23rd Middlesex.

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  1. Big fan of his issues page… blank. The most important issue facing the district is, of course, nothing. (Mark my snark.)

      • I’m a local resident to the district, and I’ll be voting for SOMEONE in this race.  I’m not sure yet who my vote will be for.

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        p>Garballey is certainly worthy of consideration – he’s very young, but he has a solid track record, and has worked very hard at his public sphere jobs as far as I can tell.

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        p>It seems awfully silly to ignore the man, the competitors, and just foolishly snark a web site.  I’m not sure it shows you, “Burlington Maul”, as someone that really resonates a lot of insight.

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        p>I’d love to see some input, from almost anyone, about the race and candidates.  Do you (and “Political Inaction”) have any useful insight into the race, the issues, the candidates or the needs of the district?  Please share, if you do.

        • What we would love to do here is have a real discussion on the issues.  Sadly, we can’t seem to get any kind of positions on issues from Mr. Garballey.

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          p>I think we would like to know Mr. Garballey’s position on things like abortion rights, marriage rights, and taxation.  Where does he stand on casinos?  Charter schools?

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          p>Absent something of substance to discuss, there’s nothing for the snarks to do but swim around with a hungry look.

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          p>This ain’t no campaign for student council.  If the kid wants to be taken seriously, he needs to take the voters seriously.  

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          p>You know there are hundreds of people on this blog who could write up  a good, persuasive discussion of the major issues facing the state in an hour or two.  Just look at the depth of discourse that populates this blog.  

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          p>No snark, just the truth here.  If the kid can’t sit down in a couple of hours to write an issues page, perhaps he can’t handle the job of a state representative.

        • Yup, I live in the district and will be voting for someone as well, as yet TBD. The only strikes I see against him so far is his poor execution of his site launch and amberpaw’s attack machine (though if I hear she’s not part of the campaign I won’t hold that against him.)

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          p>The issues I’d like to see his thoughts on? Environment, land protection, energy consumption and conservation, transit, health care, ideas for building the economy, ideas for dealing with the state budget shortfalls, etc.

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          p>Insight about the candidates? As mentioned about Garballey I see poor execution of website launch that calls into question campaign capabilities. Thielman has, it appears, similar education and public service background. I met O’Brien the other day and while he seems a very nice person he did not appear to have a grasp of issues.

          • To say Garballey and Thielman have similar backgrounds does disservice to Jeff.  Jeff has some significant achievements and life experience.  From Jeff’s website:

            From 1985 to 1989, he served as a Jesuit International Volunteer in Tacna, Peru, where he taught high school and founded the Center for the Working Child to help street children and their families. Twenty-one years after its founding, the Center continues to provide health, nutrition, education and housing services to 250 children each year.

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            p>His life work has been to improve life for poor children.

            He has devoted much of his professional life to the creation of schools and programs that help children in great need. In 1997 he was recruited to work for a new, alternative school called Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, which was designed to reach economically disadvantaged young people from Chicago’s south side. The neighborhood served by the school and where Jeff lived during his time in Chicago was challenged by a 50% high school drop out rate and dangerous gang activity. Jeff oversaw an $18 million fundraising effort, and the school gained a national reputation for a unique work-study program that engaged students in their learning, kept them in school, and motivated them to pursue higher education.

            In 2000, Jeff became the Executive Director of the Cassin Educational Initiative Foundation and led the effort to establish 18 high schools modeled after the Chicago school in some of the nation’s poorest urban communities. Under his guidance the foundation has provided start-up funding for 40 NativityMiguel middle schools. The two networks of schools are serving more than 8,000 young people from economically disadvantaged families in the 2007-08 school year.

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            p>Here’s a man who has a life-history and track record of actually doing things, in the real world, that are consistent with a progressive agenda.   Mr. Thielman’s dedication and depth are consistent with the quality of representation we received from Jim Marzilli.

  2. People like you two make me not want to be involved in politics and then people wonder why young people don’t want to vote or be involved

    • I’m sorry you feel that way about my comment. I have nothing against this candidate and in fact stood up for him in an earlier string.

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      p>I do, however, think that anybody that chooses to run for office and announces their brand spanking new website should go through the trouble of putting some information up there. This is kind of like “Everybody come to my big fabulous New Year’s Eve party. You bring the food and drinks! I’ll supply me!”

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      p>This goes doubly for a special election where there is so little time. From a pure marketing perspective you’re only going to get a limited number of bites at the apple. Why draw people to your site if all they can see is a photo of you?

      • The “new website” has information the old one does not have, and in fact does indicate it is still being constructed.

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        p>All “live” websites change over time.  The front page, in fact, DOES have issue information.  So, well, I don’t understand the mindless snark – but then those who have courage, run, and put themselves out there.

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        p>Those who do not have courage, or in fact integrity, simply throw snark from anonymity.  If the shoe fits, wear it as to which comments have no content, and merely read like jealous snark!

          • Not to worry about those pesky “Bio” or “Issues” tabs, he’s got the one page up that shows he’s got the instincts of a savvy political pro: the “Contribute” tab works fine.

        • Aside from your cold harsh remarks toward me we seem to have a strategic problem here.

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          p>As others have pointed out

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          p>

          Most important, the primary is February 5, and there’s very little time to get a campaign up, running, and into the victory lane.

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          p>From a marketing and campaign perspective what was released was a significant strategic error. To announce one’s website that contains virtually no information on it is a strategic blunder because it offers no reason for potential voters to choose him.  You only get one “grand opening” so the campaign cannot expect people to return for more information later, and, as we see above there is limited time even if they should choose to do so.  

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          p>If you and the campaign are unwilling to accept criticism and advice that does not bode well for the candidate.  

          • First, the website was “announced” in a comment, not rolled out with a big to-do.

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            p>Second, the first page does have the candidate’s ideas front and center.

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            p>This is a grass roots campaign, not a big bucks fancy roll out.  You can criticize, or you can have ideas.  I don’t see any ideas in your post – I do see honest dialog and ideas in Sean’s website.

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            p>It is as fair for me to say I find your words an empty attack as it is for you to find a simple website with a candidates initial statement somehow a “blunder” rather than a good first step.

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            p>I call it a good first step, and as I said initially, do stay tuned and check back, it is a work in progress not a done deal.

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            p>Anyway, wishing you all a healthy New year, a solvent New Year, and progress.

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            p>I work for progress and do not expect instantaneous perfection – but then I have never encountered perfection anywhere.  

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            p>Honesty, progress, and an open, informative dialog – those are good enough for me.

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            p>Mere invective is just not informative.

            • If you don’t see any ideas in my posts then you’re not reading.

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              p>Seems to me that posting a diary on BMG and ArlingtonList that a candidate’s website is up and running is pretty much an announcement. Not really sure how you can split that hair.

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              p>I do campaigns, PR and marketing. If any client of mine asked me for advice I’d tell them what I said in my earlier posts, that announcing an almost blank website is a very bad idea. Make edits, get the site up and running with even basic information (you can always add more info. and pages later) and have a solid demonstration of who you are and what your concerns are before announcing it because people will only visit your site so many times.

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              p>Seems to me that an empty attack has no merit (perhaps my definition is incorrect?) If you cannot see the merit in my argument (announcing an incomplete website with virtually no information in a short-term special election) then all I can say is that I hope you are not playing an advisory role in Sean’s campaign.

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              p>I still have no horse in this race yet, Sean is still very much a viable candidate in my mind, but you are doing yeoman’s work to push me away from voting for Sean.  

              • You are a very good mother bear, but unfortunately that isn’t helpful in establishing this young man as a legitimate candidate.  Voters need to hear his voice.

                • I suggest again, for Sean’s own words on issues, watch the web site itself.  

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                  p>I am not a PR person, not a yuppie, and not young and restless.  So…

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                  p>Not sure what generated all this heat in my direction – nor all the “snark infested waters” sort of stuff.  Must not be much happening on a holiday weekend.

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                  p>And as for calling any of my posts “attacks” compared to the stuff posted as replies, well, I think the use of “attack” to describe my posts is a woeful waste of a strong word.

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                  p>I hope those with all that energy to spare find a more useful outlet then attacking ME for supporting a candidate in a manner they find oldfashioned or merely personal, not wonky enough, or something!  

                • Perhaps ye may think this not an attack?

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                  p>

                  Those who do not have courage, or in fact integrity, simply throw snark from anonymity.

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                  p>While I may be self-centered, I do believe this was directed at yours truly. Calling one cowardly and lacking integrity strikes me as an attack, but who am I to say?

                • NOTICE – I don’t do anonymity.

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                  p>It is my opinion that an anonymous post is not a brave post.

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                  p>It is my opinion that a statement like, “The kid isn’t ready for prime time” can be categorized as “snark”.  Where is the content, the research, the “direct personal experience or journalism” in that kind of comment from an anonymous poster.

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                  p>So, well, I understand it “felt like an attack” rather than a description.  But I assure you, it was merely a description…I do know how to attack when that is appropriate; what you complain about is not the kind of stylized verbal warfare that can properly be called an attack.

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                  p>Part of my work involves being an oralist, and there are at time occassions where I must, do be a zealous advocate, indeed “attack” – I assure you this of which you complaint was no attack at all…albeit it apparently caused the discomfort of  personal recognition.

  3. no civil rights issues listed.  will sean work to add transgender people to ma’s non-discrim. law?  will he push to repeal the 1913 laws and affirm marriage equality by amending the laws to be sex-blind?

    • There’s nothing on reproductive rights.  Abortion.  Stem cell research.

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      p>Really, he has skirted any controversial issues.

      • Jeff hasn’t addressed this issue on his website either so are u not happy with either candidates?  

        • From Jeff’s website

          support a woman’s right to choose under the standards set by Roe v. Wade. The government should not interfere in the most deeply personal decisions in our lives.  We can reduce abortions in this country by creating a more supportive and caring society, not through legislation, litigation and politics.  My take from studying this issue carefully in law school was that the right to marital and family privacy previously recognized by the Supreme Court included a right to choose abortion.

          I support the current parental notification law in Massachusetts (a woman under 18 needs consent of a parent or judge), and I believe the current Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) requirement that providers inform women seeking abortions about the procedures available, their risks, and alternatives to abortion is sufficient.

          If you are asking me about the “Woman’s Right to Know” bill in the legislature, which calls for a 24 hour waiting period, I oppose it.  This is always a difficult and painful decision for a woman.  She should be able to make this decision with her own counselors and guidance and without interference from judges and legislators.  

          Obviously, we should do all we can to reduce unintended pregnancy, including ensuring that women, especially those who are poor, have access to contraception.  I support the new emergency contraception law, so that women will have timely access to the “morning-after” pill.  

        • The kid is playing to the conservative Catholic vote.  I am expecting him to adopt a Mitt Romney style approach to the issues.

          • Where do you get that from? Playing to the conservative Catholic vote includes supporting the Municipal Partnership Act or is it his stances on the environment that are conservative Catholic?

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            p>If you know something please let us know.

            • Unless our friend from Burlington has had an inside seat in planning Sean’s campaign strategy, there’s no way for him to know his strategy.  

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              p>However, the lack of specificity on social issues would be a concern if he doesn’t come out and take a clear position.  As a Thielman supporter, I know my guy is a progessive who is not afraid to state his position on controversial issues.

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              p>On the other hand, looking at Sean’s biography page, he writes:

              Safety has been a huge concern of mine while on the Arlington School Committee. This is one of the reasons why I spoke out against cutting the compensation of the Arlington Traffic Supervisors. Even during difficult fiscal times I’ve worked to increase services to our students.

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              p>Sean misrepresents the situation.  The school committee voted to cut the hours of the traffic supervisors (crossing guards).  They found that the district was paying for traffic supervisors to sit at corners when no children were crossing the street.  By reducing the hours of 36 traffic supervisors to correspond to the times that children were actually crossing the street, the district was able to redirect $250,000 into the classrooms.  Thielman made the politically unpopular (at least with the 36 traffic supervisors) decision to use the money for teaching and learning.  Garballey put the needs of the politically active adults before the children.  

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              p>Sean could afford to make the special interest adults happy and vote against the children because a majority of the school committee had the guts to do the right thing for the children.  What Sean didn’t do, he didn’t say what other line item he would cut out of the budget to pay the traffic supervisors an additional $250,000.  

          • what’s with this dismissive term?  you undermine your own argument by being so unprofessionally obnoxious.  if you think age is important in this race, make a reasoned case.  otherwise you really make yourself look like schoolyard bully.  what’s next, “fatty” or “mackerel snapper”?

            • He’s 22 years old.  Lives at home with Mommy and Daddy.  Has been a full time student since entering Kindergarten.  State representative would be his first full-time job.   Sounds like a kid to me.

              • and was preznit twice.  did that automatically make him qualified?  lol!

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                p>i still don’t get your hesitation.  is garbally wrong on some issues, in your opinion?  what is your substantive beef with the man?

                • I don’t think he really knows where he stands on the issues, except to figure out where he needs to be to get elected.

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                  p>I met the kid on the Kerry campaign.  He is just so eager to please, wants everyone to like him.   Perhaps, after going out into the real world and living life, he could be a good state representative.  He’s just not ready.

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                  p>Maybe he should join the military or the peace corps or something first.

                • Eager to please? Wants everyone to like him?…

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                  p>All of your statements combined remind me of something I once heard

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                  p>

                  You know, education, if you make the most of it, you study hard and you do your homework, and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well.  If you don’t, you get stuck in Iraq.

    • Some issues missing? Of course. This is, however, a good start and begins to flush out some ideas. I look forward to reading more once it is up.

    • I have made it clear here and at Pam’s place before that I am not particularly in favor of overturning the 1913 law, for reasons that I won’t repeat them here now.

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      p>I’m not sure that it is necessary to go through a fight to amend the state’s marriage laws; the courts and quite frankly the legislature has inferentially done that for us via the constitutional procedure.

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      p>It would be nice if the state’s antidiscrimination law were to be amended to add transgendered persons, but one might ask just how much power a freshman legislator might have. The position of the leadership is the operative determinant.

  4. I grew up in the district and still have family there.  (5 votes)  

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    p>I would like to hear what Sean has to say about the challenges faced by his district, not the least of which is tax stability.  In his district is a town with no commercial or industrial tax base and taxes going through the roof.  Health insurance and pension benefits for town employees are double digit increases with very little hope for any change, with the Legislature forcing towns to negotiate with every union over GIC insurance.  Changes in GASB reporting is forcing cities and towns to deal with their underfunded pension/health benefit plans for retirees – just as the state is dealing with it’s own pension problems…and it will cost millions.  Unrestricted local aid hasn’t kept pace with the cost-of-living, and many towns still trying to come back after the 2003 mid-term 9C cuts.  Draconian service cuts are on the horizon, particuarly as home values decrease in a cooling market.  

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    p>In short – there’s trouble ahead, and I wonder  how Sean is planning for these issues.      

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