Tooloee louie
~ mayoral bid ~
Bravo Nezam Tooloee for lobbing his hat into the political ring (Review front page, "Tooloee makes surprise bid for mayor").(And what about that epistolary bouquet in the same July 30 issue from Joe Honick? Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and National Press Club in Washington, no less ... )
"Does an outstanding job as a community newspaper", lauds JH, who takes our local rag "along with my New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Financial Times."
Praise and distinguished company, indeed, but I suggest we keep a lid on gush like that before it ups the price to a buck and the Editor's distinguished pate to the next size up in bowlers.
Getting back to 'Shazam' Tooloee's entry in the lists, what particularly impressed me were the professional and dignified statements following the announcement.
Councilman Tooloee:
- "Hopes to invigorate public debate over challenges facing the Bainbridge community".
- Promises an “unusual campaign”, focusing on issues rather than the incumbent, Mayor Darlene Kordonowy.
- “My running is in no way an attack on Darlene or an attack on her performance, or the performance of her management team," is Tooloee's refreshing stance, whose three campaign themes look equally statesmanlike:
- Putting the city on a sound financial course
- Taking a proactive line on growth that'll anticipate and head off any “adverse impact” on our quality of life.
- Finally, making the city an “equal partner” with Washington State Ferries and other outside agencies.
- Nor does Tooloee intend to raise money, run political advertisements, print brochures or seek endorsements. (Good man!)
- Word has it he may launch a website to 'explain his views'.
- (Psst - thought about a blog, guv'? That's definitely the un-lame way to go these days. Check out Chris Larson's Blogging Bosses, after which the WSJ's thoughts on blogging pols.)
- He will, though, participate in all organized debates and forums, and also intends to meet with community leaders and groups.
- Meanwhile, an excellent reaction from Mayor Kordonowy who admits that Tooloee’s entrance has changed her view of how the campaign might unfold:
- “As I’ve seen, (Tooloee) can capture the debate by force of his personality,” concedes Her Honor. “How I run my campaign and debate with him on those issues is something I’m going to have to think about.”
- Last word to NT, a clever battle cry that every pol should have up his sleeve to produce before the loam goes airborne:
If I’m not elected, at least I’ll make sure that a vigorous debate of the issues has been had.
That in itself will enhance our ability to deal with them.”
Aide Mémoire: dramatis personae of who's running where and for what this fall:- Mayor: Darlene Kordonowy (inc.), William K. “Will” Peddy, Michaels C. “Michael” Berry, Nezam Tooloee
- City Council, District 3 (South Ward): Christopher Snow
- City Council, District 4 (Central Ward): Bill Knobloch (inc.), John Doerschuk
- City Council, District 5 (Central Ward): Kjell Stoknes, Doug Smith
- City Council, District 7: Debbie Vancil (inc.), Frank Renna, Jr., Jeannie McMacken
- School Board, District 2: Michael Foley
- School Board, District 5: Mary Curtis (inc.)
- Park Board, Position 5: Kirk Robinson (inc.), Mary K. Fearey
- Fire Board, position 3: David Coatsworth, Michael F. Adams
- Sewer District No. 7 commission, position 3: Gayle Ashton (inc.)
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