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Decision Time and More Finger Pointing

Steve Goode

February 25, 2010

The judge in the 5th district town committee law suit is expected to issue a ruling on Friday. Read this if you want to know what the dust-up is all about.

It might not sound like a big deal since only 12 seats on the town committee are in play. But this is ground level politics at its best...or worst...depending on whose side you are on.

The folks trying to gain or retain the power to decide who gets to run for city council or mayor absolutely know the stakes. That might explain why in recent weeks, in addition to the law suit, two complaints were filed with the state Elections Enforcement Commission and one of them was referred to the state's attorneys office.

There has been plenty of silliness, from allegations that Mayor Eddie A. Perez and Police Chief Daryl K. Roberts used their authority to prevent a group of folks from the 4th district from getting signatures for petitions needed to qualify for the ballot in Tuesday's election, to a 5th district slate stacked with relatives of North End political operative Abe Giles piggybacking on a census employment brochure to promote their candidacy.

Perez was also reportedly seen on Valentine's Day with state Rep, Kelvin Roldan handing out boxes of chocolates to elderly residents in a 4th district apartment complex. What, no roses?

And Cityline has now received four more last minute complaints alleging election improprieties. Look for the details on line and in the paper tomorrow.