3rd District again

Ok, I didn't go asleep, though it was nip and tuck.
Now we're onto the audience questions. Someone has asked Bob Merrick, Frank Nicastro and Craig Minor what makes them different.
Nicastro said he has a wide range of experience as mayor, councilor and more.
"Now is the time for continuity," Nicastro said.
Merrick said he's used to "working with all kinds of people" as a teacher. He said his business experience also separates him from the pack.
Minor said his stints on various panels, from the BDA to the Council Matters Committee, which considers legal claims, has given him expertise on issues and dealing with people. His background as a town planner brings him other skills.
Both Nicastro and Minor are retired military, which also matters to some.

Another question: How do you plan to take your message to the voters?
Merrick said he's been knocking on as many doors as possible. "I have a pair of shoes that's practically worn out," he said. He said he's reaching out to Democrats and has support from man of them.
"My message is about communication and communicating to the people to have a greater role in government," Merrick said. He said many people believe the city doesn't want to hear ideas from the people, though he doesn't think that's true. Still, he said, apathy is a problem.
"It's the city's job to reach out," Merrick said.
Merrick, in case anyone wonders, believes there are many "wonderful things here in Bristol."
He should know he can't out-Bristol Nicastro, who is the ultimate pro in touting Bristol.
Minor is going door to door, of course, and has created a website as well (which he promised to send me a link to later).
"This will be my 18th election," Nicastro said. There is nowhere he hasn't been, he said. He said you get your message out in private homes, emails, mailers, knocking on doors and so much more. "There are so many issue that need to be dealt with," Nicastro said.
"No doubt, the longer you serve in office ... you have name recognition. But you can't take that for granted," Nicastro said. "You have to never think you have something locked in."
He said the most important thing is to tell the truth.

Another question, about city government structural changes:
Minor said he backs a 9-person City Council. He said it distributes workload more evenly and there will be three new voices at the table. "I would have no problem taking a one third cut in pay," Minor said. Whether at large or by district up in the air, he said. "I have no problem with minority representation," he added.
He said he backs "the concept of a city manager." We hire an amateur CEO every two years, he said, and no corporation would ever do that.
Nicastro said, "Absolutely not" to a larger council. "We don't need to enlarge our City Council," Nicastro said. "Do the job you're elected for, and you'll have all the benefits in the world."
There's no need for minority representation, he said. The people know who they elect and "they don't look at titles."
People listen to message and they vote in both parties. "You don't need minority representation. What you need is to have people get out there and sell themselves to the public," he said.
"No way in God's name" should Bristol have a manager, Nicastro said, because a manager "has to play more politics than any mayor would have to play" because he would need the council's backing.
"Let the mayor do his job. If he's not doing his job, replace him," Nicastro said.
Merrick said he would favor a 9-person council if that's what's recommended. As far as the manager idea, I've researced it on unitebristol.com. I would like to know what people want.
"It has to be something that's supported by the people," Merrick said.
Well, of course, the charter can only be changed by a public vote. So it can't happen any other way.



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Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com