Overview of mayoral race

For the past two years, longtime Democratic city Councilor Art Ward has been something of an outcast at City Hall, shoved to the sidelines by a Republican mayor -- and left there by colleagues from his own party.
Now, as his party's mayoral standard bearer, Ward said the experience has given him a keen appreciation of the frustration that residents must feel routinely trying to deal with city government.
Republican mayoral candidate Ken Johnson is hoping to tap that frustration, too, as he seeks to take the city in a new direction. He vows a more open, honest administration that can work effectively across party lines.
“It’s time for change,” Johnson said.
Voters will decide Tuesday which of the two men should succeed Republican Mayor William Stortz, who is stepping down two years after he walloped Democratic incumbent Gerard Couture to claim the city's top job.
Both Johnson and Ward, who call themselves friends, said that Bristol is at a crossroads. With decisions needed on how to deal with the mall, new schools, the impact of the Route 72 extension and more all needed soon, the candidates said that what's done in the next few years will set the direction of the community for decades to come.
Ward, a veterans' services counselor for the state, said that not much has been done since Couture's defeat because of "a fragmented administration."
"This division that he speaks of is self-imposed," Johnson said, because Ward couldn't even get along with his Democratic colleagues, all of whom backed a different mayoral contender in a September primary that Ward won easily.
Johnson, an energy consultant and real estate broker, said that what's most important is restoring faith in the honesty and integrity of city government.
People "don't believe that their political leaders are listening to them," he said.
Johnson said he offers voters "the opportunity to choose to replace acid tongues with open ears," and the ability to pick "diversity of thought instead of single-mindedness."
Ward promised to bring a much more open government because "open communication are the fundamentals of good government."
He said he has a long record of working closely with Republicans and maintaining a level of civility that's been missing with Stortz at the helm.
“It's time to move Bristol forward," he said, and vowed to work with the council and boards, and to boost employee morale by respecting employees.
"I have been putting Bristol first for decades," Ward said. Bristol has the choice between an experienced hand or a well-intentioned newcomer, he said.
Johnson said that many Democrats are struggling with the idea of voting for Ward. He said that staying home is not effective protest and urged them to vote.
"I'm not a career politician. I'm a citizen like you," Johnson said, one who is honest, will listen to concerns and ideas, and has the energy to get things done.
“I have a bias toward action,” Johnson said.
"We've got an opportunity chart a new course for the city of Bristol," Johnson said, if voters are willing to turn in a new direction for mayor.
Ward has served as city councilor for 14 years. Before that, he chaired the Zoning Board of Appeals. He's been a leader among city veterans for decades.
Johnson ran unsuccessfully for a council seat in 2003 and served a stint on the Water Board under Stortz. But he has not held elected office before.
While Ward has patched up relations with his Democratic ticket, he hasn't repaired relations with his primary opponent, city Councilor Ellen Zoppo. They haven't spoken in months. She has, however, talked with Johnson.
Stortz has taken potshots at both Ward and Johnson during the campaign. He said that he wouldn't tell which of them he’ll vote for.
Mayors serve two-year terms for about $100,000 annually. They serve as the administrative chief of city government, chair City Council and many other meetings and perform numerous ceremonial functions.
The polls are open Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.


Key issues
Manager - Johnson strongly backs a charter change that would dump the "strong mayor" form of government that Bristol has used for nearly a century in favor of having a professional city manager wielding administrative power. Ward said he is willing to consider the change, but doesn't see a reason to make the change.
Mall - Both candidates want the Bristol Downtown Development Corp. to proceed quickly to develop a plan and begin the revitalization of the 17-acre site.
School plan - Johnson seeks a "time out" so the city can make sure it comes up with the best possible plan, a move that Ward said is unnecessary.


For more information online
Bristol Blog - bristolnews.blogspot.com
Ken Johnson - bristolfirst.org
Art Ward - movingbristolforward.com

Watch the candidates on TV
The final debate between the two mayoral candidates will be rebroadcast by Nutmeg TV on channel 21 at 7 p.m. Monday.



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Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com