Two years ago, voters in the 1st District unexpectedly opted to return Republican Mike Rimcoski to the City Council seat he lost during 1993’s Democratic landslide.
They also returned Democrat Art Ward to the council, retaining the position he’d snatched from Rimcoski years earlier.
This time around, Ward’s out of the picture because he’s aiming to capture the city’s top job instead. But Rimcoski is no longer a long shot.
There are two Democrats, newcomers Cliff Block and Rich Kilby, who are taking aim at him for the opportunity to represent the northeastern section of the city. One of the three contenders – whoever gets the fewest votes Tuesday – will come up short.
The funny thing is that Kilby and Block, who ran unsuccessfully in 2005, each appear to have more in common with Rimcoski than they do with each other.
From the beginning, Kilby backed Ward in the Democratic mayoral primary while Block was among the biggest cheerleaders for Ellen Zoppo, who lost to Ward.
The three men pose a challenge for voters to sort through as they try to determine who will best represent the district for the next two years.
Rimcoski said that no matter what happens at the polls, "I've had two good years.”
He said in the past term, he helped resolve the status of Kern Park, changed the costly lockout policy that had fire trucks going to help residents locked out of their cars and more.
Giving him another term, Rimcoski said, would allow him to continue pushing for more accountability at City Hall and let him advocate for lower taxes.
Kilby, a wetlands commissioner who is equally tough on taxes, said he is running "for you" because "I want to be your voice at City Hall."
Block said the city is at turning point, with the Route 72 extension getting underway, the mall coming down and opportunities showing at every turn.
"The stars are in line," Block said, and they should spark "interest, vitality and pride" in city.
Kilby said the Route 72 extension will make the city more prosperous and bolster its tax base.
"The thing we need the most is business,” said Rimcoski. “We need it desperately."
Rimcoski said he'll "push like heck" to get the new industrial park up and running.
"The BDA have to get off their duff and get moving on this," Rimcoski said.
He said he is also keen to lure more companies to town by marketing the city better.
With so much happening, "Bristol's in a great position," Block said. He said the grants program for economic development "is giving Bristol the edge" in attracting new companies.
Block, a zoning commissioner, said the city has to provide services to make it attractive, even if that pushes up taxes.
"We have to walk that fine line" between keeping taxes down and providing for crucial services, Block said. "I think we can keep taxes to a livable level."
Both Kilby and Rimcoski favor a property tax freeze.
"We have to be solid and firm" and allow "no extra spending," Kilby said.
City councilors serve part-time for about $10,000 annually. There are three council districts in town, each represented by two council members, who can be from the same political party.
Key issues
School plan – Kilby said he is "totally against” the K-8 proposal or new schools, while Block favors them. Rimcoski is skeptical of the expense involved.
City manager – Switching to a city manager system isn’t needed, said Rimcoski and Block. "It's adding another layer of government,” Block said. Kilby said, though, that “it might be time” to have a professional at the helm.
Hoppers – All three candidates said the city park should remain as open space.
Mall – All three of the council hopefuls said they want to see the 17-acre site revitalized as quickly as possible.
District 1 polling places
Edgewood School
Northeast Middle School
Mountain View School
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Showing posts with label Kilby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kilby. Show all posts
November 1, 2007
October 8, 2007
1st Democrats an odd pair in race with Rimcoski
BRISTOL - Both challengers running for City Council in the 1st District appear to have more in common with Republican city Councilor Mike Rimcoski than they do with each other.
While Democratic hopeful Cliff Block strongly supports the $115 million plan to build two new schools in town, the other Democrat in the race, Rich Kilby, said it is not needed and is too costly.
Rimcoski, who is seeking another term representing the northeastern corner of the city, said the Bristol won't solve its problems by throwing money at them.
"The decision on the schools will be made largely on economic development because of the scale and money," he said.
He said the problem is that people want neighborhood schools, but they cost too much.
Block said smaller peer groups and more parental involvement would help bolster student achievement. That can be done, he said, by closing four older schools and opening two new ones in their place.
He said that the 900-student K-8 schools sought by the Board of Education are really "two separate schools on one campus."
He said renovating older schools "would cost far more" and couldn't be done while students are in them.
Kilby, however, said he is scared thinking about his fourth-grader going to a K-8 school.
"They're going to be bullying the little kids around," Kilby warned. "I am totally against the K-8. I am against building a new school."
"Our school system is adequate as it is currently for another couple of years," Kilby said. He said there are too many projects in the works that are going to burden taxpayers if they all move ahead.
Kilby and Block disagree on the prospect of hiring a city manager.
"It might be time for Bristol to have a city manager," Kilby said. The manager could oversee city operations while the mayor serves as its public face, he said.
Rimcoski said he "would have to be convinced" of the need. He said he would vote against it unless someone makes a better case than he's heard yet.
"I agree with Mike," Block said. He said he is undecided about having a manager.
"It's adding another layer of government I'm not convinced we need," Block said.
Rimcoski and Kilby said that holding down taxes is a top priority for them. Block cautioned that some spending is necessary.
"We have to walk that fine line" between keeping taxes down and providing for crucial services, Block said. "I think we can keep taxes to a livable level."
Rimcoski said he'll ask the new administration to freeze the budget or reduce it by three percent.
"One of our problems is that some of our departments are kingdoms in themselves," he said. "The administration and the council needs to go in and take control."
"Enough is enough of spending," Kilby said. "Everything is going up except our paychecks."
"We have to be solid and firm" and allow "no extra spending," Kilby said.
Block said revitalizing the city-owned mall site "should not cost us anything" but the 17-acre property "is going to add millions and millions of dollars to our tax base" and so is the industrial park.
Block said the city has to provide for parks, safety, education and other quality-of-life issues or "we're dead."
Kilby and Block share common ground on the mall site. Both said it's the most pressing issue the city faces.
The mall is "issue number one" because private investment there will push revitalization of downtown, Block said. "Downtown can be revitalized," Block said, if the city can connect the dots, talk with the state and finish a municipal development plan.
"The mall site is going to the number one agenda for the new administration," Kilby said, adding that extending Route 72 is crucial for its success.
"Once we have a main store" for the mall site, he said, improvements will happen.
When good things come in, bad things will go, Kilby said adding "that is our goal for the downtown mall."
Block said the Memorial Boulevard School's auditorium will be "great for a performing arts center" that will bring people downtown. He said it can assist in boosting downtown.
Once the school closes, he said, the rest of the building could be rented out or turned into City Hall if it isn't too costly.
Kilby said the building might be a good City Hall "if it's feasible."
He said he would like a performing arts center there if it's not turned into City Hall, but the issue needs more study.
Rimcoski said he needs more information before he would support making a theater there.
He said the mall site could be in competition with it. He said there are too many unanswered questions before he'll back a theater at the school.
Democratic city Councilor Art Ward, who has represented the district for 14 years, is seeking to move up to the mayor's office this year, opening a council seat for a newcomer.
Block ran with Ward two years ago, but he fell short when Rimcoski surprised even himself by winning one of the two council seats in the district.
Councilors serve two-year terms for about $10,000 annually. The election is Nov. 6.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
While Democratic hopeful Cliff Block strongly supports the $115 million plan to build two new schools in town, the other Democrat in the race, Rich Kilby, said it is not needed and is too costly.
Rimcoski, who is seeking another term representing the northeastern corner of the city, said the Bristol won't solve its problems by throwing money at them.
"The decision on the schools will be made largely on economic development because of the scale and money," he said.
He said the problem is that people want neighborhood schools, but they cost too much.
Block said smaller peer groups and more parental involvement would help bolster student achievement. That can be done, he said, by closing four older schools and opening two new ones in their place.
He said that the 900-student K-8 schools sought by the Board of Education are really "two separate schools on one campus."
He said renovating older schools "would cost far more" and couldn't be done while students are in them.
Kilby, however, said he is scared thinking about his fourth-grader going to a K-8 school.
"They're going to be bullying the little kids around," Kilby warned. "I am totally against the K-8. I am against building a new school."
"Our school system is adequate as it is currently for another couple of years," Kilby said. He said there are too many projects in the works that are going to burden taxpayers if they all move ahead.
Kilby and Block disagree on the prospect of hiring a city manager.
"It might be time for Bristol to have a city manager," Kilby said. The manager could oversee city operations while the mayor serves as its public face, he said.
Rimcoski said he "would have to be convinced" of the need. He said he would vote against it unless someone makes a better case than he's heard yet.
"I agree with Mike," Block said. He said he is undecided about having a manager.
"It's adding another layer of government I'm not convinced we need," Block said.
Rimcoski and Kilby said that holding down taxes is a top priority for them. Block cautioned that some spending is necessary.
"We have to walk that fine line" between keeping taxes down and providing for crucial services, Block said. "I think we can keep taxes to a livable level."
Rimcoski said he'll ask the new administration to freeze the budget or reduce it by three percent.
"One of our problems is that some of our departments are kingdoms in themselves," he said. "The administration and the council needs to go in and take control."
"Enough is enough of spending," Kilby said. "Everything is going up except our paychecks."
"We have to be solid and firm" and allow "no extra spending," Kilby said.
Block said revitalizing the city-owned mall site "should not cost us anything" but the 17-acre property "is going to add millions and millions of dollars to our tax base" and so is the industrial park.
Block said the city has to provide for parks, safety, education and other quality-of-life issues or "we're dead."
Kilby and Block share common ground on the mall site. Both said it's the most pressing issue the city faces.
The mall is "issue number one" because private investment there will push revitalization of downtown, Block said. "Downtown can be revitalized," Block said, if the city can connect the dots, talk with the state and finish a municipal development plan.
"The mall site is going to the number one agenda for the new administration," Kilby said, adding that extending Route 72 is crucial for its success.
"Once we have a main store" for the mall site, he said, improvements will happen.
When good things come in, bad things will go, Kilby said adding "that is our goal for the downtown mall."
Block said the Memorial Boulevard School's auditorium will be "great for a performing arts center" that will bring people downtown. He said it can assist in boosting downtown.
Once the school closes, he said, the rest of the building could be rented out or turned into City Hall if it isn't too costly.
Kilby said the building might be a good City Hall "if it's feasible."
He said he would like a performing arts center there if it's not turned into City Hall, but the issue needs more study.
Rimcoski said he needs more information before he would support making a theater there.
He said the mall site could be in competition with it. He said there are too many unanswered questions before he'll back a theater at the school.
Democratic city Councilor Art Ward, who has represented the district for 14 years, is seeking to move up to the mayor's office this year, opening a council seat for a newcomer.
Block ran with Ward two years ago, but he fell short when Rimcoski surprised even himself by winning one of the two council seats in the district.
Councilors serve two-year terms for about $10,000 annually. The election is Nov. 6.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
October 4, 2007
Outside review of police?
With the city’s police department in turmoil, city candidates this week took differing stands on whether outside experts should be hired to review police management.
"We all know there are issues within the Police Department," Democratic city Councilor Rich Kilby said.
He said an outside study would open the door to "a more solid approach" for the department.
The other 1st District Democratic contender, Cliff Block, also said it should be done.
"It would even save face" for the police,” he said.
Republican mayoral candidate Ken Johnson said that instead of turning to outside experts, the city should bring together a diverse group to look into the problems, if they are serious enough to warrant review.
If there is a need, Johnson said, the group should involve peer review, an individual's superior, union representation, management representation, an elected official and someone from the public.
That would make the panel work properly, he said.
He said residents want to see that we're making "good, sound decisions" in city government and the type of panel he envisions would offer them.
Democratic mayoral hopeful Art Ward said that officials need to determine "if there's a bonafide reason" for an outside review.
But, he said, if it would serve the police and public, then it ought to be done.
Ward said he is concerned because people are “very quick" to suggest studies.
Rimcoski said the city probably needs an outside panel to deal with the questions raised about police management.
He said, though, the Police Board might be able to do the job.
Officials said there are a number of concerns about what’s going on within the Police Department, including the effort to discipline and perhaps fire Officers Brian Andrews and Greg Blackinton.
There are also lawsuits and bickering within the department’s ranks that have painted a portrait of a department in disarray.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
"We all know there are issues within the Police Department," Democratic city Councilor Rich Kilby said.
He said an outside study would open the door to "a more solid approach" for the department.
The other 1st District Democratic contender, Cliff Block, also said it should be done.
"It would even save face" for the police,” he said.
Republican mayoral candidate Ken Johnson said that instead of turning to outside experts, the city should bring together a diverse group to look into the problems, if they are serious enough to warrant review.
If there is a need, Johnson said, the group should involve peer review, an individual's superior, union representation, management representation, an elected official and someone from the public.
That would make the panel work properly, he said.
He said residents want to see that we're making "good, sound decisions" in city government and the type of panel he envisions would offer them.
Democratic mayoral hopeful Art Ward said that officials need to determine "if there's a bonafide reason" for an outside review.
But, he said, if it would serve the police and public, then it ought to be done.
Ward said he is concerned because people are “very quick" to suggest studies.
Rimcoski said the city probably needs an outside panel to deal with the questions raised about police management.
He said, though, the Police Board might be able to do the job.
Officials said there are a number of concerns about what’s going on within the Police Department, including the effort to discipline and perhaps fire Officers Brian Andrews and Greg Blackinton.
There are also lawsuits and bickering within the department’s ranks that have painted a portrait of a department in disarray.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
October 3, 2007
1st district forum, live - Part 1
Here we go again.
The three contenders for the two 1st District City Council seats -- Republican Mike Rimcoski and Democrats Cliff Block and Rich Kilby -- are answering questions at the Federal Hill Assocation's final forum at City Hall. Rimcoski is the sole incumbent.
Right now moderators Bob Montgomery and David Fortier are running through the candidates' biographies.
Pretty soon, they'll run through the standard questions before taking questions from the audience.
Watching are mayoral candidates Art Ward and Ken Johnson, who face off at 8 p.m. (come on down and see them for yourselves!), a few other politicos and a handful of seemingly ordinary folks. There are 18 people here who are not answering or asking questions -- the same number needed for the Angels and Red Sox to play at the same time, which obviously makes a much more interesting way to spend the evening.
Here we go...
Kilby says Route 72 will make the city more prosperous and bolster its tax base.
Rimcoski says, "The thing we need the most is business. ... We need business. We need it desperately."
Rimcoski said he'll "push like heck" to get the new industrial park up and running. He's also keen to lure more companies to town by marketing the city better.
He said he'll ask for zero budget hikes from all departments. Taxes can't go up, he said.
"Bristol's in a great position," Block said, with Route 72 rolling, the industrial park should be done soon and the mall is coming down. He said the grants program "is giving Bristol the edge" in attracting new companies (though there have been precious few firms taking up the city's money lately).
Block said the city needs to get the public and officials more involved in deciding what gets on the yearly bonding list.
Nobody in the audience is sleeeping yet, though I'm keeping my eye on Ward. He's writing stuff now. Is that scripting? Maybe.
Another question, about downtown.
Rimcoski said the city needs to bolster security, add lighting and doing more to bring people downtown. "We finally got off the dime" on the mall, he said, and things will get better.
The mall is "issue number one" because private investment there will push revitalization of downtown, Block said. He supports the theater at Memorial Boulevard School.
"Downtown can be revitalized," Block said, if it connects the dots, talks with the state and does a municipal development plan.
Block said that the housing around downtown is too dense and in poor shape. He said they need to be addressed, too.
"The mall site is going to the number one agenda for the new administration," Kilby said. Route 72 is crucial for its success.
"Once we have a main store" for the mall site, he said, improvements will happen.
"When good things come in, bad things will come out," Kilby said. "That is our goal for the downtown mall."
Now the school question...
Block said smaller peer groups and more parental involvement will help, Block said. He said that the 900-student K-8 schools are really two schools each: "two separate schools on one campus."
He said that renovating older schools "would cost far more" and couldn't be done while students are in them.
Block said best and brightest teachers are the true key. He said he will support education spending to make that happen.
Kilby said he is scared thinking of his 4th grader going to a K-8 school. He's happy with the school she's in. "THey're going to be bullying the little kids around. I am totally against the K-8. I am against building a new school" on privately owned land, Kilby said.
He said the Scalia site can't be used. "Our school system is adequate as it is currently for another couple of years," Kilby said. He said there are too many projects on the books that are giong to burden the taxpayers.
Rimcoski said that the city isn't going to solve problems by throwing money.
"The decision on the schools will be made largely on economic development because of the scale and money," Rimcoski said.
He said we need neighborhood schools, but they cost too much.
Problems will be solved by getting help from parents and families. They are on the first line and they need help, Rimcoski said.
Now on to a break while the audience writes out questions.
Five minutes until game time. Fenway looks like it'd be a lot more fun than this.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
The three contenders for the two 1st District City Council seats -- Republican Mike Rimcoski and Democrats Cliff Block and Rich Kilby -- are answering questions at the Federal Hill Assocation's final forum at City Hall. Rimcoski is the sole incumbent.
Right now moderators Bob Montgomery and David Fortier are running through the candidates' biographies.
Pretty soon, they'll run through the standard questions before taking questions from the audience.
Watching are mayoral candidates Art Ward and Ken Johnson, who face off at 8 p.m. (come on down and see them for yourselves!), a few other politicos and a handful of seemingly ordinary folks. There are 18 people here who are not answering or asking questions -- the same number needed for the Angels and Red Sox to play at the same time, which obviously makes a much more interesting way to spend the evening.
Here we go...
Kilby says Route 72 will make the city more prosperous and bolster its tax base.
Rimcoski says, "The thing we need the most is business. ... We need business. We need it desperately."
Rimcoski said he'll "push like heck" to get the new industrial park up and running. He's also keen to lure more companies to town by marketing the city better.
He said he'll ask for zero budget hikes from all departments. Taxes can't go up, he said.
"Bristol's in a great position," Block said, with Route 72 rolling, the industrial park should be done soon and the mall is coming down. He said the grants program "is giving Bristol the edge" in attracting new companies (though there have been precious few firms taking up the city's money lately).
Block said the city needs to get the public and officials more involved in deciding what gets on the yearly bonding list.
Nobody in the audience is sleeeping yet, though I'm keeping my eye on Ward. He's writing stuff now. Is that scripting? Maybe.
Another question, about downtown.
Rimcoski said the city needs to bolster security, add lighting and doing more to bring people downtown. "We finally got off the dime" on the mall, he said, and things will get better.
The mall is "issue number one" because private investment there will push revitalization of downtown, Block said. He supports the theater at Memorial Boulevard School.
"Downtown can be revitalized," Block said, if it connects the dots, talks with the state and does a municipal development plan.
Block said that the housing around downtown is too dense and in poor shape. He said they need to be addressed, too.
"The mall site is going to the number one agenda for the new administration," Kilby said. Route 72 is crucial for its success.
"Once we have a main store" for the mall site, he said, improvements will happen.
"When good things come in, bad things will come out," Kilby said. "That is our goal for the downtown mall."
Now the school question...
Block said smaller peer groups and more parental involvement will help, Block said. He said that the 900-student K-8 schools are really two schools each: "two separate schools on one campus."
He said that renovating older schools "would cost far more" and couldn't be done while students are in them.
Block said best and brightest teachers are the true key. He said he will support education spending to make that happen.
Kilby said he is scared thinking of his 4th grader going to a K-8 school. He's happy with the school she's in. "THey're going to be bullying the little kids around. I am totally against the K-8. I am against building a new school" on privately owned land, Kilby said.
He said the Scalia site can't be used. "Our school system is adequate as it is currently for another couple of years," Kilby said. He said there are too many projects on the books that are giong to burden the taxpayers.
Rimcoski said that the city isn't going to solve problems by throwing money.
"The decision on the schools will be made largely on economic development because of the scale and money," Rimcoski said.
He said we need neighborhood schools, but they cost too much.
Problems will be solved by getting help from parents and families. They are on the first line and they need help, Rimcoski said.
Now on to a break while the audience writes out questions.
Five minutes until game time. Fenway looks like it'd be a lot more fun than this.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 11, 2007
Adjusting to a new reality
The Democratic City Council hopefuls who aligned themselves solidly with mayor nominee Ellen Zoppo were having a tough time Tuesday.
After Zoppo's concession, two of them - Bruce Lydem and Cliff Block - were too upset to comment at all.
Craig Minor and Frank Nicastro, both incumbents, managed to do better.
"Bristol has spoken," Minor said. He said that if Democrats could work with Republican Mayor William Stortz, they can certainly work with Art Ward, the party's new mayoral standard bearer.
Nicastro hailed Zoppo's gracious concession speech.
"Her speech said it all. That was a mayor talking," Nicastro said.
But, he said, the Democrats will pull together behind Ward and keep the mayor's office.
Later in the evening, the Democratic council hopeful all showed up at Ward's victory party, where 1st District council candidate Rich Kilby had been all along.
Ward has "been great for me for 14 years," Kilby said, so he stuck by him while the other council contenders sided with Zoppo.
Nicastro told Ward, "You have my support, 150 percent."
"Congratulations," incumbent Kevin McCauley told Ward.
Lydem said that Ward "defined grass roots" with his win.
"You buying drinks?" was Block's comment to Ward, with whom he ran in 2005, when Republican Mike Rimcoski topped Block's total to capture the district's second seat.
Ward said he's sure the men can sit down together at a round table and "move this city forward" without rancor.
He said people elect a mayor and council "to do a job" and that's what the Democrats will do.
"Collectively, that's what I and the next City Council are going to deliver for the next two years," Ward said. "I don't think there should be any difficulty."
"We're Democrats," Nicastro said. "Art Ward is the winner of the primary. Now we, that's all of of us, need to deliver."
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
After Zoppo's concession, two of them - Bruce Lydem and Cliff Block - were too upset to comment at all.
Craig Minor and Frank Nicastro, both incumbents, managed to do better.
"Bristol has spoken," Minor said. He said that if Democrats could work with Republican Mayor William Stortz, they can certainly work with Art Ward, the party's new mayoral standard bearer.
Nicastro hailed Zoppo's gracious concession speech.
"Her speech said it all. That was a mayor talking," Nicastro said.
But, he said, the Democrats will pull together behind Ward and keep the mayor's office.
Later in the evening, the Democratic council hopeful all showed up at Ward's victory party, where 1st District council candidate Rich Kilby had been all along.
Ward has "been great for me for 14 years," Kilby said, so he stuck by him while the other council contenders sided with Zoppo.
Nicastro told Ward, "You have my support, 150 percent."
"Congratulations," incumbent Kevin McCauley told Ward.
Lydem said that Ward "defined grass roots" with his win.
"You buying drinks?" was Block's comment to Ward, with whom he ran in 2005, when Republican Mike Rimcoski topped Block's total to capture the district's second seat.
Ward said he's sure the men can sit down together at a round table and "move this city forward" without rancor.
He said people elect a mayor and council "to do a job" and that's what the Democrats will do.
"Collectively, that's what I and the next City Council are going to deliver for the next two years," Ward said. "I don't think there should be any difficulty."
"We're Democrats," Nicastro said. "Art Ward is the winner of the primary. Now we, that's all of of us, need to deliver."
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 6, 2007
Kilby fundraiser on Sept. 13th
Press release from Democratic council hopeful Rich Kilby:
A PASTA DINNER IS PLANNED FOR RICHARD KILBY FOR CITY COUNCIL IN THE FIRST DISTRICT.
THIS WILL TAKE PLACE ON THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2007 AT THE AMERICAN LEGION LOCATED ON HOOKER COURT FROM 5 to 8 pm.
$10 CONTIBUTIONS CAN BE MADE TO KILBY FOR CITY COUNCIL
CHILDREN UNDER 10 ARE FREE
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
A PASTA DINNER IS PLANNED FOR RICHARD KILBY FOR CITY COUNCIL IN THE FIRST DISTRICT.
THIS WILL TAKE PLACE ON THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2007 AT THE AMERICAN LEGION LOCATED ON HOOKER COURT FROM 5 to 8 pm.
$10 CONTIBUTIONS CAN BE MADE TO KILBY FOR CITY COUNCIL
CHILDREN UNDER 10 ARE FREE
*******
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
June 10, 2007
Council hopeful Rich Kilby weighs in on script controversy
1st District Democratic City Council contender Rich Kilby recently sent me this statement:
I feel nothing wrong was done, wouldn't you would like to know what's happening at a very special Ordinance Meeting, so you could do your homework, when questions are asked you could give a detail summary of whatever plan is on the table, get the taxpayers comments and move forward in the best direction. Whether it's Art, Ellen, or Bill you need to know what is going on.
I feel nothing wrong was done, wouldn't you would like to know what's happening at a very special Ordinance Meeting, so you could do your homework, when questions are asked you could give a detail summary of whatever plan is on the table, get the taxpayers comments and move forward in the best direction. Whether it's Art, Ellen, or Bill you need to know what is going on.
May 21, 2007
Candidate announcements
Just a quick update:
City Councilor Ellen Zoppo declared her intention to run for mayor.
Democrats who are running with her on a Democratic "dream team" include council incumbents Craig Minor and Kevin McCauley and council hopefuls Rich Kilby and Cliff Block.
On the Republican side, Ken Johnson said he's running for mayor. His speech is already posted below.
Three GOP candidates announced their plans to run for council: incumbent Mike Rimcoski and newcomers Bob Merrick and Ken Cockayne.
City Councilor Ellen Zoppo declared her intention to run for mayor.
Democrats who are running with her on a Democratic "dream team" include council incumbents Craig Minor and Kevin McCauley and council hopefuls Rich Kilby and Cliff Block.
On the Republican side, Ken Johnson said he's running for mayor. His speech is already posted below.
Three GOP candidates announced their plans to run for council: incumbent Mike Rimcoski and newcomers Bob Merrick and Ken Cockayne.
A busy night in Bristol
By the end of the evening, we should have a much clearer picture of who's running for what this year.
We're likely to see city Councilor Ellen Zoppo declare her candidacy for mayor to the Democratic Town Committee and Ken Johnson make his formal announcement to the Republican Town Committee.
In addition, city Councilor Mike Rimcoski, a Republican, is likely to say he's running for re-election. The two Democratic councilors who are incumbents who haven't said for sure what they'll do - Craig Minor and Frank Nicastro - might disclose their plans as well (though I suspect Nicastro will wait until the General Assembly is over).
Already in the running is Democrat Art Ward, a longtime councilor who's seeking to move up to the mayor's office.
City Councilor Kevin McCauley, a Democrat, has already said he'll run again.
Rich Kilby and Cliff Block are likely to tell Democrats tonight they'll run for council in the 1st District, hoping to unseat Rimcoski and claim the seat Ward is giving up.
At least a couple of Republican council candidates in addition to Rimcoski are also likely to throw their hats in the ring. I've only heard rumors about who they might be so I'll refrain from mentioning names.
I'd be stunned, by the way, if Mayor William Stortz says anything about his intentions for the campaign for at least another month. He's got a long history of waiting until the last minute to make up his mind (or at least to tell everyone else that he's made up his mind).
As for me, I'll be running between the Democratic and Republican meetings, hoping to catch all the action or at least make sure I know what's happened!
The Republicans are meeting at City Hall. The Democrats are at the Board of Education.
We're likely to see city Councilor Ellen Zoppo declare her candidacy for mayor to the Democratic Town Committee and Ken Johnson make his formal announcement to the Republican Town Committee.
In addition, city Councilor Mike Rimcoski, a Republican, is likely to say he's running for re-election. The two Democratic councilors who are incumbents who haven't said for sure what they'll do - Craig Minor and Frank Nicastro - might disclose their plans as well (though I suspect Nicastro will wait until the General Assembly is over).
Already in the running is Democrat Art Ward, a longtime councilor who's seeking to move up to the mayor's office.
City Councilor Kevin McCauley, a Democrat, has already said he'll run again.
Rich Kilby and Cliff Block are likely to tell Democrats tonight they'll run for council in the 1st District, hoping to unseat Rimcoski and claim the seat Ward is giving up.
At least a couple of Republican council candidates in addition to Rimcoski are also likely to throw their hats in the ring. I've only heard rumors about who they might be so I'll refrain from mentioning names.
I'd be stunned, by the way, if Mayor William Stortz says anything about his intentions for the campaign for at least another month. He's got a long history of waiting until the last minute to make up his mind (or at least to tell everyone else that he's made up his mind).
As for me, I'll be running between the Democratic and Republican meetings, hoping to catch all the action or at least make sure I know what's happened!
The Republicans are meeting at City Hall. The Democrats are at the Board of Education.
May 8, 2007
District 1 City Council race is underway
In the 1st District, Democrat Rich Kilby said he's planning to run with Cliff Block in this year's municipal campaign.
Block, who ran unsuccessfully for the part-time council seat in 2005, said he's not ready to say what his plans are this time around.
They'll be aiming to hang on to the seat that longtime Councilor Art Ward is giving up in order to run for mayor this year.
Republican Mike Rimcoski, who defeated Block two years ago, is likely to run again. But Rimcoski said he's also not ready to declare his intentions.
There is no word yet on who might run with Rimcoski.
Block, who ran unsuccessfully for the part-time council seat in 2005, said he's not ready to say what his plans are this time around.
They'll be aiming to hang on to the seat that longtime Councilor Art Ward is giving up in order to run for mayor this year.
Republican Mike Rimcoski, who defeated Block two years ago, is likely to run again. But Rimcoski said he's also not ready to declare his intentions.
There is no word yet on who might run with Rimcoski.
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