RIP, Susie Parker

Susie Parker, the wife of former city Councilor Terry Parker, died this morning. Parker posted on Facebook that "Susie, my wife for 29 and a half years, pass away around 2:30 a.m.. She is at peace and without pain. She is the love of my wife and my best friend. May she rest in peace. Prayers for me and my family will be much appreciated." Susie Parker worked in the city assessor's office for many years before her retirement last year. She had been ill for months. Terry Parker is one of the few politicians who had the respect of everybody in the city's political world, a gentle man who made no secret of his love for his wife of nearly three decades. He opted not to run for a council seat this year in large part because he wanted to spend every possible minute with Susie.
Copyright 2013 All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Scarola scolds some blog commenters

I didn't want anyone to miss this classy post by unsuccessful City Council contender Richard Scarola:

Say what you will, like me or not, I really don't care. I ran a campaign on what I believed in and 1,059 people voted for what I believed in. Thank you to all of them and congratulations to the candidates that got elected.

What disturbed me most is how this blog attacked Terry Parker. Shame on the conservatives that attacked him because we are supposed to be above that and shame on anyone else to comment on what their "perception" is. He was one of the few democrats that was truly gracious towards me and all I can say is God forbid that you have a child born with a neurological disorder or some sort of handicap. You are a disgusting lot to tease and insult him about whatever his problems may be. At least he had the intestinal fortitude to stand up and fight for what he believed in. Right or wrong, you attack him on that, not the way he carries himself or speaks. I am embarassed for those of you that criticized him relentlessly and then go to church on Sunday and pretend to be of God. Each and every one of you (including conservatives) that slandered him really should step up, print your name and offer an apology. If this is politics in this town, then I can see why nobody chooses to become involved. For those of you that might have a handicap or know someone with a handicap, shame on you, walk a mile in that man's shoes before you can even appreciate what he has been through. Self-righteous pompeous asses, you should be discusted with yourselves for calling someone out like that. I hope you don't live your lives like that on a daily basis.

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com

Johnson pulls out, others jump in

Republican mayoral candidate Ken Johnson told GOP leaders Monday night that he was pulling out of the race, citing personal reasons. I'll have more on this later, I trust.

Meanwhile, on the Democratic side, three City Council contenders announced their plans.

City Councilor Kevin McCauley announced he would run again in the 2nd District.

Two newcomers also entered the race.

In the 1st District, Kevin Fuller declared his intention to run against incumbent Republican Mike Rimcoski.

In the 3rd District, Terry Parker leaped into the fray, joining Kate Matthews in a bid to hold the seats that Craig Minor and Frank Nicastro are giving up in November. Another Democrat, Gloria Marino, has been calling district leaders and may yet enter the contest there.

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com