The Polticial Arena

So, the city and Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey checked out the Wallace Civic Center yesterday, with everyone hoping it becomes a key facet of the city, with concerts, trade shows and jammed ice-time schedules well into the future.

A good time was had by all, it appears, but we have some political observations that stem from the event. Here goes:

Sen. Bob Antonioni and Rep. Jennifer Flanagan missed the event, citing schedule conflicts. We wonder if the fact this thing was just short of a Healey campaign stop had anything to do with it.

Rep. Emile Goguen said he wasn't invited. Mayor Dan Mylott said invites were sent out last Wednesday. Who to believe? And couldn't Goguen had attended without an invite. Just, you know, as civic duty.

Mylott called Healey a "true friend and advocate for the city of Fitchburg." This from the guy who has spent the last year screaming the state doesn't provide enough money for the city. And remember, one of the first things the Romney-Healey administration did was cut local aid. Sigh.

A small group of Healey supporters were holding campaign signs during the event, including Republican state rep candidate Edward Niemczura. Who "shouted" (according to the Sentinel), "Go Kerry." And, "Welcome to Fitchburg." If this guy should be taken seriously, shouldn't he be above holding signs at an event like this? Shouldn't Healey, as a good party player, invite this guy into the event somehow, or acknowledge him somehow. Reducing him to a sign-holding supporter doesn't really bolster his status, does it?