Twelve Hours to Glory

Fitchburg is at an interesting crossroads. While there is a lot of good things going on -- downtown development is moving forward (Kang Yu excluded), new housing is going up all around Route 2, a major tourist attraction is on the way (CoCo Key), and events like this past summer's Civic Days that packed the streets -- there's that silly little budget problem that just keeps getting bigger.

Today, voters get the chance to decide which path Fitchburg will follow. In just a few minutes, the polls will open (and stay open until 8 p.m.) as the city chooses its leadership for the next two years. But the decisions those people make might last a generation, even more, as a city beginning to rebound tries to consolidate its momentum.

So, obviously, go vote today.

And, follow the proceedings here and at the Fitchburg Pride website. We're going to brave the elements shortly and have a story and photos online this morning from the polls. Probably weather-related, as it's likely the story of the morning. (If you're the type who likes it dry, the rain should be over mid-afternoon, according to weather.com). We'll obviously have game-night coverage this evening. The Pride website was first with the winners in the preliminary, and we have every intention of trying to be first again tonight.

Here at Save Fitchburg, we'll be following the day the best we can, based on phone calls, e-mails and comments. Stop by and tell us what you see at the polls. Big crowd? Little crowd? Buzz around any candidates? Sneak a peek at the counter on your ballot box. Remember, the news of the big turnout during the preliminary was established pretty early on here last time. Let's do it again today. This post will be updated throughout the day, and this is the perfect spot to put in your comments. If you're on the ballot and want to schmooze for a few more votes, here's the time. And when it's all said and done, there will some anaylsis here late in the evening -- call it an election night nightcap, if you will.

And, finally, check out FATV from 7 to 9 p.m. I'll be on with a cast of thousands -- including some candidates -- as the results come in.

That's it for the promotion and the scene-setting. The game starts in about 10 minutes. Go get 'em.

Update, 9:05 a.m. -- You can read about today's election, with color and information from the early-morning activity, at the Fitchburg Pride website. Go right to the story through this link.