Mayor and Council appear to come to the aid ...

[Rob Tucker]

I have certainly put myself in a position to eat crow in the event Fred meets some people's worst fears. I prefer to assume the best and the questions are legitimate. I would have loved to see both Emily and Fred on the Hot Seat and had certainly hoped to see them both at the Eagles forum at least. Did not happen to my regret. But on this day before the election my assessment of Fred remains the same. I prefer the glass half full over the glass nearly empty.

In Emily's second term I was hopeful that she had learned enough from her first term to be more effective but in my opinion that did not happen.

I am also interested, beyond District 5, in how the council make up as a whole will serve the island. As indicated by the Trib Emily is not inclined to deal with the budget except to do as Cousin Billy says. Enriques is the same. Fred has potential, unproven of course, to provide a veto override if circumstances call for it. I do not see him beholden to the old council majority or the incoming council majority which offers him independence that can be valuable for Puna and the island.

It will be of good purpose for the Mayor to have a council that examines budgets with a critical eye. The easy pickings have been picked, taxes raised and we still have a very weak economy. Time for some heavy lifting.

So while Fred is an unknown in some ways, Emily is a known. I say give Fred a chance - there is more evidence in favor than against.