SalemNews.com, Salem, MA

Opinion

Discussion

The Salem News has a real-name policy for commenting. Users may sign in using the Facebook Connect tool above the comments field. Once your first comment is posted by a moderator, all future comments will post automatically. If you prefer not to use Facebook, send an e-mail with your comments user name (which must be the same as your real name), city or town, street address and daytime phone number to comments@salemnews.com. A staff member will contact you directly to confirm your identity. It may take a day or two before you can post comments. Only your user name will be public. All users are required to follow our rules for commenting, which can be found here.

comments powered by Disqus
October 29, 2012

Our view: Lovely for state Senate

The Salem News

We endorsed Salem City Council President Joan Lovely in this summer’s Democratic 2nd Essex District state Senate primary as the clear choice in an exceptionally strong field of candidates. We repeat that endorsement here.

On Nov. 6, Lovely will be “opposed” by Republican Richard Jolitz, a Beverly EMT who appears to have abandoned his campaign. While he collected enough signatures to get on the ballot, he has raised no money, held no campaign events, skipped debates and made no policy statements. If the state Republican Party is serious about acting as a check on Democratic power, it will have to do a much better job of fielding legitimate candidates in legislative races.

That said, any Republican would have had a hard time matching Lovely’s blend of energy, experience and attentiveness.

As a 14-year city councilor, Lovely has built a well-deserved reputation as a consensus builder who is nonetheless unafraid to make tough decisions.

While Lovely has had a restful fall, she will likely have a busy winter. Much will be expected of the successor of retiring Majority Leader Fred Berry in terms of getting things done, representing the entire district and setting a high standard for honest public service.

We’re confident she’s up to the task.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Opinion

AP Video
Huge Tornado Kills Dozens Near Oklahoma City Raw: Rescuers Pull Tornado Survivors to Safety Oklahoma Gov: 'Hearts Are Broken' After Tornado Raw: Walking in a Flattened Okla. Neighborhood Raw: Rescue Workers Search Oklahoma School Raw: Witness Describes Scene After Okla. Tornado Raw: Aftermath of Massive Tornado in Oklahoma Raw: House Burns After Massive Oklahoma Tornado Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma Split-second Choice Ended With NY Student Dead White House Backs 'Shield Law' for Media Wave of Attacks Kills Scores in Iraq Pug Life on Display at Wisconsin Festival Company Promises to Make All Snail Mail Digital Analyst: Tumblr Fills Void in Yahoo's Offerings Commuters Face Delays After Conn. Train Accident Raw: Swarm of Tornadoes Slams Plains Raw: Fierce Bombing in Qusair, Syria RAW: TV Staff Take Cover From Tornado Raw: Accused US Spy Reportedly Leaves Russia
Comments Tracker
Roll Call
Helium debate
Helium