Best City Councilor (so far this year)

File this one under giving credit where credit is due department.

I am sure that those who claim to know my mind better than I might be taken aback somewhat by who I think has done the best job overall on the City Council so far in 2010. I tell you folks out there that I have my own opinions and don't drink anyone's Kool-Aid. So get a grip of your hats because here it comes:

To date this year, the best City Council performance has been turned in by........

Council Vice President Linda Pereira

I have always said that Councilor  Linda Pereira has been a consistent defender of her constituents and has provided great service to those individuals having  issues with government and problems getting responses. She returns phone calls. She researches solutions. Yes, she has strong opinions, but isn't that what each of the Councilors are suppossed to do on every issue that comes before the Council? Sure, they need to be able to compromise whenever their beliefs allow them to do so, and I think she's done that.

Frankly, no one in the City works harder than she does to tackle pertinent issues facing Fall River. You know where she stands. She's not a "B.S. er", she's as direct as the rays of the sun  in the middle of a July day. She's a leader on the Council where in many years since I've been here there was only lip service paid to the term, or was only evident on devisive issues where blatant political sides were being taken. She's willing to take unpopular positions when she thinks it's the right thing to do, but you know her reasons, and you have to respect that. She speaks clearly and plainly and you know where she stands. You cannot say that about any other Councilor currently serving. Thank God there is at least one independant voice on the City Council unafraid to represent her constituents or fight for the positions on issues she thinks are critical to the welfare of the citizens of Fall River. In short, whether you like her or do not, you have to respect who she is and what she does. That's just being fair.

Sometimes in politics, fair is a thoroughly acceptable concept. It is in this case.

Thank you Councilor  Linda Pereira for your strong constituent service and leadership on issues of importance to the citizens of Fall River. Like your positions or not, you lead, which among this City's politicians is as rare as hen's teeth. It is by taking real stands on issues that policy compromise is possible, not by laying in the weeds waiting for an opportunity to LOOK like a statesman. You never stay in the weeds. You stand in the clear light of day.

Thank you!