By Matthew Ricchiazzi:
Let's face it: Buffalo has a history of dirty politics that has become entrenched in our community. Slanderous rumors, hurtful innuendo, and insulting mailers have become a loathsome part of our political normalcy.
That's why it's so refreshing to see a good guy who refuses to engage in gutter politics do so much better than those who decide to take the low road. It's like seeing the long shot triumph; seeing the nice guy finish first; or seeing the underdog defeat the machine.
That's why I was so refreshingly surprised when I came across these numbers. To state the obvious, the Town of Tonawanda is overwhelmingly Democratic. In fact, every Democrat running won, except for one. This is how the numbers broke down (as of last Saturday):
Chris Jacobs (R) 9,899
Mark Polancarz (D) 9,616
Maria Whyte (D) 9,042
Chris Collins (R) 8,792
That's right. Not only did Chris Jacobs get more votes than his opponent, he also got more votes than Mark Polancarz or Chris Collins, in one of the most heavily Democrat-enrolled areas of the County.
As a proud moderate myself, I take enormous comfort in the fact that voters - despite the polarization as of late - are still willing to cross party lines and vote for someone based on his solid character and his genuine and selfless desire to serve the community.
This is proof that voters are more moderate, more sensible, and less partisan than our politicians and news media give us credit for. It's proof that sensible solutions and pragmatic problem solvers are more appreciated than the abrasive instincts and divisive tactics of the party headquarters.
Perhaps I'm reading too much into the upsets of our recent elections, but I very much hope that Mr. Jacobs intends to revamp and rebrand the Erie County GOP. As a businessman, real estate developer, philanthropist, and public servant, Mr. Jacobs has the experiences and insights that can unite our body politic and reshape our political landscape like few others can.
Imagine a local Republican Party that doesn't ignore every district inside the City of Buffalo. Imagine a local GOP that doesn't despise and distrust moderates. Imagine a local GOP that is tolerant of different social views and makes the effort to build a bigger tent.
My intent here is not to preach my politics, but only to convey how hopeful I am that the middle road will become a path increasingly taken - and that, just maybe, we might have actually found someone who can unite us rather than divide us.
Unfortunately there is no reason to believe the Republican Party will become more moderate. Recent history has shown just the opposite, a hard push to the far right with an almost religous fervor for extreme positions on taxes, regulation, and social issues. There are some moderates in local positions but on a national level the moderates have been pushed to the fringes or just ignored. The Republican Party needs to look beyond their core constituency of the rich and start working for the interests of average Americans.
And the democratic party is?
By far the lessor of two evils. Many Democrats are much too far right and too comfortable with big money interests but at least some Democrats do advocate for the interests of average Americans.
I think the whole point he's making is that people shouldn't blindly vote based on political parties alone. We should look at and consider the candidate for the person they are and their character.
When it comes to character, Chris Jacobs is the best Buffalo's got.
I think the party a person chooses says a lot about their character. I don't see how a reasonable and intelligent person could be comfortable in a party that advocates for the rich while demonizing the poor, minorities, and gays. They have sold their souls to corporate America while ignoring their responsibilty to regular citizens. The Republican Party no longer deserves respect as a credible alternative, they have allowed the extremists to set their agenda and now must accept the consequences.
I think that you're clearly brainwashed by MSNBC and the leftist fringe elements that do nothing but try to demonize Republicans.
Republicans choose their party because they recognize that the government is ineffecient. Liberals want more control over the economy, conservatives want less.
Do you want Verizon or AT&T Wireless to be run like the DMV? I'd shoot myself if liberals ran companies.
Yes, we have all witnessed the efficency of the unbridled
"free market" and some of us have been lucky enough to have survived. Your tired right wing ideology has been proven a failure and most Americans have finally come to recognize that fact.
Also the DMV is quite efficent and my experience there has been quite pleasant thanks to the reforms put in place by Maria Whyte.
THAT'S WHY WE NEED MODERATES.... NOT EXTREMISTS ON THE RIGHT OR LEFT
I don't know of any extremists on the left that hold political power, the Democrats are center right at best. The extremists in power are all on the right.
"reforms put in place by Maria Whyte"
I think you meant to write Kathy Hochul there, not Maria Whyte.
dictatorships are always more efficient than democracies. you can have swift, top-down action or you can have a transparent, inclusive public process. take your pick. i know which one i prefer.
a wise person (i can't remember who) once said that democracy is the worst system on earth, except for all the others.
I think it was Winston Churchill
As a gay man, I'm offended when people tell me who I am not allowed to vote for. Personally, I think extreme regulation and raising of taxes has a much more detrimental impact on me, than a Christian (I'm one of those too) who may not be all gungho about gays, but certainly won't be able to pass any discriminatory legislation in this day and age.
Who is telling you how to vote? you are free to vote for a party that does not accept your lifestyle or respect you. If your own economic interests are more important than your values the Republican Party is for you.
Hooray for Blackrocklifer and sweeping, generalizing statements. Aren't you the one who is always defending black rock against "sweeping statements" such as black rock being called "crack rock"?
How is this any different?
Not sure what your calling generalizations but I think most would agree the Republican Party advocates for the wealthy and does not advocate for the poor, minorities, or gays. Also the party has certainly moved to the right and now takes extreme positions on taxes, regulation, and social issues.
sounds like a soundbite to me
I agree with BLFR. Republicans on a National Level would sell "your" child to BP for the right campaign contribution. There is a big difference between Republicans on a National stage and Republicans on a local stage. Although you might not agree with Democratic ideology, they tend to be the most realistic and forward thinking party. And, unfortunately the only party that will stick up for the American public.