Fellow Burlingtonians – The choice for the next mayor of Vermont’s largest city is obvious.
Of the three Democrats seeking the nomination for that party, two of them act tired, and sound haggard.
They are worn out, having served 35 years between them on the city council.
They are simply grabbing the next rung because it’s there. They are just so very tired. They have no new ideas, if they have any at all.
The difference is a woman by the name of CD Mattison.
Mattison is not necessarily that many years younger than the other two, but she seems to have the energy of a youngster.
She says she adopted Burlington as her home decades ago. She seems to have a real emotional connection to the city and to wanting to make it better.
The essence of her campaign is, “look at the last 20 years. Is that what you want? Is that the best we can do?”
Violent crime is rampant in Burlington. Shootings, stabbings, muggings. Drug-addicted thugs lying in the parks. Used hypodermic syringes littering the streets – you name it.
“I’m being clear where I stand on crime – creating a safe Burlington for all of us,” Mattison says.
She wants more cops on the street. She’s very practical: she says the more people in uniform, the more effective crime-fighting is. “It’s all about visibility,” she has said, referring to uniformed cops.
Mattison is spot on. Her frankness is refreshing.
Folks, this ain’t your father’s city anymore.
The outgoing mayor, in office for 12 years, has failed to come up with any real solutions. He seems about as tired as the two Democrats running against Mattison.
Mattison has been out and about talking to people, meeting people, asking people questions.
And get this – she’s not doing it just because she’s running for mayor. It’s what she’s been doing for years, interacting with people around her, even being so bold as to introduce herself to strangers. Imagine that! “I love people,” she said at a recent mayoral debate.
Sounds corny, for sure, but she actually seems to mean it.
Democrats caucus December 10th in what will mostly be online voting for their party’s mayoral candidate.
“This race will truly depend on turnout,” Mattison said.
The victorious Democrat will go on to compete against an independent or third-party candidate, or both. – Ted Cohen, Burlington
