Carpenterism

Councilor Richard Carpenter, showing the height of arrogance during a news conference to officially announce his re-election campaign, said that he and Ms. Cheschi-Smith will help to acclimate newcomers to council. This will only be possible if he wins, something he seems to take for granted. And not only that, but he wants all candidates to bow down at the alter of Carpenterism and embrace his positions on all major issues. "We want all the candidates running to look at these principles and adopt them.", he is quoted as saying. So much for critical thinking and differing viewpoints. So much for the voters having an actual choice or a real voice in the running of the city. It must be the Carpenter way or the highway. That's what has been wrong with the council for the past four years, this "I'm right and you're wrong, and the public be damned" attitude. With any luck maybe Mr. Carpenter will find himself just another member of the general public after this fall's election..