A New Hope.

In the battle of good and evil, light and dark, it appears that there is some hope on the horizon. With rumors of Smear Squad members Mike Glowacki and Patty Roggeveen running as a bloc for two seats, it was looking pretty bleak for people who, like me, value government that gets things done and put progress before process.

I had, in fact, made a dire prediction, that we were "hosed." At the time, I could not see anyone coming foreword to run for the seat Catherine Stover will vacate in April.

Happily, we now have several excellent candidates who have pulled their papers, two of which are perhaps the most qualified people to run for the office (Besides Catherine Stover, who is not running this time because of shake-up in the clerk's office that requires her full attention).

Rick Atherton has decades of experience in the financial industry and for the past five years has been putting that experience to work on the Finance Committee. Rick has been co-chair of the Civic League and has also served on the sewer advisory committee. Few people understand the brass tacks of Nantucket issues like Rick. He's head for figures could come in handy as we head into this era of rising government costs.

Allen Reinhard has been a part of Nantucket for decades and he moved here full time sixteen years ago. His background in conservation and protecting Nantucket's natural spaces are extremely valuable and will help inform the Board with regard to beach access, conservation, erosion, ConCom appointments and harbor water quality.

David Gray is running for a third time. David is one of the most decent and caring men to ever seek the office. The island is where he grew up and his insight and long view of local history would be a valuable asset to the board. To say nothing of his knowledge of the island infrastructure and his service on the ConCom.

Gene Mahon is another good guy in the community. A former owner of Nantucket Television, Gene attends nearly every event on the island and is a booster of both art and culture here.

All of these men are true gentlemen. Soft spoken, kind and giving public servants. Just what we need, in my opinion.

Hopefully the voters of Nantucket will see the opportunity that Rick and Allen and David and Gene offer the community. (I don't know Neville Richen and I hope to learn more about him as the campaign progresses.)

This should be good.