Election Day

It certainly seems odd to have people going to the polls in August. Yes, there is an election with, perhaps, national implications in Connecticut. There is also an election with strictly local implications here on Martha's Vineyard. Voters will choose a Selectman for the Town of Oak Bluffs.

The politics of Oak Bluffs has not had a sterling reputation over the years. This election is a perfect example of why. The reason for this election is the resignation of a selectman. He resigned to become Town Administrator for Oak Bluffs, which is one of the highest paying jobs on Martha's Vineyard. His appointment is a classic example of Oak Bluffs politics. The vacancy was advertised only in local papers. A nationwide search was not held; not even a statewide search was held. Did the Selectman resign felling quite confident that he would be appointed to what is a very good job here? You tell me.

There are four candidates. Two are from old Island families, one is from a less well-known Island family and the fourth has only been here about 20+ years. I suspect that the two "old Island family" candidates will cancel each other's votes. The less well-known Islander does not appear overly bright. It's likely that the election will go the the "wash ashore".