Voting for dull years at NL City Hall

Tuesday's election had many themes. It could easily have been titled "Buscetto's Close Call."

Mike Buscetto saddened me. To see him point to anyone not in his mirror for his plummet from the top to the near-bottom of the vote-getters was disappointing. No matter who he believed caused his problems, a strong leader looks inward. They ask themselves what they could have done or not done to avoid a bad situation.

Even if Buscetto believed there was a smear campaign, diplomacy should have governed his commentary. Apparently he didn't learn that before the election and didn't show it after. Buscetto might, someday, play a great role in moving the city forward. He just needs to learn to push it with a stroller, not a bulldozer.

The election could have been titled, "Peg's Curtin Call."

When it comes time to say farewell to Mary Margaret Curtin, surely the room will be filled with more than just Democrats. She has served the city for nearly two decades. The entire city. She deserves a grand sendoff. No, we won't have Peg Curtin to push around anymore. It will still be cool to have her drive us around, though.

Thank You, Ms. Curtin, for all you've done.

The election could have been titled "Shut Up and Run," which didn't apply to, but was applied by, Adam Sprecace. Rather than just hang around the polling places talking to people who had already decided to vote, he shut up and ran, toting a huge campaign sign through the city. Sprecace said he missed his regular running routine during the thick of the campaign. So he jogged from his Gardner Avenue home to Nathan Hale School, then to Harbor and finally, to New London High School. And back.

Whatever the title, Tuesday's drama might just have been the preview of coming attractions. Soon, Councilor-elect John R. Russell Jr., perched cozily among three Democrats and three Republicans, will be the most powerful person on the council.

I caught up with Russell (on the cell) at Hot Rod Cafe, where re-elected Councilor Wade Hyslop hosted his traditional thank-you party. When a group of Republicans arrived, fittingly led by Rob Pero, the man who would be mayor, the Democrats applauded. The two groups, and Russell, socialized into the night.

Rod Cornish, the proprietor, called it a beautiful thing. Perhaps, he wished aloud it is a sign of the times. I agree.

I digress.

Russell, who was respectfully denied a position on the Republican ticket, switched his affiliation to Independent, ran on the Green Party line and was subsequently dual-endorsed, said his loyalty will lean toward the right thing to do for the people and the city.

"There's no pressure. I'll do what I think is best," he said. "I made that clear to the Greens and the Republicans, too."

He was sincere. I just hope he can sustain. The council appears to be a productive, intelligent mix of personalities and ideals that seems conducive to cooperation.

If the Democratic trio attempts to maintain its position of power, might the Republicans fight back with their own party line weaponry? Will Russell be compelled to fight with them? Will the Republicans expect loyalty from him? Will they expect their endorsement to be Russell's last deciding variable?

The coming years could offer an action-packed reality show worth watching. Or they could be as boring as a rainy resort. I vote for the latter. Enough with the drama.

This is the opinion of Chuck Potter