Melvin B. Miller
Editor & Publisher

It’s Dianne Wilkerson

Public expectations of elected officials are almost always greater than what can reasonably be achieved. The affluent and special business interests believe that well-placed campaign contributions can always influence legislation and gain political access. Working class citizens often believe that elected officials are duty bound to act in accordance with their constituents’ wishes.

The fact is, neither group is always happy with the results. However, there is a major difference in the way that the two groups handle bad news. Well-heeled voters will turn to other lobbyists or find another political candidate who is more amenable to their point of view. One thing they never do is withdraw completely from the game — they know that electoral politics is a unique source of power and the only game in town.

On the other hand, working class voters are much more likely to become so disgruntled by a political disappointment that they quit showing up at the polls. Many black voters indicated that they would no longer involve themselves in politics after feeling they were denied the right to vote by the political chicanery of the 2000 presidential election. To do that is to both accept defeat and enhance your opponent’s victory.

Just as short-sighted is the decision of some voters to turn away from a politician over a single issue, even though in all other respects the politician serves them well. The well-heeled would never do that as long as their financial interests were well protected.

It is time for blacks in Boston to behave politically like those who are successful in America and understand how to wield their power at the polls. There has never been anyone elected to office from the black community who has been more productive than state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson. Despite her peccadilloes, she has consistently performed with skill and acumen over a period of 14 years. She deserves everyone’s support.

Of course, if there is a candidate with a superior record, then that candidate should indeed be considered. That is the beauty of the democratic process. But those opposing Wilkerson are neophytes. The issues confronting the black community are much too complex to be left to an amateur.

It is not easy to find talented candidates willing to hold public office at the local level. The work is exhausting and the compensation is sparse. To turn away from someone who has served the community so well sends an awful message to young professionals who are considering public service.

The choice is Celester

When Shirley Owens Hicks announced her decision not to stand for re-election as a state representative from the Sixth Suffolk District, everyone thought that a large number of candidates would throw their hats into the ring. Since residents of the district are overwhelmingly black and Latino, a minority candidate would not face the race issue as an obstacle to getting elected.

However, the only candidates who have stepped forward are William “Billy” Celester and Willie Mae Allen. Voters will have to choose between the only two candidates left standing and decide what qualifications are most valuable to the community.

As former deputy superintendent of the Boston Police Department, Celester has the experience to cope with Mattapan’s leading problem — crime. While Ms. Allen is certainly qualified to serve, her skills are not quite as valuable at this time.

Billy Celester is the better choice.