Challenger would unseat Oak Bluffs moderator
By Steve Myrick
Published: April 9, 2009
Oak Bluffs voters will decide a contest for town moderator. David Richardson, owner of Tony's Market, has served as moderator since 1999. He faces a challenge from Jack Law, an employee of R.M. Packer Company and a veteran of many local boards. The Martha's Vineyard Times asked each candidate why he wants to be elected moderator and what qualities each would bring to the position.
Mr. Law: My family goes back several generations in Oak Bluffs, and my love for this town is palpable. My wife and I reared our daughter in this town, and it's where my granddaughter will grow and thrive. Over the years, I have served the town of Oak Bluffs as a volunteer fireman, police officer, financial advisory committee member, selectman, cemetery commissioner and assessor. I know my commitment to Oak Bluffs, my knowledge of the running of the town and my sense of fairness makes me the best candidate for moderator of the town of Oak Bluffs.
Mr. Richardson: I'm running for re-election as moderator because I enjoy the job and believe my service is of benefit to the town. During the last ten years people have seen how I conduct town meetings. I bring to the job the skill and professionalism of a trained lawyer and the impartiality that is required of anyone leading a town meeting. I've done it for 16 years here and off Island. I persuaded the selectmen to put an advisory question on the April, 2009, election ballot that asks the voters if the moderator should have ballot voting on occasional high-adrenalin issues at town meeting.
