My God...who am I?

Manchester held its mayoral election today. I did something I haven't done since I was young and foolish...I voted republican. I know. I know. No one is more shocked than I am. Well, my brother might be. As far as he's concerned, I've been a couple of steps away from being a communist since I registered as a democrat. He is currently dancing a jig in the mountains of Maine...rejoicing that there is hope for his baby sister. Yeah, I did it...I confess. I not only voted for a republican, but i voted for a republican that's...God, can I even say it? He's from...AWAY. That's a big deal here in New Hampshire. I'm not super-thrilled that he's from Jersey, but at least he isn't from Massachusetts.

The incumbent mayor has been in office for 6 years and taxes have gone up every year. 20% in the last 4 years alone, from what I understand. The guy I voted for today (who I just found out won, by the way) has been serving the city as an alderman. Pretty much the same thing as city councilman, I guess. I missed this in the news, but I guess he tried to add 10 police officers to the force last spring and the mayor shot it down. Easy for him to do...living the fat cat life he lives in the rich part of town. Most of us though are right in the 'hood. Crack is being dealt in very close (too close!) proximity to where I sit as I type this. You gotta understand...I'm genetically predisposed to having major issues with authority, but given the choice between extra crack dealers and extra cops - I'll take the cops.

So, the next couple of years should be interesting. We'll see what the republican from Jersey has to offer the Queen City. Worst case scenario...we can get the crack dealers to chase him back to Jersey, right?