Friday Is the Deadline to Chart the Future of New Bedford [OPINION]

All the tough talk and speculation will be understood for what it was as of Friday afternoon. Nomination papers for city elected offices are due this Friday.

Talk is cheap and it is very cheap in the world of local politics. Lots of people talk about how they can win a political race; few actually do. Everybody who wants to be in politics thinks they can topple an incumbent elected official, but the tough talk evaporates as deadlines come due.

Seven people have taken out nomination papers to run for the brand new four-year term as mayor of the Whaling City.

The seven potential candidates are:

1. Mayor Jon Mitchell

2. Ian Morgan

3. School Committee Member John Oliveira

4. David Pimentel

5. Jose Perez

6. Michael Medeiros

7. Richard Tyson Moultrie

All of these folks deserve a thank you for stepping forward to offer themselves as a leader to the voters of New Bedford. Our republic requires individuals to offer their services to the citizens as elected officials. It doesn't mean everyone who steps forward is qualified or ready to lead the city.

All but one of the candidates will lose the 2019 election for mayor. Please keep in mind that all but two of the candidates are running for the first time and they are potentially future elected officials and community leaders in New Bedford. Listen closely to all of these individuals even if they aren't your choice this year for mayor.

Chris McCarthy is the host of The Chris McCarthy Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Contact him at chris.mccarthy@townsquaremedia.com and follow him on Twitter @Chris_topher_Mc. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.