Moultrie for City Council Makes More Sense [OPINION]

Richard Tyson Moultrie ran a near-stealth campaign for Mayor of New Bedford two years ago. He lost badly to a popular incumbent, Jon Mitchell, but didn't give up the idea of serving the public. WBSM's Chris McCarthy writes Moultrie is back with a much more common-sense campaign for the New Bedford City Council.

Moultrie, a relative newcomer to the city of New Bedford, got off on the wrong foot two years ago. He became verbally abusive upon a visit to the radio station to do McCarthy's program when questioned about his past military experience. He seemed to exaggerate his relationship with former Mayors Scott Lang and Fred Kalisz and again became confrontational when questioned about it.

I remember being impressed with Moultrie when he appeared on my program. He is a bright, articulate man with leadership qualities. He appears to have a following, which is important if you want to get elected to public office. I am not sure why he misstepped two years ago. Perhaps he was too eager to get to the top. I suggested that he run first for the council since he was not well known in town.

Some of Moultrie's ideas are different from mine. For example, Moultrie promoted defunding the police before it caught on as a national issue. His concept of defunding the police involves redirecting those funds within policing rather than eliminating the police presence. I need to learn more. Moultrie also presented a platform on affordable housing, something that is in short supply around these parts.

I am willing to listen to Moultrie. Perhaps for his first time out, he was a bit too aggressive. We all make mistakes. Maybe he's learned from his.

Tyson Moultrie will certainly make the incumbent councilors work a little harder to make their case for re-election and will be a welcome addition to the race.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.