Moultrie Should Suspend His Campaign for Mayor [OPINION]

Mayoral candidate Tyson Moultrie has a lot of questions to answer and too little time to assure voters that he is on the level in time for the November 5 election. The first thing he needs to do is tell us exactly who he is and why, after only five months as a resident, he should be elected mayor.

Moultrie collected fewer than 600 votes in the preliminary election and was catapulted onto the final ballot by the withdrawal of Brian Gomes from the mayor's race. Since that time, Moultrie's behavior has raised a few eyebrows. From charging into my colleague Chris McCarthy's studio last week where he unleashed a vulgar tirade, to accusing incumbent Mayor Jon Mitchell of corruption but failing to produce the promised evidence, Moultrie has done little more than making a lot of noise so far.

Moultrie was unable or unwilling to answer questions about his military background when questioned by Chris on Friday. He seems to have fabricated claims of having the support of former Mayors Scott Lang and Fred Kalisz when he appeared on my program more than a week ago, and there is no evidence that he owns the home on Rotch Street that he claims to own. His employment resumé is also a muddle of confusion.

There are too many questions and contradictions swirling around Tyson Moultrie at this time to take his candidacy seriously. If Moultrie wishes to serve New Bedford, he should begin by seeking a seat on the city council or as a volunteer first, so that citizens can learn more about him and learn to trust him first.

Tyson Moultrie is an intelligent and articulate man but may well be trying to perpetrate a great hoax on the people of New Bedford. Until he can convince the public that his intentions are honorable and that he is who he claims to be, Tyson Moultrie should suspend his campaign for mayor.

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.