OPINION| Brian Thomas: I Accept Your Apology, John Oliveira
Election 2016, Donald Trump sounds the trumpet blaring "drain the swamp." Election 2017, a sawshbuckling John Oliveira crashes onto the scene like a bull in the school department china shop to resuscitate New Bedford government schools.
Don’t get me wrong. This navy vet was in the wrong to go off on the superintendent. He admits that. As a member-elect to the School Committee, Oliveira today has no clout. Though well meaning, he was absolutely wrong to openly seek another appointment with Superintendent Pia Durkin after slamming her office door on his way out the day prior. That tirade eventually led mentally bruised school department employees to summons NBPD. Apparently, the workers were fearful Oliveira might slam another door and knock the pencil sharpener to the floor. Like most everyday people, Oliveira needs a good dose of humility. This is an essential ingredient for all politicians. It’s part of the learning curve. Ask Donald Trump.
Like Trump, Oliveira is brand spanking new to hardball politics. He speaks his mind like ready, fire, aim. No one questions Oliveira’s authentic love for the city and school children. John's energetic passion continues to resonate well with working class New Bedford residents, parents and taxpayers. There’s no question the voters love Oliveira’s unpretentious style, easily favoring him in the November 7 election over school committee challengers Dawicki and Porter.
John Oliveira made a huge boo boo using bold, boisterous, belligerent tones and slamming Durkin's door. For the unforeseeable future he dearly pays the price for that mistake. John is forbidden on school department property. On the other hand, what’s that saying.. “do unto others..” Guess Dr. Durkin got a taste of her own disrespectful medicine. She can now polish up her resume or hitch a horse and ride into the retirement sunset, courtesy of New Bedford taxpayers.
If we must put up with President Trump’s belittling, tweeting ways, we can excuse Oliveira’s desk pounding, F-bombing and door slamming antics. John Oliveira apologizes for getting out of line. He owns it. I accept his apology.
T minus 216 days and counting till June 30, 2018.
Editor’s Note: Brian Thomas is the host of Brian’s Beat on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 10am-Noon and Saturdays from 6am-9am. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.