While election day draws near, as a constituent; I wait for my representatives to give me some idea as to why I should vote them back for yet another term. However, no communication to that effect has graced my door step. Neither has it graced my purview in anyway. I was really hoping they respected my support and past vote enough to ask me again, and inform me as to why it’s so important to get out and connect the arrow for them.

This rarely happens in our local elections. Did you know,  if you don’t go out and vote when you can, then the incumbents will always win. Because the people who do vote are the people they asked to go out personally. So it becomes a game of name recognition, popularity and favoritism. Not about who is right for the job.

As a candidate I am trying and will continue to do my best (with limited funds) to communicate my qualifications and desires for this city. The incumbents are the candidates with benefit of the “war-chests” who have past support and non election year fundraisers to raise money and contact folks for sign locations and should have the ability to deliver a message beyond,“ Hey don’t we look nice, all dressed up.” Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t fault anyone for using a nice family photo, but please, do tell us exactly why New Bedford is better to have you as their representative versus someone else?

The words honesty, integrity and leadership have been thrown around a little –but, how do they apply to you? Is New Bedford better off for the future after the tenures of councilors who have spent 14, 16, 22 years in government? Can anyone tell us how and why? It seems to me even after enduring the slow pace of government we should be further ahead legislatively after such long stretches of incumbency, than we are today. I call for term limits and for real discussion on the issues plaguing New Bedford. It’s time for change New Bedford.  Anyone looking to speak to a candidate in person can email or call me. nbcouncilreform@aol.com, 508-989-7487.

Henry Bousquet
Candidate for councilor at large
228 Mt.Pleasant Street
New Bedford, MA
508-989-7487

Henry Bousquet

Henry is a New Bedford, Massachusetts native. He comes from a long line of city employees. He graduated from, St. Anthony Elementary, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School and then from Bristol Community College with an Associates Degree in Communications.

Henry is thirty-one years old and has two children. He and his wife Theresa (Tee) have been married for 6 years. They own a home in New Bedford. He has been working in restaurants most of his life. He’s owned Four Corners Breakfast on Nauset Street for two years and Cobblestone Restaurant in Downtown for the last four years. In addition to his Associates Degree Henry holds a Culinary Educator Certification and is a Culinary Instructor at GNB Voc Tech. He is also a student at Fitchburg State College earning his Baccalaureate Degree in Occupational Education.

Henry has always had a passion for public service. As a business owner Henry jumped right into the non-profit volunteerism scene donating time, gift certificates, and services. He was a Board member at Downtown New Bedford Incorporated, is a SMILES mentor and an active alumni at BCC. His passion for the city of New Bedford and its future is evident in the pieces he writes for publications like http://NewBedford360.com, the Weekly Compass and his occasional editorials in the Standard Times. He decision to leave the entrepreneurial world and enter education supports his commitment to family and the future of this city.

Henry Bousquet can be reached at: Hoek7@aol.com

Henry is a candidate for New Bedford Councilor at Large in the upcoming 2007 election. Henry's Camapign website is located at: http://www.henrybousquet.com.

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