AMESBURY — Though neither candidate in the race for mayor accumulated much of a campaign war chest, contributions to incumbent Mayor Thatcher Kezer's campaign far exceeded those donated to his opponent, former Municipal Councilor Alison Lindstrom.
Kezer's campaign finance report, filed on Monday per state election law, showed a total of $3,225 donated to his effort to win a third term, while Lindstrom's donors contributed a total $595 to her campaign.
Voters go to the polls Tuesday to elect a mayor.
Of the $2,725 received in $50-plus donations, Kezer's contribution list included some well-known names around town. Kezer's Chief of Staff, Kendra Amaral, donated $100 to his campaign, as did her husband, Wayne, and Library Trustee Christine Johnson kicked in $100 as well.
Other Kezer supporters include attorney Paul Gagliardi ($100), hotel owner Dorothy Harrington ($400) and Marie Messner ($150).
Donald and Linda Fuhrman contributed $500 each, as did Kezer family friends Scott and Diane Simmons, who gave a combined $500. And former Cashman Principal Peter Hoyt and his wife, Patricia, gave $200. Municipal Councilor Bob Lavoie gave $100, and although his name was not listed among the donors since his gift was under $50, Councilor Allen Neale contributed to Kezer's campaign as a showing of support.
"Frankly, I think they're both fine people," said Neale of his rationale. "But I think Thatcher for me has demonstrated the ability to work on these very difficult items, like working closely with the other towns — negotiating trash contracts, regional health services and shared savings through joint purchases. I think that gives him a leg up relative to Alison's experience."
Neale cited a couple of issues that helped make up his mind to support Kezer.
"I think he has a great grasp of the issues," he said, citing the issue of a proposed underride vote that dominated Amesbury's political dialogue a couple years back. "Clearly had we passed the underride issue, we would be staring down the barrel of higher interest rates. And, in fact, I think that because of the stability he's helped provide here, we enjoy reduced interest rates because our bond rating has improved. Those are very important business items."
Though Lindstrom did not file her campaign finance report with the town clerk by the deadline, she said via phone interview yesterday she's raised a total of $595, made up mostly of smaller donations. A few notable exceptions came from Bill and Linda Droese ($100), Jack Luz ($100) and Gerry Dionne ($100).
"I really collected nothing, because I didn't ask anyone for money," Lindstrom said. "People don't have money anymore."
Supporters said yesterday they were backing Lindstrom because they felt she was more interested in taking a more balanced approach when it comes to the residents and the business sector in Amesbury.
"I believe she's interested in supporting all the residents of Amesbury and not just businesses," said Bill Droese. "It seems our current mayor is more business-oriented."
Droese also spoke of what he deemed Lindstrom's honest approach to politics.
"I think she's a very honest person," said Droese, citing her support for the eminent domain bill to protect private property and her support for the working taxpayer, who he said has been forgotten about in recent Amesbury administrations.
"Our present mayor has given anywhere from $10-30,000 raises," he said. "I think she's going to be more reasonable handing out raises. Everyone deserves a raise. But I think she'll manage the town's money much better than the present mayor."
Droese brought up the state of the town's roads and sidewalks as an example of work that has to be undertaken, and would be under Lindstrom's administration.
"The roads and sidewalks are neglected," Droese said. "I've been in Amesbury for 35 years, and I've yet to see the roads and sidewalks properly taken care of, especially on Highland. She can't do it all at once, and Kezer can't do it all at once. But nobody wants to start, and it's about time we start. I think she's all for starting."
