Until the society made its move last week, there was a quiet rumble that suggested Kelly’s days were numbered. Many felt the only declared candidate, Sheila Fougere, would, going head-to-head, give Peter a run for his money. Those who dismissed her were forgetting her strong showing in the 2004 federal election race against Alexa McDonough.  

In seven short days, the water on the beans has changed. The elitist (legends in their own minds) group has managed to wake up Kelly supporters and, most importantly, the fair-minded citizens of the Municipality. By targeting Kelly, they come off as bullies. I realize Chronicle-Herald columnist Roger Taylor used that term but I did as well, two days earlier on CJCH with Rick Howe. So it is not plagarism.

I also offered that fair-minded people do not like gang-ups, and that what the group is doing is a form of bullying. Ironically, two former premiers, Dr. John Hamm and Russell MacLellan, are traveling the province, attempting to make Nova Scotians more aware of the political process and to motivate them to get out and vote when the opportunity presents itself. They should enlist these guys. They woke up an entire region with one meeting at the Halifax Club.

What really galls me is that World Trade president Fred MacGillvary is part of the group and openly taking shots at Kelly and councilor Gloria McCluskey. Careful Freddy boy, in a fair fight, 76-year-old Gloria would level you with one punch. I digress.

Isn’t Fred working directly or indirectly with HRM Council? While he, and other employees at the World Trade and Convention Centre have every right to be involved in the democratic process, I think a sense of decency and respect would have them staying in the background and not offering public comment.

To me it is a classic example of biting the hand that feeds you.

What these people, and others in the group forget, or choose to ignore, is the fact that Kelly won every poll in the last election.  I doubt that he can repeat that remarkable feat, yet neither can I see his support shrinking to the point where he will lose. Also, I doubt that Sheila will back off so another candidate or two will assure Peter of a third term. Some of the Society have suggested they are smarter than us ‘average bears’. They may be, but politically, they are not too bright.

As to changing the face of HRM Council, I say, good luck! Are they going to canvas in Meaghers’ Grant to unseat Steve Streatch? Maybe go door-to-door in North End Halifax looking to replace Pat Murphy? And I want to be there when the ‘Suits’ walk through Dawn Sloane’s neighbourhood. Yes indeed, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

(Al Hollingsworth is a retired journalist and has been known to dabble in politics)