Kay, McPherson contrast in subtle ways

By JACK ENCARNACAO
The Patriot Ledger

WEYMOUTH - Weymouth voters will go to the polls in November to choose between two mayoral candidates who, at least until now, appear to differ only in subtle ways.

Colin McPherson and Sue Kay have different styles and are beginning to point out their differences after a preliminary campaign that only allowed them enough time to introduce themselves to voters.

“I think I’m more direct,” McPherson said. “She dances and I don’t. I’m going to try to pin her down on some issues. I think I’m a straight shooter, I’ll answer questions directly if I have an answer.”

Kay, who received almost 500 more votes than McPherson in Tuesday’s preliminary, hinted at the same difference but used a different tone.

“I think Colin and I approach issues maybe from a different perspective,” she said. “I’m sure that we both want what’s good for the town of Weymouth. We probably agree on many of the issues, but again I just believe our approach may be different.”

Aside from the fact that Kay is a Democrat and McPherson a Republican, it’s hard to draw any hard-and-fast lines between the two. There are some issues, like the redevelopment of Legion Field, on which their positions could differ, but there seem to be few clear dichotomies.

To hear the candidates tell it, the Nov. 6 general election will be largely about whether voters feel confident that a candidate can guide the town through tight financial times and successfully deal with a series of large-scale construction projects that promise to rile nerves and add to traffic problems.

Finding objective observers in a town where political loyalties are well-established is difficult. But people who have worked with both candidates say they each have their own particular appeal.

Jack Carey is an outgoing town councilor who has worked with both Kay and McPherson, whom he is supporting. Carey said McPherson’s image is that of a tempered, numbers-minded person, while Kay comes off as more a conversational woman-about-town who is known in circles such as youth soccer. She has been a youth soccer director for years.

“I think politically Colin’s made a reputation of being kind of a fiscal guy that takes positions and sticks with them,” he said. “Sue has a long history of being a community activist, not just in government but in youth organizations and those things. A lot of people have come in contact with her over the years.”

Carey and other observers interviewed said the 500-vote difference in the preliminary doesn’t give much of an indication of who is ahead.

“It’s going to be close,” Carey said. “There will be more people on the (November) ballot, and those people are going to generate voters.”

McPherson said one thing he expects to answer a lot questions about is his relationship with Mayor David Madden, and to what extent his administration would resemble Madden’s. McPherson is married to Jane Hackett, Madden’s cousin and chief of staff.

“I love my wife very much, and she supports my campaign,” McPherson said. “She isn’t going to be part of the new administration. I think (Madden) is a mayor of the highest integrity, and I supported a lot of the things he did and I also disagreed with a lot of the things he did. I think he did a great job, but I’m a different person.”

McPherson said he, as a councilor, voted against Madden proposals that Kay voted for, including employee contracts that provided 4 percent raises. Kay said she is unsure whether voters will make judgments on McPherson’s ties, but she also said those ties should not be viewed as an advantage he has over her.

“I know the town of Weymouth well enough to be able to go in with or without the current mayor’s help and be able to transition,” she said.

Kay has connections as well. James Wilson, the town’s chief financial officer, has campaigned for her in the past and has been seen at her recent events.

The race cannot be seen as experience versus inexperience. Kay and McPherson have comparable backgrounds as elected selectmen and councilors, and in dealing with municipal finances.

Town Councilor Patrick O’Connor said background is not the key to victory.

“The mayor’s job isn’t just about balancing the budget; the mayor’s job is about making our community great,” he said. “The one who provides the best plans to make Weymouth a better community is going to be the victor. I think that’s what’s on people’s minds.”

Jack Encarnacao may be reached at jencarnacao@ledger.com.