Mannal bids early farewell
Geoff Spillane
gspillane@capecodonline.com
Not so fast, Brian.
Outgoing state Rep. Brian Mannal, D-Centerville, earlier this month penned a farewell post on his public Facebook page thanking constituents and all who encouraged and supported his political endeavors. "I have decided to stop updating (and/or to discontinue my use of this public page), in the hope that doing so will better enable me to resume my life as an ordinary, private citizen," he wrote.
Last week, a fellow member of the Cape's legislative delegation, Rep. Randy Hunt, R-Sandwich, replied to the post.
"Seems like an early exit, my friend. You are the state representative until January 4, 2017. Surely, there are things to let your constituents know about between now and then," wrote Hunt, offering Mannal assistance if needed.
Mannal replied that Hunt had a valid point but "there aren't too many things happening on Beacon Hill between now and then because everyone is running for office."
Anthony Schiavi, the Republican nominee for the Cape & Islands District state Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Daniel Wolf, D-Harwich, announced several endorsements Monday.
Schiavi has received the backing of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3004 and the National Federation of Independent Business. He also was endorsed by Barnstable County Sheriff James Cummings; state Sen. Viriato "Vinny" DeMacedo, R-Plymouth; and state Rep. David Vieira, R-Falmouth.
Schiavi will face Democratic nominee Julian Cyr, of Truro, in the Nov. 8 general election.
The health of candidates has been a national concern during the 2016 election. Locally, Schiavi, a retired Air Force brigadier general, and Barnstable Town Councilor Will Crocker, a Republican candidate for state representative in the 2nd Barnstable District, are showing some physical fortitude.
Schiavi on Sunday tweeted a video of the two men doing pushups together as part of the 22-a-day pushup challenge. The challenge, to do 22 pushups per day for 22 days, is intended to raise awareness of veteran suicide rates and honor those who served. It was Schiavi's 10th day participating in the challenge and Crocker's fourth.
The Bourne Republican Town Committee will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at the Bourne Veterans Memorial Community Center on Main Street in Buzzards Bay.
Candidate fundraising events abound in the final stretch of the election season.
A fundraiser for Linda Bond, a Republican candidate for Barnstable County commissioner, will be at 5 p.m. today at Tomatoes Italian Grille on Route 130 in Sandwich.
Two fundraisers are planned this week for Randy Azzato, a Democratic candidate for Barnstable County sheriff. A reception for Azzato will be held from 5 to 8 tonight at 88 Pleasant Lake Avenue in Harwich. RSVP to 508-639-8683. On Saturday, a cookout fundraiser for Azzato will be held from noon to 3 p.m. at the Cape Verdean Club on Sandwich Road in East Falmouth. Tickets are $30; RSVP to Erin at 617-721-4576.
Climate change will be the subject of the "There is no Planet B" fundraiser for Matt Patrick, the Democratic nominee in the 3rd Barnstable District state representative race. The event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at 5 Cedar Point Drive in Pocasset. RSVP to Zelda@electmattpatrick.org.
Cyr will be the guest of honor at a fundraiser for his Senate campaign from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at Café Chew at 4 Merchants Road in Sandwich. Suggested contributions range from $50 to $250.
Countdown: 42 days until the election.
— Follow Geoff Spillane on Twitter: @GSpillaneCCT.