Dear Editor:
On Thursday June 23, 2016 I attended an event at the Antioch Senior Center. Upon arrival, I was approached by one of the mayoral candidate and was asked to support them.
Unbeknownst to this person, I had decided to support a different candidate earlier in the month – Sean Wright. I explained that I had worked closely with Sean for six years. That his experience, and leadership were desperately needed by the Antioch community. I also shared that I would be willing to listen, and with an open mind, to anything this candidate wanted to share.
Their reply?
“That’s OK. You don’t live here. Your vote doesn’t matter.”
They were right – I don’t live in Antioch, and therefore cannot vote in the local election. I do,
however, own a business in Antioch, and have for quite some time. I donate countless hours in the community, and thousands of dollars annually to our schools, service clubs, foster youth, and homeless outreach, among other programs. I have nearly 3,000 clients of whom two thirds are Antioch residents. So, while my personal vote doesn’t “count” I don’t believe the candidate’s reply was fair or accurate.
Sean Wright, on the other hand, has been supportive of my business since the day we met.
He doesn’t care that I don’t live in Antioch. He sees the potential that I could one day move here. He recognizes the economic impact my business has on the Antioch community. Sean is not concerned about my vote, he’s concerned about my business, and all other regional businesses.
He recognizes the economic impact a business in the region can have on the residents of
Antioch. He cares that my business employs Antioch residents, that my business shops locally – almost exclusively – and that my business gives back to the Antioch community. It’s called Vision, and of the three mayoral candidates, Sean Wright is the only one that has one.
Richard Pagano
Antioch Small Business Owner
2 comments
The Antioch Chamber of Commerce is losing all credibility and I will likely be leaving them when my term is up. The fact that Pagano was Wrights hand picked replacement as CEO while Sean is running for election should have been disclosed. Pagano is also the Chairmen of the Board at the Chamber of Commerce.
Sean Wright may be a nice man, but his supporters are bullies to the residents of Antioch and to other candidates who don’t support Sean.
Paul you sound like you have a bone to pick. Its unfortunate that you have to resort to labeling people bullies. You have stereotyped all of Mr. Wrghts supporters. Who has appointed you spokesman for the other candidates. Dirty liberal tactics
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