AG Investigation Opened Into Actions of Councilor Jim Scanlon

It only took ten days into the new year before dirty politics once again reared its ugly head in Bedford.

There are lots of examples of political pettiness that took place in this town during recent months, and sadly, we have seen some behavior that could rightfully be described as sleazy. While most of our elected officials have maintained personal dignity during even the most spirited discussions, it's not exactly unknown in this town to now and then witness the antics of others who seem to have trouble with remaining civil, as well as trouble with debating an issue without eventually resorting to biting sarcasm or insulting personal remarks. Not only is this a disservice to us, but it's also a disservice to other officials who diligently maintain composure and professional attitudes.

As everyone knows, Tuesday was an election day, and literally thousands of Bedford residents showed up at Bedford High School to cast their votes. In a community like Bedford, election day is also an opportunity to bump into friends and neighbors and visit for a bit, and although an election is a serious affair, in Bedford it's also a festive social event. Many local organizations send representatives to promote their activities, bake sales are held, entire families linger around to watch the excitement, residents support things like blood drives, and dozens of Bedford High School students show up to volunteer their energy and enthusiasm. This election was no different, and outside of the building, there were even some visits from presidential candidates, and lots of media folks were trotting around to get pithy quotes from Bedford residents.

Unfortunately though, at least one person had it in his mind to use the day for something other than voting and socializing. In a spectacle witnessed by several election workers and viewed by an incalcuable number of Bedford voters, Bedford Town Councilor Jim Scanlon interrupted the duties of a Bedford election official to accost him with a vicious and insulting barrage of words. I only hope that none of our high school volunteers also saw the nasty display.

Apparently not satisfied with his initial outburst, about 15 minutes later, Scanlon returned to the perimeter of the roped-off ballot counting area, and once again loudly launched into a verbal attack on the election official that ended with him screaming that the official was "a loser" as he stomped away. Scanlon was described as being red-faced and quivering with fury.

Word of the assault quickly spread among election officials, and was subsequently brought to the attention of the election Moderator. Although the news was disturbing, and to some was even frightening, all election workers continued with their duties for several more hours until the polls closed, with many remaining for the ballot count.

Today, as required, a written complaint was given to the Moderator, who then was required under state statute to notify the office of the state's Attorney General. I was able to confirm that the Attorney General will now conduct an official investigation into the actions of Councilor Scanlon. It should be noted that under state laws, interference with an election official engaged in election duties is considered as a felony offense.

Political debate is a fact of life. But when it goes beyond that to become a personal "in your face" assault by an elected official, we need to not just be concerned but outraged. And when such behavior compromises the security of the election process, we need to seriously question the ability of an elected official to serve us in a responsible way.

I don't know about you, but I'm really beginning to wonder about what Bedford has become.