Ari Herzog

Ari Herzog works hard and isn't afraid to mix it up with the often brutal Daily News commenters (please, they're not bloggers.....) or actual, bona fide bloggers who, you know, actually have blogs.

I like those qualities. But his stances on a few key issues continue to disappoint.

The principle disappointment, at least from my perspective, is the waterfront. On more than one occassion, Herzog has  tried to make a connection between our NRA lots and the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City. He mentioned it here at least once and raised it again in the Daily News profile on him.

Regarding the future of the waterfront, he said he does not favor more buildings near the river.

Herzog said that he admires the large open park in Quebec City known as the Plains of Abraham, and he said he would look at creative approaches to urban parks so residents and tourists can continue to enjoy the waterfront.

I mean just look at this place.

I simply don't see any connection between Newburyport and the Plains of Abraham goes unless you're talking about what they're baking at 11 Liberty Street.(Plus, you can find sweeping river views at Maudslay.)

I'm also a bit confused on his stance on the Local Historic District. At the candidates' forum two weeks ago, Herzog raised his hand in support of the LHD while accurately noting that there was no proposal to the council so there was nothing to really support.

He then penned this thoughtful post on his blog where he explained his thinking on the LHD, leaving me with the impression that he'd support it. In fairness, however, he never actually says he'd support the LHD. Rather he provided reasons why he - or someone- might support its passing next spring.

Still, I finished reading the post thinking he'd vote in favor, until I saw this portion of his Daily News profile.

On the issue of a proposed Local Historic District, he said that he is waiting to see how a proposed ordinance actually reads.
"A study on an LHD is being done, and then, that will go to council committees before it actually reaches the council," Herzog said.
"Nothing has come to the council yet, and I will look at it closely when I actually see a proposed ordinance."

All of that is true, but I wish Herzog would come out more strongly in favor of the PRINCIPLE of a historic district then simply add the devils are in the details. Perhaps he did convey that sentiment in the interview but that wasn't presented in the article.

UPDATE: Herzog did state his support for the LHD at the tail end of his blog post. My bad.

He supports the school project so we're all good there.

All in all, I'd like a little more assurance as far as the LHD goes. Our difference in opinions on the waterfront might be irreconcilable but that's life.