The most fitting description of Frank Stare's 12-year run as Mayor of Newark is that he very nearly loved Newark to death.  Our roads suffered, leadership of key departments allowed police, fire and other city services to deteriorate, and scandals nearly ran him out of office.  But I can remember talking to people about the poor services and bad decisions and they would always say "but he DOES love Newark."

Well that's great, but love doesn't set priorities, love doesn't maintain roads and bridges and love doesn't always result in good management for a city.

So now Frank Stare is coming out of political retirement to run for an at large council position.  And when given the opportunity to talk about what it will take to fix many of the city problems that he played a major role in creating, what does Frank urge?  Go see a high school football game.  His August 30 Advocate "commentary" is classic Frank.  Roads falling apart?  Police force not staffed, equipped or trained?  People stealing from the impound lot?  Let's have a festival because "I love Newark."

This election will be an important one.  If you love Newark, don't elect Frank Stare; If you love Frank Stare, please let him enjoy his retirement, watching high school football games.