This morning our little team is again at the Farmers’ Market. We are strategically placed at every entrance. For the public there is no escape. 

The election campaign is now in full swing and I am seeing faces that look vaguely familiar.

I offer one of my leaflets to a woman on the way out and she says:

“We spoke a week ago and I let you put one of your signs on my lawn.”

Aaaaargh!

I am mortified and offer a thousand apologies. It all comes flooding back. I had a long conversation with her and her friend on her porch. It was a lovely sunny afternoon.

“I am sorry! So sorry! Of course, I remember. It’s just that I’ve been meeting so many people.”

She smiles and I am forgiven.

Red Alert

But now I am on red alert.

As people leave the Farmers’ Market, I remember the ones I spoke to as they arrived. I give them a little wave as if we’ve been friends for ages and a little nod of acknowledgement.

Now a young woman from Ireland stops to say hello. She says she reads my blog and likes it. I feel an instant warmth towards my new friend.

On best behaviour

In the distance, coming towards me I see the Mayor’s parents, Kate and Tom, and I resolve to be on my best behaviour. Not one word about the election campaign passes my lips.

A huge number of people are from out of Town. They come from far and wide to get here. If they take a flyer and I discover they can’t vote it is instantly retrieved, with a smile.

And I didn’t come across a single person who defended Tom Vegh and his record. 

And no-one excused or attempted to justify Vegh’s habit of taking money from people in the development industry to fund his election campaigns. 

U Turn

In announcing his U turn on 30 September 2022, Vegh told Newmarket Today

“I respect that (there are) people who would prefer you don't accept donations from anybody who's doing any business of any kind with the town. I just got to respect that.”

Oh dear!

He now respects people who think it is wrong for him to take money from anyone doing business with the Town – now or in future.

The penny has finally dropped.

That’s progress of sorts.

Gordon Prentice 8 October 2022