By Josh Resnek
Last week’s Leader Herald included a full page of photographs depicting the time held by Councilor Mike McLaughlin at the 8/10 Restaurant on Norwood Street.
This week before Christmas McLaughlin told us the event, which was a fundraiser, was extremely successful, giving rise to all kinds of rumors and talk about what McLaughlin is likely to do next with his political career.
“I was so pleased at the outpouring of support that came to the 8/10 to celebrate with me my victory,” McLaughlin told the Leader Herald.
McLaughlin packed the place. It was standing room only.
Since defeating Al Lattanzi in the November election, McLaughlin has been riding a wave of good feeling.
The mayor and his supporters had spread the belief that McLaughlin could not beat Lattanzi because the mayor was behind him.
When all was said and done, Lattanzi lost by a wide margin without winning a single ward or precinct.
The stunning re-election effort pulled off by McLaughlin has launched all kinds of talk about what comes next.
“I’m just pleased to be serving the people as a councilor. This is what motivates me and this what I am paying close attention to. I will be a strong independent voice on the council for the people of my ward and for the city,” he added.
However, there is an abundance of talk that McLaughlin may try a run against the rep in next year’s election.
Without a third candidate in the rep race, the voting possibilities look weak for the rep and stronger for McLaughlin.
“I am just keeping my attention to my constituents right now, thank you,” McLaughlin said with a smile.
Councilor at Large Elect Adrien Gerly joined McLaughlin at his fundraiser, as did Councilor Rosa DeFlorio.
The mayor didn’t show, which is likely a catalyst for things to come between these two.