Endorsements and rumors of endorsements
The 18 months or so before an election, especially one that promises to be particularly exciting or filled with change, generates a lot of chatter.
Last week, several e-mails popped up in my in box containing messages claiming that Councilman John Olszewski Sr. had endorsed fellow Councilman Joseph Bartenfelder’s bid for county executive. Olszewski, the e-mails said, did this at an eastside Democratic club meeting last week. The endorsement would essentially mean Olszewski had removed himself from the race.
Bartenfelder is so far the only council member to declare his intention to run for the office currently held by Jim Smith, who cannot run again because of term limits. Councilman Kevin Kamenetz is also widely believed to be considering a county executive run.
Olszewski says the endorsement flat out never happened.
“I haven’t publically endorsed anyone,” Olszewski said during a brief phone interview.
Is he still thinking about running for county executive?
“I haven’t made up my mind,” he said. “I’m keeping all my options open.”