Paul Massey frequently walks the neighborhood with his beloved black Lab Quinn. He will soon be running but not in this neighborhood or with Quinn. Paul wants to be mayor of New York city. He recently filed papers with the city’s campaign finance board to do just that.

As he sat on our porch with Quinn, my first question to him was the obvious one. “What in the world are you thinking? Why do you want to be mayor of New York?”

“I love the city, Rick. I have worked there for 33 years. My kids live there, we live there, but do you know what? I would really like to do that job. My success in business has given me this choice. I am truly grateful for that.”

“With the election more than a year away, you are certainly getting an early start.”

“I have a lot of work to do. We need to raise $50 million. I have a name recognition problem. I want to talk with a lot of voters and listen to their concerns. I want to visit schools, firehouses, and police departments.

“I do have one important asset. My company has offices in 51 communities throughout the city. I have done business in every one of those offices. I know the neighborhood and community leaders. That gives me a solid base from which to build an organization.”

“I read in the paper that you are running your campaign on the Bloomberg model.”

“Yes we are. Bloomberg is a great guy. We have already hired several of his people.”

“What are the big issues for you in the campaign?”

“As I just said, I plan to spend a lot of time listening to voters. But to answer your question, I am passionate about improving the schools. We have important issues relating to safety in the city. Affordable housing is a major problem in New York, and we need a significant focus on infrastructure. Those are some of the issues we will be talking about.”

You can learn more about Paul’s position on the issues at masseyformayor.com. As he left our porch with Quinn to continue their walk, I wondered if a really nice guy can win an election like that. He might just do it, I thought upon further reflection. He combines that Mr. Nice Guy with a lot of steel.

The Oar and Paddle Regatta will be held on Sengekontacket Pond this Sunday, August 28. Races for canoes, kayaks, and stand -up paddle boards for all ages begin at 10 a.m. Registration begins at 8: 30 a.m. at Little Bridge on Sengekontacket Pond. The entry fee is $25, with proceeds going to Friends of Sengekontacket Pond and the barrier beach. A picnic, entertainment, and awards follow.

Send East Chop news to herricklr@verizon.net.