Jarvie 'Hits Pause Button' on Selectmen Campaign Due to Marathon Tragedy

Jim Jarvie was in the hospital battling an eye infection during the tragedy in Boston earlier this week, but once healed, he decided that there were some things more important than campaigning for Westford's Board of Selectmen.

"When those events began to unfold, they were horrific. From my perspective, there has to be a sensitivity to that," he said. "It's more important for folks to spend time when their family, it was sensational, it was almost out of a movie. I think we just needed to hit the pause button."

Jarvie has told Patch that between his decision to suspend his campaign and now, his campaign has not made any phone calls to voters asking for support, coordinated sign holding visibilities, knocking on doors, or Facebook updates, with the exception of an update related to the events in the Boston area this week.

However, the suspension was not total, as Jarvie attended events for all the candidates with the Firefighters' Association and the American Legion, citing that those events were scheduled in advance and he did not want to offend those groups.

Jarvie has indicated he will resume his campaign on Monday.

Patch e-mailed all of the candidates on Saturday for their thoughts on the tragedy, here is the response we received from Scott Hazelton

My thoughts and prayers, and those of my campaign team are extended to the victims of the bombing and their loved ones.  We also express our sympathies to the family of Officer Sean Collier, who was killed in the ensuing manhunt and hope for the full recovery of Officer Richard Donahue, who was severely injured.

I believe that the best thing we can do is remember and honor these individuals while continuing to live our lives fully and completely, so as not to allow further disruption to be caused by terror.

I believe that Westford’s citizens are united in care and concern for those affected by the tragedies of the past week.  I also believe that they are uplifted by the spirit of those ordinary individuals who rushed in to help the injured, even when there was the potential for further explosions. The terrorists wanted to intimidate, but the result was countless expressions of selflessness.

We should be proud of the excellent Emergency Medical Services who were able to minimize the deaths from such incredible carnage.  We should be grateful for the professionalism of law enforcement who worked around the clock to bring the bombers to justice within just five days.  Westford residents should be especially appreciative of our own police department who provided assistance in the house to house search under dangerous circumstances.  I would hope that one positive outcome would be a renewed sense of gratitude and respect for our public safety personnel for the work that they do and the risks that they take on our behalf.

Election day is Tuesday, April 30.

UPDATE: Andrea Peraner-Sweet sent this statement

Like the entire nation, my thoughts and prayers along with those of my campaign committee are with the victims of the bombings and their families.  Our sympathies are also with the family of MIT officer Sean Collier and our best wishes go out to Officer Richard Donahue for a full recovery.

As I reflect upon the past week, I, am struck by the countless acts of bravery, courage, selflessness and kindness by law enforcement,  first responders, and unsung individuals who, in the face of mortal danger, would not be cowered or terrorized.  I am struck by the strength and resolve of the city where I was born and where I now work.  I am struck by the stories of heroism and kindness that we all witnessed.

I believe that all Westford residents join me in appreciation and gratitude for the incredible work done by our law enforcement agencies that resulted in the bombers being found within five days  We should be especially proud of the contributions made by members of our own police department, including our canine unit, who deployed to Boston in the immediate aftermath of the bombings and who participated in the house to house search in Watertown.  Their courage is to be commended.  

We have all been shaken by this act of terrorism. But we have also seen the compassion, generosity and humanity of people in the face of unspeakable horror.  And so, too, here in Westford, where, once again, our community rallies--gathering donations on behalf of victims and offering care and comfort to families affected by this tragedy.  

We are all united in our support for one another and in our resolve to recover and carry on.

Bob Jefferies made this statement on his campaign Facebook page on April 16, also noting that he also did not attend any events, save the Firefighters' event.

The horrific events of yesterday at the Boston Marathon remind us yet again of our need for collective action to strengthen public safety at all levels and events. The immediate rush to help those injured at the blast sites by emergency personnel, race officials, race participants, and bystanders proves our common humanity and willingness to sacrifice for the good of all in our community. Our hearts go out to all of the victims of this great tragedy and especially to those families that have lost loved ones.

What's your take on this? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.