Top 10 Stories of 2012: 'Dirty Politics' in Town Moderator Race?

Bedford Patch launched in June of 2011, making 2012 the first complete year of full-time hyper-local online community coverage in Bedford.

In the last 12 months, readers have been treated with some uplifting and positive stories and accomplishments. At other times, Patch has been forced to cover local and national tragedies that make us all take pause and remember who and what is most important to us.

We thought it only fitting that, as we approach 2013, we look back at some of the most interesting and newsworthy local stories of the last year. After all, where else are you going to get a list that's entirely dedicated to Bedford?

#4: Sparks Fly in Bedford Town Moderator Race

For the majority of New Hampshire towns, the most heated local elections are found in races for town council, board of selectmen or school board.

Bedford proved the exception to the rule in March, when incumbent town moderator Ryk Bullock lost his position to challenger Brian Shaughnessy by a vote of vote of 2,914 to 1,790.

Shaughnessy's victory came as a surprise to many, but the real story was the campaign leading up to election day.

Bullock – who who served as assistant moderator in Bedford from 1972 through 2008 prior to taking the reigns for four years – was accused by resident and former town councilor Bill Greiner of having not paid taxes on several properties in town.

Bullock fought back against accusations and derogatory roadside signs, calling the tactics "dirty" politics and even holding a press conference to explain his version of the facts and producing paperwork to back up his assertions.

Following the loss, a disappointed Bullock said he would not call and congratulate Shaughnessy.

"No," said Bullock. "If I were going to call anyone who won, I'd call Mr. (Bill) Greiner.

"My only issue is the people lost their moderator and gained Mr. Greiner's, no doubt about it," he added. "Right now, I'm feeling a great deal of sadness for the people of Bedford."

Shaughnessy, in turn, labeled Bullock's reaction as soured grapes.

"I'm surprised, in a way. I was thinking 4,000 to 4,200 would be great turnout, but I think this convincing victory is indicative of the people of Bedford speaking loud and clear that they wanted change," he said.

"Basically, I think people realized that Mr. Bullock is part of the problem, and all he was doing by complaining about dirty politics was pouring gas on the issue," added Shaughnessy, who moved to Bedford in 1994. "Sure, Mr. Bulluck wants to focus on the signs and what not, but I don't think that's the whole story here. The people elected me because I have a reputation for being knowledgeable, competent, even-tempered and fair, and anything Mr. Bullock says about the negative campaigning underscores the fact that he's part of the problem."

Bullock runs for reelection in 2013 for his position as school district moderator, but he would not rule out another run in municipal politics?

"Perhaps not," he said.

Top 10 Newsworthy Stories of 2012

#10: Bedford hires a new town manager

#9: Frank Szabo's abortion remarks spark outrage

#8: Bedford All-Stars fall one win short of Little League World Series

#7: Bedford plays large role in Romney's primary victory

#6: Sandy knocks out power to thousands in Bedford

#5: Plenty of Fireworks in District 9 Senate Race

#4: Sparks fly in Bedford Town Moderator Race

#3: Sunday, Dec. 30 4 p.m.

#2: Monday, Dec. 31, 6 a.m.

#1: Monday, Dec. 31, 4 p.m.

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