Opposition Party

“The problem with political jokes is that they get elected.”

Community newspaper owner by day and part-time elected official on the side, Patrick Merlihan hosts the Opposition Party. His first-person encounters and reflections will provide insight and observations into the world of small-town politics. His ruminations about his time in public office may serve as a call to action to run yourself ... you've been warned.

Non-existent debate, poorly vetted decisions, and far too many rubber stamp votes happen when everyone agrees. It's not what the public demands, but it's mostly what they get. Personality clashes, political philosophy, difficult people, problem-solving, holding the line on taxes ... the whole gamut of political life explored with some guest appearances sprinkled in along this journey.

His three decades of experience in the newspaper business, combined with a second tour of duty as a municipal councillor, provides Merlihan a unique perspective to share. Merlihan has earned a reputation for asking questions, poking holes in weak arguments, and providing much-required pushback when decision-making is being driven by bureaucrats.

He's often the lone dissenter on council decisions casting him as the one-man wolf pack of local politics. Get a look behind the curtain of municipal politics and hear from a battle-scarred representative that calls it as he sees it. Your questions, topic suggestions, mean tweets, and respectful feedback are welcome and may be answered or followed-up in future episodes.

Enjoy listening to Opposition Party.