As many of you know I have been very vocal about my desire to run for the office of Representative in the 16th Middlesex District against the incumbent Tom Golden.

Over the past year my hours were reduced from 40 to 32, my wife’s hours went from 40 to 25 and she was moved from nights to days adding day care expenses to us that we have never had. While this was going on I was reading about the Pay raise that the Legislature received, the flip-flopping of appointing a US Senator, reading about  another Speakers of the House being indicted  again and my frustration grew. Here I am working my ass off while these people do the same old same old, raise our sales tax, work short weeks and have a second job that provides them more income then they make in their first job. I was angry and frustrated and DAMN IT something had to change.

When I started talking to my family and to people in politics that I know and respect I was reminded that while I was angry and frustrated and wanted change I needed to look at the person I was taking my frustration out on. 

I’ve known Tom Golden since he was in High School. Tippa as he is known is a very likable guy who does a lot for the people of the district usually without fanfare and is what everyone calls a nice guy. My sister’s are friendly with Tom and he has assisted them on neighborhood or personal issues that required his help.  Tom and I have had many discussions and been involved in many of the same events and have many mutual friends .

Above that the Golden family and the Nutter/Silva (my moms side) family have been friends for over SEVENTY years. We all grew up together in Centraville, have a lot of the same friends and our families are married together (my cousin Dan to Tom’s cousin Kris). While I may  disagree with some (or many) stands or votes  Tom takes. There is no reason to tear apart Centraville  over my frustration.  Why tear apart friendships that have spanned many generations. My mom was very young when her Dad her  who worked at the City Barns was killed when kicked by a horse and the Golden family (Tom’s grandparents) were very good to my grandmother  and my mother and her 5 brothers.

So that is why I am not running, friendship, loyalty and family wishes outweigh my personal anger. Looking at things calmly and clearly I was reminded that we have a responsibility first to family and friends over selfish anger and frustration.

I was also reminded that I have always  enjoyed working with kids. I have coached baseball and tee-ball, chaperoned  the CYO Drop In , dances and trips, taught CCD and  was the asst. swim coach at the Voke when I worked there. Maybe I can use my experiences and my twenty years in the Printing industry and run for the Greater Lowell Tech and/or City of Lowell School Committee in 2011.

Until then I will attempt to provide a BLOG where anyone in Lowell or around Greater Lowell can comment on Politics, Sports, TV etc.  I will be somewhere between Left in Lowell and Right Side of Lowell and I’ll try not to unfairly beat up on anyone.