When you have a BLOG you can write whatever you want (up to a point of libel or slander). You can let others comment or block/edit them. You never have to admit you are wrong and you generally can let others say whatever they want and let them take the heat.

Or you can admit it when you are wrong and can state whatever opinion you want if you are willing to take the heat and be criticized and let others criticize you. I have been Blogging for about 2 months and admit my mistakes when I make them. No big deal to me because like most people I am never right all the time.

One thing I get accused of a lot is having some kind of vendetta against the state delegation. So I’ll say this I have neither grudge nor axe to grind on a personal level with the State Delegation. I do disagree with a couple of them on their actions.

I do think the whole House of Representatives needs an Ethics overhaul and the fact they can approve to cut budgets while keeping EIGHTEEN Million Dollars in an unaudited account and pay over $600,000 defending the last two speakers is a slap in the face to the voters. I think the fact that they had unions and workers take furloughs and bypass raises to keep jobs while they take a pay hike and get per diems to drive into Boston is wrong. I also think the fact that they don’t have to sign in and are only in 150 days a year and get a $61,000 Salary while many also work another full time job isn’t fair to the average working stiff. That’s what I think of the House

Here’s what I think of the Lowell Delegation:

Sen. Panigiotakos:
Chairman of Ways and Means is the 2nd highest profile Senator after the Senate President. He may be next in line to be the President and having him in these positions can only benefit Lowell. His friendship with Chancellor Meehan has been a great asset and with the Chancellor has helped grow U Mass Lowell here in the city. His position on Ways and Means has saved the Registry and helped get the JAM Plan approved. I’ve been in his company on a couple occasions, he has always been gracious and pleasant when I have talked with him.

Rep. Tom Golden – My state Rep. I disagree with Tom on his support for the past 2 Speakers, his flip-flop on replacing a Senator, his embracing of PAC and Lobbyist money and his track record of not having district meetings to listen to the people regarding critical issues. However his work in getting the boathouse turned over to U Lowell and renovated, his commitment to constituent services and his work on prescription drug abuse is commendable. I talk with Tom whenever we run into each other and hope to have him answer 5 questions once a quarter. Another thing I like about Tom is we can disagree face to face without shouting.

Rep. Dave Nangle – Met him once or twice. He is a full time Rep. It is the only job he has and seems to be very well liked by his district because he responds to them. He seems to vote the way he thinks his district wants and I think that he gets what a Rep. is supposed to do.

Rep Kevin Murphy – I have stated I think he puts himself in conflict of interest positions and I think he does it out of arrogance. To me he is like the smartest kid in the room and he wants everyone ro know it. I don’t live in his district so don’t vote for him. He gets re-elected so he must service the people in his district. I don’t know him or like him based just on what I have read about him. Maybe after meeting him someday in person that perception will change but I won’t hold my breath waiting for an invite.