City Councilor Patrick Murphy announced on WCAP this morning that he is indeed running for re-election. He was uncertain due to a medical issue but has decided that he will indeed be running. The Councilor said he thought his motion total was higher than the 55 I listed (from the published City Council Agenda’s on the City of Lowell Web Site) but stated he was following through on many of his campaign issues. If you read the many motions you will see that the councilor has suggested many ways for the city to improve performance and to obtain grants. We may have our share of disagreements but I’m glad he is back running for a 2nd term.

One rumor that I keep being fed which I think is a real conspiracy/ paranoia one, is one that people say will play out in August. It is said that is when current Greater Lowell Technical School Committee member David LaFerriere announces he isn’t going to run for re-election and former member Mike Hayden, who announced he was pulling out of the Lowell School Committee race citing personal as well as family health issues pulls papers and runs at the last minute. If you recall Mike stated to the Sun because of the health issues, he will “not be able to put on the type of campaign deserving of a run for the Lowell School Committee.” Which I guess shouldn’t exclude the possibility that he would run especially if neither incumbent runs and he has a free ride.

Maybe I am naive but I can’t see that happening. Say what you will about Mike Hayden but I don’t see Mike using his or his families health has a cover for pulling out of a race only to jump into another one a few months later because it is uncontested and he walks into a seat. Mike likes the fight, any fight and I just don’t see him pulling a stunt like this. It would only damage his credibility.

So why do people insist he would put his name on a ballot again?

Because neither Dave LaFerriere or Mike Lenzi have pulled papers or announced their intentions. Plus there was the original rumor that LaFerriere was made Chairman after his re-election last term because it was going to be his last term and he had never been Chair.

LaFerriere has also mentioned on City Life that he was considering a run at City Council something he has done in 2007 (finished 18th of 21 ) 2005 (15th out of 18) and 2003 (13th out of 15) so until either one of them make something official, expect the rumors about a Hayden return to continue to circulate.

I did email Mike to get a comment but he hasn’t yet returned my email (but is was only a couple hours ago) and will Post any response he gives in either email or has a comment to this Post.

Over on Left in Lowell, my fellow Blogger Jack seems to have an issue with an item the Sun and I featured on Sunday in our notes columns, about John MacDonald being viewed has “City Manager Bernie Lynch’s man in the race ” Jack ask,

But, why tie Lynch and MacDonald together?

There is a faction of this city that hates, if not Lynch personally, they hate how he runs the city. Of the roughly 7,500 Strong City Voters in Lowell, I’d say about half cut against Lynch. Connecting Lynch to MacDonald will slap the brakes on any traction that MacDonald is getting with those Lowellians. Someone is scared of MacDonald and they, thinking Lynch is an albatross, are attempting to tie Lynch around his neck . …Later he say’s ….This is dirty pool

Jack, long time Lowellians know that Fred Doyle is a well known BOMB tosser and doesn’t need a who to attack people..he is very capable of attacking on his own. Go to You Tube and type in his name. His rant against the Sun and others from the 1970′s is a thing of beauty and shows Fast Freddy at his best. He stated on City Life earlier this year (before walking off) that he was going after Lynch and so it begins

Why tie MacDonald and Lynch? Because very few Lowellians know MacDonald and because he has among others in his inner circle former Asst. City Manager Matt Coggins, so people figure he’s an insider. Plus a lot of his funding to date has come from outside of the city and people figure it’s Bernie, SAL and their connections. I seriously doubt anyone is scared of MacDonald, unless it’s Rodney Elliot who finished 9th in the last election.

I think you are wrong and I don’t believe it is anywhere near half of the 7,500 voters against Lynch. I’d say it is closer to 5,000 fore and maybe at the high end 2,500 against.

When I asked the Manager about MacDonald he replied the same way he did in public, he has no candidate and will speak with anyone who ask. Seeing he responds to a couple Loud mouths like You and I is proof of that fact. Say what you want about the Manager but HE IS the SMARTEST POLITICIAN IN LOWELL and would never run 1 candidate nor get involved in a city election for 1 person. He can count and the Magic # is always SIX not ONE!

So Jack, On the one hand it is unfair to MacDonald or Lynch to tie them together but it is okay for a clearly Democratic left leaning Blog to state that this man running for office is doing so just to get ready for higher office? That he is a farm team player being groomed for better things? That isn’t demeaning or playing dirty?

It appears to me that YOU and Left in Lowell are doing what you are accusing Fred Doyle and your favorite villain the unknown/unnamed “Them” – (“who” is using Doyle’s mouth to get that message out?) of doing. Attacking and smearing a candidate because of who he is affiliated with.

You’re attacking a Republican but trying to do it while saying some of my best friends are republicans. I was shocked you didn’t mention your love of the Right Side of Lowell BLOG and your membership in the PAC Move Lowell Forward to show that no matter how much this appears to be an attack against the Republicans I am trying my best to NOT make it obvious. I do like your little disclaimer “John MacDonald is a Republican. That doesn’t make him a bad egg. I voted for Joe Mendonca, a Republican, in 2009. Glad to see this isn’t a partisan shot your about to take..Oh wait it is!

” Let’s start at square one. John MacDonald is a Republican…However, for those pulling for the MAGOP, the effort to build a farm team is paramount. Thus, Republican State Committeeman Jeff Wilson is bent on making his play…There are those, me being one, that think John MacDonald is running for City Council with the intent of quickly jumping up the politcal ladder. A quick stint will segway into a run for higher office. Now, you can care little about my opinion, but don’t dare state that it is poorly formed.

MacDonald is running a campaign that is head and shoulders beyond the realm of the typical city council race. He is effectively running the caliber of campaign seen in US Congressional races. I surmise the intent is to demonstrate that “grassroots” folks can be trusted with running effective high level campaigns. Some may remember the rift created when monied GOPers lined up behind Jon Golnik, as opposed to the local activists’ fave, Sam Meas. It sure don’t hurt to prove to the MAGOP that the locals ain’t yokels

Saying the Republicans are setting this guy up to be their poster boy for future higher elected office and they are using a non-partisan city council race to get him name recognition and a starting point for a political career is okay but tying him to the City Manager is somehow wrong?

Should Cliff and the Republicans start attacking Marty Lorrey saying he has been a long time active Democratic foot soldier and the party is behind him to help him launch his political career? Should he be dismissed has just be a part of a farm team the way you paint MacDonald?

So using your Democratic Left Leaning Blog to attack the Republicans isn’t Dirty Pool?

It is Okay to call him a Republican Farm teamer but not okay for someone to say MacDonald is Bernie’s man in the race?

I guess the term Dirty Pool depends on which side your swimming on… the Red or the BLUE.

In her first election Franky Descoteaux surprised many by finishing a strong 3rd. Owner of various downtown businesses Councilor Descoteaux brings the viewpoint of the businessperson, a fact you can see in many of her motions. She is also a strong advocate for many social issues and neighborhood concerns.

In her first term on the Council she has filed 25 motions.

Jan 2010
C. Descoteaux-Req. Mgr./DPD report on programs/funds available for struggling businesses & report on indicators from new marketing strategies etc.

C. Descoteaux-Req. Mgr. have proper dept. replace missing signs immediately & review traffic mitigation measures which could be implemented in Middlesex/Wood St area etc.

C. Descoteaux-Req. Mgr./DPD put together Task Force including Lowell Highlands Group to create master plan as Walgreens Planning Process continues.

MAR 2010
C. Descoteaux-Req. Mgr. research value of putting online GIC calculator on intranet for employee review.

C. Descoteaux-Req. Mgr. provide comprehensive list of city boards/commissions & detail procedures for appointing new members.

C. Descoteaux-Req. Mgr. have Traffic Dept. review timing of Pedestrian Light Arcand/Merrimack St.

C. Descoteaux-Req. Mgr. report on efforts to re-enforce Minimum Maintenance Requirements etc.

C. Martin/Descoteaux-Req. Mgr. report feasibility of obtaining & possible uses for Pepsi Supports Surrounding Towns (PSST) Grant.

APRIL 2010
C. Descoteaux-Req. Mgr. have proper dept. meet w/retail business community in historic overlay district to review current policies etc.

C. Descoteaux/C. Mendonca-Req. Mgr. develop a plan and process to present to the City Council for the submission of Annual goals w/subsequent periodic reports on progress.

C. Descoteaux-Req. Mgr. develop a plan and process for periodic reports to the City Council on operations including finances, projects and departmental activities.

C. Descoteaux-Req. Mgr. report on plans for Lowell’s 175th Anniversary.

AUG 2010
C. Descoteaux-Req. Mgr. have appropriate dept. review creating or re-instituting incentive programs re: Homeowners increasing property value.

C. Descoteaux-Req. Mgr. consider using workshops and supportive signage to elevate Lowell Municipal Culture etc.

C. Descoteaux-Req. Mgr. have appropriate dept. review creating or re-instituting incentive programs re: Homeowners increasing property value.

C. Descoteaux-Req. Mgr. consider using workshops and supportive signage to elevate Lowell Municipal Culture etc.

OCT 2010
C. Descoteaux-Req. Mgr. provide update on Legacy Cost obligations, including full breakdown of funding requirements

NOV 2010
C. Descoteaux-Req. Mgr. develop policy to notify Neighborhood Groups of proposed Zoning Changes which could affect their neighborhoods.

JAN 2011
C. Descoteaux-Req. Mgr. have proper depts. work w/members of community to implement Lowell’s Green Business Certification Program.

MAR 2011
C. Descoteaux/Mercier-Req. Mgr. determine feasibility of LPD working w/Sheriff’s Dept. to create front end crime deterrent based on (Scared Straight Model).

C. Descoteaux-Req. Mgr. determine feasibility of plan that, over period of time, gives portion of monies derived from Handicap Parking Fines to Disability Comm. for programs reducing hardships for disabled.

C. Descoteaux-Mgr. have appropriate dept. work with Disability Comm. for purpose of adding “Disabled” indicator on next Lowell Census.

APRIL 2011
C. Descoteaux-Req. Mgr. work w/Community to establish Community Garden Program.

MAY 2011
C. Descoteaux-Req. Mgr. review/update policies in order to improve abutter/neighborhood notification during all stages of development.

C. Descoteaux-Req. Mgr. review/update Sidewalk Sales licensing policies to assist small businesses

DR. Wayne Peters (courtesy Lowell Sun)

Condolences again to Supt. Franco on the passing of her Mother and to the family of former Superintendent of the Lowell Public Schools Dr. Wayne Peters. Not only was Dr. Peters a former Supt. but also served this city on the School Committee and later on the Lowell City Council. Prayers go out to both families on their loss.

Congratulations to the Lowell Nor’Easter’s Semi-Pro Football team who opened their season at home last night with a 27-12 Win, including a 25-yard touchdown pass from QB Matt Boyle to WR Fred Nutter.

The front page story by Lyle Moran in today’s Sun focuses on the Library and the “chat” between a couple of employee’s regarding a library assistant. Titled Chat spat leads to calls for change at library. There is also a story about the local grocery chain who continue’s to thrive by city editor Chris Scott, Success, the old-fashioned way Sticking to its roots, Demoulas chain grows amid industry struggles (GN: The new Bridge St. store is spectacular and the Pizza very good).

On the front of the Local Section the very talented Crime reporter Robert Mills has a story about Melanie Quadros a 28­year-old Lowell woman who has been missing for more than a year and a half titled Missing woman reward triples Mother seeking lead on daughter last seen in 2010. A story with a real buzz involves A honey of a hobby By Debbie Hovanasian who writes about Dracut native Bob Berube and his beekeeping. Also in the Sports section check out the many photo’s of various Little League champions and a salute to the Sun All-Stars in area BASEBALL.

Also in the Sun is a combo offer to subscribe to Home delivery and the E-Edition for 13 weeks for $26 and receive a $5.00 Dunkin Donuts Card or sign up for the 26 week combo for $52.00 and receive a $10 Dunkin Donuts Card. Any way you can subscribe or Pick up the ONLY daily Regional newspaper that covers Lowell and the surrounding communities The SUN!

One Final request for some of the local Golfers to PLEASE sign up and Play in the First Annual SHAWN M. DUMONT GOLF CLASSIC. Shawn’s father and uncle both served the city has outstanding Police Officers and Shawn’s family and friends want to establish a scholarship at the Greater Lowell Tech. School in Shawn’s memory.

Monday, August 15 · 8:00am – 11:00am
The Golf Classic day begins with registration at 8:00 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. The cost to participate in this Classic is $600 per foursome or $150 per player, which includes green fees, cart, steak and chicken dinner, and various refreshments and prizes.

Without having to step out onto the course, you can still support the Shawn M. Dumont Scholarship through a direct donation or sponsorship. email Mike/Chris at dumontgolfclassic@comcast.​net,

You may also purchase tickets for the lunch portion of the tournament at the cost of $50 per person or donate a prize to be used in our raffle.Player spots are limited. To make your reservations or donations, email Mike/Chris at dumontgolfclassic@comcast.​net, or call Mike at 978-937-0725.

Onto the Political Column…

It opens up with a question Will more Tully-case dominoes fall? and speculates on the identity of the co-conspirator 1 who was mentioned 13 times in the Federal document detailing one charge of wire fraud against former State Senator / City Manager Joe Tully.

The Sun talks about the Dracut Police Drug Investigation and the re-action / actions of Officer Lenny Wagner’s gal pal, Cheryl Manahan, appeared at this week’s selectmen’s meeting to publicly call out Selectmen John Zimini and George Malliaros for rushing to judgment against Wagner and Dubois. She also attacked Selectmen Bob Cox and Cathy Richardson for remaining silent on the issue during public meetings and talks about this women’s treatment of a Sun reporter during this past election night.

The column mentions that School Committee candidate Robert Gignac has announced he will not accept the $6,000 annual stipend if elected to the committee but also mentions that by law he cannot. Gignac, 22, works fulltime for the city as an accountant at the Career Center The state’s Conflict of Interest Law, Chapter 268A, Section 20, prohibits a public employee from collecting two paychecks from the same city or town.

A rumor that has been floating around all spring (with very little proof to back it up) hits the column this week. That being City Council candidate John MacDonald is City Manager Bernie Lynch’s man in the race. Apparently perennial Council candidate Fred Doyle informed the SUN that “he is watching closely to see if Lynch shows any preferential treatment to MacDonald.”

The column mentions that another council challenger Van Pech was appointed Tuesday night to the Cultural Council. No present councilors or Mr. Doyle seem to object to that appointment.

Only a few other items…

Neither Incumbent Mike Lenzi or Dave LaFerriere of the Greater Lowell Technical School Committee have pulled papers to run for re-election yet.

City Councilor Kevin Broderick pulled his papers this week.

Shaw Farms has an antique car show every Thursday Night at the Ice Cream Stand and next week Saturday Morning Live broadcast from the Car Show at Veteran’s Park in Dracut where over 100 cars will be featured. I was there last year and it is a great event to raise some funds for the continuing improvement at that beautiful park. The Radio show Broadcast from 6:00 – 10 AM and I believe this year the Car Show will open at 8:00 or 9:00 but listen to WCAP this week for all the information.

The July edition of the Valley Patriot is out on news stands and in my monthly column I rank the incumbents and contenders in the City Council, School Committee and Greater Lowell Tech races has if they were boxers in “The FIGHTER”. Pick up a copy at your local Market Basket or other fine retailer in the area. Here’s my review of the GLRVTHS race:

Greater Lowell Technical – Incumbents
Mike Lenzi – Heavyweight, Job is his has long as he wants it. Well known and well liked

Dave LaFerriere – Junior/lightweight, aging fighter who has gotten knocked down but gets right back up. Does he have one more fight left?

Challenger: Erik Gitschier – Novice – Trained under Fred Bahou and is his protégée. Hard worker who could surprise and defeat a veteran or lose in his first solo bout has his mentor did.

Condolences and prayers go out to Lowell Supt. Jean Franco and her family on the passing of her Mom Rose Tucelli.

Here are the calling hours and Funeral notice.

Wake: Monday 4-8pm Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main St. Woburn, MA 781-933-0400

Funeral: Tuesday 10 am St. Barbara’s Church, 138 Cambridge Road, Woburn

Supt. Jean Franco

Supt. Jean Franco certainly is hitting the ground running and has a full range of reports she is presenting in her first meeting this Wednesday as Supt. of Lowell Public Schools.

On the Agenda under REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT:

1. Race to the Top Budget
2. Superintendent’s Induction Program
3. Funding for Newcomer Programs
4. End of Year District Discipline Report
5. End of the Year Health Services Report
6. Lowell High School 2011-2012 Student Handbook
7. Elementary and Middle School 2011-2012 Student Handbook
8. Lowell High School Student Advisory Meeting Schedule for 2011-2012 School Year
9. Personnel Report
10. List of Eligible Teacher

A couple of the items that caught my attention are Item 2 – Superintendent’s Induction Program and Item 3 Funding for Newcomer Programs

I am interested to hear the Supt. inform us what these programs are and will email her and hopefully let her tell us in her own words

Here is the rest of the Agenda:

AGENDA – LOWELL SCHOOL COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING
DATE: Wednesday, July 20, 2011
TIME: 7:00 PM
PLACE: City Hall, Council Chamber

SALUTE TO FLAG:
ROLL CALL:
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:

MINUTES:
1. Budget Session Minutes of the Meeting of Thursday, June 7, 2011
2. Regularly Scheduled “Draft” Minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday, June 15, 2011

PERMISSION TO ENTER:
MEMORIALS: (Committee as a Whole)
1. Rose M. Tuccelli, mother of Jean Franco, Superintendent of Schools
2. Jean Maciejewski, retired Daley School Cafeteria Worker.
3. Eileen “Mamie” Baker, sister of Jen Sneeringer, Bailey School Paraprofessional.
4. Joseph D. A. Daigle, father of Nancy Daigle, Lincoln School Paraprofessional.
5. Patricia Ann Ryan, sister-in-law of Elinor Rafferty, Special Education Department Executive Secretary.
6. Willie Hendricks, father of Herbert Hendricks, Bailey School Custodian.
7. Patricia Purtell, mother of Patti Clough, McAuliffe School Custodian.
8. Louis Soyden, Uncle of June Cormier, Superintendent’s Office Secretary.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
MOTIONS:

SUBCOMMITTEES:
1. Facilities Subcommittee: Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday, June 15, 2011
[John Leahy, Chairman]

2. Curriculum Subcommittee: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, June 21, 2011 [Connie Martin, Chair]

3. Personnel Subcommittee: Report and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting of Thursday, June 30, 2011 [Connie Martin, Chair]

4. Special Education/Student Support Services Subcommittee: Report of the Meeting of Monday, July 18, 2011 [Jackie Doherty, Chair]

REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT:
1. Race to the Top Budget
2. Superintendent’s Induction Program
3. Funding for Newcomer Programs
4. End of Year District Discipline Report
5. End of the Year Health Services Report
6. Lowell High School 2011-2012 Student Handbook
7. Elementary and Middle School 2011-2012 Student Handbook
8. Lowell High School Student Advisory Meeting Schedule for 2011-2012 School Year
9. Personnel Report
10. List of Eligible Teachers

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Permission to Post:
• Race to the Top Grant Coordinator
• Assistant Director of Human Resources for Educator Licensure and Evaluation

2. 2011/12 Lunch Price

CONVENTION/CONFERENCE REQUESTS:
1. Overnight Field Trip Request: LHS Staff Colleen Winn and Wayne Currie, along with chaperones, to take approximately 50 Gear-Up students to New York City from Thursday, July 28th and return on Friday, July 29, 2011. Statewide Commonwealth Corp/Service Alliance and Gear-up Grant funds will pay for all expenses.

2. Jason DiCarlo, Murkland School Principal and Rebecca Hyde, Murkland School Literacy Specialist, respectfully request permission to attend the Teachers College Writing Project at Columbia University in New York from Monday, August 15 through Friday, August19, 2011. The cost of $1350 will be funded by Redesign Grant funds. No substitute teachers are needed.

COMMUNICATIONS:
1. INFORMATIONAL: Lowell Telecommunication [Channel 10] Broadcast of School Committee Meetings: Live on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the Month; Thursdays @ 9PM; Sundays @ 2PM; Tuesdays @ 10AM.

PROFESSIONAL PERSONNEL:
CIVIL SERVICE:
ADJOURNMENT:

Joe Mendonca is one of the few who has made the jump from the School Committee to the City Council (after two unsuccessful attempts). In the summer of 2007 he completed George Ramirez term on the Council having finished 10th in 2005 but he finished 11th in the 2007 General election.

In 2009 he finished a strong 7th. Joe is a quiet gentleman and surprised a few with his strong comments about former City Councilor Alan K when the D.A. stated he would not be pursing charges.

“The DA did not just drop it and say there was nothing there. He just did not have a solid case despite the amount of suspicious activity.” “The city’s denial was ignored and I think that is very arrogant,” said Mendonca. “Whether it was the contractor or the owner of the project, ultimately the owner of the project (Kazanjian) is responsible for what happens on his project.”

Joe has faced some daunting health issues this term, The Sun reported Joe suffered a stroke on Friday April 1st. He returned to the Council in May looking a little frail but seemingly on the road back and is intending to run for re-election.

In his first term he submitted 22 motions

Jan 2010
C. Mendonca-Req. Mgr establish Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Comm. comprised of Neigh/Reps & other stakeholders etc.

FEB 2010
C. Mendonca-Req. Mgr. prepare inventory of state owned property & amount of tax realized if held privately.
C. Mendonca-Req. Mgr. have proper dept. investigate/report on feasibility of licensing/permitting keeping of animals etc.

MAR 2010
C. Mendonca-Req. Mgr. have vote drawn to make Bassett St. 1 Way after evaluation by Traffic Eng. and meeting w/residents.
C. Mendonca-Req. Mgr. provide update on # city owned surplus properties & status of each

MAY 2010
C. Mendonca-Req. Mgr. report on maintenance status of athletic facilities used by LHS.
C. Mendonca-Req. Mgr. report on any planned improvements/repairs to cobblestones on Central St.
C. Mendonca-Req. Mgr. report on #City Vehicles used as “take home” & policies regulating their use.
C. Mendonca-Req. Mgr. consider fee level for Sr. Discount on larger trash bins.
C. Mendonca-Req. Collegiate S/C meet w/Representatives of UML programs that have internships or practicum’s that could be beneficial to City/UML/Students.
C. Mendonca-Req. Mgr. report on taxes paid by Hydro Plant @ 145 Pawt. St. since beginning of operation & terms of current PILOT.

June 2010
C. Mendonca-Req. Mgr. work w/Pawtucketville Citizens & others to complete the definition of Suburban Waterfront Zone in Pawtucketville Master Plan.
C. Mendonca-Req. Mgr. have Law Dept draw proper vote to accept gift of improved unpaved sidewalks corner Charles/Chapel St.

JULY 2010
C. Mendonca-Req. Mgr. report on status property @ 84 W. 4th St.

SEP 2010
C. Mendonca-Req. Mgr. draft Unaccepted Street Policy/Ordinance to prevent new Unaccepted Streets etc.
C. Mendonca-Req. Mgr. & Parks S/C address concerns of neighbors of Hudson Rotary Park.

DEC 2010
C. Mendonca-Req. Auditor report on closing of FY 2010 & resulting “Free Cash Status”.
C. Mendonca-Req. Mgr. provide update on process for setting FY11 Tax Rate/Assessed Values.

FEB 2011
C. Mendonca-Req. Mgr. report on implementation of Vacant/Foreclosing Property Ordinance since adopted in 7/8/08.

MAR 2011
C. Mendonca-Req. Mgr. have Traffic Engineer examine intersection Moody/Aiken Sts for potential traffic safety improvements
C. Mendonca-Req. amendment to Vacant/Foreclosed Ordinance to remove requirement of posting notice on building, visible from street

MAY 2011
C. Mendonca-Req. Mgr. have proper vote drawn to implement recommendations of DPD re: Vacant Foreclosed Property Ordinance