The Station is experiencing issues with their transmitter and they are working to get back on air has soon as possible. If you’re like me and listen on your computer you hear the Beatles and before music.
I spoke with Ted Panos at the station and they are there hoping to go live soon.
The Headline in the Sun sums it up “Guilty plea expected in Lowell RMV scheme“
This should close this portion of Investigation City and it is good to see that the entire Lowell Delegation was cleared of any wrong doing.
I am saddened but not surprised that Joe Tully would do this and there is no excuse for it but I am also glad that at his advanced age and the fact he is his son’s caretaker that he took a plea bargain. Joe is a character from old time politics and a very likable man. When he served the City both has State Senator and City Manager Joe did a lot for Lowell.
When this first came up I stated in a Post:
Now I have been very critical of State Reps. Murphy & Golden and to some degree Nangle while I have stated that I like Sen. Steve Panagiotakos. I also have stated that I like Joe Tully. Even though Joe has been convicted before.
I just cannot and unless proven otherwise will not believe that any of the Lowell Delegation, especially Kevin Murphy or Steve Panagiotakos are stupid and would risk their positions for short dough. Pangy & Murphy are well established politicians and lawyers and $4,000 is not going to be a huge deal to either of them and certainly not worth losing your livelihood over. If they were found guilty of taking a bribe, kick-back whatever you want to call it they would face disbarment and be unable to practice law and neither gentleman is that stupid.
The same holds true for Nangle and Tom Golden. They have been in office a long time and are well established. $4,000 or even $7,000 or $10,000 (2-3 Way split with Tully) isn’t worth a $60,000 a year plus job. Neither Golden or Nangle that we know of is in desperate need of cash. No matter my difference with Golden’s voting record or lobbyist connections, I don’t think Tom is stupid, greedy or a fool to risk his reputation and family name, and the same holds true for Dave Nangle.
I also still hold to the belief that Tom Byrne is NOT the co-conspirator or at least not willingly. He may have been in the room but he has NOT that we know of been indicted and until such (if ever) time I will continue to give Tom the benefit that you are innocent until proven otherwise.
I don’t know Tom very well besides spending some time with him on Saturday Morning Live but Tom strikes me has a decent guy who wouldn’t knowingly be part of this. I will be accused of being native, stupid or sucking up but could care less. I’m still supportive of him.
Just has this comes to a close we now have the part-time Sealer of Weights and Measures John Hynes being placed on paid administrative leave, effective immediately, as a result of an investigation into his work performance.
He of course claims this was a case of “Political payback” because he was hired by John COX!
SHOCKING that a disgruntled employee would make this claim and then go on the local radio and repeat the claim and then accuse the Manager of inflating the expected revenue from his replacement.
Another day in Lowell…The Investigation City!
Monday, August 15 · 8:00am – 11:00am
Campbell’s Scottish Highlands Golf Course
79 Brady Avenue
Salem, NH
We are hosting this Tournament to raise funds for a scholarship in Shawn‘s name to benefit the students of the Greater Lowell Regional Vocational Technical High School. The success of this special day of sharing cannot be achieved without the generous support of people like you. We would like to invite you to join us in supporting this event as a golfer, hole sponsor, or a donator.
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, including a $5,000 Hole In-One opportunity.
Without having to step out onto the course, you can still support the Shawn M. Dumont Scholarship through a direct donation or sponsorship by purchasing 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 reservation,donation or if you have any questions Please email Mike/Chris at dumontgolfclassic@comcast.net, or call Mike at 978-937-0725.
On behalf of the Shawn M. Dumont Golf Classic Committee, we thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at the Classic.
Hey Dan,
I take exception to your column and will answer your ridiculous question in today’s Sun titled “Releasing résumés just a way for public to be in the know” (Read more: http://www.lowellsun.com/danphelps/ci_18454215#ixzz1RqNYvfYk)
You wanted to know “So, again, what’s the big deal about releasing their names?
Let’s start with it’s none of your damn business. none of Campy’s business and none of Rodney Elliot’s business that I a private citizen wants to apply for a Board or Commission. Why do YOU and others think you are owed that right just because I am applying for a city board? If I applied for Wiring Inspector none of you would see my resume.
Take a look at the State Law (see attached) that the City Solicitor cited when refusing the request of reporter Lyle Moran. Should the Councilor, Manager and citizens just ignore the law cause Rodney, Campy and you say so?
Do you see any irony in the fact that the SUN and you aren’t transparent? When Campy canned Jimmy O and Managing Editor MK Gudza was he or the SUN transparent? NO When I emailed him he gave 1 sentence answers: Tyler Dumont is a high school intern who is now doing the Day in History column. Mr. O’Loughlin is no longer a freelance contributor for The Sun.
Kathleen Guzda is no longer working at the newspaper as managing editor. It is a confidential matter and that’s that.
Oh so The Sun and MK deserve confidentiality but if I am “volunteering my service” I don’t deserve the same treatment because I want to volunteer in the city?
You can spin it has wanting to Thank or Acknowledge me for my interest and I can spin it and say Campy will take someone (like Kevin Broderick or the Manager) he doesn’t like and character assinate them or the person who applies for many boards but may not be qualified. In the end the private citizen has a right to privacy.
When the SUN does a story about Nashoba Valley Technical High School do they include the fact that one of their columnist and Copy Editors is the Public Relations person at that school? NO they don’t
Does that Columnist identify himself in his weekly column has a Full Time Employee at Nashoba Valley Technical High School? NO he doesn’t. He’s just identified as a Lifelong resident of Lowell who has worked for The Sun close to 20 years.
Because he has a right to privacy, the same right I want to have IF I apply to serve on a city board or commission. Once I (or anyone) is selected their name and resume are made public and that is the way it should be!
So Dan that is why it is such a big deal. People like me who want our privacy applaud the councilors who stood up for us and not Councilors like BITTER BUD or Campy’s puppet Rodney.
I want the same privacy that the Law allows me has a private citizen that You and Campy exercise at the SUN! Is that too much to ask?
First term Councilor Patrick Murphy sure did his share of filing motions. Many of Councilor Murphy’s motions have led to improvements in policies and performance (see this years budget) and resulted in the City receiving grant funding. The Councilor has also done his share of work for constituents.
In his first term between January 2010 and June 2011 he filed a total of 58 motions.
JAN 2010
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on potential of implementing a variant of CitiStat model in Lowell.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. explore establishing Neighborhood Venture Fund & widen outreach efforts for existing loan programs etc.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on plans to increase savings in waste management & support recycling programs in Condos/Multi Family Bldgs.
FEB 2010
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr./DPD develop maintenance plans for new/renewed public works projects etc.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. adopt fuel-efficient city fleet purchasing policy in accordance w/Mass Green Communities Act.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. develop proposal to secure funding to address flooding under Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on potential of adoption of performance based budgeting
MAR 2010
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on current procurement policy w/regard to the purchase of local and recycle products.
C. Murphy-Req. City Council observe City Council Rules.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. consider conducting Municipal Water Usage Audit & completing a Conservation Plan.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. review data on cost effectiveness of yard waste collection in summer months.
C. Murphy-Req. Council join other cities/towns in support updated Bottle Bill #HB3515-SB1480.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. have DPD provide disaggregated data on Best Retail Practices Program
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on data/calculations re:changes to City’s provision of Health Insurance Plans.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. have proper dept. address issues @ Clemente Park.
April 2010
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. have DPD/Law Dept. provide analysis of greater restrictions on construction in Flood Plain etc.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on progress of Storm Water Compliance Plan
May 2010
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on low impact development practices & potential ordinance changes to adopt the less costly approach.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. have appropriate depts. report on event permitting, fee and invoice policies.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on parking plan for Back Central Neighborhood.
June 2010C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on results of Positive Ticketing Initiative.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on progress toward updated Hazard Mitigation Plan.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on focus of the LowellStat Program during FY2011.
July 2010
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. explore extension recycling services to LHA.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. have DPD review Historic District Restriction when in conflict w/energy efficiency retrofits.
August 2010
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr/Council discuss use of FY10 Snow/Ice Deficit assumed in FY11 Budget.
Sept. 2010
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. explore potential for system of bus shelters/bike racks w/LRTA & have DPD review corresponding plan for transit-overlay districts surrounding them.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr/DPD develop formal guidelines w/Council on future use of TIF Plans etc.
Oct 2010
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on short/long term plans for supervision of Lowell Youth Council.
Nov 2010
C. Murphy-Req. Council resolve issue of requirements for preliminary election & consider random ballot order in general.
C. Murphy-Req. Council consider Home Rule Petition to lower voting age to 17 for Municipal Elections.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. explore possibility of waiving First Time Home Buyer Requirement for Veterans seeking Down-Payment Assistance.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on implementation of Health Care Plan Design in practice & establish guidelines w/Council for use of potential authority.
C. Murphy-Req. Council discuss larger Charter Changes to increase civic participation(including combined districts, at large system, term limits) at Rules S/C.
Jan 2011
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on performance of Single Source Marketing & consider shifting focus toward lower cost, community driven, multiple source marketing strategies
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on plans for greater savings and efficiency in solid waste/recycling programs in upcoming year.
FEB 2011
C. Murphy-Req. Council amend Rule #12 to include electronic communication as acceptable means of delivery of council materials.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. develop formal Complete Streets policy, possibly w/funding through NMCOG Technical Assistance Grants.
Mar 2011
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on maintenance plans for public facilities, including Smith Baker, to preserve current potential for future uses.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. develop budget hearing process to align w/the goals of GFOA Performance-based budget, greater transparency & public participation
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. consider inclusion of tax schedules & performance of current TIF Agreements in FY 12 Budget Document.
April 2011
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on impact of local meals tax option
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. provide analysis Ma. Housing Development Incentive Program & potential guidelines on its local application.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. review visible recycling policy to increase diversion of recyclables from waste stream.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. explore potential of offering prescription drug discount card based on Gloucester Model.
May 2011
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. work w/LRTA & Youth Council to identify potential adjustments to bus service to increase work opportunities.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. expand city fleet policy to include section on alternatively-fueled vehicles.
C. Murphy/C. Mercier-Req. Mgr. report on status of funding for municipal pools in FY 2012
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. further improve building permitting process for homeowners
June 2011
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. explore potential of formal economic gardening initiative, GrowLowell, in partnership w/UMass Lowell Management Dept. & others
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on job performance of TIF Agreements and potential policy of reinvestment of new growth due to TIFs into economic development efforts.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on usage of Green Communities grant funding, including participation in stretch code energy efficiency grant/loan program.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on potential ordinance change to require private waste haulers operating in city to provide recycling services at affordable/flat rate & to amend fee schedule for dumpsters to eliminate existing disincentives.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on establishment of short-term revolving loan fund for business, condo & multifamily apt. buildings to more easily access recycling services & corresponding savings.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. review/report on progress towards goals of city tree ordinance, & submit an application for MA DCR Urban & Community Challenge Grant to develop urban forestry plan in compliance w/the ordinance.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. complete an update to Capital Improvement Plan over next year, & more fully intergrate the plan into a formal process preceding annual budge session.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. explore grant application to MassWorks Infrastructure Program for partial support of Speck Plan recommendations & coordinated pilot project for green stormwater infrastructure downtown.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. identify alternative grant funding source for Hale’s (River Meadow) Brook Greenway Plan to provide improved access & environmental enhancements to the adjacent neighborhoods.
C. Murphy-Req. Mgr. report on need for a Fair Housing Commission & on city’s progress in addressing fair housing concerns.
CITY LIFE 6 AM every morning on Lowell Comcast Channel 8, George Anthes hosts with John McDonough at the controls this week’s lineup:
Monday: City Manager Bernie Lynch
Tuesday: Tyngsborough Host: Linda Bown, Kamal Jain, Rodney Elliott
Wednesday: Chelmsford Host and Chelmsford School Committee Woman Evelyn Thoren, City Councilor Kevin Broderick, Cliff Krieger
Thursday: Chelmsford Host and Chelmsford School Committee Woman Evelyn Thoren, State Rep Tom Golden
Friday: repeat from last week. Dracut Host and Selectman John Zimini, City Councilor Patrick Murphy and Dracut Access Televisions Executive Director Gary Meuse
Saturday: (repeat of Friday) repeat from last week. Dracut Host and Selectman John Zimini, City Councilor Patrick Murphy and Dracut Access Televisions Executive Director Gary Meuse
Sunday: (repeat of Monday) City Manager Bernie Lynch
IMPORTANT DATES: September 7, 2011 ♦ Last day to register to vote for Preliminary Elections, Election office open until 8pm
September 27, 2011 ♦ PRELIMINARY ELECTION if needed
October 19, 2011 ♦ Last day to register to vote for Election, Election office open until 8pm
November 8, 2011 ELECTION DAY ♦ Lowell City Council, School Committee & Regional Vocational School Committee
Today’s Sun has a story by Chris Camire on redistricting, Real work begins for redistricting group Jenn Myers has a story on the Latin Lyceum Latin Lyceum: How about a little recognition? Erin Smith informs us that Checks keep coming for John Barranco and Lisa Redmond on the front page of the Local sections has a heartwarming story From pain, a loving tribute emerges, Dracut man’s quilt dedicated to babies who died from brain injury plus in the Focus section has always, a highlight of achievements by local students throughout the Greater Lowell area ( a great feature found nowhere else but the LOCAL paper). Has always subscribe to the E-edition, home delivery or pick up a copy of the only regional paper that devotes more coverage to Lowell and the surrounding communities than any Boston based paper THE Lowell SUN.
The Political Column starts off with the interesting return to Lowell Politics of Ed Kennedy and speculates it was to raise money for himself. Seems he “lent” a previous campaign of his $10K and the Sun thought he was trying to recoup it. But as I posted the other day according t the State’s OCPF he has 0 in his account. Seems after being contacted by the Sun he “Forgave himself” that debt.
There is speculation by the column that Councilor Rita Mercier has “softened” on her opposition to the Manager in order to try and get her fellow councilors to elect her Mayor again. A fact she disputes citing the cell tower issue. Has she states “It is not about going there every week and punching his lights out,” There has to be a little level of decorum.”
There is an item about City Council Candidate Marty Lorrey already getting a motion passed before getting elected to the council and speculation on the status of ownership for WCAP.
Under the some people never learn item is information about former Dracut Selectman James O’Loughlin who it seems after being fined $7,275 (he ignored for nearly a year to file his campaign finance reports) by the State, then having the director of the OCPF agree to reduce the fine to $200 IF O’Loughlin dissolved his committee promptly has NOT done that nearly two months after agreeing to do so.
Onto other things…
Looks like some “FEES” will be increased in the city this week, under the Manager’s section of the Agenda
Ordinance-Amending Fee Schedule, Sealer of Weights/Measures Permits etc.
The Pool issue will also resurface again in Tuesday has Councilor Bud has a motion that is somewhat vague – regardless of funding sources, find ways/means to keep city pools open all season. He doesn’t mention how long the “season” is. Also has I pointed out many LifeGuards are College bound or High School Seniors who need a week or so to get ready or leave for school. I still propose August 19th or 20th has the day the pools should close.
Good Luck to Councilor Patrick Murphy has he heads to see a Back Specialist to determine what course of action will be required to relieve the back pain and issues he suffers from early this week. The choices will weight into his decision to run for re-election of not.
Who is Fredrick Wanjiku? A Lowell resident who took out and turned in papers to run for the City Council but I haven’t been able to find a way to contact him. If anyone knows him pass along his information so we can meet the candidate.
Seems Alison Laraba is running for re-election after all. After saying she was unsure, she pulled papers this week. We would have 8 people running for 6 seats if everyone turns their papers in.
City Life seen weekdays from 6:00 -8:00 on LTC ch. 8 may soon be seen LIVE in Dracut on Dracut Public Access has well. Watch for more information from George and John has August approaches.
Warren Shaw on Saturday Morning Live on WCAP yesterday seemed really perplexed that none of the 3 Lowell School Committee candidates would use the Supt. Scott contract fiasco has a major point in the upcoming election. Not to worry Warren, the SUN will continue to try to make it an issue.
Notice not much was made of the fact that Supt. Scott was hired by a firm that she contracted to do work with the school system. Why do I get the feeling that if Bernie Lynch did the same thing we would see a Front Page Headline screaming CONFLICT??? I still think Bernie needs to learn to bake and bring goodies to JC and try to ease the tension.
City Council candidate John MacDonald got back to me after my PAC Post with this response:
Hi Gerry,
Sorry I missed this. It’s been a busy week for work and campaigning.
My candidacy and positions are not for sale. I will accept contributions, endorsements, etc. from anyone who is interested in the positions of my campaign. I will listen to anyone. I have considered the opinions of many people and have listened to those who have not contributed to my campaign, people who can’t afford to contribute to my campaign, and even those who may not ever support me. I’ll gladly accept the endorsement of anyone who’s interested in positive change, no matter what side of the tracks they come from and they don’t always have to agree with me 100% of the time.
A City Councilor represents everyone in Lowell, not just their contributors, friends and neighbors, but their objectors as well. I want to work for a better Lowell and welcome everyone to participate in that process.
John MacDonald
