Lyle Moran’s long awaited story (Fred Doyle is the one who has been waiting a long time for it) on the LHA/City Permit issue is starts as a page 1 story accompanied by a full page completion. It lays out the LHA belief that they did not have to pay for permits and the current Manager’s agreement that has them paying a flat fee. It mentions LHA got reprimanded by the state but the city did not. A pretty balanced and fair report by Lyle Moran. I’m sure Mr. Doyle is unhappy this morning.
One question I had after reading it was WHY? Why did these 3 disgruntled ex-employee’s who seem to be the main sources in the story, not go to the press or a city councilor or State Rep. in 2008 when they claim most of this was happening and instead wait 3 years and use Fred Doyle to advance the story?
The Sun is full of Election ads and the Focus Section features a Q and A with the City Council Candidates.
Joyce Tsai has a story about the tension between the town of Tewksbury and Shawsheen Tech. Dave Peaver has an interesting article on Gary Koltookian and his proud Armenian heritage and Jen Myers on UMAssLowell forging bonds in China. As always subscribe to the E-edition, pick up the APP for your smartphone or subscribe to home delivery of the regional newspaper that covers Lowell..The Sun.
Political Column..
Starts with retiring Chelsea Housing Authority Executive Director Mike McLaughlin including his history and how this time he may not escape some form of punishment.
It rehashes the early in the week(column Blog) mention of Peter Gorlin no longer working at Saints with LGH about to take over and how Lt. Gov Murray received a lot of donations from the State Police just weeks before his accident.
In an item that actually states “The Column took it upon itself to see where the candidates keep their campaign accounts” it list where the current 9 councilors and the City Council challengers have their Campaigns accounts. (Wish I had thought of that)
It concludes with reminders that Kendall Wallace will receive the Yankee Quill award presented by the Academy of New England Journalists this Friday and that the Fred Simon Birthday Bash and Roast for the Salvation Army Radiothon is Dec. 2nd and tickets can be purchased at Shaw Farm, The Owl Diner, Salvation Army or Dracut Town Hall or by calling 978-337-1292 or 978-821-0536.
A few other items…
Many in Dracut are smiling today do to the recent events involving Chelsea Housing Director Mike McLaughlin. Some are speculating that he caused his own demise by involving himself in the Dracut Housing Authority Issue and upsetting some with stronger political muscle than he had. Payback is a … as the saying goes.
The other rumor floating around is that Lt. Gov Murray will be forced to admit exactly where he was coming from when he totaled his car and that this may cause him to have to resign since it wasn’t from home has he stated. Again those who tie him with the Dracut events are smiling over his misfortune even though rumors suggest he stepped in to mend things and make them right.
It will be interesting to see what happens to those Dracut officials who have close ties to McLaughlin, Dracut selectman Bobby Cox took a pretty good shot at fellow Selectman John Ziminni yesterday on Saturday Morning Live pointing out what he feels is the hypocrisy of Ziminni preaching about Piendak’s retirement when his chief political “rabbi” is being exposed for exploiting and lying then bragging about it in the Globe about it.
I’m sure John would say he can’t control what Chelsea does he can only try to control what Dracut does and one has nothing to do with the other but McLaughlin’s enemies will not see it the same way.
Ken Martin who is the Executive Housing Director in Methuen and is Chair of the Dracut Housing Authority will be also watched to see what his contract exactly is (I have requested a copy) because he has close ties with McLaughlin and has been a vocal supporter. People are wondering IF Martin has been hiding anything himself?
Even State Rep. Colleen Garry could face a Democratic challenger or two because people blame her for the appointment that set the entire episode involving the Dracut Housing Authority in motion. I defended and still do Colleen’s right to suggest an appointment but also will admit that he who has the power makes the rules and those with power are making life for McLaughlin and his supporters very uncomfortable.
A lot of ways to get your Election results here in Lowell Tuesday November 8th
The political players and supporters will either be at The Blue Shamrock or listening to 980 WCAP on Tuesday night when former Senator Steve Panigatakos and current Sen. Eileen Donoghue host Election Night results beginning at 7:00. Sen. Steve has a team of people who report the numbers from each voting location at the end of the night when polls close at eight. WCAP and Ted Panos will also be tweeting information.
The Lowell Sun will be streaming live from the Shamrock with Chris Scott beginning at 7:00 and will be joined by Editor Jim Campanini beginning t 8:00 along with tweets from Jen Myers, Erin Smith and Lyle Moran.
LTC will be broadcasting Live Elections results on Ch.10 from the City Council Chambers beginning at 8:30 through 10:00 pm for those who prefer to watch NCIS and Dancing with the Stars. Tune in during commercials and join myself, City Councilor Franky Decouteaux, former City Councilor Rithy Oung and a host of candidates and political experts as we provide the results and some commentary and we will be streaming on the internet as well.
Remember to go out and vote then tune into any of these venue’s to get Live Election results.
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