Jenn Myers has a great front page profile on charities best friend Fred Simon. The piece is a nice tribute to Fred sharing his story from the boy in the acre who needed assistance to the man who assist everyone he can. This Friday Dec. 2nd is the Birthday Bash/Roast in his honor and only 25 tickets remain. That means the committee will have sold 500 tickets which in this economy and so close to Christmas is a remarkable tribute to Fred Simon and the admiration and love so many have for him.

Speaking of the Roast/Birthday bash the Committee will also be raffling off a 42″ television, conducting a 50/50 raffle and auctioning off a pair of tickets to KISS 108′s Jingle Ball featuring Kelly Clarkson, LMFAO , Demi Lovato, Joe Jonas , Pitbull and the just added Sammy Adams so if you are attending and have a teen or grandchild who wants to go, be prepared to bid big and help out the Salvation ARmy while being picking up a great pre-christmas gift.

Also in today’s Sun Jessica Wilson has a recap of the City of Lights Festivities, Jenn Myers has a look at how the spirit of charity shines a day after the theft of a Salvation Army Kettle, Rob Mills has the sad story of the death of a Billerica Teen on 128 yesterday (The Sun updates that in-line this morning with his identity), Debbie Hovanasian has a look at the many nativity sets on display at St. John Episcopal Church, 260 Gorham St., Lowell, 7-9 p.m.Thursday and Friday, Dec. 1-2; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3; noon-4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4. 978-453-3766 Suggested donation $5. Chaz Scoggins takes a look at Luis Tiants’ chances to get into the Baseball Hall of Fame by a vote of the Veterans Committee.

Sun Editor Jim Campanini shows off his writing skills by sharing a personal story entitled A Chianti Story.

Pick up, subscribe to the E-edition or order Home delivery of the regional newspaper that covers Lowell/Dracut. The Sun!

The Political Column this week starts off with embattled DHA Chair, current Methuen/Ayer Housing Executive Director Ken Martin stating his loyalties are to all 3 communities and mentions that Gov. Patrick removed Mike McLaughlin’s son from the Tewksbury Housing AUthority.

There is an item stating Rita Mercier will not be in contention for Mayor of Lowell. She states in the item ” From what I heard Patrick has the votes so why would I step in?”

However the column notes that rumors have Murphy and Elliott deadlocked at three votes each. Councilor-elect Vesna Nuon committed to Murphy this week. He joins Councilor elect Marty Lorrey in support of Murphy. Mercier and Councilor Joseph Mendonca have committed to Elliott. Councilors Kevin Broderick, Bill Martin and Councilor- elect Ed Kennedy are still uncommitted

The SUN makes a point to crow about Lyle Moran and his work on the Fred Doyle inspired LHA stories while taking a shot at Councilor Broderick’s father Tom. It also mentions that Craig Gates (who was in my opinion a bust as Manager of the Arena when the city owned it) was recently hired as the new Executive Director of the Lowell Festival Foundation.

It concludes the local news with a mixed review of the welcome Assistant Collector of Taxes Robert Haley received on his return to work in the Treasurer’s Office and the movement of a couple of staffers.

Onto a few other things..

Papers are flying all over the insider political circle and media that rehash the Chelmsford Ma.Kinney lawsuit against then Chelmsford Town Manager Bernie Lynch. It includes an erroneous sum of $200,000 when in fact it was in the $20,000 range but the Bernie Bashers are hoping people won’t do their homework and believe their version.

In addition there was a wild rumor that the Manager had been served with some type of Subpoena this week but in actuality I was told by someone it was a legal claim against the city and several named individuals from a library assistant that has been complaining for years.

The speculation keeps growing that former Sen. Steve Panagiotakos does indeed want to be the next City Manager.

He is rumored to be one of the “political heavy hitters” who is looking to derail the Murphy Mayoral bid. Rumor’s remain strong that newly elected Councilor Ed Kennedy is willing to be the alternative candidate but it would take Kevin Broderick committment to make it work without forcing someone already committed to “change their vote”. Supposedly Martin will go along with Kennedy as a compromise to either Elliot or Murphy.

The latest speculation has each candidate receiving 3 votes on the first ballot then on a 2nd ballot Lorrey, Mercier and Mendonca voting for Kennedy and appointing Rodney as Vice Mayor.

Those that want Pangy for Manager will no doubt be working to undercut the Manager but will do so slowly over a long period that will also involve the resolution of a very touchy subject. Pangy will wait for the City to make a final decision regarding Plan Design and having that set along with the next budget before forcing out Manager Lynch. Why come into a no-win situation with Plan Design before allowing your predecessor to take the heat and the backlash with retirees and unions.

A 2013 Budget that will no doubt include a 2.5% increase (or higher) will be the issue that allows current councilors to say we need a new person in charge with a new outlook to find an alternative to constant tax increase.

Watch for a change in tone from Kendall Wallace as a good indication when the Manager’s time is set to expire. Wallace has been a solid supporter of Lynch but has a long history and much respect for Steve Panagiotakos and once he is convinced Steve can do the job, Bernie’s days will be numbered.