Doubts persist on work at LHA
Ex-official: Tests for lead paint, asbestos may have been lax
That’s a front page story in the Lowell Sun by cub reporter Lyle Moran. It is based on the words of the former Building Commissioner who we know was incompetent and allowed an Inspector to sleep on the job and file inspection reports that were never done.
However missing from the story is facts that lay these concerns to rest and facts that Dr. Gary Wallace provided early in the day to me and I’m told also to the Sun who certainly had them before the story was written.
Yet Moran and Campanini chose to ignore them and NOT PRINT FACTS THAT REFUTE THE STORY MAKING THE STORY MISLEADING AND KNOWINGLY SLANTED TO CAST LHA IN A NEGATIVE LIGHT.
Example: Story says: Because the LHA started the rehab work in 2008 without notifying city officials and pulling building permits, the city was unable to confirm if the agency conducted the proper asbestos or lead testing before the demolition of walls, former City Building Commissioner Robert Camacho has told The Sun.
Facts Supplied by Dr. Wallace and the LHA: The LHA had all led abated by a professional licensed company as per a contract in the years between 1990-1992 and received a certificate of Full Compliance.
Also, there was an extensive asbestos abatement project performed at NCV in the late 1980′s, again, in full compliance
Try finding those facts anywhere in the story..the SUN and reporter chose NOT to share them. The story talks about the age of the building and again shows how incompetent Camacho was. In 2008 he NEVER ASK and yet in 2012 he goes on a local radio show and talks to the SUN and NOW HAS CONCERNS.
IT took me 20 minutes tops to get an answer and the SUN had the same answer and FACTS AND CHOSE PURPOSELY NOT TO PRINT THEM AND CAMPY HAS THE NERVE TO ACCUSE BLOGGERS OF BEING IRRESPONSIBLE?
Also the SUN or WCAP apparently didn’t ask Camacho if he EVER ASKED THE LHA QUESTIONS ABOUT ASBESTOS in 2008! I’m told Email records indicate he did not but he did send other emails concerned about FEES ! Again facts the SUN ignored.
Instead MIDWAY THROUGH THE STORY they quote Dr. Wallace CHERRY PICKING CERTAIN PARTS OF HIS EMAILED RESPONSE
The article quotes him has saying ” LHA Executive Director Gary Wallace said yesterday in an emailed statement that the concerns Camacho and others have expressed are moot because there was no asbestos present or removed during the renovations of the 132 units.
There was a rumor about asbestos in the units last fall, Wallace said, so the LHA hired a firm to test one of the units with its walls opened.
The firm, EMSL Analytical Inc., of Woburn, did not find any asbestos in the unit, Wallace said.”
The story has this item EVEN BEFORE THEY HAVE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT – City Councilor Rodney Elliott said he filed two motions yesterday seeking to have the proper government agencies examine how the LHAhandled possible asbestos and lead paint in the units.
Now if Rodney doesn’t read my blog someone should read it to him because it appears he AGAIN IS IGNORING FACTS FOR HIS OWN PERSONAL AGENDA AND MISSION or is BLINDING FILING MOTIONS THAT HE DOESN’T HAVE THE FACTS TO MAKE A COMPOTENT MOTION ON.
THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SAFETY AND EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE COUNCILOR AND SUN GOING AFTER WALLACE AND LYNCH.
No wonder why the SUN’s revenue dropped over 30% and the finance moved to Denver. Campy and O’Neill are waging a personal war and NOT REPORTING FACTS.
Jack Mitchell
January 27, 2012 at 7:18 am
Denver cares only about the bottom line. The internal tiffs between Campi and Kendall likely amuse them. They count their money and scoff at the two fools. And, by association, us, the poor slobs stuck with the fallout of their mutual animosity. Though, in this moment, Campi has a story that gives him the upper hand. Kendall is not to be trifled with. How long until the tables turn?
Who cares. We want “the news.”
Joe Smith
January 27, 2012 at 9:03 am
Journalism has stooped to reporting what individuals claim instead of searching out the truth. It is either “professional” laziness or unprofessional editorializing of the facts. Whatever the reason, it reflects poorly on the newspaper and any city councilor who propogates it.
Lowell Resident
January 27, 2012 at 1:29 pm
Oh Pot and Kettle. When will you two realize you’re both the same color???
Sleuth
January 29, 2012 at 10:19 am
“I’m told” doesn’t even come close to proof The Sun had the info and ignored it.