Ray Boutin is the only person interested in the Technical School Committee willing to respond to 5 questions I asked.

Makes me wonder if the person the City Council / School Committee appoints will respond to Parents who have questions or concerns if they can’t respond to 5 questions. Maybe it’s a done deal and the person has the votes and everyone but Mr. Boutin has been informed so they feel they don’t need to respond to a blogger.

Whatever the reason, it doesn’t show a real interest in transparency or a willingness to respond to questions from an involved parent by these other candidates.

Here are the Questions and Mr. Boutin’s Answers:

I am a local Blogger asking all interested candidates these questions. I have 5 questions I’d like to hear your responses to regarding the Greater Lowell Technical School and your interest. Please respond by this Wednesday May 23rd.

1) You have never run for this position, why are you interested in it now?

RB: I have not had the time before this to consider running. My wife just graduated from UMASS Lowell with her Nursing Degree. She gets Pinned this Thursday night. I have been a community member on the School Council for the past two years. During that time I have learned a lot about the school and where it is heading with Race to the Top and the renovation project. Also, my son will be attending the school next year.

2) What do you see as the biggest Issue at the Greater Lowell Technical School?

RB: The Teachers contract.

3) What will be your 1st motion as a school committee member?

RB: I am still reading all the minutes posted online.

4) Would you run next year to fill the unexpired term for this position?

RB: I cannot answer that at this time. I would need to discuss that with my wife first. Also, if I said yes/no to a future run, how would that affect my position on the board and would the tax payers and students have a weaker voice?

5) What would you like to say to the people of Lowell who you MAY represent if appointed?

RB: I have been on the School Council for the past two years, I have been involved in the Pawtucketville Youth Organization for the past 10 years (4 as President), was a member of the Community Development Block Grant advisory committee for 9 years, and was on the Citywide Parent Council Executive Board in Lowell for 4 years. I would always take the students best interests into consideration on any vote I take.