According to the breaking news section of the SUN – Atty. Ray Weicker resigns from Lowell License Commission today has requested by the City Manager.
To no ones surprise Walter Bayliss did not.
I received a few text and emails at work about the Mayor’s visit to City Life this morning around 7:35. (I did get a chance to see the replay) and caught the last 45 minutes which included the Mayor’s cameo.
To no ones surprise Mr. Taupier was belligerent, smug and a bit nasty stating that Mayor Murphy was the worse mayor in the history of Lowell and refusing to admit he was wrong when he was last on.
He claimed that he read his information in the Sun including stating Councilor Mercier claimed that the women who gave her the letter told her the Mayor and Manager had it and ignored it. I don’t recall the Sun printing that but have emailed the editor Mr. Campanini to verify that.
Someone please inform Mr. Taupier that I in fact ran for office (got my ass kicked in the early 90′s Tech race) and that he sat with me in his office on Lawrence St. to discuss what I needed to do (walk the neighborhoods and talk to people).
Sadly, maybe Mr. T is just showing the signs of age and he’s forgetting not only the long ago past (although meeting me is very forgettable) but the short past (what he said on City Life last time he was on).
Catch the replay Saturday Morning around 7:35 – 7:45 it is Must See T.V!
[Full Disclosure: I served as Mayor Murphy's Aide from March through the end of July. Also, this is cross-posted from richardhowe.com].
I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Quealey’s assessment.
A loathsome tactic that I believe was employed here is something called “Heads I Win, Tails You Lose.” It is commonly employed by those who practice sarcasm, bullying, and rumor-mongering, and it basically works like this: “I am going to say whatever I want about whoever I want, however I want. If challenged, I will then respond by saying that I was either just kidding [and that the responder needs to lighten up] or that the responder is being a hothead, or is ‘defensive’ or is otherwise out of line/overreacting.” I might also say “you should’ve reached out to me directly, or in private,” which is another way to fight asymmetrically (I’ll spread my invective publicly, but how dare you challenge me publicly in the same forum). A slight retreat or disowning of the original phrasing is also another great way to deflect criticism…and I get it, no one wants a fair fight if they can avoid one.
To move it away from this example for a minute, think of someone you know who regularly employs this tactic…could be a co-worker, extended family member, neighbor, etc. Probably didn’t take you very long, did it? It’s not unique to politics, or to Lowell, or to anywhere or anything else…and it always deserves to be called out whenever/wherever it happens.
In this case, Murphy made it symmetrical by directly confronting the initiator, which — no surprise — went over like a turd in a punch bowl in that forum.
Why? Because those who engage in “Heads I Win, Tails You Lose” are the WORST at eating their own dog food. By contrast, a sincere person who misspeaks or steps out of line and later realizes it shows contrition and an earnest desire to make it right.
Apologies that start with “If I offended you…” are reminiscent of the forced variety imposed on children by parents, teachers, and lunch aides.
In grown-up land, we ought to take ownership of what we say.
That last line is a good summary of the “situation”.
The following is a cross post to the blogs of Richard Howe, Gerry Nutter and LIL:
Yesterday I had the pleasure of having Greg Page appear on my WUML 91.5 radio program “The Lowell Connection”. The show aired about 45 segments last year on 980 WCAP, and we’re already up to 8 segments on WUML 91.5.
On yesterday’s show, Greg relates his recent experience as Mayor Murphy’s aide, his military service and future plans. Our discussion does touch on the City Life program referenced in this post. You can listen to the podcast at http://cometolowell.com/WUML.htm .
Although I work part time at LTC, I haven’t seen the episode, as to access it would require the permission of the shows producer John McDonough. As I understand it, the show has been pulled from re-airing at the request of Mr. McDonough which is his right.
I am struck by this: ” City Councilor Ed Kennedy said he was worried about the precedent of Lynch removing a member of a board on his own. ”
Kudos to C.Kennedy, last night, for airing these concerns. I may find myself on Commissioner Bayliss’s side in this matter. The independence of the commissions and boards is paramount.
Bayliss’s temperment is insufferable and contrary to the demeanor Lowellians should expect from city officials. The “junk yard dog” persona, though poetic, is not what judicious minded officials should immerse themselves in. All that said, we have to look past the ‘cardboard cutout caricatures’ of this specific moment and “Do The Right Thing.”
I’m going to rewatch Councilor Kennedy’s remarks, from last night. I think we all should.
I watch the Mr.l Bayliss doing his job on the board ..I feel he doing a good job on the board…He tell everyone ,the police officers are your friends when you need them….If somehow it get out of hands calls the police…..I am very happy in what he and other do on the board….The manger is out of line…he lives in chelmford,…not in lowell……