Worked on Sunday so I didn’t get a chance to Post but here’s some random observations over the past few days:

The Sun seems to want to go after the Water Dept. as much has they do the Housing Authority. The Manager gets criticized often for not hiring Lowell personal and when a longtime employee transfer to a department that allows her to improve herself the Sun / cub reporter/ Rodney’s Press Agent attacks wondering if its “Patronage” because her brother works there.

If the cubby checked around instead of just listening to disgruntled “sources” he would have found that The Ryder family has a long and very solid history in service to the City of Lowell. Dating back to Erik’s parents. A good reporter covers and presents BOTH sides.

BTW in addition to his water dept. duties Erik Ryder is a member of the Lowell Emergency response team. When my mother’s building was evacuated 2 years ago I met Erik at the Lowell Senior Center as he assisted the elderly, making sure they were settled and accounted for.

Full disclosure, My mom and Erik’s Mom went to school together and my brother the Emmy award winning Ch.7 Producer Fred Nutter and Erik are friends.

So the Mayor parked to close to a hydrant, you have to admit, it really is a slow news day when that is even worth a mention in a column or blog. What’s next he was late for a meeting? His wasn’t wearing a tie? His press aide blogs on city time and allows him to attack fellow councilors? Oh wait that last one was my own “who cares” rant…LOL

With the gridlock in Washington many tout bipartisanship has a good thing, except the far LEFT who attack Dave Nangle for endorsing his friend who is a Republican. Ask the people Dave has helped in his district if he ask them what party they belong to or doe he serve and assist all? Nice to see the Democrats turning on a good guy, gives you a real idea of their view and value systems.

At least my buddy Jack has the backbone to stand up and say it without backing down. He and I don’t agree on many things but like me Jack isn’t afraid to say what he feels and doesn’t hide behind fake names. He stands up and is counted and for that I salute him.

The SUN has a very good Editorial Today on the responsiveness of the Manager to the Councilors he works for. In the private sector when my boss ask for a report I get it to him ASAP, the Manager at times seems to drag his feet has the editorial points out.

Just wondering but has anyone looked to see how long it takes the Manager to respond to the different councilors. Do some get a quicker response than others? It may take some time but it would be interesting to see.

Why is it that it looks like anytime someone not entirely supportive of the Mayor and Administration goes on City Life the Live feed cuts out? I’m told by John that it is just a coincidence and that LTC would never purposely interfere.

John McDonough is investing in a dedicated line and if that doesn’t work the conspiracy that somehow LTC is doing this purposely will grow. To his credit I have never heard John make that charge…I’m the one pointing it out.

Someone needs to tell GLRT Lowell School Committee member Fred Bahou that going on City Life and saying the Superintendent was “emotional” and that is why she responded that way plays directly into the Gender Bias she is stating exist. I don’t recall him ever saying that about Jim Cassin. If you listen to the meeting you will also hear him say that the committee doesn’t care why she is taking a day off, it doesn’t matter if she is playing golf or putting her makeup on! Really Fred and you think this is helpful?

FOIA is a tool used to get information and to find out about things that maybe the city, state, school district or government isn’t forthcoming about. So when emails records are asked for it makes you wonder what a reporter blogger or newspaper is up to. I hear that certain emails have been asked for and received and it will be interesting to me to see how that information is used and how it plays out. I haven’t yet but may ask for the same info and compare notes to what I read and what is reported.

Attended the CNAG meeting last night and heard two separate but interesting project plans for the renovation of the Varnum School on Sixth St. One from the CBA and the other from private developers. Both will bring much more traffic to Centraville and the Sixth St. area with 22 proposed units but both will also enhance the neighborhood and turn around an eyesore the city has let develop. The Neighborhood Group took a vote of the residence in attendance and the private developers who want to build units to offer for veterans and military personal won over the CBA (much to the chagrin of at least 1 CNAG member).

I think the neighborhood group should endorse both with a stronger committment to the private developers and no matter who wins they should work closely and directly with the Neighbors and NOT just the neighborhood group. Let’s face it while they are all well intended they don’t all live around the Varnum and it will those residents who feel the direct effect.

Speaking of which, why the city continue to allow the Acre Day Care to Park buses on Beech and Myrtle St? Aren’t buses supposed to NOT be allowed to park overnight in a neighborhood?

My son is doing okay and Thanks to the many who have asked. Much like the GLRT Superintendent who can’t drive because of a broken ankle, he hasn’t been cleared to drive yet with a broken leg. Unlike the Supt. who I understand has been working except for a couple of days when it first occurred, he isn’t able to yet.