The Drubbing of John Leahy

I'll admit it. I have, metaphorically, beaten John Leahy about the head and neck (Link). So, believe you me, I know what political 'nudging' looks like. Since the City Council is fairly divided in philosophy about Lowell's 'vision,' Leahy is caught smack dab in the middle. And for that, he is being pummeled (Link).

My point is this, I am floored whenever I see the notion of 'ethics' and the 'perception of impropriety' thrown around in the scrum of Lowell politics. The proverbial 'pot calling the kettle black' is the ultimate frame of reference here. Who remembers the firing of Andy Sheehan?

RITA MERCIER told The Column she didn't vote to eliminate the position, she voted to get rid of the person (Link).

Houston, we have a problem!


From the M.G.L -

Section 107. Neither the city council nor any of its committees or members shall direct or request the appointment of any person to, or his removal from, office by the city manager or any of his subordinates, or in any manner take part in the appointment or removal of officers and employees in that portion of the service of said city for whose administration the city manager is responsible. Except for the purpose of inquiry, the city council and its members shall deal with that portion of the service of the city as aforesaid solely through the city manager, and neither the city council nor any member thereof shall give orders to any subordinate of the city manager either publicly or privately. Any member of the city council who violates, or participates in the violation of, any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both, and upon final conviction thereof his office in the city council shall thereby be vacated and he shall never again be eligible for any office or position, elective or otherwise, in the service of the city.(Link)

Rita isn't special, in any way. Her shenanigans are simply easy to point at. As she is always willing to flaunt her electoral invincibility by muddying 'ethical' waters. One of my favorite 'Rita-isms' is, I can't vote to cut that budget line item because I don't know WHO it will affect. That's classic!

Almost every single day, Lowllians that are as crooked as a dog's leg, run around this city doing things that are technically legal, but pose a 'perception of impropriety.' Some even do enterprise based on a model that accommodates methods that are 'technically illegal.' Like the firing of Andy Sheehan. No one will say say shit, if they have a mouth full. #lowellrules #planetlowell

Lowell is so incestuous in its political culture, there is no escaping the bind that Leahy is in, right now (From Lowell. For Lowell). But, the bottom line is, it is allowable. Anyone that tells you that this whole thing would NOT be be reversed, meaning The Sun would cite the SOS and support the vote, if Rodney Elliott was related to Kevin Murphy in the same manner, is FULL OF SHIT!

The Sun will take a position that fits the outcome it desires. It will spin a narrative that frames the arguement it wants aired. Disregard anything that comes out of The Sun, always, but especially the next month.

And, if you see John Leahy, give the guy a hug. Because Kevin Murphy's pals are going to beat the snot out of that poor bastard for some time to come.