Bernie Lynch's "Employment Agreement."

Below is what our more breathy Councilors prefer to call a 'contract." By title, it is an 'Employment Agreement.'

For some reason Councilor Kennedy is striking a pose, as if our next City Manager won't get such a thing. He will, in some shape or fashion. At a bare minimum, there is ordinance that covers non-Union employees. I doubt Kevin Murphy will take a bare bones ordinance type handshake.

As you read this document, it makes you think of things that you may not of considered, e.g. Section 15: Indemnification I seriously doubt Kevin Murphy will leave his ass hanging out for some pissed off police Union to take his house, sometime down the road.

Take a gander. After Murphy swears in, I'll get you a copy of his agreement. Though, it will likely be leaked to The Sun by then. The paperboys on the Council will be climbing all over themselves to please Campi.

Enjoy!

Did You?!

Leave it all on the field?

I'll be here.

With my chin up and eye contact, steady.

This is a new beginning.

The Perils of PERAC - Sticker Shock?

I was minding my own business, but then I read this wedged into Sunday's Blog of Record (Link):

Lynch's retirement was approved by the Lowell Retirement Board on March 21. He had 29 years, 8 months of total municipal service. His pension was not available as of Friday.

Sorting through the nooks and crannies of PERAC (Link) is a daunting task. I dare you to rummage through M.G.L. Chapter 32 (Link) on come out with some easy answers.

So, if we are so interested in Bernie Lynch's retirement. Should we think hard before we hire our next City Manager? What will this guy cost us, as taxpayers? We better do this ourselves because the 'fiscal watchdog' is busy licking a bone.

Maybe, in the future, when we hire a City Manager, or a high paid Administrator; hell, even elect a City Councilor, maybe we should run a spreadsheet on how much Lowell will have to carry for their retirement?

Go Eagles! (Updated)

Updated:  Seems the UML crew is peeved (Link).

When there are as many of them, as there are "Rita's Seniors," then maybe this would matter. #2015

###

An internet gremlin sent me this picture.

Look! I have NO problem with our City Manager supporting his alma mater. Sure it's awkward, especially when schmoozing with Marty Meehan & Coach Bazin. But, come on! It's sports. It's all in good fun. Aren't we allowed to hold dear to our hearts, our favorite teams? Politics can go fly a kite!

Besides. Isn't "loyalty" a cherished commodity, here in Lowell?

That said, the 'From Lowell. For Lowell' crowd will likely have a shit fit, should Murphy reach out beyond Lowell to hire true pro's to help manage our City. No doubt, Boston College has produced some top notch municipal CFO's & economic development gurus.

Go Eagles!

If The Kingmaker Punts

On Monday, the order of the vote should be Elliott, Kennedy, Leahy, Martin, Mercier, Milinazzo, Rourke, Samaras, & Belanger.

This sequence declares Kennedy the Kingmaker!

The gavel hasn't fallen. Or, has it?

Above, I've bolded the names of Kennedy & Martin. Why? Because I think the outcome will be completely dependent on how the votes, like dominoes, tumble. There is speculation that Kevin Murphy will get a majority vote of support, if not unanimous? And I think that is a very possible outcome.

But, NOT because Kevin Murphy is widely popular among Councilors. Or, even within Lowell's political bubble, for that matter. I'd venture to say, based on anecdote, he is not.

Would You Offer Your Throat to the Wolf with the Red Roses?

In the run up to 6p.m. Monday, I'm going to scramble out various counters to the spin swirling in Lowell.

meme noun \ˈmēm\
: an idea, behavior, style, or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture

The notion that the Council dare not refuse Rep. Murphy's advances, for fear that his wrath will create a barrier between Lowell and the funding levels we desire from Beacon Hill. Further, to defy Murphy, is to defy the station of the Rep's office. Doing so, could infuriate the other members of the delegation, compounding Lowell's fiscal woes.

Let's not refuse to notice the subtext of 'political extortion,' but, moving along ...

This meme, and complicit parallel "logic," depicts Lowell as this:

Self reliance? Pfft.. Gimmie! Gimmie more!

It seems to me that Lowell has done rather well in harvesting bacon from Boston in the last 7 years, with many giving credit, solely, to the delegation.

This happened despite the buzz that the phone lines between Lowell City Hall and Bacon...uh....Beacon Hill were apparently severed. So, now we are supposed to believe that because there will be a State Rep in the corner office there will suddenly be more $$ coming into the city from the state?

Has the delegation been holding back?

Can anyone track the funding channels for the Ameresco Project and the Solar Panels? (I am opening myself to embarrasment here, as I don't know the funding sources.)

It seems to me, what bent the delegations nose out of joint was that Lynch didn't rely on them as the courier. Or worse, he got funding despite their follies on Beacon Hill.

Nangle gave it all away in 2007.

The Ring in Lowell's Nose(Link)

"That's the problem. There is no communication coming out of the city manager's office at all. Bernie is doing what he does best, circumvent everybody. He did it in Chelmsford, and he's doing it now," Nangle said.
-snip

Lynch added that regardless of who was invited where, "I'm sure (Nangle will) continue to do his job on the part of the city and I'll continue to do mine."

I got the sense that Bernie's ego may have made it hard to 'glory share.' A habit that our delegation does by reflex. Certainly, in the early part of his tenure, Lynch was observant to note the Council's partnership in the betterment unfolding. But, then Rodney Elliot opted to wage war and, Lynch pulled back in self defense.

It took two election cycles to stack the Council against Lynch's refusal to play by #lowellrules. But, now the deed is done.

###

I couldn't take it any longer

Lord I was crazed

And when the feeling came upon me

Like a tidal wave

I started swearing to my god and on my mother's grave

That I would love you to the end of time

I swore that I would love you to the end of time!

So now I'm praying for the end of time

To hurry up and arrive

'Cause if I gotta spend another minute with you

I don't think that I can really survive

I'll never break my promise or forget my vow

But God only knows what I can do right now

I'm praying for the end of time

It's all that I can do

Praying for the end of time,

So I can end my time with you!!

Ostensibly, Best Choice - Greg Balukonis (Updated)

The game was rigged.

Kevin Murphy's Coronation, with Dogs & Ponies (Link)

What is maddening, the Lowell City Council will go through an utterly fake City Manager search, complete with dogs and ponies. It will be quite the show. It may even prove out, that Kevin Murphy was the best applicant, after all. Never mind that it has looked like a bag job from Day 1, so no reasonably astute candidates will even bother applying.

27 Chumps (Link)

The presumption that Kevin Murphy WILL be Lowell's next City Manager is so strong and so pervasive, I can't find anyone in the bubble that will risk speaking out at the fakery around the 'process' mayor Elliott is rigging together. The only chance that certain crooked cards will be exposed is, if and when, the Council allows the public to enter the process.

Our Next City Manager & A Level Playing Field (Link)

I've said before, and I'll say it again: In regards to selecting Lowell's next City Manager, at least 5 City Councilors will worry more, if the pick is a friend to THEM. Rather than, a friend to Lowell.

### 

Hands Down, Best Interview - Murphy

Every fiber of my sense of reform, illustrated by the scoffing and taunting jotted out in multiple diaries, down blog; is convulsing while coming to grips with the reality that Kevin Murphy crushed that interview. Several things alarmed me. I'll bullet those out, below. Overall, he hit every note on most every level.

In my heart, I want so badly to break the crooked ring of our House delegation. I watched them pummel Bernie Lynch, using The Sun and other shit heel surrogates. But, let me tell you, "Mary," Lowell don't play beanbag. As such, I can't imagine how Kevin Murphy is not our next City Manager.

I am this close to endorsing Kevin Murphy, based on tonight. This makes me sick. I don't know if my queasy gut is coming from a jaded fatalism or from a bruised, yet lingering, hope that we can hold Kevin Murphy, true to his word

Have You Heard? mayor Elliott is a hero!

zing·er noun \ˈziŋ-ər\

1: something causing or meant to cause interest, surprise, or shock
2: a pointed witty remark or retort

Finally. I think I'm picking up what Tipa was laying down about our mayor.

Except, some heroes do more damage, than they are worth.

Let's take a look at this story, that ran today in the Blog of Record.

A Lowell "Kingmaker"

king·mak·er \ˈkiŋ-ˌmā-kər\
: one having great influence over the choice of candidates for political office

Has the price been settled upon?

We've all heard enough tales of palace intrigue and betrayal to know, it will come down to the roll call.

"The Column has discovered ..."

I have to give props to the Blog of Record for their knack of getting secrets out of City Hall.

In today's Column (Link), we find out more details around John Leahy's selections.

He previously said he selected people with municipal management experience. But The Column has discovered that Leahy voted for at least two candidates who have no such background.

Let's stop right there. The Sun prefers that you get all frothy with the revelation that Leahy is a giant clusterf&ck. First, we know that The Sun is trying to undermine the Ramirez candidacy, so as to promote Murphy. Second, we all know John Leahy. It's what the voters chose.

So, let's turn to a more interesting question. Why can't City Hall keep its pie hole shut?

The Sun vs. John Leahy - Spinning the M.G.L.

The political calliope that is The Sun is in full gear, spewing out half truths and misinformation.

Let's examine a few recent offerings.

Leahy: Letter says he can vote for city manager (3/18/14)
The article's author, Lyle Moran goes on to cite various parts of the Mass General Laws (M.G.L.), specifically M.G.L. 268A (Link).

Moran notes the referenced Sections: 19 - (Link), 23(b)2 and 23(b)(3) - (Link)

Moran then writes (emphasis mine):

On Monday, March 10, Leahy filed a disclosure under Section 23(b)(3) of the conflict law highlighting his ties to Ramirez and his belief he could be objective.

Such disclosures must be made prior to any official participation or action in a matter, though Leahy's was filed after he already submitted his list of the five candidates, including Ramirez , he wanted to secure interviews.

The law says no such thing. I can't find any discernible reference to a reporting time line. Did Moran just make that up? No. He Didn't. What he did do, likely, is rely solely on this 'advisory.' (Link) Which, apparently, provides a strict interpretation of the M.G.L.

###

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!

The Ring in Lowell's Nose

It’s time to have a tough, candid talk. It has to be said.

Lowell craves to spend other people’s money.

Are you wincing because I put it out there? It’s true. We hate to admit it. For all the rote blather about keeping taxes low, Lowell adores spending tax dollars. So many here, especially in the bubble, feed from a table, adorned by the taxpayers. Of this, I, too, am guilty. But, I’ll be forthright in ways I only see from Councilor Mercier. She doesn’t shrink from her incomes. She has earned it. And, she has!

What irks me? Is the many that talk fiscal conservative, but gorge from the trough of public monies. Some are public servants. They are directly employed by the government, but they decry government spending. There is a special place in my heart for municipal, unionized workers that supported Scott Brown. These folks, imho, are special. Touched by an angel.

Then, we have the contractors, seeking to win bids for a variety of services. You know LOTS of these guys. They are all over Lowell, crying poor mouth. They demand release of funding for shovel ready projects. Yet, all the while, gripe about the stifling choke of regulations and taxation.

Lowell is just choke full of these folks. They hold their heads high and brag of their enterprises. Why? Because Lowell gets a buttload of money from OUTSIDE OF LOWELL. It’s like freakin’ Monopoly money. Manna from heaven! So, why should we really care how it is spent.

Well, it ain’t monopoly money. They take it at the Longmeadow, Mount Pleasant, the East End Club and every other haunt where our shrewd family and friends bend an elbow, smirking and winking to one another over their ‘inside joke.’

I say that, to say this:

Lowell gives way too much power and prestige to our elected Beacon Hill delegation.

mayor Elliott's Holiday Derisions - Sad Sack Santa Redux

This Monday, March 17th, we'll be gettin' our Irish up at the ICC

Unfortunately, Rodney Elliott is not very adept at delivering humor. Case in point:

Six City Manager Finalists: Complete Listing for One Stop Shopping

I went to City Hall and requested the cover letters and résumés of the finalists being considered for Lowell's next City Manager. These documents are vital to understanding how each candidate chose to 'project themselves' for evaluation. The choices they made, in their biography and professional attributes, are their first tangible effort to craft a narrative that can be told about them, as they proceed through the process.

Please read each carefully. What is each candidate trying to project to the City Council? To us?

Note: Redacted personal information, such as addresses and phone numbers.

Link to these, posted previously. (The links will pop out when you hover on them.)

City Manager Finalist: Greg Balukonis

City Manager Finalist: Robert Bruner, Jr.

City Manager Finalist: Peter Gracyzkonis

City Manager Finalist: Daniel Keyes

City Manager Finalist: Kevin Murphy

City Manager Finalist: George Ramirez

I am withholding any of my personal comments, for now. But, it won't be too long.

City Manager Finalist: Robert Bruner, Jr.

I went to City Hall and requested the cover letters and résumés of the finalists being considered for Lowell's next City Manager. These documents are vital to understanding how each candidate chose to 'project themselves' for evaluation. The choices they made, in their biography and professional attributes, are their first tangible effort to craft a narrative that can be told about them, as they proceed through the process.

Please read this carefully. What is this candidate trying to project to the City Council? To us?

Note: Redacted personal information, such as addresses and phone numbers.

City Manager Finalist: Peter Gracyzkonis

I went to City Hall and requested the cover letters and résumés of the finalists being considered for Lowell's next City Manager. These documents are vital to understanding how each candidate chose to 'project themselves' for evaluation. The choices they made, in their biography and professional attributes, are their first tangible effort to craft a narrative that can be told about them, as they proceed through the process.

Please read this carefully. What is this candidate trying to project to the City Council? To us?

Note: Redacted personal information, such as addresses and phone numbers.

City Manager Finalist: Greg Balukonis

I went to City Hall and requested the cover letters and résumés of the finalists being considered for Lowell's next City Manager. These documents are vital to understanding how each candidate chose to 'project themselves' for evaluation. The choices they made, in their biography and professional attributes, are their first tangible effort to craft a narrative that can be told about them, as they proceed through the process.

Please read this carefully. What is this candidate trying to project to the City Council? To us?

Note: Redacted personal information, such as addresses and phone numbers.

City Manager Finalist: Daniel Keyes

I went to City Hall and requested the cover letters and résumés of the finalists being considered for Lowell's next City Manager. These documents are vital to understanding how each candidate chose to 'project themselves' for evaluation. The choices they made, in their biography and professional attributes, are their first tangible effort to craft a narrative that can be told about them, as they proceed through the process.

Please read this carefully. What is this candidate trying to project to the City Council? To us?

Note: Redacted personal information, such as addresses and phone numbers.