Endorsing Baker - Lowell's Crop of "Cake & Eat It, Too" Democrats

Lowell is not unique. Cities, like Quincy and Chicopee, suffer this cancerous malady. I'm referring to elected Democrats "crossing party lines." Ostensibly, because they "vote for the best person." They disguise their ruse, as stewardship. But, it is nothing more than cowardly, hedging of the electorates muses; while positioning their self-interest close to those that hold the ladle of tax dollars.

For the selfish, transaction minded politician, the world of politics is seen through this lens:

Bring Home The Bacon Politics

While Republicans decry 'wasteful government spending,' many Democrats try to straddle a line, posing as a 'fiscal watchdog.' Yet, all the while, their only focus is robbing Peter to pay Paul. And, THEIR constituents are ALL named Paul! These charlatans become practiced in the art of insidiously using tax payer funded largess to barter influence, cronyism (fill in the blank _______ with tactics that slant the playing field), etc. Such a scheme is wildly successful in Massachusetts politics. When you are an elected patron, using 'juice' to get jobs and contracts; looking for folks to hold signs, knock doors, phone bank is easy, breezy beautiful. And, when you begin to factor in familial saturation, via the Fabergé effect (Link), the votes start to pile up.

Recently, Lowell has had a bumper crop of "Life Long Democrats!" crossing party lines, And, while it is pure speculation, as to what their motives are, I hold my votes for those that more clearly define what they are, and what they are not.

The Obnoxious “Mr.P.”

I spent just over an hour at the Market Basket rally in Tewksbury, yesterday. I walked away scratching my head.

If you’ve seen some of the pictures, you’ll know that a very large crowd had congregated around a makeshift stage. The crowd was dense, up front, and scattered out along the fringes. Most certainly, the amount of support coming from customers is gathering steam. If the MB workers are forced back into the stores, the current Board of Directors will unlikely find a return to ‘normal.’ This is the most important take away from this post.

That said, in terms of controlling the narrative, the over-arching message that framed the content of the various speakers to take the stage; this was the most SCHIZOPHRENIC rally I have ever witnessed. (By ‘schizophrenic’ I mean ‘split personality.’ That usage may be a bit dated.)

When the speaking program began, a ‘Master of Ceremonies’ kicked things off. The MC identified himself. I heard him refer to himself as “Mr. P.” Others, later, told me that person is Steve Paulenka; who is a MB executive that is loyal to ATD. It’s not especially important who the MC was to get the gist of this post. The operative words are ‘obnoxious’ and ‘schizophrenic.’

Rally’s are intended to unify a group. The point is to create a common thought, a message, that those gathered can carry away with them. Yesterday, what seemed to be the message being cultivated was “I’m the customer. You can’t fire me. I quit!” The point of such a theme is to pivot from the message that of employee loyalty to ATD to customer loyalty to both ATD and MB employees. This makes perfect sense. If customers boycott the stores, then there is very few options available to the current BOD.

Unfortunately, the personality of the rally’s MC trampled all over the energy being cultivated. Let me explain.

When They Mention Facebook

If you read The Sun, watch City Life or listen to WCAP; you'll notice they mention that the discussion of 'Lowell politics' has moved to Facebook.

Some of it has moved to this place - Lowell Live Feed Forum (Link)

Most of it occurs in these two blogs and their corresponding Facebook outlets:

RichardHowe.com – Lowell Politics and History (Link) - Richard Howe Facebook (Link)

The Lowell Curmudgeon (Link) - Gerry Nutter's Facebook (Link)

There are several fine Lowell blogs that you can link to from here, or those cited above.

PS. Don't expect to see much posted on this blog, as the conversation is happening on Facebook.

The Sun: Putting the "Doo" in "Due Diligence."

Last week, on City Life, City Manager Kevin Murphy noted that the blogs have been quiet. That most of Lowell's online political media activity has been on Facebook. *blush* He noticed. (Link)

He must mean competent political media because the Blog of Record sure has been loud.

due diligence noun
1: the care that a reasonable person exercises to avoid harm to other persons or their property

Unfortunately, being witness to the consistent malfeasance puked out onto the pages of The Sun (I won't call it The "Lowell" Sun anymore, out of sheer embarrassment), we are compelled to apply 'doo' in the place of 'due.'

doo–doo noun
\ˈdü-(ˌ)dü\: solid waste discharged from the body

Let's start with what passes for 'reporting' these days -
Lowell Housing Authority opening awakens old feud
Lyle Moran (6/8/14)

Some councilors are hoping to see Murphy appoint McMahon, who had served on the LHA for five years, and has acknowledged applying. He was chairman for a time.

But Murphy has sent out word he will not appoint McMahon. A primary reason is that he wants unanimous support for his pick, and that Milinazzo would definitely not vote for McMahon.

Oh, my! Maybe that's why Milinazzo flipped his vote to Murphy? Just to hold a big chit to make this block? Oh, sorry. You aren't the gullible Sun readers are you? Cynical speculation pulled from a hairy tookus doesn't cut it for Lowell's blog lurkers.

Moran's inane grapples for skew drag on with cherry picked remembrances, selectively creating a crooked crumb trail to the modern era. I was particularly dazzled by this tidbit -

McMahon says he does not think Milinazzo should vote on any LHA appointments because it is a conflict, pointing to Milinazzo 's family ties to LHA Assistant Executive Director Maryann Maciejewski.

Milinazzo said Maciejewski is his wife's first cousin and a friend, and there is no reason for him not to vote on LHA appointments. He recommended McMahon read the state ethics laws.

Milinazzo's recommendation is the most astute thing printed in the whole syllabic conglomeration.

Shall we visit another reading of the tea leaves? Let's gaze back to the end of the Cox era.

Paton was least disagreeable candidate for post on the Lowell Housing Authority
Chris Scott (12/20/06)

With some lobbying on Paton 's behalf, Milinazzo was convinced to back Paton 's candidacy.

Paton , a Democrat and a Billerica school teacher, came to the Housing Authority about seven years ago, courtesy of an appointment from a Republican governor.

About two years ago, he was replaced by James Hall Jr., a Republican.

But before being ousted, he was part of the movement that ousted Milinazzo as LHA executive director a few years back after a successful decade at the helm.

Milinazzo made mention of that last night, saying Paton "was part of a group that ended my career at the LHA -- and I did love that job."

But Milinazzo said that during most of Paton 's tenure, he showed a passion for LHA residents, and the job, that stood out.

"For those reasons, I will put my personal differences with Mark aside and vote to support his appointment," Milinazzo said.
-snip

... Paton displaced Robert McMahon, who many years ago was an LHA client himself, living at the former Julian D. Steele complex on Gorham Street. It's a fact that McMahon, a unionized "liquor salesman," always thought made him uniquely qualified to serve on the board.

But that wasn't enough, and neither were supportive words that came his way from two city councilors, Rita Mercier and Edward "Bud" Caulfield. His biggest proponent on the council, Armand Mercier, couldn't participate in the discussion or vote because his son, Dennis, is employed by the LHA as a property manager.

Rita Mercier, who voted "present" (the final vote was 7-0), implied strongly that she finds it troubling that anyone could be removed from a post he enjoyed -- and by most accounts did a solid job at -- for political reasons.

But it's precisely what her guy, former City Manager John Cox, did to McMahon's predecessor, Thomas Haran, to appoint McMahon, with whom he is close.

In arguing for McMahon, Caulfield and Mercier probably forgot that McMahon played a ringleader's role in last summer's downtown rally for Cox about the time six city councilors hastened his resignation as city manager.

But those six city councilors -- Kevin Broderick, Eileen Donoghue, Rodney Elliott, Mayor Bill Martin, James Milinazzo and George Ramirez -- certainly didn't.

Hmmm. Seems Jim Milinazzo has a track record of not sweating the small shit. (Remember, also, he voted for Elliott to be mayor.) How is it that the Enterprise Editor didn't advise the cub reporter? Maybe, Campi interceded to get a better spin?

If I was as cynical, as the political pornographers on Dutton St, I'd connect McMahon to Lowell's latest celebrity developer, Dave Daly. Then, ultimately, drawing a bad bloodline to wobbly training wheels in the corner office of City Hall.

That failed Westview Road project will donate more to Lowell's modern political era, than a DiPaolo brown paper bag.

While Lowell Caters to Sal, ....

It's been several years now. And, as time goes by, my position appears to be further validated with each passing moment.

When John MacDonald showed his face (Link), publicly, for the first time, it was in his campaign. To me it was obvious, Sal Lupoli cynically believed he needed his own personal attendant on the Lowell City Council. Over the short span of the 2011 campaign, a broad margin of voters came to see how shallow of a candidate MacDonald was.

There is a small, but intensely driven crew in Lowell, that has wrapped themselves up with JMac, since he has appeared. Since he lost the election, MacDonald has shed his skin a few times. He has embedded himself with the chintzy local media because he saw how easily the Bubble reacted to minor mentions on air or print. He has used that notoriety to shill for his clients and pass off their business machinations as civic betterment.

Admittedly, he has had success. Otherwise, this note wouldn't be written. But, his success is not so much of his own accord. His talent is limited to really one thing. And, this thing he does very well. He dangles riches.

Swapping Out Print Dopes For Digital Dignity

Most of you know, I refer to The Sun as "The Blog of Record." I say this because it mixes what, I think, are First Amendment foundations with an evolving trend in the Digital Era (Link).

For clarity, Wiki defines a chunk of my re-branding:

A newspaper of record is a major newspaper that has a large circulation and whose editorial and news-gathering functions are considered professional and typically authoritative. A newspaper of record may also be a publicly available newspaper that has been authorized or maintained by a government to publish public or legal notices, and therefore serves as a "newspaper of public record."
(bold mine)

As for "The Blog .." part, readers of The Sun will get it, especially those that have read it for decades, watching it's rather abrupt decline since Jim Camapanini took the helm. For those of you who are new to The Sun, or just minimize touching "dead tree" print products, I'll redirect you to a diary I did in October 2013, A Blogger's Sin (Link). The short of it is, in my opinion, our local newspaper is in its death throes. Instead of going out with some dignity, they have opted to go kicking and screaming, foregoing principles of journalism, while embracing a modern brand of "Yellow Journalism" that employs a reckless type of "political pornography" to boost circulation.

Under Campi, The Sun has 'jumped the shark,' spiraling downward to the level of amateur hobbyists. I don't mean to disparage bloggers or the effort many put into blogging. The point is, a professional news organization is supposed to have so many more tools at their disposal. They are supposed to render a product that meets the standard of the "Fourth Estate." This is a function spelled out by our Founders, inscribed in our Constitution.

As the print news industry withers (Link), The Sun has seemingly opted to surrender to the easy road to black ink.

For example,

Lowell's "Cult of Personality"

Apparently, JMac is ticked off that I likened his Plan of Nothing to this -

JMac Plan

He is on WCAP, as I type, ranting on his AM Infomercial.

I've stated repeatedly, I am open minded regarding the decision to locate the Lowell High School. I should note, the fact that I am willing to consider the South Common has put me at odds with several of my political pals. So be it. The difference between me and JMac is that I am not paid to rule out the Downtown location. My opinion belongs to me, not the highest bidder.

What's interesting about JMac's vaporous tirade, he is citing the work of Sal Lupoli in Lawrence. That makes sense, as this is all that JMac knows. And listening, it is clear that JMac worships Lupoli.

Here is the gist of JMac's pushback to my "City of Oz" jab.

His proof that something will work at the corner of Arcand & Fr. Morissette is


No, really!

Lowell High School - Bullshit and Blather

There is a very vocal minority in Lowell, that is trying desperately to degrade public confidence in the VERY PUBLIC process that has played out for close to a decade (or more) about what Lowell should do with modernizing the Lowell High School. Unfortunately, that minority has a large presence in the Blog of Record and WCAP.

There was a time when news organizations could be trusted to help residents sort through confusing details, especially when those concerns involved large scale political decisions and expenditure of taxpayers dollars. The reality is, legacy media is desperate to survive. As such, I don't recommend putting any stock in what they bellow. To be honest, I don't recommend putting any stock in what I blurt out, here.

As Lowellians, you have a responsibility to figure out the shit from Shinola. If you can't do that, then you better be especially careful when you go vote. Because someone is going to sign off on a plan. If I was to recommend anything, it would be this - DO NOT leave big decisions to little people.

I want to address two things, in this sitting. First, did Lowell have a public process to get Lowell where we are, right now. Second, what is Corey Belanger thinking?

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I've already answered to the frothy gurgling of WCAP (Link).

The internet is covered in public fingerprints:

Downtown Summit 2011 (Link)
The Speck Plan (Link)
Lowell Plan- UML: Downtown Initiative Report (Link)
Sustainable Lowell 2025 - The Master Plan (Link)

The Lupoli - Belanger Connection

On WCAP, this morning, Corey Belanger asserted the South Common site was the best place for a new high school to be built.

In the same breaths, Belanger also labored to prove out that students going to and fro from school are deleterious for most of the business in the DT. If we take that as gospel, Sal Lupoli is gonna be pretty pissed about moving the LHS to South Common. Twice a day, pedestrian students will stream, from the Highlands and South Lowell, like lemmings, past the Thorndike miracle.

Or, just maybe, the student rush hours hold a promise of riches for those in the right place, selling the right stuff?

By fronting the South Common location, Belanger has tied himself to Lupoli. But, is it by a "brass ring" or an "albatross?"

"Heavy Lies The Crown .... Sorta Thing."

So many pro's & con's associated to Kevin Murphy becoming Lowell's next City Manager have been stirring in my head. I hear those that portend a reversal of many steps forward in good governance. Others, are more optimistic, citing Murphy's sense of stewardship, efficacy and a mindfulness of his public service legacy.

As my mind works in an algorithmic trading of iconic metaphors, my imagination conjured this:



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C.Belanger: "My Mistake."

The normally cheerful Kendall Wallace opted to throw a brush back pitch (Link) at Councilor Belanger's noggin.

I’ve always felt people regarded as experts in their field are a good source to rely on when trying to make a decision. Apparently, fresh­man City Councilor Corey Belanger doesn’t share that view, as he has tried to sidetrack the effort by the Lowell School Committee to move forward with the exciting plans for the downtown Lowell High School project. He has called for “ another review of the options” that have been reviewed for the past five years.
- snip

Like every major project, it has taken nearly five years to get to the point the city is asking for approval from the state to move forward with this ambitious revitalization. In that period, tons of research and other options have been explored. The school department hired additional consultants and there was unanimous agreement that keeping the high school downtown and doing an impressive architecturally pleasing facility was the best option.

It seemed everybody was in agreement that this is the way to go, until Belanger asked his colleagues to again review the options.

One would think if you are on the council or run for public office you are aware that a great deal of research has taken place for the city to get to this point.

Ya. One would think.

Put Up or STFU (Updated)

There's a lot of talk around the future of the Lowell High School. Some of it is validated by our City government, via the City Council & School Committee, and some of it is validated by (pardon my candor) blogging and blabbing shitheels.

It's a tug-o-war, of sorts. Which is playing out, isolated, in the Bubble.

I'd like to make one simple observation. On one side of the tugging, is the notion that the LHS should remain where it is. There is a lot of work to be done.

There are several plans that incorporate this concept. All voted on by our elected officials in one fashion or another.

Long story short, it looks like this:

This concept is fleshed out, in part or whole, by:

The Speck Plan (Link)
Lowell Plan- UML: Downtown Initiative Report (Link)
Sustainable Lowell 2025 - The Master Plan (Link)

Very reputable people, from within Lowell and beyond, have put countless hours into the information contained in the links above.

All of this has been absorbed and reviewed in public meetings, culminating in a vote by the City Council to follow the School Committee's recommendations to begin a process with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. In the Fall of 2014, discussion will begin over the considerations and recommendations made in this report (Link).

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I'm not convinced all the information provided above, really is the best way forward. My inclination is to deeply consider the proposal of the other side tugging the rope. Even though my gut reaction is to distrust the aforementioned shitheels.

Maybe, though, just maybe .. they can offer a compelling argument? Let's review what has been offered to date.

It's All About The 18th Middlesex?

Some shit just defies logic. 

Getting Ducks In A Row

With State Rep. Kevin Murphy getting the nod for City Manager, the 18th Middlesex is, now, an open seat. Over at richardhowe.com, Dick has begun to analyze the metrics (Link) that will be negotiated within the campaigning.

I want to highlight a simple, yet key observation.

Corey Belanger's Purview

I meant to catch Corey Belanger, tonight, but the Council went immediately into Executive Session. So, I'll wing it here.

Within the confines of this motion:

Vote-Authorize Statement of Interest for the Lowell High School under Core Program

Plus, these two combined

C. Belanger/C. Milinazzo - Req. that as School Department moves forward with search for administration offices that consideration be given to boost downtown economic development.

M. Elliott - Req. City Mgr. report on marketing/advertising costs, media outlets, vendors and consultants used to promote City.

I get the feeling that a power struggle is coming on.

It was in the first motion where Belanger started to flex. The notion whirled around the process of securing funds for school renovations/improvements (Link).

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.

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

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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!

Sorry Kid. You're out!

When Kevin Murphy gets anointed as our next City Manager, this guy is the insiders pick (Link).

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.