Lowell City Councilor Rita Mercier Offers a Lesson about Democracy

April 2, 2013 – Lowell City Councilor Rita Mercier speaks to her motion.

On Tuesday night, about 100 people crammed into the Lowell City Council Chambers to participate in a discussion about a motion to clear the air on Mayor Murphy’s erratic behavior and actions over the past 15 months. The motion was prepared by City Councilor Rita Mercier.

Mayor Murphy had issued a letter of apology which found its way onto the City Councilor’s desks that night.

I regularly attend City Council Meetings on Tuesday nights as I don’t have a TV, nor a reliable computer, no internet connection, and no smart phone. What I’ve discovered is that none of these devices can adequately substitute for being in the hallowed City Council Chambers LIVE. It’s what you don’t see on LTC Channel 99, that makes the experience so special, clear and true. As a spectator, you are a participant. You literally become part of the democratic process.

It was terrific to see so many people come out to witness and/or speak on a motion put forth by a City Councilor. It was wonderful to see and hear so many engaged in the discussion about the motion. It was interesting to be in the balcony among a throng of people, when most times I’m one of a few, and on several occasions have been the only person in the audience.

Let’s talk about democracy.

Motions are made every City Council Meeting. If you’re a Lowell resident, you have an opportunity to participate in developing policy. Yet, how many of those in the room on Tuesday take advantage of that democratic right?

How many of those who were in attendance participate in their neighborhood group meetings?

How many are registered to vote? How many don’t vote in City elections?

How many go to functions and events held by our cultural communities?

How many attended the Master Plan Update meetings, or Tanner Street or Rourke Bridge meetings, or meetings to protect the Pawtucket Falls Dam? How many have honestly toiled over such issues?

How many are on a City Board or Commission?

How many actively work in any capacity to make Lowell a better place?

How many went to Tuesday’s meeting just to witness a spectacle?

How many will never see the inside of the Council Chambers again?

How many volunteer their time to help under-served residents of Lowell?

How many knock on doors to talk about public policies, or engage people in the street or otherwise encourage others to register and vote?

How many go to the Lowell Senior Center to make sure that our Senior Citizens, many disabled, are being taken care of and to find out what they need day in day out? How many act as care givers for such people?

How many regularly help the poor in Lowell?

How many help people with disabilities who try to navigate Downtown Lowell streets? How many even say hello?

It’s safe to say that very few of those who attended can answer affirmatively to a majority of these questions. Those who can, know who they are and might be embarrassed by any special recognition. So besides the Greek contingent, who were there to defend the honor of their culture and heritage, what did the majority of those who attended expect to achieve by their presence on Tuesday?

If you were one of the ones who attended the meeting to criticize City Councilor Rita Mercier, then perhaps it’s you who needs to reflect within. Is that really the best you can do? What purpose is served by criticizing people with spirit and enthusiasm who work tirelessly day in and day out to make your City a better place? Why not invest your efforts by rolling up your sleeves and helping out in some way?

An old colleague of mine, Len Gengle, once told me that in politics “Things get done by those who show up.” If you’re a no show, then what gives you the right to speak at all? Oh, right … that would be democracy, as City Councilor Rita Mercier so eloquently expressed at the meeting.

Sometimes things happen and someone’s stature rises or falls as a result. City Councilor Rita Mercier is a courageous human being who I don’t really know that well except to say hello, but who I’ve admired for years for her unbridled dedication and service to Lowell. In that regard, she stands head and shoulders above all who were in the peanut gallery that evening. She’s a true Lowellian.

Although I didn’t agree with all of his comments, I gave City Councilor Vesna Nuon a standing ovation after his speech because he acknowledged that his participation on the Council was made possible by the work of Mayor Patrick Murphy. It was an emotional moment. How many who were in the audience fully understand the relevance?

How many inspired by Councilor Nuon’s comments will now work with the Latino, Indian, African and/or other immigrant communities to help give them a leg up politically, as Councilor/Mayor Murphy did for the South East Asian community? This has perhaps been his most significant accomplishment to date in his service to his City.

“New Lowell” vs. “Old Lowell”? If the meeting on Tuesday was a demonstration by the so called “New Lowellians” then count me out. “New Lowellian” is just another name for the disgruntled and now defunct “Blowellian” group, who scurried off and hid as they were flushed out. If “Old Lowell” is the top down elitists who try to steer the City into the future without the input of Lowell residents … that’s not me. I’m just a Lowellian. And if you live in the City of Lowell, then you are too.

PS: Dick Howe Jr. didn’t honor the contributions of current City Councilor and former Mayor Rita Mercier in his new book “Legendary Locals of Lowell”. I have a copy of the book and perhaps a more appropriate name would be “People of Lowell who I admire, and a cursory outline of some of Lowell’s History” by Richard P. Howe, Jr. and Chaim Rosenberg. (review to follow)

The City of Lowell deserves better, as does Mayor Murphy.

Patrick Murphy keeping his eye on the ball!

Hold it right there! Ok, Mayor Murphy takes his eye off the ball sometimes. Personally, I thought his biggest faux pas was his disrespect towards Santa Claus at the Christmas Parade of Lights reception in the Mayor’s reception room. The City Manager was so embarrassed he hid behind Lola while the honorable Mayor slung barbs at the big elf “in jest”. The whole point of the roll out was to appeal to families and kids to come to the festival.

As one who took the time to cover the event and air the episode for LTC, yes, I have a concern about inappropriateness from any Mayor. Santa may be resilient, but we lost a great opportunity to connect with the kids and families of the City.

Ok, about the Pericles statue flap: What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others. Pericles

Who’s idea was it to give a gift to the City, then give instructions of where to display it? Let’s say someone gives your family a painting of a tree, saying: “Please put this painting up in your living room, so you always remember how important trees are in all of our collective lives.” Would you do it? Isn’t beauty in the eye of the beholder? Don’t we all have our own ideas of what democracy is or who in history represents it best?

Furthermore, no one should tell another person how to dress, no matter what the occasion. As one who produces TV shows, when guests ask “What should I wear?” I never say, “… a shirt and tie would be Lowell appropriate.” I say, “Be yourself. You decide.” If the Mayor asked my advice as to how he should appear in public, or at particular events, my response would not change. You want to wear a suit and tie … fine. You want to wear khakis and a golf shirt because you have a golf date immediately after … that’s fine too. The important part is that you show up.

We can’t insist that others dress or appear in public the way we would expect them to. That’s just condescending. There are many cultures and nationalities in Lowell. That’s our heritage … we need to give each other the benefit of the doubt on these matters. We’re all different.

As stated in previous Lowell2020 posts, City Councilor Murphy has made contributions other than making motions. All Councilors make valuable motions. Patrick Murphy has done something that other Councilors would be wise to emulate, especially future City Councilors. He’s rolled up his sleeves while going into the neighborhoods to find out what the problems are. His contributions are especially felt in areas of immigrant development.

This sits at the core of our problems as a City. There are those who continue to force the top down strategy, you know, the old school, old Lowell style, “We’re in Charge!” blue ribbon panel oriented elitists and their followers.

When Patrick Murphy says that we need to recognize and assist ALL Lowellians, he’s speaking about the 106,000 plus residents of the City. This includes over 30,000 South East Asians, 17,000 Latinos, and thousands of African, Indian, Portuguese immigrants among others. The Lowell political and executive establishment must reflect the demographics of the City. This is the future of Lowell. There is no “New Lowell” vs. “Old Lowell”. There’s only LOWELL.

Here are a couple of questions:

• Why this sudden flourish of activity to identify everyone who ever contributed to Lowell prior to the current 1st to 3rd generation immigrants? I hope people realize that it’s impossible to do so. And many of those so honored have in fact exploited the City and its people.
• Why do we need monuments to heroes and legends other than those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, our freedom and yes, our democracy?

Besides our veterans and others who have given their lives for our freedom, the vast majority of people who have contributed to the City’s TRUE progress as a COMMUNITY aren’t honored with monuments. That’s because, they wouldn’t want or need such recognition. These people, by simply living their lives to the best of their abilities, many committed to the cause of helping others, have made enormous contributions to the Mill City over the last 177 years.

To Patrick Murphy and his lovely wife Allegra Williams, this is to wish you a safe and glorious birth of your new child. I wish you all the happiness in the world. And rest assured, there are many in Lowell who clearly see and appreciate the love you have for your City and what you have accomplished.

Kenneth Lavallee, Lowell Police Superintendent

Congratulations on your retirement Lowell Police Chief Ken Lavallee!

I’ll remember a particular action of yours as one of the great accomplishments of a Lowell Police Superintendent, one which exemplifies your commitment to the neighborhoods in Lowell:

You realized that the LPD public safety efforts could be enhanced proportionately with your connection with the neighborhood groups. To have a police Captain and associates attend virtually every neighborhood group meeting has been a wise strategy that shows real professionalism and true commitment to the work of the Lowell Police Department.

To have police Captains offer their cards with their email addresses and contact info reflects the sincerity of your efforts.

The progress has been felt and is reassuring to residents of the City. I can say first hand that the City feels more safe since you instituted this program, and I appreciate the opportunities that you’ve provided for public input. You leave a solid foundation to build on so that Lowell can continue its progress towards becoming a world class City.

Best wishes in all that you do … and Thank You!

Brian Martin a “shoe in” for Lowell High School Headmaster!

Brian Martin, Lowell High School’s incoming Headmaster

“Several school committee members interviewed by The Column Blog welcomed Franco’s approach, and indicated that Martin should secure the $130,000 position this time around.” Lowell Sun

Once again, kudo’s to Ted Panos for asking the tough questions. From the start of this morning’s interview on 980WCAP, he had “current” Lowell High School Superintendent Jean Franco on the ropes. Now we have our answers.

Let’s face it, Brian Martin has been effectively groomed for the crown of Lowell High School Headmaster by those who matter most politically, The Lowell Sun, The Lowell Plan and the Lowell School Committee.

So why is the Superintendent of Schools, the one who makes the hiring decision, the last to know? Well … actually she knows, she just can’t say she knows if she wants to continue to play ball in Lowell’s political big leagues. In fact, as Martin is ushered in Supt. Franco’s days as a player may also be numbered.

It’s no surprise that two candidates for the position bowed out once they did their research and found Lowell Sun articles and editorials touting (if not gushing over) the strength of Mr. Martin’s candidacy.

So how do things stack up currently?

1. First, there’s the Lowell Sun article/blog post (see bold text above) which outlines the disposition of the School Committee, leading to an article by Sarah Favot in today’s paper.
2. Second, there’s Lowell Sun ‘Chairman of the Board’ Kendall Wallace who selects his candidate (more gushing) in his March 23, 2013 Saturday Chat column.
3. Third, there’s Supt. Franco’s predictable alignment with the Lowell Plan’s often misinterpreted Jeff Speck report which addresses the future of Lowell High School according to Jim Cook, with no official input from Lowell’s citizens. (980WCAP replay)

Superintendent Franco seems savvy to Lowell politics and is desperately trying to plant herself on the right side of the issues, as she goes through the motions of choosing between Brian Martin with the stellar Lowell pedigree, and, the apparently “missing in action” Saugus High School principal Joseph Diorio. “Let’s see … who shall I pick?”

So with preparations for the coronation now in place, let the celebration begin. Yes, its terrific that Brian Martin will be back in public service to the City of Lowell. However, there’s the concern that he’s firmly on board with the Lowell Plan, and he’s already stated that he wants the high school to stay downtown. I can’t think of a better way for him to solidify (or perhaps change) his opinion than as the High School’s Headmaster, and perhaps future Superintendent. Finally, the stars may be aligning.

So as the plot now thickens at the high school (and perhaps beyond), you can’t help but wonder how Supt. Franco and new Headmaster “to be” Martin will divvy up the power of running the schools. Yes, that’s right … schools in the plural.

With the School Committee rolling out the red carpet for Martin, you can’t help but consider Franco’s future as Lowell School Superintendent. Is the writing on the smart board? Make no mistake … Brian Martin still has his fast ball! Let’s see if Supt. Franco can hit, because if she can’t … Brian can.

Editor’s Note: The interviews for Lowell High School Headmaster will be held Tuesday at 5pm at the Lowell School Dept. Headquarters, Rogers School, Room 054, Highland St. Will Saugus High School principal Joseph Diorio come out of hiding for the interviews? Will Brian Martin win the position uncontested? What is former Lowell School Superintendent Chris Scott thinking right now? Stay tuned.

Lowell Politics has the Tail Wagging the Dog

Lowell Plan Inc. at 11 Kearney Square in Downtown Lowell

March 6, 2013 – During today’s 980WCAP weekly chat with Lowell City Manager Bernie Lynch, Ted Panos mentioned this blog and asked Mr. Lynch about the $2 million loan order for Kiosks which was approved by the City Council last night by a vote of 8-1. Councilor Elliott was the lone holdout, while Councilor Kennedy simply acknowledged that a fight is futile … “I know I don’t have the votes.”

In essence Ted Panos asks the City Manager, “What’s the REAL big picture?” … or more specifically, “Should the public have some kind of an input on the Jeff Speck plan before all or any of it is implemented?” Note: for the radio replay go to 16min 17sec: http://980wcap.com/category/replay

The City Manager suggested the public could have weighed in at last weeks Public Hearing involving the kiosks. But how did the plan to narrow Father Morissette Blvd. as noted in the Speck report become part of the $2 million loan order to add kiosks?

Last week, the City Councilors were taken off guard when implementing the Lowell Plan’s Speck report suddenly appeared to be an unauthorized addendum to the loan order.  Councilor Marty Lorrey said that he didn’t know anything about the Jeff Speck plan and asked “Wasn’t that completed 10 years ago?” (It was completed in Oct. 2010.) Councilor Ed Kennedy got into an argument with Asst. City Manager Adam Baacke over some verbiage in the plan and apparently lost. And then last night, Councilor Kennedy appeared to lose his “not one penny spent” until an overall plan for Father Morissette Blvd. is agreed upon battle of interpretations with Mr. Baacke. Adam seems to delight in one upping Councilor Kennedy. He certainly took the fight to Councilor Kennedy last night with relish and emphasis. If he had one, he would have spiked the ball.

And didn’t Councilor Martin say that parked cars along Father Morissette Blvd. would lead to more walking, thereby improving walkability in Lowell? Mr. Speck would probably disagree. However, eliminating the newly installed parking spaces along Father Morissette Blvd. when the Lowell Plan feels its time to muscle the Trolley Expansion Project through could grease the wheels for federal funds for that project. Jeff Speck would likely agree. Why? Because Jeff Speck doesn’t believe that a City should install a Trolley system without reducing the number of cars on the street. Doesn’t the report say that adding parking along Father Morissette Blvd. may be the short term solution? The long term solution is the Trolley Expansion Project. Wait … put in parking spaces now, and remove them later to create the right perception for federal officials who fund urban projects. That’s genius! But is it legal? The strategy sounds vaguely familiar.

So let’s get back to the recent Public Hearing, which was apparently the public’s chance to weigh in on the Jeff Speck plan disguised as a loan order for kiosks. Apparently, a “bait and switch” has occurred … a shell game. Mr. Lynch, please explain how the general public could have known that the public hearing was held to accept all or part of the Jeff Speck plan. Wasn’t the public hearing held to comment on your proposal for more kiosks?

Even though Mr. Lynch was asked specifically for more info in previous meetings, he didn’t begin to provide requested information until last week’s public hearing. It was during that meeting that he took umbrage to Councilor Elliott’s audacity to ask questions, then insulted him for needing info so he could make an “educated decision”. Perhaps the City Manager prefers confused City Councilors. Or maybe he just knows how to play hardball when push comes to shove. Could it be a little bit of both?

Meanwhile, the General Public didn’t have access to all of the info in the packet.  For example, what did Jim Cook say in his letter to the City Council? Obviously, several Councilors (if not all) have been approached by Mr. Cook by phone or otherwise.

I don’t object to a proposal to modify Father Morissette Blvd. And, there are obvious benefits to purchasing more kiosks. But as a resident, I take exception to Jim Cook of the Lowell Plan pushing the Jeff Speck Downtown Evolution Plan through without input from City residents. I’m also assuming the City Council isn’t authorized to rubber stamp this report or any other initiative of the Lowell Plan. Jeff Speck (and Councilor Kennedy) knows that piecemeal implementation of the plan isn’t a good idea. The City Council was obviously taken by surprise by this maneuver.

Once again, this is Jim Cook pushing his agenda through politically without public input. And by public, I mean a legitimate consensus that represents 106,000 Lowell residents and reflects its demographics. The strategy of moving the question piecemeal shows Mr. Cook’s savvy understanding of how to manipulate local politicians via the administration.

to be continued

11 Kearney Square building directory

 

Lowell Plan’s “Downtown Evolution Plan” a Trojan Horse

It’s really not about kiosks, is it Mr. Manager?

Having attended Tuesday’s Lowell City Council public hearing about the kiosks, and having followed the discussion since Feb. 12, I now understand what’s transpiring.

This isn’t about the kiosks, its not about parking per se, its about moving forward with implementing the Lowell Plan’s Downtown Evolution Plan by Jeff Speck.

There’s one problem, there hasn’t been a public review process involving the document.

The City Council hasn’t considered the document for approval. So why is the City Manager and Assistant City Manager Adam Baacke of the Lowell DPD moving forward with its implementation?

The kiosk issue has emerged from a Trojan Horse. It would seem that the Lowell Plan is being used to circumvent the public procurement process required by the Mass. General Laws (MGL). Is Jeff Speck licensed to practice in Massachusetts?

Why would the City Council be expected to know what’s contained in the “Speck” plan? They haven’t been asked to review the plan. They haven’t been asked to inform the public about the plan. The meeting last Tuesday was about the kiosks. When did it become about The Lowell Plan’s Downtown Evolution Plan? This may explain the City Manager’s reluctance to provide information that was requested by City Councilors on Feb. 12 and again on Feb. 19.

And weren’t the bike lanes also part of the “Speck” plan? There was a bit of an outcry of “what’s going on here?” by the public that was ignored. What about the right turn from Shattuck St. to Market St. to Dutton St. that suddenly appeared overnight? Yes, this was also part of the “Speck” plan. There’s a pattern of steamrolling developing here.

The “Speck” plan was completed in October of 2010. The next step was to have a public review process initiated by the City Council, so the general public could be allowed input prior to a Council motion/vote on what to do with it.

Then there are the Jim Cook gag orders … so much for transparency in government. We need to put the breaks on implementing any aspect of this plan until legal questions can be addressed and resolved. Lowell may be heading towards another Inspector General inquiry.

The City Council was expected by the City Manager and Mr. Baacke to be prepared to discuss the Lowell Plan’s document at last Tuesday’s meeting. The problem is no one informed the Council. Apparently there’s more to this Jim Cook gag order thing than meets the eye. Is it possible to make public a copy of the letter he provided each Councilor at the Tuesday meeting? Let’s start there.

I urge the Lowell City Council to vote NO on the kiosk loan order on Tuesday.

Oh, so this is what the loan order for the kiosks is about … very clever end around strategy!

To be continued …

PEAKTIME Walkability on Father Morissette Blvd./French St. in Lowell, MA

We Can Do Better!

The above 2 min. video depicts traffic on Father Morissette Blvd./French St. as LHS lets out. A woman with a baby carriage navigates the crosswalk as a large bus impatiently continues forward. Cars speed through a school zone, slowing and/or stopping only when students try to cross French Street. Buses and cars fill the streets, including cars waiting bumper to bumper on the side of the street. This happens twice every school day.

This is part of the Lowell2020 study pertaining to the future of Lowell High School. There’s no way to form a vision about the future of downtown Lowell without planning the future of the high school. Without a consensus on this question, it’s impossible to plan for downtown Lowell’s future and ultimately Lowell’s future.

Perhaps, it’s time to think about building a new state of the art high school in another part of the City, most likely in the Cawley Stadium area, so this property can be redeveloped to be the KEYSTONE of Lowell’s downtown revitalization strategy. Only then will this section of downtown Lowell be truly walkable. Let’s give downtown Lowell a clear and true vision for the future, one that best serves its citizens. And let’s give our students the best high school experience possible.

Previous Posts about the future of Lowell High School question:

http://lowell2020.wordpress.com/2012/12/13/a-redevelopment-concept-for-the-lowell-high-school-property/

http://lowell2020.wordpress.com/2012/12/10/futility-of-future-improvements-for-the-high-school/