Enough talk! This ITEM ignoring me stuff has got to stop. It's went far enough and I'm tired of talking about it. (I'm sure not as tired as you are hearing about it) I have written a letter to the editor threatening to report this matter to the appropriate authorities.
Somebody could get in trouble. I learned about how to do this stuff by reading the ITEM'S coverage of the COUNCIL CIRCUS.
Maybe it's because I'm disabled they don't want to divulge details or maybe it's Mountaineers that are made to be missing. Then again no one wants anybody to know anything that might be goes against the idea of signing on a dotted line committing to paying back 92 Million dollars. I know, I know we are not really going to pay that much, remember we are going to have 80% reimbursement that is really 60%. Someone tell me again why we are on the hook for all of it again? The amount of our obligation changes much faster than I change wives.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
Thursday, August 29, 2013
YOU'S GET BULLY ABOUT THE BOND, I'LL STAY CHEEKY
Has anyone else noticed the push for the BOND seems to be losing STEAM? I don't see all those profile pics proclaiming propensity for a position. Perhaps people are realizing the soil isn't the only thing lacking stability. The financial fragility of our municipality's long-term obligatory obligations to the totality of the population since multiple schools will be needed in the near future.
Since there are more of them than of me, I am baffled that I am allowed to incite my incendiary inclinations without a measurable resistance. C'mon people, state your position. Defend your claim. This is TOO IMPORTANT to just give up!
I know, maybe they decided to go for that WOTRING WING after all.
Since there are more of them than of me, I am baffled that I am allowed to incite my incendiary inclinations without a measurable resistance. C'mon people, state your position. Defend your claim. This is TOO IMPORTANT to just give up!
I know, maybe they decided to go for that WOTRING WING after all.
A TIME TO TALLY
I wonder if there is someone out there who is good with a computer and old budgets for a little comparison shopping. I would like to see what we are getting for our EDUCATIONAL dollar (currently 50% of the city budget) versus say what we got a few years back when it was a lot smaller percentage of the city's budget?
Now don't pass out when I say it but "LET'S SEE A LITTLE MATH!".
Now don't pass out when I say it but "LET'S SEE A LITTLE MATH!".
A woMAN WITH A PLAN PERHAPS?
Thank you, THE CITY'S VOICE, evidently the ITEM could learn a thing or two from you about campaign ETHICS. Last night made the SECOND TIME I have been in your studios yet our newspaper did a story announcing my candidacy. Is it because I am disabled? Maybe it's because I refuse to wear a tie (I am a REBEL)
It would be nice if I could cut out the clipping and put it in a scrapbook, send it to family and friends back in WV to show'em I hit the big time or show that the ITEM isn't just for lining birdcages.
Of course, maybe it's all part of some MASTER PLAN by the MAN (or woMAN) to keep us crippled people in our place. I mean, I do have a regular seat in the audience at school committee meetings.
It would be nice if I could cut out the clipping and put it in a scrapbook, send it to family and friends back in WV to show'em I hit the big time or show that the ITEM isn't just for lining birdcages.
Of course, maybe it's all part of some MASTER PLAN by the MAN (or woMAN) to keep us crippled people in our place. I mean, I do have a regular seat in the audience at school committee meetings.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
IT'S NOT JUST A BACKPACK ANYMORE
"Kindergarten students entering Callahan School should bring the following supplies the first day of school. We will be using these supplies throughout the school year and may ask for additional supplies as the year goes on."
Classroom Supplies Needed:
- 2 Rolls of paper towels
- 2 Containers of Clorox (or similar brand) wipes to clean tables with
- 2 Containers of Wet Ones (or similar brand) to wipe children’s hands
- 2 Bottles of Anti-Bacterial Lotion
- 2 Boxes of Kleenex Tissues
- Ziploc (or similar brand) bags in the sizes of snack bags, sandwich bags, and quart size. (These are used throughout the year for different activities)
- 4 Small Glue sticks
- 4 Black or Blue Dry Erase Markers
Supplies for your child to use in class:
- 2 Plastic 2 Pocket Folder or heavy weight one that will be brought back and forth from/to school with papers in it.
- 1 Plastic Pencil Box that will be kept at school for crayons and pencil
- 1 Backpack to bring things to school
- 1 Lunch bag or you can use paper bags
This is just one example of the many supplies lists mentioned. Looks like the children will need UHAUL trucks on the first day just to bring all the needed supplies!
Once again, I urge LPS to read MGL Ch. 71 Section 48 which states in part, "The principal at each school, subject to the direction of the superintendent, shall, at the expense of the school district, purchase textbooks and other school supplies, and consistent with the district policy, shall loan them to the pupils attending such school free of charge."
I am copying these lists, particularly the classroom lists, and sending them to Dr. Latham. She is the person responsible for providing classroom supplies, not parents! It is shameful that teachers have to spend hundreds, if not thousands, of their own money for classroom supplies, and are forced to ask parents for help in providing them, when they should be provided by the district out of the $119 MILLION DOLLAR budget
Classroom Supplies Needed:
- 2 Rolls of paper towels
- 2 Containers of Clorox (or similar brand) wipes to clean tables with
- 2 Containers of Wet Ones (or similar brand) to wipe children’s hands
- 2 Bottles of Anti-Bacterial Lotion
- 2 Boxes of Kleenex Tissues
- Ziploc (or similar brand) bags in the sizes of snack bags, sandwich bags, and quart size. (These are used throughout the year for different activities)
- 4 Small Glue sticks
- 4 Black or Blue Dry Erase Markers
Supplies for your child to use in class:
- 2 Plastic 2 Pocket Folder or heavy weight one that will be brought back and forth from/to school with papers in it.
- 1 Plastic Pencil Box that will be kept at school for crayons and pencil
- 1 Backpack to bring things to school
- 1 Lunch bag or you can use paper bags
This is just one example of the many supplies lists mentioned. Looks like the children will need UHAUL trucks on the first day just to bring all the needed supplies!
Once again, I urge LPS to read MGL Ch. 71 Section 48 which states in part, "The principal at each school, subject to the direction of the superintendent, shall, at the expense of the school district, purchase textbooks and other school supplies, and consistent with the district policy, shall loan them to the pupils attending such school free of charge."
I am copying these lists, particularly the classroom lists, and sending them to Dr. Latham. She is the person responsible for providing classroom supplies, not parents! It is shameful that teachers have to spend hundreds, if not thousands, of their own money for classroom supplies, and are forced to ask parents for help in providing them, when they should be provided by the district out of the $119 MILLION DOLLAR budget
THEY SAY THE CAMERA ADDS SOME POUNDS BUT THIS SCHOOL BUILDING ADDS AMERICAN CURRENCY (DOLLARS)
Interesting conversation after tonight's appearance on THE CITY'S VOICE. Someone was saying we really need to take a look at what we are saying with all this MARSHALL MANTRA. The big selling point is that it pushes priorities in the pipeline.
This person was pointing out to me that we should be obliged to ponder the extent of our potential obligations. Okay if we put ourselves on the particular primrose path that has been much promoted with stops at first MARSHALL, then PICKERING, on to TRACY and finally COBBETT, plan on putting out about half a BILLION dollars.
That is equivalent to about TWO YEARS of the city's budget so that is like TWO years without a policeman without roads getting paved or TRASH being picked up. You think you have a RAT problem NOW!
Sure I know I am exaggerating for effect. That's what makes it funny but the joke is on us.
I can hear it now, oh we will be getting reimbursed at 80% which is really 60% but guess what?
IT'S OUR OWN MONEY.
They'll be no MANNA falling from heaven just pennies from our sales taxes.
This person was pointing out to me that we should be obliged to ponder the extent of our potential obligations. Okay if we put ourselves on the particular primrose path that has been much promoted with stops at first MARSHALL, then PICKERING, on to TRACY and finally COBBETT, plan on putting out about half a BILLION dollars.
That is equivalent to about TWO YEARS of the city's budget so that is like TWO years without a policeman without roads getting paved or TRASH being picked up. You think you have a RAT problem NOW!
Sure I know I am exaggerating for effect. That's what makes it funny but the joke is on us.
I can hear it now, oh we will be getting reimbursed at 80% which is really 60% but guess what?
IT'S OUR OWN MONEY.
They'll be no MANNA falling from heaven just pennies from our sales taxes.
BEHIND THE MYTHICAL EIGHT-BALL?
Now I have been pretty hard on old CHUCK and his penchant for self-promotion (really I'm just jealous) but there are things ATTORNEY GALLO has been in the UNDISPUTED lead for, The biggest one is this PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP POSITION. The concept is a sound one, I do question the need to create a position, even a part-time one to get the job done. Perhaps it was necessary to give the IDEA the profile it deserved. Any matter I won;t argue that point.
GOOD JOB CHUCK!
What I will question is that a lot of people say that the unfair advantage that CHARTER SCHOOLS have is that they get PRIVATE donations and PUBLIC SCHOOLS are prohibited from soliciting them.
HELLO, AM I MISSING SOMETHING HERE?
GOOD JOB CHUCK!
What I will question is that a lot of people say that the unfair advantage that CHARTER SCHOOLS have is that they get PRIVATE donations and PUBLIC SCHOOLS are prohibited from soliciting them.
HELLO, AM I MISSING SOMETHING HERE?
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
A SIGN FROM MY CAMPAIGN
Some people might say the REAL reason that I don't have MONEY. Let me assure you:
NOTHING COULD BE FARTHER FROM FICTION.
So it is incumbent upon me since I am not an incumbent to SPIN this in such a way in order that I can gain your support.
So.......
YOUR VIEW OF THE TRUTH WON'T BE OBSTRUCTED BY ANY COLORFUL DISTRACTIONS!
How'd I do?
NOTHING COULD BE FARTHER FROM FICTION.
So it is incumbent upon me since I am not an incumbent to SPIN this in such a way in order that I can gain your support.
So.......
YOUR VIEW OF THE TRUTH WON'T BE OBSTRUCTED BY ANY COLORFUL DISTRACTIONS!
How'd I do?
WOTRING QUASHES RUMORS
No MICHEAL JORDAN didn't ENDORSE my campaign, so I don't want any of you out there to start any rumors. You should no I am above that. Besides I do not want to get dragged into any boxer/brief controversy. I'm knee deep in my own old school versus new school dilemma.
I can however appreciate how the false assumption could be made. I mean MR. JORDAN has been involved in a TAG-LESS underwear campaign while I on the other-hand have been on a sign-less underlying TRUTH one.
ADMITTEDLY THE SIMILARITIES ARE EERIE!
I can however appreciate how the false assumption could be made. I mean MR. JORDAN has been involved in a TAG-LESS underwear campaign while I on the other-hand have been on a sign-less underlying TRUTH one.
ADMITTEDLY THE SIMILARITIES ARE EERIE!
A TAXING AFFAIR
Some people mistakenly think I am against the MARSHALL
BOND, even the building of a new MARSHALL school.. The fact of the matter is
that I am against the BOND as presented. The claim that taxes won’t or can’t be
raised seems to me to be a shell game at its finest.
Perhaps taxes can’t be raised directly to service the
debt and money has to be found elsewhere in the budget to pay for it.
Somewhere, somehow services will have to be cut. The question then becomes is
there a willingness to sacrifice. People get used to benefits and usually
aren’t willing to give up something they have gotten used to receiving. It’s
just not in our DNA. My guess is taxes will be raised then to cover and restore
whatever was eliminated.
Believe it or not, that’s okay. That is how our system is
supposed to work. Choices have to be made. To downplay the necessity of making choices
lessens the VALUE of the choice. A new
school is important, important enough for us to make sacrifices. To present it
as otherwise is to rob us of our dignity. Resorting to some accountant’s
sleight of hand just to insure passage of the current project will only result
in long term mistrust.
It is not so much the size of the BOND but the continued
escalation of the amount and the failure to acknowledge that a lower amount was
ever considered. It started out in the
twenties, then went to thirty five million, next ninety million, and
finally ninety two. Given the lawsuit over the valuation of the taken land, the
stability of the soil, the problems with the noise and vibrations from the trains
and the soil contamination ( whatever degree it is) will require some sort of
remediation, does anybody seriously think this project will come in at budget?
I know the MSBA has this new reimbursement schedule that is supposed to be :pay
as you go” but the rapidly and wildly changing amounts of our proposed
obligation only illustrates to me that the people on our end don’t have a firm
grasp of that schedule. I was told of a training that some people attended. Well
it seems to me like somebody missed a few sessions.
We have bigger problems than just one school and
temporary trickery will dampen our resolve to objectively assess the necessary
remedies for the district.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
DON'T FORGET YOUR VEGETABLES
Why is it rge ground is so contaminated EVERYWHERE in Lynn that it is recommended that all vegetable gardens engage in some sort if remediation, be it elevated plant beds like at FORD SCHOOL or INGALLS SCHOOL where at least 18 inches of uncontaminated topsoil to provide a barrier from the contaminants, is more concern being raised? Are we choosing broccoli over babies?
Friday, August 23, 2013
SOMETHINGS TO THINK ABOUT
The site selection for the NEW MARSHALL was MADE I
believe before making any bore holes. I think the only one that was made before
shelling out 1 + million dollars was made after the selection and before the
purchase. Of course it came up good but you think somebody would have demanded
more before we plunked the city’s hardworking citizen’s money down. We let it
ride but we got railed. Or should I say taken for a ride across the tracks. I
know they were under no obligation to let us on the property to do our due
diligence but we were under no obligation to buy.
Except accepting the plan put us under a little pressure
to purchase this specific plot. Truth bedamned
Oil was discovered on the newly acquired land and
apparently we got the mineral rights free. Not only did we get tens of thousand
gallons of oil that we had to get rid of, we geet to pay to have the tank
cleaned. How could someone not known at least the tank was there? Was it buried
there and filled i in the middle of the night? There must have been a permit
pulled sometime. Didn’t someone do a records search? All of this came to light
after the site selection was chosen.
The land that was bought for over a MILLION dollars with
only one bore hold could now potentially cost us 6.4 million and the price on the
two adjacent as of yet purchased will now rise axitomically. All of this is occurring
post site selection.
Did the MSBA express their reservations about the proximity
of the railroad tracks prior to the site selection. I honestly don’t know but I
did see where they put those concerns on their website.
So much for our
experience and political connections on the building committee.
THE FORGOTTEN VOTE
There has been a fair share of talk this campaign season
about the need to get that fourth vote to give parent’s a chance at progressive
reforms for the Lynn Public Schools. Critical votes usually go 4-3 on matters
that make a difference. Of course, myself and/or my BFF would like to be that
fourth and maybe fifth vote.
BUT….
that got me to a thinkin. Who is always providing the
tie-breaking vote? Why the MAYOR of course. So we need to pay extra special
attention to these two candidates and the potential positions they will
present.
We have the PRESENT MAYOR who publicly in the past has
expressed her disproval of the way the current superintendent handled the
school finances in a special meeting for the Superintendent’s evaluation.
Despite those misgivings she voted for blindly renewing her contract and
against publically posting the position to see if there was anyone out there
more qualified before signing a three year contract putting the city on the
hook somewhere in the neighborhood of $600,000. On top of that the
Superintendent would be put in charge of steering a potentially $100 MILLION
DOLLAR boat (I know they say 92 but do you really think it will come in on
budget? If the BOND passes look for round two.)
WHAT HAPPENED TO HER CONCERNS ABOUT FIDUCIARY
RESPONSIBILITIES?
Now we come to the challenger, the current council
president. Hmm, he steered a unanimous letter of support through council to be
read into the PUBLIC HEARING about the posting of the position There was some question about the right of
council to weigh in on something that was so clearly in the sovereignty of the
school committee. Even though that letter of support ran contrary to my
position, I was glad to see council take a stand because education is so
important to all of our citizens,.
How was he repaid in political capital? Well when the
COBBETT princiPALship came up his wife interviewed. There were four candidates
and I honestly thought his wife gave the second best interview. Maybe she was a
little too polished. When it came time to fill theposition it didn’t matter
that another candidate was clearly heads and shoulders above everybody else in
my humble opinion. No, this is Lynn and you know how it works, you think you do
anyway. Not only was she passed over for the third best candidate (my opinion
again) who had been involved in a LEVEL 4 school that had fallen back into
LEVEL 4 (I guess she learned how to fail) but to add insult to injury, the
MAYOR chastised his wife for even applying and putting the superintendent in a
potentially precarious position. That position is wrong on so many levels; I
don’t have time to write about it.
Both are in favor of the BOND vote so there is no
difference there…
UNLESS…..
you consider PHELAN’S public acknowledgement on the
CITY’S VOICE that the BROOKLINE site is contaminated and even though he still is
supporting it, he does admit a little concern.
JUDY on the other hand is sticking to the position that it is SAFE. Oh yeah,
they say it’s a little contaminated but no worries. I ask her, “Did you ever
know anybody that was a little bit pregnant and DIDN’T have a baby?”.
Both candidates followed the same trajectory for their
ascension to their political office with the exception that JUDY has already completed
her TRIFECTA with the garnering of the CROWN jewels. TIM on the other hand is
still shopping for accessories.
I am nit sure their votes would be all that different
unless PHELAN is capable of holding some kind of GRUDGE for his wife’s slight.
I am sure he would say no way would he
do anything like that Still, I can tell with somewhat of an expert opinion.
IT AIN’T NO FUN SNUGGLING UP TO A WOMAN SCORNED”.
IT AIN’T NO FUN SNUGGLING UP TO A WOMAN SCORNED”.
If you are looking for me to endorse someone, “Are you crazy?”.
I tick off enough people,I want supporters from both their camps to vote for me.
SOMEBODY, ANYBODY?
TIGERS GRABBING SOME TALES
I want to give a SHOUT OUT to the LYNN TECH football coaches who are insuring SUMMER reading gets done by having a session ib the library before classes. What a great thing to insure academics are given their proper due!
Now I don't mean to diss the BULLDOGS or the RAMS but.....
MY SON DON'T PLAY FOR YOU!
Now I don't mean to diss the BULLDOGS or the RAMS but.....
MY SON DON'T PLAY FOR YOU!
ABOUT THAT PLAN
I doubt amNthing wil happen. The deaL IS DONE or.....
so I've been told by all the same people who want this particular deal done.
Mind you though I've not heard anythink from the folks who is providing around 60% of our own money to pay for the bricks and mortar, the MSBA.
Thankfully CANDIDATE for COUNCILOR-AT-LARGE KATERINA has shown bold leadership and initiative enough to ask questions and not succumb to only the information we have been spoon fed. Not everyone's livestock is in the same herd, What's your brand?
I'll give you KATERINA has some pretty romantic notions about construction of a new school but hey the ROMANTIC poets are my favorite ones,. COLERIDGE specifically. I took a clas in college.
Anyway, here is her e mail to prove that she is actually doing something and not just blowing smoke or spreading DAISIES:
JOIN THE MOVEMENT!
so I've been told by all the same people who want this particular deal done.
Mind you though I've not heard anythink from the folks who is providing around 60% of our own money to pay for the bricks and mortar, the MSBA.
Thankfully CANDIDATE for COUNCILOR-AT-LARGE KATERINA has shown bold leadership and initiative enough to ask questions and not succumb to only the information we have been spoon fed. Not everyone's livestock is in the same herd, What's your brand?
I'll give you KATERINA has some pretty romantic notions about construction of a new school but hey the ROMANTIC poets are my favorite ones,. COLERIDGE specifically. I took a clas in college.
Anyway, here is her e mail to prove that she is actually doing something and not just blowing smoke or spreading DAISIES:
| From: | Katerina Panagiotakis Koudanis (lin@aikaterini.com) |
| Sent: | Wed 8/21/13 10:08 PM |
| To: |
Parts of this message have been blocked for your safety.
|
c'est la....
Dear Mr. John K. McCarthy, Interim Executive Director ;
Begin forwarded message:
From: Katerina Panagiotakis Koudanis <lin@aikaterini.com>
Subject: MSBA: Thurgood Marshall Middle School, Lynn MA
Date: August 21, 2013 10:06:30 PM EDT
Re: Thurgood Marshall Middle School, Lynn MA
In the event the residents of the City of Lynn do not approve the 92 million bond while voting on September 17, to build Marshall Middle School on Brookline Street, will the City of Lynn have an opportunity to select another site option as listed in the *memo dated March 27, 2013, and not have the school be removed from the list at this time? Many citizens need to know what this will do to the procedure, since the study phase has initiated. Or will the city need to reapply to construct on the existing site, and how long will the process take?
I have heard many constituents say they fear the Brookline Street site will now cost more than initially planned because of changes in the foundation plans and many fear the school will be placed by the railroad tracks. I noticed this is the same concern of the MSBA, and was also wondering if this question was addressed?
If the bond vote fails, it will likely be because of the site selection. Many fear Lynn students will brave crossing or walking along the tracks to get to school; the teachers will not open the windows on the track side; and the cage around the outdoor playing field on the roof is not ideally comforting. It was also recently discovered the City of Lynn chose Brookline site to avoid a legal battle with another developer, in which I do not believe the site selection was in the best interest of the children. (See attached email.)
I believe there are practical reasons to build on the existing site/ Option 1A (from memo of March 27, 2013), and it is a better site selection for the long run.
- In the past 3 years, several homes around the school went for sale. In the next 3 years, during construction many more are likely to go for sale. With friendly takings, when homes are up for sale outdoor play space can continue to be extended until eventually complete. The school department could inform homeowners of intent so homes do not sell fast.
- The existing site is now less expensive and will cost approximately 9 million less. It has a lower construction cost to begin with. Considering the cost increase of the foundation and the lawsuit for Brookline St.
- Option 1A offers more building square footage, meeting Lynn's rising student population.
- It is a neighborhood school, in a better location than near the train tracks.
- The project can be completed in phases, where the annex is torn down to add new classrooms, and then work on rehabbing existing building in phases. Area churches in the past have picked up classrooms while schools were renovated.
- Marshall Middle School is a beautiful historic building, a jewel if renovated
* Reference memo from March 27, 2013: http://www.massschoolbuildings.org/sites/default/files/edit-contentfile/2013%20Board%20Meetings/April%203,%202013/Lynn_PS%20Memo_Final.pdf
Awaiting eagerly, your reply with answers to my questions before the important vote.
Thank you,
Katerina Panagiotakis Koudanis
Candidate for Councilor-at-Large
Member of the Historical Commission
64 Nahant St. #2
Lynn, MA 01902
JOIN THE MOVEMENT!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
OH GOODY, I GOT A DATE!
Maybe the ITEM is ignoring me but.....
APPARENTLY......
not everyone:
This is City's Voice in LynnCAMTV we're holding a 2 hour live show (not a debate) to get your voice heard one last time before the primary elections. It will be on August 28th (Wednesday) at 7 p.m.
We're inviting all candidates and asking them to be here at 6:15pm
We don't have your phone number which is the reason why we're contacting you this way. You have until this Friday 8/23 to confirm. Please call back at anytime at 978-648-0412 and ask for John Chapman the Executive Producer of the show. Hope to hear from you!
APPARENTLY......
not everyone:
This is City's Voice in LynnCAMTV we're holding a 2 hour live show (not a debate) to get your voice heard one last time before the primary elections. It will be on August 28th (Wednesday) at 7 p.m.
We're inviting all candidates and asking them to be here at 6:15pm
We don't have your phone number which is the reason why we're contacting you this way. You have until this Friday 8/23 to confirm. Please call back at anytime at 978-648-0412 and ask for John Chapman the Executive Producer of the show. Hope to hear from you!
MAYOR CREATES NEW HOLIDAY FOR THE SCHOOLS
In a semi-official proclamation coming out of the CORNER OFFICE of our CITY HALL it was proclaimed that from this day forward SEPT 17th will be known as HALLOWEEN in LYNN. The reason given was that through certain trickery of the ENTIRE population of LYNN, a certain segment of the citizenry will be TREATED to a BRAND SPANKING new school with a panoramic view of the railroad tracks.
STRAIGHTENING OUT THE FOLD
This exchange was in response to the following BLOG post:
JUST A QUESTION
Here I'm wondering about the REAL reason for choosing MARSHALL over the other bad schools in LYNN. I thought out loud a little.
I guess now we are teaching our kids, Honesty is is only the best policy if it gets you what you want.
YOU KNOW HOW IT IS WHEN YOU KNOW SOMETHING US TRUE BUT WHEN TOU ACTUALLY HEAR IT IT STILL BLOWS YOU AWAY!
I GUESS I'M SUPPOSED TO BELIEVE WHAT I BELIEVE IS BAD FOR ALL THE KIDS , NOT JUST THOSE THAT WILL BE ATTENDING MARSHALL. EVEN IF IT IS A BAAAAAAD IDEA!
it is not worth numbers in a blog - and I am sure you are losing a lot of readers in the process.
FUNNY - MY NUMBERS - WERE ABOUT FIVE TIMES THE LIKES TO THEIR PAGE YESTERDAY!
I will only be held hostage bx thd truth. That is why I have my numbers. I will not submit to BLACKMAIL, bribery maybe.
THE DEBATE CONTINUE AND THE UNDERLYING FEAR COMES OUT:
ruth changes with education - when others point out facts to you, you need to adjust your 'truth' to do what best for kids. Where do you want to put the 1,000 new kids entering Lynn schools? Maybe if Marshall vote loses, they will forget Marshall and just build a new Pickering
I HAVE TO DO A LITTLE LANGUAGE TUTORING
You got your definitions confused. It's PROPAGANDA that changes with EDUCATION. Keep talking, I'm loving it!
JUST A QUESTION
Here I'm wondering about the REAL reason for choosing MARSHALL over the other bad schools in LYNN. I thought out loud a little.
I guess now we are teaching our kids, Honesty is is only the best policy if it gets you what you want.
YOU KNOW HOW IT IS WHEN YOU KNOW SOMETHING US TRUE BUT WHEN TOU ACTUALLY HEAR IT IT STILL BLOWS YOU AWAY!
Stanley - you need to back the new Marshall School 100% - or you might not see the kids get the school they deserve. Why run for school Committee and then fight or cause possibly some people to vote against the new school? This is your chance to help the kids in that area. Why possibly hold up Cobbett kids down the line -that will cause a taking of properties when the time comes.
it is not worth numbers in a blog - and I am sure you are losing a lot of readers in the process.
FUNNY - MY NUMBERS - WERE ABOUT FIVE TIMES THE LIKES TO THEIR PAGE YESTERDAY!
I will only be held hostage bx thd truth. That is why I have my numbers. I will not submit to BLACKMAIL, bribery maybe.
THE DEBATE CONTINUE AND THE UNDERLYING FEAR COMES OUT:
ruth changes with education - when others point out facts to you, you need to adjust your 'truth' to do what best for kids. Where do you want to put the 1,000 new kids entering Lynn schools? Maybe if Marshall vote loses, they will forget Marshall and just build a new Pickering
I HAVE TO DO A LITTLE LANGUAGE TUTORING
You got your definitions confused. It's PROPAGANDA that changes with EDUCATION. Keep talking, I'm loving it!
JUST A QUESTION
I know MARSHALL is bad and needs to be replaced/ Arguing against that is like arguing against sliced bread. Some say MSBA says it is the second worse school in the state. Maybe so, but have they been in all the schools in LYNN even. It occurred to me that MARSHALL is the newest of the schools being put in a line to be replaced. PICKERING, TRACY, and COBBETT are all older.
Did the MSBA tour them? Of course the water is a big thing I tell you cause you van't seal the ASBESTOS and other contaminants from the bottom. Plus there is the mold. That;s just nasty, smelly, and potentially deadly.
AND THEN.....
there is the consideration they won't talk to you about PUBLICLY. I have had conversations where the THEORY was discussed that MARSHALL was placed first because of the particular neighborhood it was in that if some of thee other schools went ahead of it there would not be the political will to replace it. By holding those other schools HOSTAGE. you would guarantee support.
PRETTY SMART!
Did the MSBA tour them? Of course the water is a big thing I tell you cause you van't seal the ASBESTOS and other contaminants from the bottom. Plus there is the mold. That;s just nasty, smelly, and potentially deadly.
AND THEN.....
there is the consideration they won't talk to you about PUBLICLY. I have had conversations where the THEORY was discussed that MARSHALL was placed first because of the particular neighborhood it was in that if some of thee other schools went ahead of it there would not be the political will to replace it. By holding those other schools HOSTAGE. you would guarantee support.
PRETTY SMART!
CAN I GET A WITNESS, APPARENTLY NOT FROM THE ITEM
An interesting picture and quote was posted on my FACEBOOK page. Don't you just love the CLASSICS?
We are less than a month away from the election and still no article on my candidicy for school committee. Press releases have been sent twice to the paper and to the beat reporter. Still, I got NOTHING. I realize papers have space constraints with advertisers ans all but they could at least call. I feel like I'm the only one who didn't get asked to the PROM. I guess this is turning out to be another song and dance.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
BORROWING TO PAY FOR BORROWING
I'm not good with MONEY and stuff, probably why I'm poor. Never got that gene out of the pool. So somebody explain to me about how the money all you taxpayers pay now to service soon to be expiring bonds is going to make servicing this school bond REVENUE NEUTRAL. I guess it will be once the shift is made and the old BOND matures but when is that and how do we pay for it in the mean time?
The MSBA does have a new way of funding construction with some kind of PAY AS YOU GO system. (Our people have been trained on it, I know because RICH FORTUCCI told me when I asked him point blank , HOW MUCH ARE WE BONDING, 35 OR 90 MILLION? He said 35/A round a week later it was announced 92. I wonder if his failure to absorb the training had antrging to do with his dismissal as CFO for the city?
And if we are going to get reimbursed as we go, why hasn't there been some kind of commitment to immediately reduce our level of indebtedness? To me, that would be a BIG selling point. Why hasn't this been brought out? Is that the plan or are we going to CREATE say another DEPUTY ans say somw more structural realignment with salaries?
Looks like I am not the only the not good with money.
The MSBA does have a new way of funding construction with some kind of PAY AS YOU GO system. (Our people have been trained on it, I know because RICH FORTUCCI told me when I asked him point blank , HOW MUCH ARE WE BONDING, 35 OR 90 MILLION? He said 35/A round a week later it was announced 92. I wonder if his failure to absorb the training had antrging to do with his dismissal as CFO for the city?
And if we are going to get reimbursed as we go, why hasn't there been some kind of commitment to immediately reduce our level of indebtedness? To me, that would be a BIG selling point. Why hasn't this been brought out? Is that the plan or are we going to CREATE say another DEPUTY ans say somw more structural realignment with salaries?
Looks like I am not the only the not good with money.
Monday, August 19, 2013
DON'T OPEN YOUR EYES UNLESS YA WANNA SEE!
Some have demonized me as being anti-new school for even suggesting we don't vote blindly come SEPT 17th. Those in favor of the bond are cleverly tying the two together. That's not exactly true. A failure of the BOND does not automatically mean a scrapping of plans to build a new school but it does mean the scrambling will begin. Some kind of alternative financing will have to be devised.
One idea might be to pay your parking tickets with power ball tickets. I don't know if it's legally possible but another special election might be held in that 120 day window that LSC member RICK STARBARD is talking about from reading on the display on the MSBA website:
"In the event that a school district fails to approve funding for a proposed project within the 120-day deadline, by no later than 10 business days following the failed vote, the school district must submit to the MSBA a plan that: (1) presents the vote results, (2) explains the school district’s understanding of the reason(s) for the failed vote, and (3) sets forth the school district’s plan to remedy the failed vote and a suggested timeline for such a remedy. The MSBA will review the plan and determine whether it can continue to set aside MSBA funds for the proposed project.
Sounds to like a failed BOND vote IS NOT an outright denial. The deal is not dead despite the scare tactics.
I am not telling anyone to vote against the BOND but I do want to point out what you are voting for.
1). The site will be BROOKLINE. Any romantic ideas about using the money to REHAB the old MARSHALL or suddenly move to another site - that ship has sailed. Given the proximity to the tracks, maybe I should have said the train has left the station.
2). There will be NO increase in taxes for servicing the BOND debt. However I don't know about increasing taxes to pay for the services that might have to be cut to pay for it. Fees are a nice way to raise revenue without raising taxes,
3). EXPIRING BONDS from old debt provide a source of revenue by simply reallocating money we are paying to service then to now service the school debt. Since I don;t think the old debt is scheduled to be paid off tomorrow, that is a source of revenue that may not br ready just yet. What are the plans to compensate for that immediate defect?
And I wonder whenever taxes were raised to pay for those BONDS was everyone told they were be going to be paying this new higher amount for ever?
5) Finally for now, I want to talk about something else that has been said:
I can't believe anyone would ever compare building on a site that has been built on for over one hundred years to the Classical site which was a dump and had never been built on.
Really, oh really! I wasn't around when CLASSICAL was built but I've heard pilings were recommended for it to but were foregone in the interest of saving money, so you see the GEOLOGICALS aren't all that different especially when you factor in that this new school will be FOUR STORIES high.
The fact that it has been built on for a HUNDRED years and being an INDUSTRIAL sight dows bring up CONTAMINATION concerns. I don;t know did they drill BORE holes a hundred years ago?
AGAIN I AM NOT SAYING VOTE AGAINST THE BOND......
ONLY......
KNOW WHAT YOU ARE VOTING FOR.
One idea might be to pay your parking tickets with power ball tickets. I don't know if it's legally possible but another special election might be held in that 120 day window that LSC member RICK STARBARD is talking about from reading on the display on the MSBA website:
"In the event that a school district fails to approve funding for a proposed project within the 120-day deadline, by no later than 10 business days following the failed vote, the school district must submit to the MSBA a plan that: (1) presents the vote results, (2) explains the school district’s understanding of the reason(s) for the failed vote, and (3) sets forth the school district’s plan to remedy the failed vote and a suggested timeline for such a remedy. The MSBA will review the plan and determine whether it can continue to set aside MSBA funds for the proposed project.
Sounds to like a failed BOND vote IS NOT an outright denial. The deal is not dead despite the scare tactics.
I am not telling anyone to vote against the BOND but I do want to point out what you are voting for.
1). The site will be BROOKLINE. Any romantic ideas about using the money to REHAB the old MARSHALL or suddenly move to another site - that ship has sailed. Given the proximity to the tracks, maybe I should have said the train has left the station.
2). There will be NO increase in taxes for servicing the BOND debt. However I don't know about increasing taxes to pay for the services that might have to be cut to pay for it. Fees are a nice way to raise revenue without raising taxes,
3). EXPIRING BONDS from old debt provide a source of revenue by simply reallocating money we are paying to service then to now service the school debt. Since I don;t think the old debt is scheduled to be paid off tomorrow, that is a source of revenue that may not br ready just yet. What are the plans to compensate for that immediate defect?
And I wonder whenever taxes were raised to pay for those BONDS was everyone told they were be going to be paying this new higher amount for ever?
- 4). I do believe we are getting the MAXIMUM AMOUNT MSBA is going to give. Iy is NOT 80% unless you w ant it to be. That is done by playing around with the word: ELIGIBLE. Hey, something is better than nothing right? You might want to check the teeth in that gift horse's mouth before you look like the other end.
5) Finally for now, I want to talk about something else that has been said:
I can't believe anyone would ever compare building on a site that has been built on for over one hundred years to the Classical site which was a dump and had never been built on.
Really, oh really! I wasn't around when CLASSICAL was built but I've heard pilings were recommended for it to but were foregone in the interest of saving money, so you see the GEOLOGICALS aren't all that different especially when you factor in that this new school will be FOUR STORIES high.
The fact that it has been built on for a HUNDRED years and being an INDUSTRIAL sight dows bring up CONTAMINATION concerns. I don;t know did they drill BORE holes a hundred years ago?
AGAIN I AM NOT SAYING VOTE AGAINST THE BOND......
ONLY......
KNOW WHAT YOU ARE VOTING FOR.
Sunday, August 18, 2013
WHO IS GOING TO BE HURT BY MARSHALL'S SMOKING GUN?
First promises were made. "Oh we're going to use the old Marshall for SWING SPACE when we build the NEW PICKERING"That will help us with the WARD 1 residents. Those people vote, you know.
Then when the proposed price for the new MARSHALL went way up, the new line was "Oh we can sell it to recoup some of the costs". That was an answer that is comforting to every Ward. "A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR HELPS THE MEDICINE GO DOWN".
Now it comes out in the ITEM last week ISD head MIKE DONOVAN says the old MARSHALL will be torn down in 2016. Why after incurring at least $92 MILLION in debt would frugal JUDY be in such a hurry to spend who knows how much to take down the building? Why just let the new owners take care of it?
Wasn't once upon a time the MAYOR a former REAL ESTATE attorney? I think there may be laws limiting the sale of CONTAMINATED land. It probably has to be cleaned up BEFORE you are allowed to SELL it.
Now I was talking to a CURRENT MARSHALL student who was DESCRIBING to me the MOLD problem. (Remember the problems at DREWICZ, the STATE came down for that one). So maybe it's not just an ASBESTOS thing. Did you ever see those guys in HAZ-MAT suits inspect for mold. This gets to be some serious stuff.
EITHER way there is a more than good chance that the school is not safe now and even with a successful bond vote we might have to play RUSSIAN ROULETTE for a little while.
Maybe that is why there is so much paranoia around this vote.
Then when the proposed price for the new MARSHALL went way up, the new line was "Oh we can sell it to recoup some of the costs". That was an answer that is comforting to every Ward. "A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR HELPS THE MEDICINE GO DOWN".
Now it comes out in the ITEM last week ISD head MIKE DONOVAN says the old MARSHALL will be torn down in 2016. Why after incurring at least $92 MILLION in debt would frugal JUDY be in such a hurry to spend who knows how much to take down the building? Why just let the new owners take care of it?
Wasn't once upon a time the MAYOR a former REAL ESTATE attorney? I think there may be laws limiting the sale of CONTAMINATED land. It probably has to be cleaned up BEFORE you are allowed to SELL it.
Now I was talking to a CURRENT MARSHALL student who was DESCRIBING to me the MOLD problem. (Remember the problems at DREWICZ, the STATE came down for that one). So maybe it's not just an ASBESTOS thing. Did you ever see those guys in HAZ-MAT suits inspect for mold. This gets to be some serious stuff.
EITHER way there is a more than good chance that the school is not safe now and even with a successful bond vote we might have to play RUSSIAN ROULETTE for a little while.
Maybe that is why there is so much paranoia around this vote.
WE NEED TO CREATE A DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL-ER ED
That way we could get some truth about CHARTER SCHOOLS. I don''t know the numbers, that's not my thing. I do wonder though about the comparison between the cost per student between what we allocate for charter school students versus what we do for SPED students which comprise almost 20% of our students.
Again I don't know all the details but I bet somebody out there does. SPED students trigger a distribution of federal and state funds. For example, remember that late October night when new positions in the administration were created with CIRCUIT BREAKER FUNDS? Just what fund disbursement TO LPS does CHARTER STUDENTS trigger?
How many SPED students are at CHARTER SCHOOLS in Lynn? Surely it must be right at 20% right? Work those numbers. A true lottery is random that is what they taught me in STATISTICS class back in HIGH SCHOOL - LET'S GP, MOUNTAINEERS! Sorry that was our team mascot!)
Again I don't know all the details but I bet somebody out there does. SPED students trigger a distribution of federal and state funds. For example, remember that late October night when new positions in the administration were created with CIRCUIT BREAKER FUNDS? Just what fund disbursement TO LPS does CHARTER STUDENTS trigger?
How many SPED students are at CHARTER SCHOOLS in Lynn? Surely it must be right at 20% right? Work those numbers. A true lottery is random that is what they taught me in STATISTICS class back in HIGH SCHOOL - LET'S GP, MOUNTAINEERS! Sorry that was our team mascot!)
Saturday, August 17, 2013
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MAKEOVER
For the campaign I have bought some NERDY glasses so I could fool people and make them think I am smart. Maybe I could borrow GRECIAN FORMULA some other people who may be running but knowing MY LIFE I think I earned my gray hairs. I just hope I keep them.
A SIGN FOR THESE TIMES
Don't bother calling me for sign. I ain't got any. Same goes for bumper stickers. (I actually don't even have a bumper.) I've made it no secret I ain't got no money. You see the thong is, I don't want yours either. I just want your vote.
Plenty of people have encouraged me to have a fundraiser. Different venues have been suggested and all the benefits outlined. Still I don't want to ask people for their money just their vote. So for the time being, if you want a sign - MAKE YOUR OWN - of course go ahead and use my NAME. I have an idea - take a picture and we can post it.
If you are afraid, I understand. I HAVE ENEMIES!
Plenty of people have encouraged me to have a fundraiser. Different venues have been suggested and all the benefits outlined. Still I don't want to ask people for their money just their vote. So for the time being, if you want a sign - MAKE YOUR OWN - of course go ahead and use my NAME. I have an idea - take a picture and we can post it.
If you are afraid, I understand. I HAVE ENEMIES!
A NEW LEADER OF THE PAC, PERHAPS?
Some sources are reporting that last year;s CHAIRMAN has moved out of town. This would be unfortunate if true. I do hope they can keep that killer website maintained.
Hopefully someone will chime in with more details. Just when we were moving ahead with SPECIAL ED.
Hopefully someone will chime in with more details. Just when we were moving ahead with SPECIAL ED.
THE TIME HAS COME!
I geard the administration started their move to BENNETT STREET yesterday. This is good news for them and the students. It will be good to finally have all the educational offices in one building.I hope when they clear out of the NEW MEDICO building they think about putting an EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER in there. I believe they could cut down on the busing, eliminate concerns over mixing with older kids, and have a better traffic pattern.
JUST A THOUGHT!
JUST A THOUGHT!
Friday, August 16, 2013
I HAVE A THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE
I've got a great money saving idea! Since the old MARSHALL has a flooding problem, it made me think, "What would my GRANDPAPPY have done?".
Build a cistern of course. Ain't nothing better than PURE rainwater. We could use it to fill those water pitchers on the table at LSC meetings. I am sure there would be enough to supply all the drinking water at CITY HALL.
What better way to attest to the SAFETY of the water?
BOTTOMS UP FROM THE TOP DOWN.
Build a cistern of course. Ain't nothing better than PURE rainwater. We could use it to fill those water pitchers on the table at LSC meetings. I am sure there would be enough to supply all the drinking water at CITY HALL.
What better way to attest to the SAFETY of the water?
BOTTOMS UP FROM THE TOP DOWN.
LOOKIN FOR A FLASH FLOOD OF INFORMATION
I know I don't usually admit it but I might be wrong on the ASBESTOS thing. EASY FIX, someone who is much smarter than me (shouldn't be too hard to find, I mean I;m from West Virginia for goodness sakes) just needs to post some facts disputing my concerns about the ground water.
I know some of you followers are friends withe people over at LYNN WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION and they ought to be able to cite numerous, peer reviewed scientific journals that will provide plenty of data that will make me look like a fool.
Don't worry, I won;t take it too hard. I'll just laugh and shrug it off, making some lame excuse about my BRAIN DAMAGE. I mean it has been a while since I handled an ERLENMEYER FLASK )Some of you probably think I take my whiskey in a flask). I did go to college back in the hills with professors with degrees from little schools like MIT and CORNELL.
Someone please prove me wrong so I can LEARN!
I know some of you followers are friends withe people over at LYNN WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION and they ought to be able to cite numerous, peer reviewed scientific journals that will provide plenty of data that will make me look like a fool.
Don't worry, I won;t take it too hard. I'll just laugh and shrug it off, making some lame excuse about my BRAIN DAMAGE. I mean it has been a while since I handled an ERLENMEYER FLASK )Some of you probably think I take my whiskey in a flask). I did go to college back in the hills with professors with degrees from little schools like MIT and CORNELL.
Someone please prove me wrong so I can LEARN!
OUT IF THE FRYING PAN AND INTO THE FIRE
ity Inspectional Services Director Michael Donovan this week said the city is no longer planning to keep the existing Marshall building on Porter Street standing after the new school opens in 2016.
Does this sound like covering tracks to anybody else? If it is like any old building there are ASBESTOS tiles and the contamination leaches into the concrete. So we are not talking just a few tons of contaminated waste we have to dispose of. Concrete floors are PRETTY heavy.
ANOTHER THING.....
if it is so bad we have to tear it down right away, why are we okay with exposing our kids to it while we build on BROOKLINE?
Does this sound like covering tracks to anybody else? If it is like any old building there are ASBESTOS tiles and the contamination leaches into the concrete. So we are not talking just a few tons of contaminated waste we have to dispose of. Concrete floors are PRETTY heavy.
ANOTHER THING.....
if it is so bad we have to tear it down right away, why are we okay with exposing our kids to it while we build on BROOKLINE?
Thursday, August 15, 2013
ON THE WAY TO 300 K
You know my numbers are getting awfully close to that 300K mark. I am going to be very close by Primary Day. I don't think I will be there but VERY close. I would love to be WRONG. Some people say that happens a lot.
SCOOP RIDES AGAIN
Although I am still kinda boycotting the ITEM (until I get it FREE) I did just had to point out this story"
From what little bit of the story I could read, they did report our potential 92 million dollar obligation. Theyeven reported that DR. LATHAM felt that the vote was critical.
How can they expect people to pay for day before yesterday's news? They have ITEM.LIVE.I don'y feel sorry anymore for being a print dinosaur.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
WHO DO YOU LOVE?
Well DEBATE #2 is over and in the can so to speak. EVERYBODY did well. I even thought PATTI had a couple of good things to say. I mean GALLO did go on and on but hey he's a lawyer, you know OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD.
Things were going pretty well until the END when......
INCUMBENT JOHN FORD took what I perceived to be pot shots against......
okay maybe not directly at me, maybe it was implied.....
but he called out pretty much directly those incumbents who did not blindly vote to renew the SUPERINTENDENT'S contract. He felt SCHOOL COMMITTEE member's main task is to support the SUPERINTENDENT.
We have a difference of opinion. You see I think a SCHOOL COMMITTEE member's main loyalties should be to the STUDENT and seeing that he gets a quality EDUCATION.
I GUESS WE JUST DIFFER.
Things were going pretty well until the END when......
INCUMBENT JOHN FORD took what I perceived to be pot shots against......
okay maybe not directly at me, maybe it was implied.....
but he called out pretty much directly those incumbents who did not blindly vote to renew the SUPERINTENDENT'S contract. He felt SCHOOL COMMITTEE member's main task is to support the SUPERINTENDENT.
We have a difference of opinion. You see I think a SCHOOL COMMITTEE member's main loyalties should be to the STUDENT and seeing that he gets a quality EDUCATION.
I GUESS WE JUST DIFFER.
HOSTAGE DRAMA
You know what I think is kind of funny? All of these doomsday predictions if the BOND fails.
OH MISTER PLEASE, THE MSBA AIN'T EVER GONNA GIVE US MONEY IF'N WE DON'T PASS IT!
Makes me wonder where did they get all that money anyway? A rich uncle perhaps, a pot of gold at the end of some rainbow or I know they played POWERBALL.
Fat chance, it's OUR money. Everybody pays into the fund through a percentage of their sales tax. That;s right even those on welfare in their Section 8 housing pay into it. If we let the STATE hold us hostage, "SHAME ON US".
What we need are leaders, SCHOOL COMMITTEE members who will fight for our fair share!
Does that mean they won't try to keep it from us?
ABSOLUTELY NOT.
Should we let them get away with it"
ABSOLUTELY NOT.
But that is what we are doing if we blindly play follow the leader
OH MISTER PLEASE, THE MSBA AIN'T EVER GONNA GIVE US MONEY IF'N WE DON'T PASS IT!
Makes me wonder where did they get all that money anyway? A rich uncle perhaps, a pot of gold at the end of some rainbow or I know they played POWERBALL.
Fat chance, it's OUR money. Everybody pays into the fund through a percentage of their sales tax. That;s right even those on welfare in their Section 8 housing pay into it. If we let the STATE hold us hostage, "SHAME ON US".
What we need are leaders, SCHOOL COMMITTEE members who will fight for our fair share!
Does that mean they won't try to keep it from us?
ABSOLUTELY NOT.
Should we let them get away with it"
ABSOLUTELY NOT.
But that is what we are doing if we blindly play follow the leader
DOUBLE THE PLEASURE
I want you to think a little bit. Time to put your thinking caps on. Think property values and two different scenarios: 1). What if Section 8 houses had of went in at BROOKLINE AND 2). A NEW SCHOOL. Where would that put the value of the abutting and nearby parcels?
Factor in this is a big election year and take a look at this excerpt from an e mail:
Another thing to keep in mind is that the taking of the Brookline site solved a difficult political and legal problem for the City. The owners of the property were proposing to build a significant apartment complex on the prop
erty. Although they claimed it would be occupied by higher end, market rate renters, both City officials and neighbors were skeptical and concerned that the site would end up servicing a lower income, section 8 population, which would negatively affect the neighborhood. In addition, there were legal concerns that the City might not be able to prevent the proposed project from going forward. The takings eliminated these problems by providing a property use that was politically more acceptable to City officials and neighbors.
STILL THINK IT'S"ALL ABOUT THE KIDS?".
Factor in this is a big election year and take a look at this excerpt from an e mail:
Another thing to keep in mind is that the taking of the Brookline site solved a difficult political and legal problem for the City. The owners of the property were proposing to build a significant apartment complex on the prop
erty. Although they claimed it would be occupied by higher end, market rate renters, both City officials and neighbors were skeptical and concerned that the site would end up servicing a lower income, section 8 population, which would negatively affect the neighborhood. In addition, there were legal concerns that the City might not be able to prevent the proposed project from going forward. The takings eliminated these problems by providing a property use that was politically more acceptable to City officials and neighbors.
STILL THINK IT'S"ALL ABOUT THE KIDS?".
BONDed BELIEFS
How much does it cost?
We just don't care,
we are going to throw
tax dollars up in the air.
We'll get it back, surely we will
cause we're passing a BOND
to cover the bill.
Pay no attention
to every little detail
in order this this BOND
does not FAIL!
We just don't care,
we are going to throw
tax dollars up in the air.
We'll get it back, surely we will
cause we're passing a BOND
to cover the bill.
Pay no attention
to every little detail
in order this this BOND
does not FAIL!
FLOATING FIGURES, SINKING STOOGES
How come last night;s BOND vote wasn't the leading story in the ITEM (I don't know whether or not they buried it in the back, I can't afford it and they no longer make it available FREE online), well I can think of 92 MILLION reasons why.
What started off as a total project cost of 69 Million (I think I remember hearing that) jumped quickly to 84 then to 90 and finally to 92. The cost is going up so fast the secretary who typed the neasure that was passed a last night;s meeting couldn't even keep up. Part of what was voted on said 90 MILLION and the other part said 92. Always a stickler for details, COUNCIL PRESIDENT PHELAN assured everyone that the ACTUAL number was 92.
WAIT A MINUTE! WHAT HAPPENED TO US OWING 35 MILLION?
You see that is our 20 % that is closer to being 40% and that is a reimbursement of ALLOWABLE expenses and they are the ones that determine what is allowable and what is not. Our cost could actually change without really changing the 20% match.In the beginning we have to be good for ALL of it! Do you understand? Oh yeah, it's not ALLOWED,
Oh well, we do have a DEBATE tonight on LYNNcam. Maybe someone will call in and ask how all this MATH works?
I can't wait for an answer cause I am always eager to learn!
What started off as a total project cost of 69 Million (I think I remember hearing that) jumped quickly to 84 then to 90 and finally to 92. The cost is going up so fast the secretary who typed the neasure that was passed a last night;s meeting couldn't even keep up. Part of what was voted on said 90 MILLION and the other part said 92. Always a stickler for details, COUNCIL PRESIDENT PHELAN assured everyone that the ACTUAL number was 92.
WAIT A MINUTE! WHAT HAPPENED TO US OWING 35 MILLION?
You see that is our 20 % that is closer to being 40% and that is a reimbursement of ALLOWABLE expenses and they are the ones that determine what is allowable and what is not. Our cost could actually change without really changing the 20% match.In the beginning we have to be good for ALL of it! Do you understand? Oh yeah, it's not ALLOWED,
Oh well, we do have a DEBATE tonight on LYNNcam. Maybe someone will call in and ask how all this MATH works?
I can't wait for an answer cause I am always eager to learn!
MESSAGE TO THE MARSHALL MOB
There is a common theme in crimes of extortion.
"PAY US A LITTLE MONEY OR SOMETHING BAD IS GOING TO HAPPEN"
Did you say 92 Million?
Well the citizens of LYNN ain't gonna negotiate with no terror-ists!
"PAY US A LITTLE MONEY OR SOMETHING BAD IS GOING TO HAPPEN"
Did you say 92 Million?
Well the citizens of LYNN ain't gonna negotiate with no terror-ists!
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
A STAR BARD IS BORN
Broadway has home to the Lynn Auditorium or at least a couple floors above it. Out front orchestrating the whole photo op was RICK singing the praises of the MARSHALL BOND vote. Flashes were flying and shutters were closing. Almost all of the candidates for office for both the school committee and city council were circling around a poster board that had a nice picture with a nice rally cry. Most of the candidates signed the pledge and the newspaper was there to record their glory.
I wasn't in the picture and I didn't sign the pledge. Do I support the building of a new MARSHALL? heck yeah, all of the CITY COUNCILMEN were echoing how it was a no brainier and bestowing heaps of praise on the school committee and DR. LATHAM. You see though, I DON'T support this particular plan.
Now I'm too much a gentleman (I must be, I've had four wives) to come out and call CITY TREASURER RICHARD FORTUCCI a liar, plus I don't want sued. The fact remains that after attending the last MARSHALL meeting, I tried to get the PROJECT MANAGER to say just exactly we were going to have to BOND for 35 or 90 million dollars. They were PRETTY good at being shifty enough not to give me an answer. Go to lynnhappens. com, I'm sure they got it on tape. will
So after the meeting I corner FORTUCCI who has been sitting on the building committee from the beginning and pressed him for an answer. Well he hemmed and he hauled but he finally said we would have to BOND for 35 MILLION DOLLARS. You see he tells me, we had this training. It will be PAY AS WE GO. The only thing is nobody knows exactly where we are going.
Well I goes to the city council meeting tonight and ......wait for it......wait for it...I find out we are BONDING for NINETY TWO MILLION DOLLARS. Imagine my surprise (not really but insert fake gasp). It seems our GO has done gone up and WENT. So if I was misinformed or mislead about something so simple and direct as to the extent of our OBLIGATION what makes you think we can trust them on say the degree of CONTAMINATION, the ability of the soil to support the building so we don't have a CLASSICAL II, or the safety of the proximity of the trains.
I guess it comes down to who you gonna believe - all those politicians smiling for the camera or some poor disabled poet whose only friend seems to be COUNCILOR-AT-LARGE CANDIDATE KATERINA. Well when it all comes to fruition, we are either gonna look like freaking geniuses or fools. No wait, you guys are the ones being played for fools. You see, I got nothing so I got nothing to lose. The children of LYNN, they got everything to lose.
So what is the plan going forward after say the BOND say FAILS and it probably will. We need to start thinking about either alternative funding or another bond vote with the proper PR to sell this thing.
MAYBE THEY WILL HIRE ME!
I have always found honesty works or......
there still may be that WOTRING WING thing.
I wasn't in the picture and I didn't sign the pledge. Do I support the building of a new MARSHALL? heck yeah, all of the CITY COUNCILMEN were echoing how it was a no brainier and bestowing heaps of praise on the school committee and DR. LATHAM. You see though, I DON'T support this particular plan.
Now I'm too much a gentleman (I must be, I've had four wives) to come out and call CITY TREASURER RICHARD FORTUCCI a liar, plus I don't want sued. The fact remains that after attending the last MARSHALL meeting, I tried to get the PROJECT MANAGER to say just exactly we were going to have to BOND for 35 or 90 million dollars. They were PRETTY good at being shifty enough not to give me an answer. Go to lynnhappens. com, I'm sure they got it on tape. will
So after the meeting I corner FORTUCCI who has been sitting on the building committee from the beginning and pressed him for an answer. Well he hemmed and he hauled but he finally said we would have to BOND for 35 MILLION DOLLARS. You see he tells me, we had this training. It will be PAY AS WE GO. The only thing is nobody knows exactly where we are going.
Well I goes to the city council meeting tonight and ......wait for it......wait for it...I find out we are BONDING for NINETY TWO MILLION DOLLARS. Imagine my surprise (not really but insert fake gasp). It seems our GO has done gone up and WENT. So if I was misinformed or mislead about something so simple and direct as to the extent of our OBLIGATION what makes you think we can trust them on say the degree of CONTAMINATION, the ability of the soil to support the building so we don't have a CLASSICAL II, or the safety of the proximity of the trains.
I guess it comes down to who you gonna believe - all those politicians smiling for the camera or some poor disabled poet whose only friend seems to be COUNCILOR-AT-LARGE CANDIDATE KATERINA. Well when it all comes to fruition, we are either gonna look like freaking geniuses or fools. No wait, you guys are the ones being played for fools. You see, I got nothing so I got nothing to lose. The children of LYNN, they got everything to lose.
So what is the plan going forward after say the BOND say FAILS and it probably will. We need to start thinking about either alternative funding or another bond vote with the proper PR to sell this thing.
MAYBE THEY WILL HIRE ME!
I have always found honesty works or......
there still may be that WOTRING WING thing.
LOOKIN FUR LOVE IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES
I do have a history.
Despite knowing better or maybe because of it, I plan to go to city council tonight. Hopefully I will at least find out FINALLY how much they are going to BOND for.
I AM NOT TELLING ANYONE TO VOTE AGAINST THE BOND, I JUST WANT TO SEE WHAT I'M VOTING FOR.
What's wrong with that?
I think it's funny some people think I have all this power and influence.
Really, who cares what a poor, disabled poet thinks?
Despite knowing better or maybe because of it, I plan to go to city council tonight. Hopefully I will at least find out FINALLY how much they are going to BOND for.
I AM NOT TELLING ANYONE TO VOTE AGAINST THE BOND, I JUST WANT TO SEE WHAT I'M VOTING FOR.
What's wrong with that?
I think it's funny some people think I have all this power and influence.
Really, who cares what a poor, disabled poet thinks?
THE BITTER TASTE OF TRUTH
I have been getting a lot of grief from elected officials, other candidates, and some high-level administration officials about my position on the BOND for the NEW MARSHALL that is if they were still talking to me about it. I have became a pariah. Why? Just what us my position on this BOND thing?
Have I told anyone not to vote for it? No, I don't think so. I have offered my opinion that I don't think it will pass presented the way it has been. All we hear mostly is the draconian events that will happen with failure. We are supposed to believe people will line up at the ballot box like little sheep and blindly pass the measure, whatever it is.
Well in college back in the hills I took a few philosophy classes and my FAVORITE philosopher was SOCRATES and well he was put to death for asking questions (See why I am paranoid?). That is all I'm doing is asking questions. People don't like that because then they are expected to give answers. It's kind of ironic in a poetic sort of way. This is all over a school and the official charge that warranted SOCRATES death was "Corrupting the Young".
Wouldn't it have been nice if someone would have asked a few more questions before we built CLASSICAL?
Have I told anyone not to vote for it? No, I don't think so. I have offered my opinion that I don't think it will pass presented the way it has been. All we hear mostly is the draconian events that will happen with failure. We are supposed to believe people will line up at the ballot box like little sheep and blindly pass the measure, whatever it is.
Well in college back in the hills I took a few philosophy classes and my FAVORITE philosopher was SOCRATES and well he was put to death for asking questions (See why I am paranoid?). That is all I'm doing is asking questions. People don't like that because then they are expected to give answers. It's kind of ironic in a poetic sort of way. This is all over a school and the official charge that warranted SOCRATES death was "Corrupting the Young".
Wouldn't it have been nice if someone would have asked a few more questions before we built CLASSICAL?
Monday, August 12, 2013
CALM DOWN, MELISSA, IT'S GONNA BE GOOD
Here are some good things MELISSA said:
She is right to prioritize reading. I can't vouch for her numbers, I just don't know. What I do know is that if you can read, you can take responsibility for your own education. My good friend ED and I have had the discussion many times at the office that teacher in the first three grades teach at the most critical time and should be rewarded as such.
I had heard that LPS had hired a PR firm to get the word out. Guess they didn't know FACEBOOK was FREE. Thanks for putting it to my name but none of them even read my blog.
So MELISSA, you can call your DOGS off me now (Oh but they can still keep going to my blog. I LOVE those numbers!) cause I have some puppies of my own.
AND OH YEAH, YOUR WELCOME FOR THE ATTENTION!
She is right to prioritize reading. I can't vouch for her numbers, I just don't know. What I do know is that if you can read, you can take responsibility for your own education. My good friend ED and I have had the discussion many times at the office that teacher in the first three grades teach at the most critical time and should be rewarded as such.
I had heard that LPS had hired a PR firm to get the word out. Guess they didn't know FACEBOOK was FREE. Thanks for putting it to my name but none of them even read my blog.
So MELISSA, you can call your DOGS off me now (Oh but they can still keep going to my blog. I LOVE those numbers!) cause I have some puppies of my own.
AND OH YEAH, YOUR WELCOME FOR THE ATTENTION!
TICKETS FOR TIGERS
I don't do this often but hey it's my blog and he is MY son. CHOMPS is taking an early winter vacation and now my football playing son is selling $5 tickets to get your car washed by some Lynn Tech's Football players. This will take place on August 17 at the back of the YMCA.
Come on down tomorrow to get your vehicle clean.and listen to some tales of tigers!
Come on down tomorrow to get your vehicle clean.and listen to some tales of tigers!
MEANDERINGS ABOUT MELISSA
I said I wasn't going to comment on the MELISSA thing anymore. I LIED!
This thing has gotten hilarious. I couldn't have told better jokes myself. You see it all started when I got critical of HER. I mean hey, it's what I do. I like to think I'm pretty OBJECTIVE cause let me tell you if I wasn't I'd be in some hospital bed right now, drooling and messing my johnnie.
THAT'S THE FACTS.
MELISSA feels oh no, I was being SUBJECTIVE. To be honest, I think that is because she was the OBJECT of my latest rant. You see, I was critical so she could sharpen her focus and get some separation from me and the voting bloc she talks about. Criticism provides an opportunity to learn. Maybe you find out something different or find that you should be more convinced than ever of your original convictions.
The moment you let emotion in you lose. You can make yourself feel better by calling it PASSION but when you ignore LOGIC your opinions lose their validity. Nobody is guilt free here. I was commenting on someone's post on FACEBOOK about the rat problem and the fact that that person is always harping about the pay raises given to CITY EMPLOYEES and that's why there was no money for raises. I put on airs just to show her how smart I was and compared her to Don Quixote fighting windmills!
I was feeling pretty literary and full of myself until she came back laughing I do the same. You know, I liked the comment and admitted I chase a few windmills myself. It's not always the battle you fight but the fight in the battle.
There has been no one on the LSC who hasn't felt the sting of my pen or the click of my keyboard, It has been pretty clear whose opinions I value and whose I care less about. Still go back through my posts (really I could use the cliques) I have also said good about everybody. You have to because everybody does some good, even if it's accidental. MELISSA, Iam sorry to say needs to learn that.
NO ONE WILL TAKE YOU SERIOUSLY IF ALL YOU DO IS CRITICIZE.
I know what this is all about, it is about the fact I disagreed with MELISSA and RICK about blindly supporting the MARSHALL bond vote.
MELISSA thinks I'm mad about that and that is why I viciously attacked her with my bully blogging. Hardly, the fact of the matter is that I think you and RICK are WRONG on this matter, we don't know for sure yet because there are a lot of things to learn yet. Heck I may be wrong. Everybody knows it wouldn't be the first time or the second or third.
Yeah I will vote for you but I have tried to tell you you have got to get this TEAM thing out of your mind. The only people on your team are the voters. All of us, we got teams of our own. Realistically there are always factions in politics, that's just the nature of the beast.. But you can't be drawing lines before you get elected or you will be watching the meetings on LYNNcam.
I hope you take this as a lesson because I really would like to have you sitting next to me up front.
This thing has gotten hilarious. I couldn't have told better jokes myself. You see it all started when I got critical of HER. I mean hey, it's what I do. I like to think I'm pretty OBJECTIVE cause let me tell you if I wasn't I'd be in some hospital bed right now, drooling and messing my johnnie.
THAT'S THE FACTS.
MELISSA feels oh no, I was being SUBJECTIVE. To be honest, I think that is because she was the OBJECT of my latest rant. You see, I was critical so she could sharpen her focus and get some separation from me and the voting bloc she talks about. Criticism provides an opportunity to learn. Maybe you find out something different or find that you should be more convinced than ever of your original convictions.
The moment you let emotion in you lose. You can make yourself feel better by calling it PASSION but when you ignore LOGIC your opinions lose their validity. Nobody is guilt free here. I was commenting on someone's post on FACEBOOK about the rat problem and the fact that that person is always harping about the pay raises given to CITY EMPLOYEES and that's why there was no money for raises. I put on airs just to show her how smart I was and compared her to Don Quixote fighting windmills!
I was feeling pretty literary and full of myself until she came back laughing I do the same. You know, I liked the comment and admitted I chase a few windmills myself. It's not always the battle you fight but the fight in the battle.
There has been no one on the LSC who hasn't felt the sting of my pen or the click of my keyboard, It has been pretty clear whose opinions I value and whose I care less about. Still go back through my posts (really I could use the cliques) I have also said good about everybody. You have to because everybody does some good, even if it's accidental. MELISSA, Iam sorry to say needs to learn that.
NO ONE WILL TAKE YOU SERIOUSLY IF ALL YOU DO IS CRITICIZE.
I know what this is all about, it is about the fact I disagreed with MELISSA and RICK about blindly supporting the MARSHALL bond vote.
MELISSA thinks I'm mad about that and that is why I viciously attacked her with my bully blogging. Hardly, the fact of the matter is that I think you and RICK are WRONG on this matter, we don't know for sure yet because there are a lot of things to learn yet. Heck I may be wrong. Everybody knows it wouldn't be the first time or the second or third.
Yeah I will vote for you but I have tried to tell you you have got to get this TEAM thing out of your mind. The only people on your team are the voters. All of us, we got teams of our own. Realistically there are always factions in politics, that's just the nature of the beast.. But you can't be drawing lines before you get elected or you will be watching the meetings on LYNNcam.
I hope you take this as a lesson because I really would like to have you sitting next to me up front.
A PRECARIOUS POSITION I HAVE PUT MYSELF IN
I hope I survive until the debates on LYNNcam Wed. night. They were nice enough to schedule it on my kids birthday. Always thinking of me.
You see I plan on going to the LYNN CITY COUNCIL meeting Tue. night and well does anybody have any extra flack jackets just lying around. See there has been lots of shrapnel flying around lately since I declared myself not thirsty for the Kool-Aid.
I am anxious to see the language of the bond vote to see just how much we are borrowing. It is just kind of funny, that amount has changed more times than the date we are supposed to vote on it.
Taxes may not go up but has anyone said anything about fees?
You see I plan on going to the LYNN CITY COUNCIL meeting Tue. night and well does anybody have any extra flack jackets just lying around. See there has been lots of shrapnel flying around lately since I declared myself not thirsty for the Kool-Aid.
I am anxious to see the language of the bond vote to see just how much we are borrowing. It is just kind of funny, that amount has changed more times than the date we are supposed to vote on it.
Taxes may not go up but has anyone said anything about fees?
Sunday, August 11, 2013
SORRY MELISSA - SIMPLE MATH OR JUST PLAIN SIMPLE
 | Melissa Romaniello for Lynn School Committee: A question from the audience.
|
I hate to say it but I am not afraid to say it, your revenue idea is a real bust. Homeowners don't pay the taxes out of the goodness of their hearts, That part of the anatomy is not related to their pocketbooks.
No the cost of the property tax is recouped through the rents. Raise the taxes raise the rents.
Since I hope I made it simple enough for you to see and since renters are already paying taxes indirectly, hitting them with a rental tax is like DOUBLE taxation.
You see, it's not so much about raising more money as about better spending what we have.
Again, you're welcome for the cliques.
SOMEBODY CALL A PLUMBER. WE GOT LEAKS!
will need to pay for the borrowing costs out of the existing city budget, i.e., they will have to reallocate resources from elsewhere in the budget to cover the cost without increasing the overall bottom line of the budget.
How many FIREMAN are we going to lay off to pay for this school? May be we just need to take a 1 off 911. Still think your taxes won't be affected?
How many FIREMAN are we going to lay off to pay for this school? May be we just need to take a 1 off 911. Still think your taxes won't be affected?
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