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Tuesday, February 28, 2017

NOT RAISING CANE ONLY RAISING TAXES

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BREAKING AND IT'S BAD!

BREAKING AND IT'S BAD! | WATCH OUT FOR  "FAKE" BALLOTS | image tagged in ballot,vote,school | made w/ Imgflip meme maker

BALLOT BUFFOONS

Just got off the phone with the Boston Globe. My name and number was given to the reporter in regards to the ballot problems. Story will be published tomorrow. Stay tuned....

DENMARK'S SMELL

One of the most fundamental rights as Americans is the right to vote. The City of Lynn made a mistake on the upcoming election ballots. They have been told by the Secretary of State's office to reprint the ballots. They've also been told that any absentee ballots need to be recalled and these votes will be void. People have the right to know if their vote counts and what they need to do if they have to revote. People have a right to know how much this blunder will cost the city. This is unacceptable. And the Lynn item will not report on it t. They are a joke . They should be ashamed of themselves. When does this end?

HARD LESSONS

Thanks to the new political direction
Future commitments may need some introspection.

Promised monies may easily go away
But taxes are here to stay.

With charter and vouchers and mass deportation
We're held hostage by whims of the nation.

So the answer of building "The Biggest School"
May cause  us to look a fool.

BALLOT BOX BRUHAHA




Pickering in middle of ballot debate

Monday, February 27, 2017

FAMILY VALUES

FAMILY VALUES | SO YOUR NOT GOING TO RAISE MY ALLOWANCE .... BUT THE MAYOR GETS A BIG RAISE AND PROPERTY TAXES GO UP | image tagged in telephone girl,taxes,mayor | made w/ Imgflip meme maker

PROPOSITION OPPOSITION

 


No one doubts the need
There is a question of civil greed.

So about higher taxes there is some reservation
Did I mention the desire for another location?

To rob a cemetery of plots
Has part of the public twisted up in knots.

So our kids are used as hostage
While on both sides there is outrage.

Sunday, February 26, 2017

MEETING OF THE MINDS

RESISTANCE

Image may contain: one or more people, people sitting, table and indoor

 Last night, the opposition to the two schools vote had a fundraiser/rally. It looks like it was pretty well attended but then again that's what they want you to think. Everybody seems to be in agreement that there is a problem with overcrowding.

The problems come with agreeing on a solution to the problem. One wave of the resistance is focused on the location of one of the schools. No matter how correct their argument might be they would not be successful. Every location has its problems and those affected are outnumbered by those who aren't. It's hard to rally people to vote unless you can convince them it personally affects them.

I am not sure they have been successful in that. However in their favor is another strain of parallel opposition to the raising of taxes. I know there has been pushback from the pro 2 schools faction that our property taxes are only a little higher than other communities that have built schools. To that argument I want to remind everybody that we have a lot of schools including two built in the 1800's. Does that mean a tax increase each time? That will add up pretty soon. We will learn the power of compound interest.

Friday, February 24, 2017

ENGAGEMENT IS A GOOD THING

The Lynn Public Schools is hosting a free Family Engagement Fair!! The event is designed to support and encourage parents of elementary age students in their…
www.eventbrite.com

BELIEVE ME, "I KNOW THE BEST NUMBERS!"

BELIEVE ME, "I KNOW THE BEST NUMBERS!" | I ONLY LEARNED HOW TO COUNT TO 2 AND A 1/2 | image tagged in taxes,schools | made w/ Imgflip meme maker

LORI LOOKS AT THE LOOMING TAXES AND TROUBLES AHEAD

Lori D'Amico There is no doubt the city of Lynn desperately needs new schools. However, the city hasn't been able to meet its NSS obligation for YEARS and owes the schools the city already has standing MILLIONS!! It appears as though every audit that is conducted on the city turns up errors, misuse of funds and mismanagement of funds, which typically results in more debt for the city. There are concerns and issues with how the city will pay for contracts without any layoffs. The city continues to lose significant tax revenues from businesses selling and non-profits/non-tax paying organizations buying. So can the city actually afford to take on $80 plus million or whatever the cost will be for the 2 new schools? I will let people decide and vote for themselves

GETTING IN FRONT OF THE MIDDLE

Lynn seeks middle ground on school project

Lynn seeks middle ground on school project

Clearly there is a deep concern about the likelihood of the passage of this measure. Plans appear in the works to peel off opposition with at least the appearance of some concession.  While some people may have a valid arguments about the proposal's location, my concerns don't take into consideration the whereabouts.


It's all about the "money". While it's true that the building of a new school would have a positive effect on home values, that increase must be weighed against the stifling effect of higher taxes. But you know what, I don't even want to weigh in on that argument.


My fears are two fold: 1). I am concerned that in light of the chaos surrounding the national chaos surrounding both the direction of the US Dept of Education and the emergence of a greater proclivity for the emergence of more charter schools shared by our governor  that the money coming into our district will be reduced and 2). the city's continued fiscal malfeasance in regards to their own responsibilities when it comes to solving our Net School Spending Crisis we have been spinning our wheels. This crisis has been playing out for a few years now and it doesn't seem to be getting much better. The excuses are getting old. Can we trust them to correctly spend the fruits of a $200 a month property tax increase?

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

PICKERING PROBLEMS


Interesting point, sorta. I have heard talk of maybe using the old Pickering for an expansion of Sisson. One of the arguments against the old Pickering is that it is in such deplorable condition that  it is not cost effective to rehab it. Well it definitely is in bad shape, I've seen pictures.

But eventually putting elementary kids who are more sensitive to the lead and other contaminants that have to exist in any old building doesn't make the best of sense. When are they going to start tearing down the old Marshall by the way. We put extra money on the bond to pay for it, like around $4million. Disposing of certain things like asbestos is so expensive. And you know PICKERING is older than MARSHALL don't you know?


Another twist in the Pickering saga.... superintendent said Pickering will used for elementary school but they keep posting pictures of how bad it is. Why can't they rehab and add new wings for a middle school then? They say we are spreading false rumors

HOSTAGE HANGOVER

For Mayor Kennedy's attention regarding the Home Rule petition for the movement of the custodians

Dear Mayor Kennedy,
I do hope this letter doesn't reach you after you have made your decision on whether or not to sign the Home Rule petition. Nevertheless I felt it important enough to  take a chance and at least get my opinion on the record.
While I am in agreement with the entire school committee in wishing to have the custodians under there purview rather than ISD. Also I am in agreement with them that the current Home Rule petition is not the appropriate vehicle to make it a fair and equitable transfer.
It would seem to me that the petition is overly complicated yet vague enough to allow for misuse. I believe LSC member PATTI CAPANO was correct in pointing out something just doesn't smell right about this whole transaction.
While I agree the initial intention to capture the monies spent for the custodians health insurance was a worthy and right idea, I do have suspicions how it all appears to have played out.
I applaud your intention to keep the transfer revenue neutral it does appear to hold the school department hostage forcing them to pay ransom via a stipend. Given the financial trouble the city and school department are in, not only does it not sit well with me it would seem to violate your pledge
Consequently I urge you to veto this petition and send it back to council to be reworked such that it does become revenue neutral.. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Stanley H. Wotring, Jr.

Stanley Wotring <lynn.school.watch@gmail.com>

3:03 PM (0 minutes ago)
Jamie Cerulli
Jamie Cerulli's profile photo
jcerulli@lynnma.gov


CANCELLATION CHAOS

Tomorrow night would have been a REGULARLY scheduled meeting of the LSC but thanks to the blessings bestowed by school vacation that meeting was cancelled. For some reason the scheduled meeting for m
March 9th had previously been cancelled. I don't know the "EXACT" reason it had been cancelled since I have been away but of I had to HAZARD a guess it probably have been they were acknowledging my 55th birthday and the celebrations set to ensue. I know I am loved.

Given the BIG VOTE coming up for the new school and maybe just a sense of civic responsibility LSC member DONNA COPPOLA successfully lobbied for at least a meeting on March 2.

NEW SCHOOL AND OLD PROBLEMS

READ, THINK, AND DECIDE!

SAMPLE BALLOT


WHO DO YOU TRUST?

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

CUSTODIAN CONTROVERSY

CUSTODIAN CONTROVERSY  | GIVE JUDY A JINGLE HASSLE HER OVER HOME RULE | image tagged in telephone girl,mayor,city | made w/ Imgflip meme maker

KEEPING IT ON THE DOWNLOW

Ronald McDonald | HOME RULE HELPS SNEAK A RAISE PASS THE TAXPAYERS | image tagged in ronald mcdonald | made w/ Imgflip meme maker

REMEMBER THE COUNCIL'S HOME COOKING

THE DEVIL WENT DOWN TO CITY HALL


Mayor weighs custodian transfer


Details, details, details. Funny the image the ITEM used could have a double meaning/ Yes on the surface the story is about custodians, the sweepers of the halls but it's also about a brazen attempt to sweep a pay raise under the rug.

My understanding of the current situation that the cost of the current custodians, public employees and private mop mercenaries are mostly counted in NET SCHOOL SPENDING already due to a little nefarious accounting trick called, "IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS". It's just that their paychecks have the City of Lynn  on them instead of the Lynn School Department. Because of that fact, LPS can't count the cost of those employees' health insurance toward NSS. Really that's because these maintenance men are not dedicated workers only on school business. Has the MAYOR even asked the DESE if the city could at least pro-rate the workers' health insurance contributions to count toward NSS? Of course that would expose just how much the custodians are actually jerked around on city business.

Now I am not one to start trouble or make wild claims that may or may not be true, after all I've got a reputation to think of. Well maybe that's not the best argument. Bottom line is I believe this petition is crafted in such a way to reward certain individuals with a pay raise through a stipend that have the double benefit of being sneaky and counting toward NSS.

How it would blowup the LPS budget, now that's a different conversation for another day. On this day I would urge everyone to call the MAYOR and urge her to veto this petition to uphold her pledge to keep the move (which I do agree with) revenue neutral.

Monday, February 20, 2017

THE EVE OF THE IDES

THE EVE OF THE IDES OF MARCH | I DON'T ALWAYS PUSH FOR HIGHER TAXES BUT WHEN I DO YOU BETTER BELIEVE SOMEBODY'S GETTING A RAISE | image tagged in memes,the most interesting man in the world,taxes,school,vote | made w/ Imgflip meme maker

RETURN FROM RETIREMENT

RETURN FROM RETIREMENT | YEAH I KNOW I'VE BEEN QUIET FOR A WHILE BUT THERE IS TOO MUCH CRAP GOING ON TO STAY SILENT | image tagged in ronald mcdonald temp,lynn school watch,retirement | made w/ Imgflip meme maker

A TAXING PROBLEM

Lynn ponders tax hike for two new schools
Lynn ponders tax hike for two new schools

There is no doubt we have a BIG problem with decaying schools! Some people are up inarms about the location of the proposed new schools. Honestly whereever they were to put it there would be some opposition.

I really don't want any part of that argument. My major beef is with the precarious position the city is in, the timing is bad. What's worse is there seems no real attempt to fix the problem but rather to ignore it.

AS I HAVE BEEN SAYING FOR YEARS, "WE CAN'T AFFORD TO BUILD OUR WAY OUT OF OUR EDUCATION PROBLEMS!".

FIGURES HIDDEN

I AM SUPPOSED TO BELIEVE MOVING THE CUSTODIANS BACK TO THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT FROM ISD WASN'T A WAY TO SNEAK IN A RAISE FOR CERTAIN PEOPLE | image tagged in picard bristol lost full custody of son | made w/ Imgflip meme maker

NOD TO THE NEW NURSE

Once again the LSC has "elected" a new nurse. Congratulations to NENSI CIRKIC RN,BSN for her new appointment to the position.

Sunday, February 19, 2017

PREMONITIONS AND PATCHWORK PROBLEMS

There can be no debate about the sad physical state of our schools. Just look at the LSC's submission of a SOI to the MSBA for the ACCELERATED REPAIR PROGRAM for SHOEMAKER and HOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS. I am not qualified to discount the need but if accepted into the program, I think its pretty safe to say this will not be at 100%.

Where is all this money coming from? What I'm hearing from all this deficit talk, it's not. Now that's what's my major concern about all this two schools talk. We obviously can't afford what we got so why would we want to take on new debt and lots of it.

ALL ABOUT LOCATION


Fundraiser To Educate Lynn Voters!
Saturday, February 25 at 6 PM
Hibernian Hall in Lynn, Massachusetts

Saturday, February 18, 2017

WHO HAS CUSTODY OF THE TRUTH?

Well please excuse my ignorance for a minute. Besides just being a countrified, poor disabled poet. I've been away from the game a while. There were of course the obligatory computer problems, I had those before and it NEVER stopped me for a fraction of the hiatus I've had.Yeah there were other things.

You could even call them good things if by good you meant good at being bad. Anyhow I happened to catch parts of a couple school committee meetings being rerun on TV and I got this knawing at my stomach to comment. At least I think that's what it was and not my cooking.

At the end of the last LSC meeting in January, I swore I heard MAYOR KENNEDY go through the rationale for moving the custodians under the direct control of the LSC. Because since the paychecks of the3se maintenance employee's paychecks didn't originate from LPS Lynn was not allowed to count their health insurance and benefits toward  NET SCHOOL SPENDING even though 100% of their time was spent at the schools. Sounds like a reasonable argument. The cost could add about a million dollars to NSS. A sweet little deduction. I've always said that MAYOR was smart.

Although I did remember having contact with various custodians and hearing their stories of being on the move all the time. In fact I was in city hall turning in nomination papers a few years back. (Remember me LOSING) when I chatted with a school custodian who had been called over to work in the auditorium.

But also I watched this past Thursday's LSC and lo and behold there were a couple of custodians giving testimony that seemed to contradict JUDY'S claims.  Now before recent developments I might have accused her of lying, you know, fabricating. Luckily have learned recently of the existence of alternative ffacts and I guess she is just in possession of some of them.

CUSTODIAL CUSTODY

Now our Mayor may be a lady
But her accounting is a might shady.

School custodians held hostage
Want released from there bondage.

Still the ransom to be paid
Involves falling for a trap that's been laid.

For a price surely to rise
Under a plan they did devise.

HOME RULE HOSTAGES

THE POT, THE KETTLE, AND THE COMEDY OF COLORS

Funny because the Net School Spending problem was exacerbated due to the Mayor's and the CFO's own "FUZZY MATH"

CFO accuses school committee of ‘fuzzy math’

CFO accuses school committee of ‘fuzzy math’

THE STORM IS COMING, TAXES ARE RISING

The schools are overcrowded on that we can all agree. The solution to the problem is where there is a strong, passionate divergence of thought.

Probably the most vocal opposition has to do with location, Regardless of where the proposed school was put somebody would be very unhappy and could make a logical, credible argument against placement there. The need to save space for future burials is an interesting one because given the city's financial state, the schools system's record of questionable spending, and the chaos the federal education system is in, we may need the space to bury public education.

I have long advocated the view that we can't build our way out of our mess.

Packed house tonight of teachers, paras, parents, students and community organizing to win on March 14th!

Comment

SPECIAL ED CRISIS

Preventing people from learning how to get funding for their children is the same thing as obstructing people from getting funding for your child.
Two congressional lawmakers are asking the Trump administration to restore a missing U.S. government website that helps families navigate a complex federal law on students with disabilities
usatoday.com

Thursday, February 16, 2017

TWO SIDES FOR TWO SCHOOLS

Donald Castle to Protect Our Reservoir, Preserve Pine Grove
HERE YA GO FOLKS.... One of the ballot questions we shall vote on. Key words: "EXEMPT FROM PROP 2 1/2". You be the judge.
BALLOT QUESTION # 2
Shall the City of Lynn be allowed to exempt from the proposition two and one half, so called, the amounts required to pay for the bond issued in order to pay a two-school new construction building program for a replacement Pickering Middle School and a new West Lynn Middle School. The Pickering Middle School is to be located on ci...
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RAISING FUNDS BEFORE RAISING TAXES

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NEW BLOOD FOR A BLEEDING CITY

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TOO LATE FOR TWO SCHOOLS

Given the chaotic state the National Department of Education, I think voters for the upcoming bond issue need to ask themselves if they are prepared to further subsidize public education? The climate nationally now has shifted away from support and the opening up to other leaks of resources.

PERSIST TO RESIST

AN EASY ACTION: If you or your family don't have a library card, GET ONE. DeVos will fight hard against public education. Public libraries could be next. Local politicians look at the # of the population vs the # of library cardholders. If the % of cardholders to population isn't high, then they think, "Why are our people being taxed for this service?" Getting a library card is an act of support in ways bigger than you imagined. #supportlibraries