Showing posts with label Call me SCOOP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Call me SCOOP. Show all posts
Monday, September 21, 2015
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
SAME OLD SONG BUT LOOKING TO CHANGE THE TUNE
Can you hear me? I'm doing my best FRANKIE VALLIE impression singing "OH WHAT A NIGHT...:".The evening started with a DATE with my FIRST LADY the MAYOR. I got there at the library to wait in line to insure I got my traditional seat in the front row center, over one seat to the right. I felt the excitement just like when a NEW Apple phone is being debuted.
Turns out there wasn't quite the crowd, in fact probably less than twenty if we count the MAYOR and her CHIEF OF STAFF. I was hoping my early arrival would count for something and unlike last year I wouldn't be the subject of a conscious avoidance (Hey that's not my call it's what some stranger put on FACEBOOK). As it happened though I was the last one called on I think after several promises to get to me. Of course I wanted to redirect everyone's attention to the GRAVITY of the 16 MILLION DOLLAR debt the city is going to be saddled with as a result of the NSS snafu.
Her attempt at resolution is to hold choir practice with LT. GOV KAREN POLITO after I believe the fiscal year is up betting that the laws won't apply to us because we are so special. I am sure she will find sympathy from KAREN but guess what KAREN can do JACK.
JUDY completely ignored the letter from the DESE I have being circulating around swearing that it doesn't really say what everyone else thinks. I was assured they weren't ignoring it they just weren't doing what they were asking for. I asked why no other urban city has the problems LYNN has and that only 3 other districts in the state have a problem with NSS. Of course she said the figures being circulated out there were wrong (Sorry LORI) and that BROCKTON was looking to file a lawsuit against the state for the way they calculate NSS. She did mention we might consider it too. Well she does have a record of winning suits costing tens of thousands of dollars regarding how much the former MAYOR was paid, winnng it then almost doubling hers and the council's salary above what the old Mayor made and then working out some NEW formula so no one would have to pay back what her lawsuit had successfully shown that they had been overpaid. Instead she drove the same bus over REFUGEES in general since there weren't enough UNACCOMPANIED MINORS coming in now to make a good speed bump.
Sitting quietly in the audience was LSC CANDIDATE JARED NICHOLSON observing before turming in to the best educated cab driver you ever did see. Even with those two IVY LEAGUE degrees he found room in his car to shuttle me and TRIPPY to that other LSC CANDIDATE MICHEAL OUK'S FUNDRAISER.
It was nice to see LSC CANDIDATE NATASHA M&M, LSC MEMBER MARIA CARRASCO and have HUGS WITH HONG, not too mention evidently TRIPPY'S reputation preceded him because despite the fact he filled up on the food, a to-go plate was presented to him as a going away present!
Turns out there wasn't quite the crowd, in fact probably less than twenty if we count the MAYOR and her CHIEF OF STAFF. I was hoping my early arrival would count for something and unlike last year I wouldn't be the subject of a conscious avoidance (Hey that's not my call it's what some stranger put on FACEBOOK). As it happened though I was the last one called on I think after several promises to get to me. Of course I wanted to redirect everyone's attention to the GRAVITY of the 16 MILLION DOLLAR debt the city is going to be saddled with as a result of the NSS snafu.
Her attempt at resolution is to hold choir practice with LT. GOV KAREN POLITO after I believe the fiscal year is up betting that the laws won't apply to us because we are so special. I am sure she will find sympathy from KAREN but guess what KAREN can do JACK.
JUDY completely ignored the letter from the DESE I have being circulating around swearing that it doesn't really say what everyone else thinks. I was assured they weren't ignoring it they just weren't doing what they were asking for. I asked why no other urban city has the problems LYNN has and that only 3 other districts in the state have a problem with NSS. Of course she said the figures being circulated out there were wrong (Sorry LORI) and that BROCKTON was looking to file a lawsuit against the state for the way they calculate NSS. She did mention we might consider it too. Well she does have a record of winning suits costing tens of thousands of dollars regarding how much the former MAYOR was paid, winnng it then almost doubling hers and the council's salary above what the old Mayor made and then working out some NEW formula so no one would have to pay back what her lawsuit had successfully shown that they had been overpaid. Instead she drove the same bus over REFUGEES in general since there weren't enough UNACCOMPANIED MINORS coming in now to make a good speed bump.
Sitting quietly in the audience was LSC CANDIDATE JARED NICHOLSON observing before turming in to the best educated cab driver you ever did see. Even with those two IVY LEAGUE degrees he found room in his car to shuttle me and TRIPPY to that other LSC CANDIDATE MICHEAL OUK'S FUNDRAISER.
It was nice to see LSC CANDIDATE NATASHA M&M, LSC MEMBER MARIA CARRASCO and have HUGS WITH HONG, not too mention evidently TRIPPY'S reputation preceded him because despite the fact he filled up on the food, a to-go plate was presented to him as a going away present!
Friday, June 19, 2015
EDUCATOR TURNING POLITICIAN
June 19, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LaPierre collects 10X’s the amount of signatures needed for Lynn At-Large Run
(Lynn)- Brian LaPierre and his committee, made up of scores of volunteers from across Lynn have collected over 3,500 signatures from March 26th to date, and he officially filed the last of his nomination papers at Lynn City Hall on Friday, just hours before he was to hold a campaign event. LaPierre was joined by his wife, Kelly (Curtin) LaPierre and their two sons, Owen, 8 and Dylan, 4. “This is an exciting and historic event for the campaign and I am thrilled that my family can join me to file my papers today and be alongside me for this journey” said LaPierre, from the steps of Lynn City Hall. Piled up behind him were ten boxes that represented each cornerstone of the city that LaPierre, his family, and supporters walked during the Spring, to obtain the signatures needed from registered voters. The large white boxes were labeled by neighborhood, to show which areas of the city had been canvassed, they included Pine Hill, the Fay Estate, Veteran’s Village, the Highland’s and the Brickyard. LaPierre stated, “We are very pleased to report that among the 3,500 signatures gathered, most if not all, are a representation of each Lynn neighborhood, precinct, and ward throughout our great city, I am blown away by the support I am receiving from across the city, it is both humbling and rewarding at the same time.”
Candidates for Councilor At-Large need to collect at least 350 signatures by June 29th which then need to be certified by the Elections office for a candidate’s name to be placed on the preliminary ballot, scheduled for Tuesday September 1st.
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For more information or questions, contact Brian LaPierre at 617 974-1243 or via email at lapierreatlarge2015@gmail.com
THESE ARE CRITICAL TIMES FOR THE EDUCATION OF OUR CITY!
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
PLENTY OF GOOD PREACHING BUT THE CHORUS WAS PRETTY MUCH ABSENT
Went to an informative event tonight at the LYNN MUSEUM on the overuse and misuse of standardized testing. There was a video from a U.S. Senator, a invited guest speaker, and a panel discussion, The only thing missing were people who set the standards we are all expected to live by.
Since the panelist were from LYNN, SALEM, and PEABODY you would have thought the place would have been packed. There were empty seats available and I didn't even have to play my crippled card to find a place to sit. LSC member RICK STARBARD sat on the panel (and talked about a great documentary he took me and my old BFF to {old WATCHers will remember who}
Too much of the presentation was about identifying the problem everybody already agrees exist. What do you expect me to do about it. There was no talk about action. Of course I had to bum a ride home. After I had gotten a commitment from MICHEAL to be my cabby, DONNA asked me and TRIPPY ( he was there for the cookies) if we needed a ride. I told her thanks but MICHEAL'S got this.
"Heck DONNA'S been a friend forever, I know how, why, and what she thinks. No chance to learn much there."
Anyway MICHEAL asked a good question. Good because I had the answer. Even better because I was the answer. He asked, "How do people find out what's going on with the school committee?".
I laughed, "You're looking at it".
Sad, I know.
Since the panelist were from LYNN, SALEM, and PEABODY you would have thought the place would have been packed. There were empty seats available and I didn't even have to play my crippled card to find a place to sit. LSC member RICK STARBARD sat on the panel (and talked about a great documentary he took me and my old BFF to {old WATCHers will remember who}
Race to Nowhere, The Dark Side of America's Achievement Culture ...
Current LSC members CHARLIE GALLO ( Who is NOT seeking re-election) and DONNA COPPOLA were there LSC candidates NATASHA M& M, JARED SINGLETON ( we bonded a little over baseball a little, a budding bromance perhaps?) and MICHEAL OUK (my long lost twin of another mother) were also there to drum up some support while learning a little.
"Heck DONNA'S been a friend forever, I know how, why, and what she thinks. No chance to learn much there."
Anyway MICHEAL asked a good question. Good because I had the answer. Even better because I was the answer. He asked, "How do people find out what's going on with the school committee?".
I laughed, "You're looking at it".
Sad, I know.
THEY GOT TOOK OUT
What an exciting time I had at the NAVIGATORS SCHOOL DA Y. LPS by SALEM, the BROWN SCHOOL in PEABODY, the PROCTER SCHOOL from TOPSFIELD (Whose band played the NATIONAL ANTHEM {don't worry LYNN ENGLISH JROTC still presented the colors}), SACRED HEART and ST. PIUS. Around 3100 students got to see the NAVS defeat the SEACOAST MAVERICKS 1 - 0.
Fans got to witness DR. LATHAM throw out the ceremonial FIRST PITCH. Not bad, but I think the NAVS rotation is ALL SET. I understand there was some discussion about pitch selection for the toss and it was decided her split-finger was too wicked. OFFICER FERRARI was in attendance, surely to be her personal bodyguard. Those autograph seekers sure can be aggressive.
Dropping by to say HELLO was LSC CANDIDATE DOLORES DIFILLIPO (IF YOU TRULY DON'T CARE IF I SPELL YOUR NAME RIGHT, WHY DO YOU KEEP CORRECTING ME?) who was there doing PARENT DUTY as a chaperon for ST. PIUS.
Fans got to witness DR. LATHAM throw out the ceremonial FIRST PITCH. Not bad, but I think the NAVS rotation is ALL SET. I understand there was some discussion about pitch selection for the toss and it was decided her split-finger was too wicked. OFFICER FERRARI was in attendance, surely to be her personal bodyguard. Those autograph seekers sure can be aggressive.
Dropping by to say HELLO was LSC CANDIDATE DOLORES DIFILLIPO (IF YOU TRULY DON'T CARE IF I SPELL YOUR NAME RIGHT, WHY DO YOU KEEP CORRECTING ME?) who was there doing PARENT DUTY as a chaperon for ST. PIUS.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
GOING GRAND
Just got back from a GRAND OPENING. You might be wondering what an education blogger is doing spending his precious time going to such CHAMBER OF COMMERCEE type events. You probably think I was just there to get my picture in the paper. C'mon now I am a serious interest to the health and welfare of our students. (Well okay the thought did cross my mind but I got there a little late anyway.)
Ribbon Cutting: Heart & Soul Boutique and Consignment
Well the truth of the matter is that the ONLY way we are ever going to be able to AFFORD to pay for our schools and maintain some semblance of the city services we've come to expect is to GROW our TAX BASE. That we don't have to TAX people MORE instead we have to have MORE people to TAX.
By the way I didn't see anyone from the ITEM or LYNN JOURNAL there. They may have been, I don't know as many people who know me. Oh well, even if they were I'm sure I'll get the story up first. You see, I'm not overly concerned with facts only the truth.
I did see JOE GILL, Director of Alumni Relations at ST. MARY'S and also PR Director for the NORTH SHORE NAVIGATORS (have to give them a plug due to my CHOMPS connection and their relationship with LPS) there supporting a ST.MARY'S ALUM who happens to own the store. It's always good to remember your friends and celebrate their history.
You know, I think the MAYOR should have been there to shake my hand.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
SAVORING THE TASTE OF MY DUST
Lynn assistant super schooled in Boston
I am glad that the ITEM has once again stepped in to fill in one of my scoops, . I can almost say I'm proud to have them on my staff. It took them only three days to ferret out the facts.
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