Left In Lowell

Like David, I found this Herald endorsement of Kerry Healey (besides predictable) really laughable. And pathetic! And…awfully short. They must have run out of of justifications real quick (bold mine):

Kerry Healey is a far better candidate and a far better person than the campaign she waged.

The Kerry Healey we have gotten to know during her years as lieutenant governor is smart, committed and passionate about the issues that are important to the people of Massachusetts - issues like education and lower taxes and keeping your word to the voters. But it is an unfortunate fact of political life that few people in this state got to know that woman and her able running mate, Reed Hillman, former head of the state police and a former legislator.

It is even more unfortunate that this campaign hardly ever focused on issues…
…
The Boston Herald is pleased to endorse the real Kerry Healey, a woman who is fully qualified to lead this state as governor.

As David says, yeah, right…Kerry Healey had nothing to do with the tone of her campaign, or how it was run, and who bought orange jumpsuits so a bunch of skinheads could go intimidate the family of Patrick’s campaign manager. Nothing Muffy coulda done about that, really. It doesn’t reflect her character when she doesn’t condemn the tactics of said “volunteers” or can’t stop talking about old cases of Deval’s while avoiding the true facts about those cases.

I can’t wait to see what twists and distortions of logic the Lowell Sun comes up with when they finally endorse Kerry Healey! Ought to be a blast chewing that to pieces.

Blue Mass Group reports on how Galvin is bringing in some of the problematic Diebold voting machines to Massachusetts, which will be available in 28 cities and towns to be tested by voters with disabilities as well as anyone else who cares to use them.

These machines have voter-verified paper trails but there are many documented problems with them, as Bonifaz’s former campaign manager points out.

Now, I know we have to comply with HAVA (the Help America Vote Act) - in fact I think we’re late in complying - but I’m disgusted with any state giving any money at all to this well-known shoddy company. In light of their failure to deal with their terrible, hackable software, and their machines breaking down all over the country causing all sorts of election problems, I would think Galvin would care a little more about the integrity of our elections.

Here’s some of my main beefs:

1. Optical scanners, such as are already in universal use across the Commonwealth, have a great track record of accurate vote counts. Except maybe for optical scanners made by Diebold…
2. Touch-screen machines have been highly documented as hackable, breakable, vulnerable, and insecure. The printouts are spotty, thermal printouts fade or jam, and the whole damn machine is expensive to boot. Tell me again why so many states went running out to buy them?
3. Language translation has to be done manually with linguists anyway, whether that’s for an electronic screen or for a paper ballot. So you don’t really save money on that accessibility front, do you? You might as well print paper ballot for such cases as a large minority population.
4. Nothing like a good ol’ marker on paper to try and figure out “voter intent” in case of a recount.
5. The major issue in accessible voting is for the blind or vision-impaired. In such cases, plugging into a headphone system would help them vote, hitting an appropriately-marked key to get their vote down. So why not print out an optical ballot result which can be put through the existing optical counters we already have? No screen is needed, they are blind!

I’m sorry, I have lost all respect for Galvin. I won’t be able to vote for him. He has once again refused to debate his opponent (Green Party candidate Jill Stein) and shows the same distaste for real democracy he always has. He’s also part of the hackocracy. The more I hear about him, the less I like him. I’m a real democrat - which is why Bill Galvin disappoints me so. I will probably pull the lever - or rather, mark the circle - for Stein. I want the best person for the job of protecting the integrity of our elections, and Galvin just ain’t the one.

And if you are in one of the 28 guinea pigs–er, communities–who’re getting these things in your polling places, refuse to use them. Read up on the problems with this model, and then call Galvin and tell him that he’s making a huge mistake. You can reach the Secretary of State Election Division at (617) 727-2828, fax them a letter at (617) 742-3238, or send them that letter at:

Secretary of the Commonwealth
Elections Division
McCormack Building, Room 1705
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108

The next governor of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick, was in Lowell yesterday and participated in a number of activities including a visit to the Greater Lowell Boys and Girls Club. He was joined by a host of city leaders: Lowell Mayor Bill Martin, Lowell City Councilman George Ramirez, State Senator Steve Panagiatakos and Congressman Marty Meehan and others. He also visited the Middlesex Street police sub-station, right next door to the club where the Lowell police officers’ union, IBOP Local 382, as well as the Middlesex County Sherriff superior officers’ union endorsed his candidacy.

Later on that evening, there was a fundraising event hosted by Congressman Meehan at his house and then the two returned to the lower Highlands neighborhood to attend a rally at the Pailin City Restaurant. It is a very spacious hall with tables that comfortably sit 12 people. The palce was packed with members of the Cambodian-American community and others who enthusiastically greeted Deval as well as Congressman Meehan who introduced him. It was obvious to me that the Cambodian-American community of Lowell is highly politicized and organized. I for one am happy that they are supporting Deval. I am certain that not only they will vote but they will work to get out the vote. (more…)

The following post was written by one of our LiL reporters.

Parents, teachers, and education leaders today joined together to challenge Lieutenant. Governor Kerry Healey’s statement from Wednesday night’s debate, in which she bragged that across the state the student to teacher ratio is “13.2 to 1.” Unfortunately, we all that does not hold true in the Merrimack Valley, where student class size reaches the high twenties.

Moderated by Lowell City Councilor George Ramirez, a number of elected officials stepped to the podium at the local Chelmsford Coordinated Campaign Headquarters with testimonials to refute Healey’s assertion.

Among those who spoke, was Paul Georges, President of the United Teachers of Lowell, who stated that, “When I first heard the 13 to 1 I thought I misheard 30 to 1 because that is far more realistic”

He was joined by Donna Newcomb, an educator at Lowell High School, who reminded everyone that four Greater Lowell State Representatives, Rep. Golden, Rep. Hall, Rep. Atkins, and Rep. Nangle had sent letter to the Lieutenant Governor asking for a meeting with the Lieutenant Governor. Newcomb said, “We followed up with a series of phone calls over the course of many weeks, and although Healey said they would be willing to set up a meeting with us, she never did and eventually, we gave up.” She reminded those gathered that the “issues in the classrooms are more than just the academics. And without the proper support, our children cannot get the education that they deserve.”

Chelmsford School Committeeman, Angela Taranto stated that he “…was amazed by Kerry Healey statement of 13 to 1 children in the classroom.” He added that he personally knows that “when Healey has been pressed on the specifics of education her response has been, ‘I’m only the Lieutenant. Governor’”

Nashoba Valley School Committee member and Waltham High School Teacher, Sam Poulten, mentioned that his classes range in size from 21 – 24 and stated “We are doing a good job, and not because of the present Governor and Lieutenant Governor, but because of the teachers, administrators and staff. The worst thing about what said is that she planted a seed in everyone’s mind that we are a special interest group. But, we are not asking for more were asking for enough to do our job. It is about what people value, and I do not think that she values public education. Deval Patrick has made it clear that he does, and that is why I am, supporting Deval Patrick for Governor”

At the conclusion of the gathering, everyone in attendance reaffirmed their support for Deval Patrick because of his total commitment to education not only with class size but also with expansion of early education opportunities, a longer school day and coordinated after-school programs. All those in attendance agreed that it is time for a change.

I am feverishly working a client deadline, so no time at all for blogging. However, this highly disappoints me:

Many of you are aware of the “use it or lose it” campaign started by Chris Bowers to ask democratic congressional candidates in unopposed or safe seats to reach in and give more of their campaign money to the DCCC or the DSCC.  In Massachusetts, I am happy to say that many have responded — including Ed Markey.

The odd man out is Marty Meehan.  Please help call his office.  I think it makes him look bad for any future statewide race.

At a time when thousands of rank and file Massachusetts democrats are scraping any money they can to throw into our expanding number of congressional races around the country, Meehan, sitting on $4.8 million, and totally unopposed, is doing absolutely nothing with this appeal.  Disgraceful.  And something to remember.  Please join me in calling Marty and telling him to act like a true democrat.

btw, my Act blue page is www.actblue.com/page/toby

From Chris Bowers at MYDD

Barney Frank, Mass. (4) MA_04 giving on hand $821,196 
Martin T. Meehan, Mass. (5) MA_05 No Republican opponent 978-251-3151  202-225-3411  NOT GIVING - on hand$4,886,325

Edward J. Markey, Mass. (7) MA_07  giving on hand  $2,360,862 

Michael E. Capuano, Mass. (8) MA_08  giving on hand  $535,536 

I know Marty and some of his supporters are doing a lot, including hosting fundraisers, but so are these other dudes. I also have heard that Rep. Meehan was very excited to see the grassroots support for Deval at the last community meeting; but Marty, you gotta be excited about taking back the House too! So why not pony up a little of that dough you’ve been sitting on, for races across the country? (Max yourself out on all those races, and then give to the DCCC or DNC afterwards too!) If you want to excite the grassroots for your next bid for higher office, believe you me, this is one way to get us on board.

[Edit: David gives us a couple number to call: 978-251-3151, and 202-225-3411 if you can’t get anyone there.]

Yesterday afternoon, after reviewing the City Council agenda, I thought that last night meeting was going to be rather uneventful. I was wrong. It did not have some of the explosive commentary and interaction of a few months ago; however, there was an interesting reaction to a seemingly innocuous but necessary and timely motion by City Councilor Rodney Elliott.

In his motion, CC Elliott asked that the Mayor appoint and Ad-Hoc Sub-Committee to plan and develop strategy to building and health code violations in the City. What followed the introduction of this motion was not a discussion on the building code violation and lack of enforcement but a turf war.

CC Bud Caufield, Chairman of the Neighborhood and Traffic Sub-Committee felt that it was totally unnecessary to set up this Ad-Hoc Committee since his sub-committee had jurisdiction over such matters. Unfortunately, the city web site that lists all the subcommittees and the members does not have a description of what the responsiblities are. Perhaps they should work on that.

From what CC Caufield said, it sounded as if he believes that his colleagues are out to usurp his authority.

This is a good motion; it gives the issue the gravity and focus that it needs. We all know where these buildings are located and we all can see the conditions under which these people live. If we need to redirect our resources, so be it. (more…)

There will be an organizational meeting this Tuesday, Oct 24, 7:30pm at the regional office at 1 Central Square, Chelmsford to plan the Patrick/Murray Lowell Rally on November 5. Please join us!

As we know, Lowell is losing its Police Superintendent, Ed Davis, to the City of Boston. But it was Lowell School Superintendent, Dr. Karla Brooks Baehr who has been for the past few week, the subject of discussion in the local media and political circles.

Last Wednesday, by a vote of 6- 1, the Lowell School Committee went behind close doors and held an executive session to decide whether to discipline the Superintendent. The decision to discuss the Superintendent’s performance was triggered by a few high profile incidents in the Lowell public schools.
There was dissatisfaction with the school superintendent’s reponses; both in style and content. This past Sunday, the Lowell Sun Column commented on the discussion that took place behind close doors. By the way, why have executive session meeting if you are going to selectively leak information to the local paper?

The Column states “Baehr was told to be more active in the community, and more vigilant and timely in keeping the committee abreast of issues. And she was told she will be held accountable for the schools’ academic successes and failures.” Communication and Accountability; nothing wrong with that request.

However the “be more active in community” thing is a bit nebulous. So in an effort to help Dr. Baehr understand what some Lowellians mean when they say community activism, LiL is offering these suggestions: (more…)

This sounds really cool:

From Bel Canto
to Can Belto

Friday November 10th, 2006, 7:30 pm
Butler Middle School
1140 Gorham St. (Rt. 3A), Lowell, MA

Tickets: $20 / $15 / $10
*****early bird discount available through the end of October***** contact LOC for tickets at lowelloperacompany [at] msn.com or 978-441-6926. See our website for more information: www.operalowell.org

Featuring the Lowell Opera Company and the Merrimack Broadway Ensemble
with selections from Fiddler on the Roof, Orpheus ed Eurydice, Rent, Il Trovatore, Spamalot, Barber of Seville and more!

There are, as you might know, three ballot questions this election day upon which you must decide how to vote.

Question Three reads:

IN FAVOR: Your “yes” vote will help working families have better access to affordable, quality child care by giving home-based child care providers the ability to work with the Commonwealth to improve the services they provide our children. This proposed law will not increase taxes or child care costs for Massachusetts residents.

Voting yes will give child care providers the ability to unite and speak with one voice in favor of improvements including:

* Higher safety standards to protect children;
* More training for child care providers to raise the quality of care ; and
* Measures to reduce turnover and stabilize the child care profession so children get the consistent, quality care they need.

Without raising taxes or costs to Massachusetts residents, it will ensure that public resources invested in child care help make quality child care services more accessible and affordable for working families.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t really tell you all you need to know, but I can explain a little more that I have learned about this situation.

This law will affect independent home childcare business owners, and you might be asking, why do they need any sort of collective anything? The answer is, they are fairly unique in being independent but severely regulated by the state. Of course, those regulations are important, as we need a strong standard of care - these are our kids, after all. However, it’s hard as independents to advocate for yourself. Not only can the group of caregivers help make better regulations to keep your kids safe, since they are the experts, it’s also the case that they need that strong voice against a sometimes-distant state regulating agency. However, they are constantly told they cannot do this as they are “independent contractors.”

I myself am an independent contractor (in graphic design). I don’t need collective bargaining, but my work is also not regulated by the state. But if the state did…let’s just say, the MA Department of Graphic Design told me that I must use only Corel software and not Adobe, I can tell you I would be upset - I’ve invested a few thousand dollars into my Adobe products, so this change would cost me money, and time too since I don’t know Corel very well, and also might not be the best thing for my industry in the first place (Adobe has better products). I would want to have the right to advocate with my fellow independent designers to make sure that the best regulations are kept and the bad ones thrown aside.

It’s also the case this will not raise your rates with the caregivers for your kids, generally. Those rates are still negotiated in the marketplace with the private customers. However, the state does subsidize care for the working poor with vouchers, and the caregivers ought to be able to collectively bargain with the state on that reimbursement. So far, these small home-based daycare businesses have been rolled over by the process, and the only reason they are turning to the ballot question is because a similar bill was passed by the legislature but vetoed by Romney, and was not overridden. This is a good sensible solution to a major problem for these very important members of the business community, those who take care of our children. They will be able to get better training by negotiating with the state for it, retain regulations that make sense and toss out the ones that don’t, and the reimbursements from the state will be more fair.

I endorse Question Three without reservation and ask that you vote yes.