Left In Lowell

In today’s Sun, Matt Murphy reports on the vote taken by the Auditorium Commission that will allow a Tsongas campaign-sponsored political rally featuring former President Bill Clinton as well as a fundraiser but then “but passed a motion that stated this event would be the exception, and not the rule.”

What? What does this mean? This will not hold up under public scrutiny and I wonder what the courts would say, if this was ever challenged. Now that this event will take place, it leaves the Auditorium open for such events for others. It is the only fair thing to do. We cannot allow one mistake to be corrected by another mistake.

If you did not read Murphy’s first article in the Sun, here is the link.
There are two issues involved with this “controversy.” First, the method by which the Auditorium was reserved for a political fundraiser and second the propriety of having such an event in that building which historically has not allowed political fundraisers to take place there.

The Tsongas Campaign is not to blame for this mix-up; those selected to represent the City’s tradition and interest, who made a poor judgment are to blame.

Forgotten in all this is that a very popular ex-President is coming to Lowell and that his presence should draw a significant crowd and some nice publicity. (Note: Republicans, please keep your anti-Bill comments on this blog to a low-level.)

For those of you who are planning to come to Lowell to hear the former President, the trip is well worth it. I heard him at an open air political rally in 1996. The man is a phenomenal public speaker; one of America’s best. By the way, Lowell is having its annual Open Studio that weekend, so come in a bit early, bring your checkbook and contribute to our cultural economy; have something to eat, buy gas and do not forget to park at one of our municipal garages