Left In Lowell

I have been following City Government in Lowell for decades. I think I am pretty good at identifying political maneuvering when I see it. Often when a CC member asks a question, it is not because he/she does not know the answer but it is to advance their personal agenda. I get tired of the self-serving comments and speeches. I am sure most of you do too. Some of these guys have to stop campaigning and start legislating. Here are my thoughts on the motions of tonight’s Lowell City Council meeting.

Motions:
C. Elliott-Req. Mgr. update Council on FY 09 Budget/Expenditures etc.
I will be anything than when CM Bernie Lynch comes in with his cuts (consolidations, eliminations of redundancies, put in place efficiencies) the CC members who scream the loudest about the fiscal crisis will not be happy when their buddies lose a job or a City contract; how about when the municipal unions need to make some concessions.

C. Elliott-Req. Mgr. update Council on RFP for LeLacheur Park
C. R. Mercier-Req. Comm/Whole req. addt’l meetings w/Arena/Stadium Comm to discuss lease of LeLacheur Park
Back to the future! We are debating the stadium issue all over again. Those of us who remember the arguments and the fights around the construction of both the arena and the stadium are going to relive this. The debate between the two Merciers on this issue was interesting. I think if people think with their brain and not their heart, the Spinners will stay here with a reasonable contract that will benefit the City.

C. R. Mercier-Req. Mgr. improve communications w/City Council
CM Bernie Lynch has CC Rita Mercier on his speed dial and like all good managers he is working on his communication skill. CC Lenzi stated that the CC is starving for information. I think he was suggesting that discussion take place before the meeting or go into executive session. I guess he does not know about open meeting laws. Oh, they do not like text messages and e-mails.

CM Bernie Lynch is reading the handwriting on the wall. It reminds me of the days when the skids were put on previous CMs.

This guy provides more information than any other CM; just look at our city web site; the motions are posted and the answers are provided.

CC A. Kazanjian announced he likes Bernie. He asked the questions because Bernie is the CEO and is not keeping the Board of Directors (the CC) informed.

C. Kazanjian, C. A. Mericer, C. Elliott, C. Lenzi, M. Caulfield-Req. Mgr. continue discussion U Mass Lowell & State Officials re: Control of Tsongas Arena
Who is the individual who wants to purchase the Arena and the land next to it? If it is the Chancellor; that I not the sense that I got when I heard him speak. I agree with CC J. Milinazzo that it appears from the statement made by CCs, they have been “negotiating” with the Chancellor.

CM Lynch did call out whoever keeps passing around that it was he who pulled the plug from under “the Chancellor.” I thought I heard Marty say a number of times that he is not interested.

By the way, who decided that we wanted this off our books? We want the best deal possible and if it is keeping the arena and developing the land, than that is what it should be. I find it ironic that some of the 6 of the current sitting City Councilors who voted for the killer contact with the Devils are now crying the blues about the Arena.