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May 31st, 2009 at 8:16 am
“I have a safe seat”. The ultimate arrogance in politics. The reason that Murphy has a safe seat is that he has no opposition. What the Highlands needs to do is to run a politically active Asian American against Murphy. Then *** won’t be walking through the neighborhood every morning, he’ll be doing it all day long when he’s supposed to be serving his district. Anytime a politician from the Highlands (and there are only a few) does well in an election, *** starts to sweat. Let’s have a contest. Point to one thing Murphy has accomplished for his district. Go.
May 31st, 2009 at 8:53 am
I never understood how Rep. Murphy could also serve as the attorney for the Dracut School Committee, the LRTA drivers, and those Lowell school admins. who got raises last year. The man has the right to make a living, of course, but to represent public sector employees when he is a legislator is a conflict of interest in my mind.
May 31st, 2009 at 9:50 am
Go back and read Rita Mercier’s quotes in the column. I think they are important.
May 31st, 2009 at 10:18 am
Molly..Why?
May 31st, 2009 at 10:56 am
Anybody have any accomplishments to point to?
May 31st, 2009 at 11:44 am
Here are some other key quotes in the Columns attempt to stir up some controversy (much easier than actually covering the city’s political landscape or the election)
“Murphy called the rumors “penultimate Lowell,” adding that the same buzz was hanging above the city prior to then-City Manager John Cox leaving three years ago.”
But then there is this…
“…But Murphy left Elliott’s reservation when he learned that Elliott voted to give Lynch a contract. Had the promise of a contract been dangled before Murphy, he might have sought the manager’s job. …”
As far as Rita saying that she doesn’t want to get rid of Lynch…I believe that like I believe Councilor “Tow Truck” and Councilor “I work too hard for weekly council meetings” didn’t run to revenge John Cox.
Murphy and Sen Pangy are two players that are always on the edge looking at the CM’s job as the next step in their career. Pangy isn’t going anywhere right now at least as long as he’s chair of ways and means and perhaps Senate Prez one day. As long as he holds that power on Beacon Hill he isn’t going anywhere.
Murphy on the other hand might be ready for the change. He lost his leadership role in the House. His goal of being House Speaker died when Tommy Finneran got the term limits for speaker overturned, so he’s probably ready for the public salary increase…read that padding his pension.
Is Bernie on the way out? I doubt it, the CC needs someone who knows what they are doing in these financial times, but look for him to start sliding when layoffs are announced and the councilors get heat. Bernie will go when the economy starts to turn around.
But bottom line…this is the paper’s attempt to stir something up so they can cover that during the campaign season instead of actually covering the real issues and candidates. A lot easier that way!.
May 31st, 2009 at 12:36 pm
I think ER has hit several nails square on their heads. Maybe the most disturbing is that the SUN, which regularly rah-rahs the Lowell need for cooperation, should propogate such a divisive rumor as the council election season starts. But that may be their way of stimulating more political advertising.
May 31st, 2009 at 2:18 pm
you’re all talking about it aren’t you?
May 31st, 2009 at 3:16 pm
This was obviously a cry for ink from Murphy. So, let’s give him some free publicity. Now, can anyone name one thing, other than padding the UMass Lowell payroll that he has accomplished as a state rep? Just one. Some piece of legislation (that is his title) that points to the fact that he has accomplished ANYTHING other than an occasional quote in the paper. Come on, people, help me. Bud’s starting to appeal to me.
May 31st, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Well let’s talk about something the Sun is publishing, at least on line, that I believe is a fabrication and designed to create controversy. Rob Mill’s police blog from yesterday states:
“…Thanks to budget cuts, made by people on Beacon Hill, local police in Lowell are facing massive layoffs. …”
Now it’s my understanding that while Beacon Hill is imposing cuts on municipalities, the Lowell Police Union was able to install wording into the language of their contract with the city years ago…(there is still a CC on the board that approved this deal)…that states if there are layoffs then Super Holiday Pay is reinstated!
That would make those “massive layoffs” the Sun is predicting very unlikely since they would be cost prohibitive.
So Anonymous…is this how the 4th Estate operates in this city? Create lies and rumors then “report” the reaction as news?
It’s time for new ownership and management at the Sun!
May 31st, 2009 at 5:43 pm
The Globe reports that long-time Cambridge City Manager and Lowell resident Bob Healy is facing unaccustomed friction in his job. Would this position appeal to CM Lynch?
May 31st, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Healey just signed onto another 5yr (?) contract as I understand it.
May 31st, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Wouldn’t be great if there was stability in the CM’s office in Lowell? Not have to worry about what clan or faction gets their guy in the next time after the incumbent is in the office a few years. Healy’s been in Cambridge forever and they recognize the value of having a professional manager/administrator and not some recycled politco looking to pad a pension. We’ve got that now if saner heads prevail and those who believe in professional, good government run their own candidates strongly this fall, support others who do as well, and vote out the “business as usual” crowd.
Gotta get Donoghue and Tenzcar back in there and hopefully not at the expense of Milanzzo or Broderick. Rumor is the caterer might not be running again.
May 31st, 2009 at 7:15 pm
so, if the caterer isn’t running, who is Leahey/Lenzi/Nangle family going to run for that seat?
May 31st, 2009 at 8:18 pm
ER-
Get ready for police layoffs and the closing of the police precincts. Mr. Mills isn’t that far off speculating on massive layoffs in the police department.
May 31st, 2009 at 8:36 pm
ER:
I don’t see it the way you do. First, on the Murphy story. I think someone is floating that balloon. Consider this scenario: There are elements who want to a change in the CM’s office, not because Bernie is not doing a good job but because they want direct control and influence. So the best way is to get someone ready. And in Murphy’s case, you probably have someone who may want the job.
And as far as the police contract, yes there is a super holiday pay but do not be so sure that there is no wiggle room. A very, very reliable source told me the cops are concerned how deep the layoffs may need to be. No one is doing cartwheels because “superholiday pay” will kick in.
May 31st, 2009 at 9:49 pm
The cops should be concerned about layoffs the way things are going…the cuts have to come somewhere in the city budget. I’m sure they’ll follow in with the fire department to minimize the number of officers to be unfortunately laid off.
June 1st, 2009 at 2:08 am
They mentioned Phil Shea. Why do I get nervous whenever Sookie’s name comes up?
June 1st, 2009 at 8:07 am
you are right long memory, if murphy is the CM
shea could be the new CFO. HUH?? then they make
little rodney the mayor, good old boys are back!!!
June 1st, 2009 at 8:13 am
KMR says; the cops should be concerned about layoffs…
I think the people who live in the city should be worried about cops being laid off. For anyone who didn’t live in the city in the late 80’s early 90’s, you may not have seen that the increase in police officers and the local precincts were the foundation of making the city safe enough to market it and bring businesses and new residents here.
If the city is not a safe place to be, you can kiss everything else goodbye. People and business will not stay where they do feel safe.
June 1st, 2009 at 8:21 am
I was fuming when I read that arrogant ’safe seat’ comment. I am not in his district but would campaign for anyone who runs against him. Remember, he’s the one who got the great deal for his wife and her associates in the school department. Even if representing public employees is legal, it’s the perception of conflict that he should avoid. First, I thought he wouldn’t be interested in the CM job, then I realized how he could pad his pension and bennies. Lynch is doing a great job in my opinion and I will ask any councilor who aks me for a vote whether they want Murph the Surf as manager or if they will continue with Bernie.
Speaking of votes… Bud’s performance at the budget meeting Saturday earned him my vote this year. He was actually ‘managerial’ and ran the meeting like it should be run. Go Bud!
June 1st, 2009 at 10:38 am
lets see if BUD has what it takes next meeting
and votes to support ms. scott moving out of downtown
to the rogers.
June 1st, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Bud doesn’t have the stones. He’s been carrying water for the paper forever. Now that Kendall’s best buddy “Blowhard” Taupier spouted off from Belvidere Hill, you know what Bud will do.
June 2nd, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Kevin Murphy was on the right side of marriage equality, when that was a risky position to take.
He showed real courage, he didn’t wilt or backslide.
But OHNOES! he didn’t get a bridge built so he could name it after himself! Horrors!
June 4th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
The only risk Murphy takes is when he crosses Stevens Street in the morning.
June 4th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
M, your last statement, “This may be the tipping point. Instead of spending my time typing on my keyboard, I might start start knocking on doors to elect responsible leaders. Why would a Lowell politician want to rock the boat these days? Given the situation, they may find themselves floating in a deep and vast ocean without a life jacket”
You should be knocking on doors anyway! ;0)