Left In Lowell

I happened to meet Franky Descoteaux’s husband Matthew on my way to get a bite to eat earlier today, and he told me about an announcement from Franky’s campaign that should be in my inbox today. Sure enough, when I got back there it was.

Franky has come out with her plan and outline on economic development (you’ll have to scroll down). As a downtown business owner, I’m certain that big-picture economic development is near and dear to her heart and something she would be particularly good at if elected.

My first reaction was, imagine that…a candidate with a plan! It’s nice to see substantive material from a candidate for us to digest. I hope this is the first of many such from Franky and from other candidates. My second reaction, on reading through the material, is that’s a pretty well-thought out list and well worth reading.

The City Council sets large-level policy and direction. It doesn’t (okay, shouldn’t) micromanage the day-to-day, but it can and should have a lot to say about the general direction of the city and the quality of its services. It should advocate for the citizens, and think long term about the direction of the city. That is the sort of leadership Lowell really needs.

Excerpts from Descoteaux’s press release after the flip: (more…)

On Tuesday, those of you who read the Sun on line saw a story on their “breaking news” that a new political action committee, Move Lowell Forward PAC was formed. (The breaking news story has been “archived” and is no longer avaiable).

Both Lynne and Cliff at Right-Side-of-Lowell blogged on the story that appeared in the Sun and as officers of this new PAC went on to explain the purpose of this non-partisan group of local activists that whose goals are:

• Professionalism in city government;
• Economic growth for local jobs and stabilizing the tax rate
• A strong educational system
• Safe and clean neighborhoods
• A better quality of life and effective public services
• Respect for, and adherence to, our Plan E city charter

As with all Sun “breaking news stories” this article carried the closing sentence “For more on this story read tomorrow’s Sun.” Well, there was nothing in yesterday’s Sun or today.

I do know for a fact that a story was written because Cliff, Lynne as well as Jack Mitchell , another member of the PAC was interviewed by Sun reporter Jennifer Myers. So, where is the story? Yes, I am paranoid.