I am working off of very little sleep after a couple of glasses of celebratory wine. It was a good night for change!
There is a lot you can say about the races and the initiative that we voted on yesterday, and a lot will be said. Might as well jump into the fray!
First, on the challengers who achieved Council status - those campaigns drove hard, and very smart. Franky’s astounding third place finish, a nearly-unheard-of feat for a first time candidate, reflects not only the polished communications effort by the campaign, but by the candidate’s ability to answer questions fully and smartly (but not boringly!). To me, that means that voters want a thoughtful, policy-driven City Council. Mendonca’s and Murphy’s finishes, though finishing at 7 and 8, were extremely respectable. Both candidates have campaign experience and name recognition behind them, so you can’t call them first time candidates, but both had a strong message on professional city government as well, and voters reacted accordingly.
Two of the challengers elected (Descoteaux and Murphy) had some of the best internet presences of all the campaigns. This is a good lesson for future candidates, that getting online early, engaging people with new media, and keeping your web presence updated, can only help you.
Another lesson this year is that you can run a campaign on less fundraising money, or in Murphy’s case, none. Also that people with very full time jobs or beyond can, with very hard work and good campaigns, go very far. Of course, you do have to basically eat, sleep, and breath campaigning…
On the PCGI (Professional City Government Incumbents) block, this is the biggest proof of what people really want in their City Council. Voters rewarded Milinazzo, Broderick, and Martin within 100 votes of each other (two of them, Milinazzo and Broderick, within one vote!) at numbers 4, 5, and 6. If there is anything that I think this blog and the Move Lowell Forward PAC may have contributed at all to this race, it was in maybe helping keep that storyline of their voting record as part of the debate in this election. It could have easily been a throw-all-the-bums-out anti-incumbent year, especially with the economy so sour. Milinazzo was pretty vocal and out there on many of these issues but people associated him, Broderick, and Martin as a block. It’s impossible to know every factor that went into a vote total, but regardless, the outcome is great.
The biggest losers (besides the incumbents who lost) are the state delegation who backed Kazanjian. I suspect he hurt them a lot more than they helped him. Look for disgruntlement against them after their backing and fighting for eliminating the preliminary, backing Kazanjian, and general GOBish behavior. I know I am not the only one who will not forget this. No one likes elected officials who assume they are untouchable and automatically elected, and the arrogance these guys displayed did not play well with voters.
Rodney Elliot should not be breathing a sigh of relief. And he certainly does not deserve to be Mayor. Again, if there is anything that shows what voters really wanted, it’s his poor 9th place finish. More so than Armand Mercier’s 10th place finish, as Mercier wasn’t up for a vigorous campaign. And it appears that “I didn’t know what he really did” is not a good excuse for firing someone!
As for my (unbinding) vote for Mayor, I’d love to see Broderick there but I suspect he is not interested. Remember, the mayor also runs the School Committee meetings, and there is a bunch of extra work besides. Broderick with his young family and full time job may not want to commit to that. If he does, great, if not, I can tell you who I do want. After two years of “pontificate from the podium” Caulfield, I can tell you that I really, really miss Bill Martin as mayor. He was a great leader in meetings, adhering to Robert’s Rules, and of course, helping oust John Cox before Lowell became a ward of the state. I ate a lot of crow after witnessing Martin’s tenure (initially I had been really skeptical).
I wouldn’t say no to a Mayor Milinazzo either, I think he has stood up against Kazanjian’s sort of politics, for professional city management, not knowing if he was killing or helping his own reelection chances. The other thing you can say about Milinazzo is that he takes the time (in a non election year) to get out into the neighborhood and ethnic groups, and is one of the few Councilors to go to art events. That counts for a lot.
(On a big aside, does anyone else liken the jockeying for Mayorship among the winners every post election season to Survivor? Who will get voted on the island? LOL)
Finally, on Rita Mercier and Bud Caulfield and their strong finish. On first glance, you’d think the voters were giving a mixed message and also endorsing their brand of politics. (Which is what, exactly? Angry defensiveness?). But once you really think about it, this is not the case. First, Rita - she has been hemorrhaging support for several elections. She just had a long way to fall. Her self branding is as the go-to gal for potholes - she has a lot of personal favors she’s done for people, who remember her at election time. (Never mind that with a decent city government, going through your Councilor for damn potholes is pretty damn inefficient other than being a sop to the Councilor’s ego.) Rita went from 7107 votes in 2007 (losing 12% from 2005) to 6951, not as dramatic a loss this time but certainly no new voters really fell in love with her.
On Bud Caulfield, there’s even an easier explanation. Bill Martin went from 8th in 2005 to 3rd in 2007 after being the public face (mayor) of the City Council. Bud especially spent a LOT of time being mayor - more than was really necessary, but he enjoyed the sound of his own voice. (At one event candidates incidentally were invited to, I saw all the candidates stand up and take 30 seconds to introduce themselves and then sit down, as the meeting was not about the candidates…Bud took about 3 or 4 full minutes for his speech, in which of course he said “move Lowell forward” like twice. That sort of assumption that he deserves more time than anyone else really bothered the hell out of me.) It fully explains his second place finish (and Franky is right on his heels by 67 votes).
Finally, I’d like to say something about a couple of the higher-ranked challengers who didn’t make it. Paul Belley and Ben Opara finished a respectable 12th and 13th. For a first time candidate, it means a second run would probably yield a Council seat. If either of these two candidates (or Ryan Berard, at 14th, right behind in votes) were to run again in 2011, and work as hard with as effective campaigns, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them win a seat. I hope we do see these three again. (You do have to be a glutton for punishment though…)
I was planning on writing more on the other races and Choice Voting, but I think I will save that for a second post, since this one is like book length!
November 4th, 2009 at 8:25 am
Even though we disagree on just about everything I would like to thank Left in Lowell and other forms of media for participating in the election process. This is what makes this country great. WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO SPEAK OUR MINDS AND SUPPORT WHO WE CHOOSE TOO.
This is why I do not believe in mandated terms limits because I am proof that the people hold the rights to term limits. I also want to wish Fred Bahou the best he ran a great campaign
Sincerely
Mike Hayden
November 4th, 2009 at 8:46 am
As an outsider looking in at my neighbor’s election results, I am very proud of the efforts by so many new people and their commendable victories. Lowell you did “good”. Andy and Bernie, “High Five.”
November 4th, 2009 at 8:51 am
I’d note that two of the three winning challengers (Franky and Murphy) had a notable difference in their campaigns - they got online early, strong, and polished.
Might be a lesson in there.
November 4th, 2009 at 9:04 am
I noted that actually, somewhere in this novel of a post (OK I didn’t credit your verbal comment to me this morning before you went to work, dear, but we’re practically one mind anyway so it hardly matters…LOL.)
November 4th, 2009 at 9:24 am
First of all let me just say that what happened in the City of Lowell last night is a prime example of people believing all that they read. The Lowell Sun set its course to oust Alan Kazanjian in hopes of creating a comfort zone around the city manager. I applaud anyone that runs for public office. The time, money, effort and stress all weigh heavy during an election year. However, when a slate of “puppets” gets in, what’s left for the poor taxpayer? I would love to have one of the new people ask the question “who’s job did the $40,000 that was supposedly saved by not having a primary? As a taxpayers the people have a right to know. Not having a primary simply siphoned votes away from the serious candidates!
November 4th, 2009 at 9:51 am
I love it! I knew that it was going to all be the fault of the newspaper, the reporters, the bloggers…NEVER St. Kazanjian!
The only person who did Kazanjian in, my friend, is Kazanjian. The facts have an anti-Kazanjian bias and there’s nothing on heaven or earth save a cover-up that would have saved him.
Nor is this new City Council anywhere NEAR a bunch of puppets. That is a laughable comment given how Kazajian basically played Mercier, Mercier, Elliot, and Lenzi into letting him lead, and screw up so badly that two of them didn’t get reelected, Elliot was close to getting ousted, and candidates who said the opposite of what they did (Sheehan was badly handled, etc) won resoundingly, as did the block of incumbents who also spoke up on those same issues.
But we all know that a person like Kazanjian can’t take responsibility for his own actions, and needs pathologically to put the blame on others.
Fact is, you all dislike Lynch because he won’t hire people on cronyism. That is all this is, or ever was, about.
November 4th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Big Dog–Puhleeze. Kazanjian is a dope and a corrupt clown. Maybe you can ask him whose job the thwarted primary saved, given that he was among those who approved its elimination. His election night beatdown marks a beautiful moment for the City of Lowell. Get real.
November 4th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Well if the paper had all of that power, all of the positive coverage of the Choice Voting initiative should have meant a huge landslide for the question. Seems to me that the electorate is changing and you can’t expect to invite a new bevy of residents into the city and then think they won’t want to have a political voice.
I suspect you will see increased turnout numbers in the downtown and some of the traditionally non-voting neighborhoods as well.
November 4th, 2009 at 11:58 am
While throwing out opinions I believe I need to speak up. Big Dog is absolutely correct of the power of destruction the paper had on this election. Sorry Lucy the bow wow dog your one in only Lowell paper didn’t support everything about Choice Voting maybe you should google it because you won’t find those articles in the search engine of “The Sun” they never seem to keep anything. Although I did vote for Alan I believe that he ran a good campaign and that whether the new slew of residents in this area know him or not, he is a great a man and just like Franky(who I also voted for) he has brought a lot to this city whether you want to listen to these nuts or not. Obviously what can we do we are a large city with only one newspaper, WHICH blows for good news. Maybe in the next two years we should think about starting a second, then I guess Lynne and friends can really hate King Al. Then we would also HATE Mr.Brodprik and I get laid off more than state cuts Millie. hahaha Anyways as you can clearly tell I wish those two would disappear from the council, but they aren’t suckssss! haha Well I must give a BIG congrats to Murph…young, respectable, I hope he shuts those two up. What the next two years can bring. Can’t wait!
November 4th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Hey P-Ville girl, you ever heard of sarcasm?
I love seeing the defense brain trust of Kazanjian on here…never ceases to amuse. Keep on with the mind bending justifications
November 4th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
[edited for personal attack].
I mentioned nothing in my post about choice voting. Nor am I any defender of the Lowell Sun. In large part, I think they’re a joke. Like Kazanjian. Kazanjian was not great for the city. Not at all.
[editor’s note - please keep the really rank personal attacks to a minimum…thanks.]
November 4th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Reactions to sun reporting:
On the Kazanjian article:
He doesn’t need to be on the CC to do any of that. I look forward to him continuing this, as such.
They were legitimate stories. Pretty sure it would have been much more fishey to not cover them. Can’t really ignore the story when the AG and FBI come to town.
On the overall election article:
Not hurt anybody? Tell that to Sheehan. She hurt the whole city by expecting the CM to operate with less staff than the largely ceremonial Mayor. This is a real city that needs real people to keep it running. How does she figure this didn’t hurt?
Doing the right thing? She all but admitted that she broke the law by interfering with administration personnel in violation of the charter. She won’t get prosecuted because of politics probably, but if it did go to court there is little doubt she’d be found guilty. ‘Doing the right thing’ indeed! It was wrong and she’s still too #)(*@@ to admit it (or, more likely see it).
Breaking news: your ‘team’ got cut in half.
I sincerely hope this guy learned his lesson. He needs to be shut out of the Mayor’s office. There need to be consequences. I used to like this guy because he was a very useful voice of fiscal restraint. Not overly so either,… he wasn’t moralizing for granstanding sake - he seemed genuinely interested in just making sure stuff worked for the City. This leads me to believe that he knew the defunding action was just the GOBers playing games at the City’s expense! He may not have known why the GOBers wanted it done (I suspect the K man never clued them in to his special personal problems on the horizon with the ACM looking into cleaning up some departments), but he went along and played games with our government and, by extension, our money.
ENOUGH GAMES! PROFESSIONALISM from now on dammit! It’s not too much to ask! I thought Elliot was above such crap. He’d have had many many more votes if he had just had some integrity on the issue. I hope he’s learned his lesson. I hope he sincerely makes an effort to regain our trust.
On the Armand Mercier article:
He enabled his friends. He enabled them to play games instead of lead responsibly. He had the common sense to stay away from some of their games, at least on the record, but he largely enabled them. That’s why he and Elliot got slammed along with Kazanjian. Enough is enough. I hope he enjoys his retirement.
There’s really really important work to be done that will have impact on this City and it’s surrounds for decades to come.
Enough Games!
November 4th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
MY BAD! the continued defense of this dolt just makes me craaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazy.
November 4th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
I know Lucy, I know. *pat pat*
But think of it this way - it’s really the saddest thing you’ve ever seen, isn’t it, all this “but it isn’t our fault *sniffle*”? After all, we can afford to share some pity on their behalf. They did lose pretty badly.
I look forward to two years of trying to get at the subSTANtive arguments for and against things that come up in City Council, instead of having my head explode every time Kaz/Lenz/Merc/Merc/Caulf opened their collective mouths…
I might be able to keep most of my brain cells watching City Council meetings again! Think about that!
November 4th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
And wow, honey…that’s almost…ranty. I’m so proud of you. *wipes joyful tears*
November 4th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Change was called for and change has come and Move Lowell Forward & Left in Lowell helped in that change.
It gives hope to those of us who are thinking about running, that we may indeed have a chance.
I look forward to seeing the breakdown by ward to see how the challengers did in Centraville & Pawtucketville to gauge the interest of change in helping me to make my decision to run or not and in talking with any of you who may want to get to know me and support me if I run.
November 4th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
People think Lynne supports the Lowell Sun….LMFAO
The Sun just reported what was handed to them on a silver platter!
As far as Rodney, I think he got residents 9th vote because some residents thought he deserved a second chance to redeem himself after the poor voting record he displayed.
Broderick for Mayor!
November 4th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Felicia the paper was very objective when reporting on Choice voting. Did you not read the editorial when they implored the voters to reject it?
November 4th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
If you watch the CC meetings you can clearly tell that Bernie has 3 puppets in Broderick, Martin, and especially Millinazo. It seemed these 3 knew that they would continue to get the support of the SUN by being the CM’s rubber stamp. And Millinazo constantly politically grandstanding against all things Kazanjian for the good press he was going to receive. Good strategy, I just think he’s a weasel. I wonder why more wasn’t said of the call he made to the Arena regarding the ATM contracts. Which in itself is illegal. It was only mentioned in back talk for about 5 sentences. I hope one of the newbie’s brings up the idea of term limits before the council. It would be interesting to see where everyone stands. I would love for a SUN reporter to ask each returning councilor about that very thing when the new council convenes after the new year
November 5th, 2009 at 6:54 am
jmm:
The paper was objective on its coverage of Choice Voting but biased or partisan in its coverage of the CM? That is how you see it? Stop blaming the paper for the results. Give the voters some credit.
And as far as term limits are concerned, I have not heard any rumbling from the people for term limits on the City Council. If a particular member wants to limit their tenure on the City Council, that is their choice.
November 5th, 2009 at 10:08 am
Three puppets. Right…they never ask tough questions.
Bernie is not in control. And there is more transparency with Lynch than we have had in a long time. Problem was, the GOB folks are too lazy to do their damn homework! So they come into a meeting clueless. For the most part, Martin, Milinazzo, Broderick, and yes even Elliot (who knows better but threw his lot anyway with the Kaz crew) and A. Mercier (who knows better but still threw temper tantrums whenever Kaz wanted it) come in prepared. Therefore, you don’t see them grilling the manager on things they already know.
But rest assured, they grill the manager when they need to, and so will the new folks. What, you think Patrick Murphy will stop being a PITA (in a good way) just because he’s now on the Council? LOL.
November 5th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Not a Glutton for Punishment…..It’s Public Service
November 6th, 2009 at 8:53 am
someone please give jmm his binky and wipe his tears from his eyes. i keep hearing the words Ding Dong! The Wicked Witch (COX) is dead. Finally
Wake up - sleepy head, rub your eyes, get out of bed.
Wake up, the Wicked Witch is dead. She’s gone where the goblins go,
Below - below - below. Yo-ho, let’s open up and sing and ring the bells out.
Ding Dong’ the merry-oh, sing it high, sing it low.
Let them know
The Wicked Witch is dead!
Mayor
As Mayor of the Munchkin City, In the County of the Land of Oz, I welcome you most regally.
Barrister
But we’ve got to verify it legally, to see
Mayor
To see?
Barrister
If she
Mayor
If she?
Barrister
Is morally, ethic’lly
Father No.1
Spiritually, physically
Father No. 2
Positively, absolutely
Munchkins
Undeniably and reliably Dead
Coroner
As Coroner I must aver, I thoroughly examined her.
And she’s not only merely dead, she’s really most sincerely dead.
Mayor
Then this is a day of Independence For all the Munchkins and their descendants
Barrister
If any.
Mayor
Yes, let the joyous news be spread The wicked Old Witch at last id dead
November 6th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Paul Belley is a guy that took his passion for helping others in a time of need to the next level! That is he did something about what he thought was worth doing…he ran for public office!
I met Paul earlier this year and I can tell you…I’m impressed by his passion, his courage to speak his mind AND the fact that he did pretty much all of this on his own as a first timer. I’m from the highlands and don’t give a vote up that easy, but for you it was easy for me to do.
Paul you know who I am and all I can say is the same thing I’ve said all along…run again in two years! By the way Paul’s band the Fundrazors is awesome! Paul I can only hope that in two years when/if I make a run for the School Committee, I have the same intense passion that you showed this time around! you’re the best Cap!
November 6th, 2009 at 9:18 am
Oh and by the way, maybe Dan Phelps needs to take a hard look at things, before he makes an insulting comment about Alan Kazanjian and his following. To suggest that maybe the people that held signs and worked on his campaign didn’t even vote for him is an absolutely ridiculous statement to make and in my opinion totally uncalled for. Why slap the guy any further…those who believed all that was printed got their wish didn’t they!
By the way, the “puppet show” starts in January so line up for your seats…should be a real barn burner with Jim Millanzo and his gang pulling the strings! ZZZZZZZZZZZZ…..yawn….
November 6th, 2009 at 11:43 am
Paul B: All I can say is, I don’t know how you folks do it. But I hope you run again. I think your ranking and vote count shows that there’s a place for you, potentially, in future City Councils.
Phelps always has an edge to him (he could be a blogger!). But I largely suspect that there ARE a number of people who were pressured to put Kaz’s ugly orange signs on their property who did NOT pull the lever (so to speak) for him in the ballot box. Why is it a stretch to think that people who might have been pressured to hold his signs might not have as well?
And dude, you should try to get a new meme. The puppet thing is getting old. (Nevermind that it is the farthest thing from true.)
November 6th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
When I read Big Dog’s first entry and his passionate appreciation for challenger Paul Belley, I was in complete agreement. I too met Mr. Belley and was very impressed with his potential as a possible council member. Reading Big Dog’s second post, however, solidifies my belief as to why Mr. Belley did not fair better in the votes; and that is that he was perceived by many, including myself, to be too cozy with Kazanjian. I saw far too many Belley signs sitting right next to Kazanjian signs and decided that I could not take a chance on this guy. Too bad, but if the Kazanjian kissing comments of Paul’s supporter, Big Dog, say anything, it is that I and many others made a very wise decision.
Paul, I too encourage you to run again in two years but please remember two sayings that my wonderful Irish mother used to say: “Birds of a feather flock together” and “You are judged by the company you keep”. You’re better than them Paul.
As far as Mr. Big Dog’s aspirations for a School Committee seat are concerned, please use the Big Dog moniker so that I’ll know than not to vote for you. We just ousted the SC’s GOB Big Dog and we don’t need a replacement.
November 6th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Good observations, observant one.
November 6th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Thank-you Big Dog and Observant one
I will run again in 2yr’s. I have heard that many people percevived that I was cozy with Alan. I meet Alan after the floods of 06. Alan came down with his crew and dumpter’s and helped us so much at no cost and for that I’m grateful.I put my sign’s out early and yes Alan’s showed up next to mine…was I to move them? NO. Do I like what’s happening to him and his family? NO. I only know the man the man that helped 200 resident’s in Rosemont Terr. Those who know me know I will keep working to address the issues that effect our great city.
To the folks that voted for me thank-you
Paul Belley
November 6th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Paul,
You’re welcome. I was happy to give you 1 of 9.
……………….
Folks tend to forget, for a big city, Lowell is close knit. We rely on each other in so many ways. My neighborhood was evacuated during the Mother’s Day Flood. My house is up high and my basement is a damp cellar, but that day sucked beyond belief. For folks up river, it was so much worse.
I have talked to Paul many times, since I first met him at a meeting with the Feds Niki brought to Lowell to get some action to prevent further catastrophe. It was inspiring to see a grassroots organizer stand up for his neighbors and that is partly why I am now active in Lowell.
Paul has been very honest with me about his complete gratitude for the assistance businessman Kaz and City leaders provided flood victims. He stated that he could politically stand on his own two feet, but that he could not simply disregard what they had done. Could anyone?
As we settle down from the heat of campaigning, when we pump ourselves up, ignoring the whole truth so that we can convince listeners to share our views; lets not forget that no one is 100% good or 100% bad. If Paul is guilty by association, then so am I. So, are we all.
That is unless you don’t really go out and lend a hand to your neighbors.
To the truly enlightened, altruism is the purest form of self-preservation. - Bill Clinton
It takes a village. - Hillary Clinton