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November 10th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
No discussion on the ambulance contract?
November 10th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Not that I caught no.
November 10th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Audio went out during the flu update. Thank goodness you were there!
November 10th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
From the sound of things the ambulance contract is a done deal. The city estimated what percent of dispatchers activity was related to medical calls and applied that to dispatchers salaries to come up with the first yrs figure. Then they added 6.5% per year for contractual increases. Before the deal is complete the State Ethics Commission must approve the proposal so theres really nothing the Council can do at this point.
Its also almost 1/2 the replacement for the “missing” $500K estimated to be generated from a local option meals tax which seems to have almost no chance of passage. If the CC made too much noise someone might start to compare the two and conclude that the council loves to watch city workers stand in the unemployment line.
November 10th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Your blogging on Armand Mercier’s motion suggests a class act.
Regards — Cliff
November 11th, 2009 at 6:09 am
Posting a link to the City Council Agenda is a great idea!!!
November 11th, 2009 at 6:30 am
“Zounes”, I believe.
You should check out “coveritlive.com”. Makes for some great, interactive live-blogs.
November 11th, 2009 at 8:16 am
Thanks Shawn.
November 11th, 2009 at 8:48 am
It seemed like a much less contentious meeting than those prior to the election - all 9-0 votes. And some of those items would likely have been issues previously, such as the ambulance contract and the arena transfer details.
As for the finances, it appears that the latest cherry sheets (11/5/09) have a net reduction in State aid to the City of about $480K. Revenue from the meals tax may still be needed to avoid further layoffs and/or increase property taxes beyond the 2.5% originally planned.
November 11th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Stop posting as Anonymous. Thanks.
November 11th, 2009 at 11:12 am
was that a more humble kazanjian at the council meeting on tuesday night? is it me or did he seem to be trying to be less abrasive?
November 11th, 2009 at 11:28 am
I dunno Bubba, was there anything in that meeting that would represent an opportunity to be abrasive? If not then it’s a little early to draw conclusions, although we could take it as a glimmer of hope (potentially).
November 11th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Cliff - or a smart pol. Which Armand is, whatever else he is not.
November 11th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Lynne,
Did the meals tax not come up at all?
November 11th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
No, it did not. It wasn’t on the CM’s agenda, and it wasn’t in any motions, so the only way it would come up is if someone went out of their way to suspend the rules.
November 11th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Mimi-Why would any city councilor want to discuss the Ambulance contract given that they all just received hefty “contributions” from the owners of Trinity? Correct me if I’m wrong, but don’t you think the councilors shouldn’t be able to receive contributions from companies w/ lucrative city contracts?
November 11th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Taxpayer, what contributions? What name were they filed under. I’ve been looking through the Office of Campaign and Political Finance’s database and can’t find anything resembling what you’re describing. Is there a particular name I should be looking for?
http://www.efs.cpf.state.ma.us/SearchReportCriteria.aspx?type=candidate
November 11th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
I followed your link just to see for myself and looked at just 2 names Milianzo and Caulfied (opposite ends of the council so to speak) and John Chemaly donated $500 to both so I am going to make a leap and say he did the same for pretty much everyone?
I don’t really want to spend the time to look through all the deposits.
Chemaly’s is the only name that I know off the top of my head associated with Trinity but I seriously doubt that a $500 contribution would buy a vote from anyone.
November 11th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Concerned Taxpayer,
Since the councilors don’t directly negotiate contracts I doubt very much there is anything legally stopping them from accepting contributions. Private citizens who have business in the City have the right to support any candidates they choose. There is nothing illegal about it. Councilors cannot vote on anything that would be a financial gain for them or any direct family member.
If they receive contributions they do list them on their reports as received. Such as some Councilors did from the Owner of Trinity John Chemaly.
November 11th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Concerned & Gerry N.: the payment for the ambulance contract is *NOT* a contribution. It is reimbursement to the city for providing dispatch services to Trinity. It has to be approved by the state Ethics Commission to ensure that neither the city nor Trinity is receiving anything that is not legal and ethical. See post 4 above (which is mine btw) for more information about how the value was determined
November 11th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
You can search the database for a particular contributor here.
A search for the last name “Chemaly” (sorted by descending date) confirms that the money was spread around to many candidates (12 or so).
November 11th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Not a bad spread to Lowell pols from a guy that doesn’t live here.
November 11th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Gary Sepe and John Chemaly gave to every incumbent and several of the strong challengers. Mill City management, James Cooney Insurance, Enterprise Bank, and Market Basket had owners or presidents that also pretty much donated to all candidates.
November 11th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Look under Gary Sepe as well. I guess my point here is this-had the owners of Trinity NOT been so generous over the years, might the Councilors have spoken out and questioned why no one else was allowed to bid? Kim-I agree, but the above mentioned businesses don’t have lucrative contracts w/ the city.
November 12th, 2009 at 6:35 am
Paul@01852 :the payment for the ambulance contract is *NOT a contribution
DUH! I never said it was in fact if you read my post it says
Since the councilors don’t directly negotiate contracts I doubt very much there is anything legally stopping them from accepting contributions. Private citizens who have business in the City have the right to support any candidates they choose. There is nothing illegal about it.
Which part of nothing illegal about it didn’t you understand. My point in case I didn’t clearly state it for you was that
Private citizens who have business in the City have the right to support any candidates they choose and make contributions which both Mr. Chembley and Sepe did. The Contributions are TOTALLY separate from the contract and totally legal. I have no,zero,zilch problem with it.
November 12th, 2009 at 7:05 am
Dod someone just say “Duh”?
November 12th, 2009 at 7:37 am
OK- Let’s change this up a bit. Let’s say the City Manager is John Cox and this is the Tow contract we’re talking about. Gerry-you see nothing wrong w/ this? It might not be illegal, but it’s unethical.
November 12th, 2009 at 10:57 am
I don’t care if it’s John Cox, Archibald Cox or Wally Cox (how many are old enough to remember him?) ..NO I don’t have a problem with it as long as the Ethics Commission says it is within the Law and that the Councilor/Rep. etc are in no conflict of interest violations than I’m fine with it.
I would have been fine with the Reps supporting Alan K if they had phrased the ad that we voters and friends of Alan think he deserves to be elected…My issue was they clearly tried to use the weight of their office to influence a City Election.
A private citizen has the right to choose whoever he or she wants for council, State Rep. Gov etc. and make a contribution to their campaign and as long as the candidate report it then they are within the law. I have a much bigger issue with Lobbyist and PACS donating to a campaign then I do any business owner in the city.
November 12th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Apparently there are those out here in “blog land” that think government is “squeaky clean”. I wonder if those people work in the business world at all? Where you can find deals, back stabbers, dirty despicable and dishonest practices that would make the Lowell City council look like a bunch of “saints”…for the love of Pete, and who is Pete anyway, just accept the fact that these things happen. If you don’t like it then move to a small town….maybe you’ll find the political utopia you seek?
Gerry, I think the delegation did in part try to convey those thoughts, albeit in a very “politically charged” way. I still think they’ll be fine in the next election. Unless of course you plan to take aim at one of them?
November 12th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Big Dog,
I think they did it in a strong arm no one runs against us anyway so maybe our supporters will support Alan if we show up in strength. Again if they Printed the words We as Concerned Citizens and Voters …I have no issue with it.
I am leaning toward taking aim at one of them but will wait until the new year before making a final decision . I’ve known Tom Golden a long time and his family and mine go way back to our grandparents. But after 14 years and having to face few challengers I think he has somewhat forgotten the people he represents and to many votes have been in lock step with the Party lines (supporting Evacuation/Bunker Hill Days, supporting Dimasi/Finneran) and he receives way to much Lobbyist and PAC Money as his contributors.
(click or paste this link to see how many contributed when he ran last year unopposed :
http://www.efs.cpf.state.ma.us/DisplayReport.aspx?reportId=84211&schedule=DisplayScheduleA
I’m also a big believer in the fact that these offices are being paid at a decent full time wage ($60K for a rep)with benefits , yet so many people work it as a part time job. Many have a second job and salary that meets or exceeds what they earn at the State level and I doubt many people get per diems to drive to work.
If I do run and win, I would leave my full time current job as a Customer Service Manager for a Digital Printing Company and be a full time Rep. and NOT take the driving per diem and like Sen. Pangy would not accept any pay raise for as long as I am in that office. I would donate it to charity in the district I represent.
I also think that what Congresswomen Tsongas does with her Supermarket meetings is very effective and would try to set up monthly meetings at various places in all 3 areas that I would be representing to talk to people. Tom is accessable by email or phone but doesn’t schedule open public meeting events.
Especially in these economic times I think we need all the State Delegation to be working with the City Manager and City goverment more closely. The present crew has one guy who is rumored to want the Managers job (Murphy) and another who was hand picked by the guy the Manager replaced (Golden was picked by Cox) so my guess is that communication is at least somewhat strained.
The City can’t afford any strain and meeting formally at least once a quarter isn’t asking a lot of anyone and should be something that is done and something I would propose to the Managers of both Lowell & Chelmsford.
November 12th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
“just accept the fact that these things happen.”
No.
There is a fundamental difference between a private company hiring via nepotism, and the public sector. And that is, you are running around spending MY money in the public sector, and I damn well want the most efficient, transparent, and ethical use of that money as I can get. I can’t even BELIEVE you are making the argument that it’s OK, because hey, it happens. That is the most terrible dereliction of common sense I have ever seen.
“If you don’t like it then move to a small town….maybe you’ll find the political utopia you seek?”
No. I moved here, I live here, I pay taxes here. How dare you say that I have no right to ask for transparency and ethical government in the city which I own a home and pay property taxes to? Shame on you. Shame.
November 12th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Why shouldn’t a company get follow-on contracts if they have performed well?
I don’t personally know Bernie Lynch or anyone at Trinity Ambulance but I do know the disruption that comes from changing vendors. It makes no fiscal sense to put these contracts out to bid every year if your incumbent is doing a good job and is priced competitively. Especially with something like emergency services, that seems the least disruptive and most efficient solution.
November 12th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Gerry,
Tom Golden attends the monthly CNAG meetings and if he misses it, he sends a staffer. Seeing Golden in Centralville is common place. He is as accessible as I could ever want. So this is a non-issue, as far as I’m concerned.
November 12th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Mill Girl, exactly right, and what I want from Lynch and the Council in this instance is to carefully evaluate (in as transparent manner as possible) the incumbent to be sure we are getting what we need and that no one is screwing up the job. But if everything is satisfactory, AND we get more money to offset our costs, we’re shooting ourselves in the foot to switch horses “midstream.”
From what I’m given to understand, Trinity appears to be doing a good job delivering our emergency services. Also, the company that is screaming about this contract extension, I have heard, has only a few ambulances, so that makes me a bit nervous withOUT knowing whether or not they are good company to boot.
November 12th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Lynne-If you think that the other company only has a few ambulances, then it is clear that you really haven’t looked into this, as you said you would. I think the other ambulance companies are just looking for a “fair shake” and they are rightfully angry because they weren’t allowed an opportunity. By chance-ever get a bill from Trinity? The exorbitant “patient responsibility” part is what they charge AFTER the claim has been paid in full by the insurance company. These guys are making out HUGE, “financial rape” if you ask me. Don’t pay it and they put a lien on your property and send their vicious lawyers after you. Any lawyers reading this? Ever spend a day at Lowell District Court, the docket is packed w/ all of Trinity’s business trying to collect on their bills. Yes-Trinity is doing a good job, but at the patient’s expense! No wonder why these guys give away millions, they got it to give. P.C.-You’re right, not bad for our local politicians from 2 guys that live in Chelmsford.
November 12th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Lynne, they actually sell ambulances. You can buy more…
November 12th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Jack,
That fine but how many people go to that meeting? I know the group does a great job and the members are very caring people but it is a small group..some people don’t feel easy walking up to someone so a Public meeting gives them that opportunity.
I don’t expect if I run to blow Tom away, he is a very active centralville resident with a large well known family but he has served for 14 years and has become a beacon hill voter not a 16th district voter. A lot of his money is from Lobbyist and Special interest and if you like that in a Rep than Tom is your guy. If you like keeping Holidays for Suffolk County workers while making others take furloughs,then Tom is your guy, If you don’t mind a Rep that switches his vote every 4 years depending whose in office then Tom is your guy.
November 13th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Gerry,
I’m gonna give you some $10 advice for free. The pro’s start their campaign by promoting their positives. They avoid, in the beginning, degrading their opponents, as this tactic will potentially evoke a negative response from “persuadables.” They all keep their powder dry for the day it hits the fan and it always does.
You may find it en vogue here on LiL, and certainly in the dying politcal culture of Olde Lowell, to start off by busting up the furniture. I’m pretty confident when I say, the folks you will need to stand a chance in the race will not like the style you have adopted.
Don’t mistake kindness for weakness.
PS. The next CNAG meeting is Nov. 23rd.
November 13th, 2009 at 10:49 am
Jack,
Thanks for the advise. Since I haven’t started a campaign If I do I will keep it in mind. But I do have a question.
Please point out where I am stating anything incorrectly about Tom?
1) Was he not picked by JC to take his place after JC had many run ins with the Ethics commission?
2) Has he not repeatedly voted for the last 2 house speakers who have been indicted? and supported for the 1st time anyone can remember a candidate for Council who is being investigated by the DA?
3) Did he not switch his vote to fill a vacant senate seat after voting 4 years ago not to?
4) Is the list of contibutors not filled with Lobbyist and PAC contributions?
5) Isn’t it better to have the delegation working with the Manager instead of undermining him?
I’m just stating reasons that I think Tom has forgotten the people of his district. Show me once in those 5 statements where I am wrong.
If it’s someone you like and the facts are less then stellar is it the fault of the guy pointing it out or the guy who did them?
I’ll try to make it on Nov 23rd to introduce myself and until I make a final choice about running will probably BLOG LESS but read more.
November 13th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Lynne…seems I’ve not been clear on the point I was raising in #29….I was simply stating that politics is not a clean business and if people think that’s ever going to change, then they’re simply being unrealistic. I don’t see this as a dereliction of common sense I see it for what it is. Do I want transparency of course I do! Do i want clean government…of course I do…do I expect politicians to be clean?..NO! Politics is power…it happens by virtue of the fact that people who are elected, fall prey to the whims of the machine that’s in place.
Whether a city councilor “makes a call” for a friend to get a job somewhere or have a neighbor’s stump ground, even though it’s not on city property or even the dreaded “sexual liaisons” that are happening all over. Remember the old cliche-”Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”…Again my point is if anyone doesn’t believe this happens then they need to bury themselves in the sand and hope it all just go’s away…I’ve been paying taxes in Lowell a heck of a lot longer than you I bet!
Sure there are watch dog groups out there to report the misgivings of the political world, but I honestly believe that most people don’t take heed.
As for small town politics…maybe that’s slightly different than those of the big city? I’ve never lived outside of Lowell…so maybe that’s a huge presumption on my part…I’ll grant you that.
So if anyone can find this “utopia” I’m all ears….
November 13th, 2009 at 11:47 am
Gee, you think we put our heads in the sand? Uh, not the case.
Fact is, that whenever one sees things like this, one should shine a light on it. Sunlight is like antiseptic to the body politic. You seem to think that because it happens, one shouldn’t really bother much to rouse oneself to fix things.
Obviously there’s no utopia, that is NOT what anyone is saying. However, you can make a difference. There is a world of difference between a government managed by the likes of John Cox and Kazanjian versus someone like Lynch or Patrick Murphy. In that difference lies a lot of hard work and sweat to keep it that way. I find your excuses for defending these guys pretty thin.
November 13th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Gerry,
Lets go point by point:
1) Was he not picked by JC to take his place after JC had many run ins with the Ethics commission?
Yes. I’ve heard that he was “picked” by JC. I came to Lowell at the time this happened. Was there a primary and election? Or did Cox just wave his sceptre and BAM!, Golden was a Rep.? Voters, Jerry. Don’t ya trust ‘em? You’re hedging on the “voters are stooopid” territory.
As far as why Cox left, how does that stick to Golden? Is that a guilt by association thing? Kinda smeary, in my book.
2) Has he not repeatedly voted for the last 2 house speakers who have been indicted? and supported for the 1st time anyone can remember a candidate for Council who is being investigated by the DA?
These are inferences based on facts. His voting record cannot be denied, nor can the endorsement. What those actions tell us is open to interpretation. You seem bent on taking the most cynical view. It is a free world and the blog is here to use.
3) Did he not switch his vote to fill a vacant senate seat after voting 4 years ago not to?
Thank you, Tom! This is not a bad thing, imo. It is, though, a real issue. If you run, have at it. It is the most legit of all your points.
4) Is the list of contibutors not filled with Lobbyist and PAC contributions?
Better do your homework on this. I see that it is popular to flail over PACs and lobbyists. Some are bad and most are good. Dig deeper and show us where Golden has sold us out. Be precise. Nothing sloppy.
5) Isn’t it better to have the delegation working with the Manager instead of undermining him?
See my response to the point above.
……………………………
Gerry,
If you do it right, I’ll listen. I like Tom, but the peoples business is bigger than liking. I’ve seen you around the Lowell blogs, sniping. You may be serious, but you are not being serious.
People won’t vote you up to Beacon Hill so that you can give the “raspberry.” Start showing us the person that can put on their game face and be a legislator.
November 13th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Gerry,
My bad. The next CNAG meeting is Nov. 16th.