Left In Lowell

So I’m watching City Life this morning when Fluffer Nutter asserts that John MacDonald is the only City Council candidate bringing up… issues. With a quickness, the self proclaimed “big dummy,” George Anthes, brands Mickey D’s labor of love … a white paper. (I choked on my coffee) Anthes is no dummy. Dumb like a fox, that one.

Earlier tonight, Gerry put up a blog and the “TrashWhite Paper” is linked. (no, the link title is not a judgement on the ideas, as far as I can discern) I checked out the white paper and the ideas are firm, nothing really that hasn’t been articulated at neighborhood meetings. Although, it should be noted that the choice of words sure stirs the blood. Did you know that we have a trash “epidemic?” You know epidemic? Like polio. :v/

Well, snuggled in the buzz words is this point:

Step 2: Aggressively collect fines from banks that have failed to maintain properties. (Over 70 million dollars may possibly be available in past due fines. (Source: Sean Burke, Zambia Corporation)

Who remembers Mr. Burke? Okay. Yes, you with your hand up. Foreclosed properties as a source of revenue
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We have all been busy dealing with Irene and her aftermath but in case you missed it, in Sunday the Column refers to the Lowell Sun’s Christopher Scott as Enterprise Editor. Last week he was still the City Editor.

August 28th: This week’s Column was prepared by Enterprise Editor Christopher Scott

August 21st: Contributing to this week’s Column: City Editor Christopher Scott

I have tried to find a description for Enterprise Editor but have not succeeded. Some of the national newspaper have one but I am not familiar with the concept. I know that he posts a lot of the regional and national Sun stories to facebook but I am not sure what are his other responsibilities.

I have always liked Scott’s reporting, although the only time I ever wrote a letter-to-the-editor was in response to one of his article. He is well acquainted with Lowell political topography, too bad that knowledge is not used by the paper.

Does this mean that Scott’s local political coverage, which has been drastically reduced in the past few months will be reduced furthern? And what does it mean for the Sun’s coverage of City government and political life? In this case, less is not more unless Jen Myers is promoted to City Editor.

Back on June 20th when I posted on the continuous dumping of household goods on our city streets, I somehow knew the issue had reached its tipping point. The Sun wrote about it and then CC Bud Caulfield took a tour of our neighbohoords, discussing on the Council floor and then CM Bernie Lynch discussing the issue of installing cameras.

Well they got their person. Although no names have been made public yet, the City yesterday announced that they will press charges. Here is the picture of “the camera” that caught the evidence.

The camera is located on a pole at near the corner of Plain and Foundry streets, where if you drive by today, you will see these mattresses but I am sure they won’t be there for long.

I may go down to court the day these guys make their appearance.