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November 10th, 2011 at 8:25 am
Hey Mimi, post-jinks! LOL.
Some really good points, especially about Campanini.
You’re right, what a difference 4 years makes…at least at the Sun and who’s the favorite son in any given year. With Bud gone, the cheerleading baton had to pass on to someone…the one with the most knee-jerky anti-manager positions, I guess.
November 10th, 2011 at 8:55 am
This “longest-serving-I-did-my-time” line is pure bullshit. Look at it this way - if you’ve been around that long and haven’t ascended to the chair, there must be a problem. I’d be embarrassed to use that reasoning but nothing embarrasses the Bridesmaid.
November 10th, 2011 at 9:16 am
So true! Heh. Now I have a seriously DISTURBING mental picture, thanks, PC.
November 10th, 2011 at 9:59 am
LOL prince… why would the council elect a mayor who is a direct line to campanini? They lost bud so they’re grooming his replacement in rodney.
November 10th, 2011 at 10:50 am
“Fitting to the agenda”
Yesterday the theme around here seemed to be - “Why does Rodney want to be mayor anyways, “Its just a figure head position”
If this is the case then why not “longest serving-I-did-my-time”. Why care if that’s the case.
November 10th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
I care because I have to WATCH those things! And people should not be rewarded for being pandering politicians that Campanini cheerleads. If they (both Campi and Elliot) want it so bad, they shouldn’t get it. Nuff said.
Not to mention, there IS something really important about being Mayor which has nothing to do with the powder puff aspects of it…chairing the SC. I’m just wondering why Elliot wants it so badly. It makes me nervous. I do not want a knee-jerk anti-tax guy to have anything to do with our schools. We have just started making good progress, have almost gotten back to where we were years ago, I do not want to see us go backwards.
November 10th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
Say what you will about Armand Mercier, but the man ran a hell of a meeting. He was fair, he was calm, and he was scrupulous about following the rules of order.
That’s what’s most important for a Lowell Mayor.
November 10th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
Lynne I can certainly understand your concern. However I dont understand why you would want a someone in the position who did not want to be Mayor. I think all candidates understand the “importance”of being mayor, hence why some want the position.
Lets not fool ourselves each and everyone of the candidates who ran has a drive for competition. Being mayor is just the next big step for a lot of these candidates. I certainly do not fault any of them for the drive or goal to be mayor. If your running for the CC in the first place its because you think YOU can help the city, why would you doubt yourself as Mayor.
Unfortunately the current system we have creates all sorts of back door dealings and personal issues when electing a Mayor. I think a system (ex. Waltham) where the Mayor is elected would help drive up voter turn out since a Mayoral race certainly sounds sexier than a CC race. Even if there was no shift in power the name Mayor creates a buzz about 1 person making a change, do you agree?
November 10th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
Good point about schools. Elliott has taken some positions that would make it difficult for him to be seen as a proponent of education. Would he cut their health benefits out of collective bargaining while making all the teachers move into Lowell?
November 10th, 2011 at 1:31 pm
“However I dont understand why you would want a someone in the position who did not want to be Mayor.”
Wow, putting words in my mouth! Congratulations, that’s talent! I never once said that. I said who I’d like to see as mayor, but if someone doesn’t want the position they’re perfectly capable as adults of saying no. If they are reluctant to take it but decide to do it then they better do the job well, and I suspect they would.
I fault Elliot not for honest drive but for naked, pathetic ambition - for being one of the basest panderers I’ve ever witnessed in politics. It’s like he learned politics at the knees of Joe Lieberman. He’s flipflopped more than Mitt Romney on what “tribe” he wants to back. He’s also insane about taxes, in that he little understands reality - come out and say, “let’s slash services so we can cut taxes” if that’s what you want - but no, he thinks it’s a magical fairy land where you can gut the revenues but somehow deliver the services just the same. Just. Own. Up. He talks about priding himself on fiscal ability but his math is worthy of the peak of the John Cox eat-the-free-cash-to-artificially-keep-taxes-low era.
November 10th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
Yike…..Lynne tell me how your really feel haha.
All that being said, I can respect your opinion. However in regards to my last post, if the people had decided who was to be Mayor who would we be looking at? Barring Rita the obvious winner the next two would be Elliott and Broderick. Why do we end up with a Mayor who would have finished out of the Money? If we cant have a Mayor from the group of candidates who the people support most whats the point. Not a true representation of the electorate.
Just smells weird I guess. I feel like I would be more confident in the system if at least one of those three took the spot.
November 10th, 2011 at 2:09 pm
JW,
We don’t have a race for Mayor, so applying current results while building a theoretical is flawed.
How candidates approach the CC race is based on a strategy that accounts for many things, each specific to their own candidacy. If viability to become Mayor was based on popular vote, they would conceptually retool their strategy.
The reality of it is, that the Councilors choose who becomes Mayor. Acceptance of a seniority based metric, is unfortunate, imho. Each two year term is unique. The Coucil, as a body, should look at themselves and then look at as much of the next two years as they can reasonably forecast.
The selection of Mayor should be based on what lies ahead and the team assembled.
Every Tuesday, the Mayor has a vital role in the proceedings. This is cut and dry. What about the other time? The not Tuesday night time? What does the Council elect value?
November 10th, 2011 at 2:10 pm
I know we must start celebrating Christmas in September but, isn’t this a little early for the Sun to stir the turd? Is Rodney’s support so flimsy that he has to nail the votes down now? The sitting council still has business to attend to over the next 3 months. These newbies should show some respect for the current council and not answer any questions until they’ve been sworn in. Let Rodney stand in the corner until then. He’s going to have to exhale at some point. Turning blue is only temporary.
November 10th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
I think the easiest way to handle this is to make the person who topped the ticket the mayor, or at least give that person right of first refusal. If the top vote-getter doesn’t want it, then it can go to the second, then third, etc.
November 10th, 2011 at 6:52 pm
I don’t go on left in Lowell very often, but when I do I always wonder, Is Lynn that unhappy? She is one of the most hateful bloggers that I have read. You seem to have the same people on your blog that were here 5 or 6 months ago, Prince Charming, Jack, Mimi, noting to add to the conversation, same old, same old. You know before you finish reading their posts just where they are heading.
This is my last post on this site. I thought it might have been informative regarding the mayoral race, but Lynn you are one left looney.
November 10th, 2011 at 8:01 pm
Christopher - that’s kinda happening now. All eyes were on Rita and she declined. Natch, the focus turned to Buckets Elliot. This guy feels entitled. Hope there’s 5 that feel otherwise.
November 10th, 2011 at 8:15 pm
If you don’t want someone that wants it badly then you shouldn’t be supporting Murphy. At least Rodney waited until AFTER the election results to talk to other councilors unlike Murphy who was wheeling and dealing before the polls opened-apparently with challengers that hadn’t even been elected yet. Also not sure why someone like Lorrey wouldn’t sit wait to sit down with interested councilors first before commiting to Murphy…seems like he is very influenced easily, which I didn’t expect and I don’t like…
November 10th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
Boomer, I am not buying your unsubstantiated accusation that Murphy was planning ahead. Remember, Broderick was the odds on favorite to be elected Mayor. It’s silly to think Murphy would try to undermine two Councilors vying for the role.
As for Lorrey’s motivation? It’s clear you are smearing Lorrey’s integrity, but I’ll entertain your petty antics.
Rodney Elliot has alienated himself from his peers by his campaign antics. Not only has his persistent political pandering diminished his stature, but he also demonstrated particularly bad taste in being abusive and insulting to city employees. Ask your pals about “Santa’s List” at the East End Club on Nov. 7th.
I can’t speak for Lorrey. Nor, have I spoken to him since I shook his hand on Nov. 8th. But, I can propose several reason which would help steer his support towards “not Rodney.”
Of course, none of what I say will curb the Bernie Buster’s zeal for parroting talking points originated by Elliot’s sycophants.
November 11th, 2011 at 8:27 am
Maybe Lorrey has the cojones to say no to Rodney. Isn’t that what got Elliot elected in the first place? Being Dr. No? I get it now. He likes to say “no” but doesn’t like to hear it. Then runs to the paper to complain. I know three year olds that can cover their tracks better than that.
November 11th, 2011 at 10:31 am
Unfortunately Prince C its just the opposite. The first wolf that came knocking at the door blew down Lorrey’s house (Pre-Election).
I also find it funny Jack refers to Rodneys sycophants. Usually those in the majority aren’t referred to as such. But hey election results be damned.
Rita for Mayor, sick of the subject….almost.
November 11th, 2011 at 11:50 am
@PC: Shhhh! Keep your voice down! If Rodney hears you he’ll be demanding resumes from all those three year olds!
November 11th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
JW,
Love the twists. You know I’m not calling everyone who voted for Elliott a sycophant. Just those that are part of the coordinated effort, practicing a scorched earth approach to installing Elliott, as Mayor.
But we agree, Rita for Mayor would be a fair compromise. She alone had a clear mandate with a 1200+ edge in the results. But alas, I am not a Councilor. You?
November 11th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
@Jack,
Unfortunately not. Couldn’t pay me enough to deal with all of us.
November 11th, 2011 at 1:54 pm
I think Rita would be a fantastic mayor. She’s already proven herself as a wonderful ambassador to the city. Although she’s already committed, he could declare victory and pull out of the race, a noble gesture. I’m betting against that one though. And JW - if you think Murphy’s a wolf you must be new to the forest. Have a look around.
November 11th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
I pointed out Today that in the past 30 years we have had 2 very good Councilors becoming Mayor in their 2nd term, Brian Martin and Eileen Donoghue.Patrick Murphy would not be a first and has proven in his first year he is a smart and inovated councilor who would IMHO be a very good Mayor.
November 11th, 2011 at 2:32 pm
Murphy a wolf? Nah.
If you think Murphy is the one pulling the strings for his bid (pre-election mind you) Then maybe your new to the forest.
I do appreciate the line tho.
November 11th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
JW,
Please reveal what you know about Murphy making advances on the gavel BEFORE the election.
As I said to “Boomer:”
I am not buying your unsubstantiated accusation that Murphy was planning ahead. Remember, Broderick was the odds on favorite to be elected Mayor. It’s silly to think Murphy would try to undermine two Councilors vying for the role.
November 11th, 2011 at 5:30 pm
Unfortunaely all I can do is gleen insight from the Sun.
Broderick has stated he was not interested in the position and unless his situation had chaged in the last months we can conclude thats been his stance since the begining, No?
Lorrey apprently told Elliot that his support was given to Murphy before the last light was off at the shamrock. Again according to the sun. Soooo when exactly did Murphy ask for his support? During the election?
Seems to me like he wasnt undermining 2 candidates but rather only 1.
Unless…. “I’m still taking a look at it,” he said. “I do have young children and they are my number-one consideration.” … is supposed to count as a serious bid to become Mayor.
Again all you can do is guess. But the timeline just seems very very tight, maybe Lorrey miss spoke.
@ Gerry Nutter.. LOL Murphy v. Donoghue compairison.
November 11th, 2011 at 7:14 pm
That explains it.
November 11th, 2011 at 7:57 pm
By this thinking, Strom Thurmond, who was a noted segregationist and served in the U.S. Senate for 49 years until he was 100 years old, should have been made Secretary of State or Vice President late in his career. And why do we care if someone lobbied for Mayor one month before the election or just hours after? Perish the thought, but shouldn’t we support merit rather than chronology? Remember, Marty Meehan was said to have had his eyes on Congress in High School. Did that disqualify him for that job?
November 11th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
Maybe Lorrey misspoke… or the Sun is just full of it.
November 11th, 2011 at 8:52 pm
Allow me to clarify….on Wednesday afternoon I called Marty Lorrey. He told me he had not committed to anyone. A couple of hours later I spoke to Rodney, who told me Lorrey told him he was committed to Patrick. I tried to call Marty back to clarify, but he did not get my message until later that night. He called me back Thursday and explained that Patrick called him AFTER we spoke on Wednesday and asked for his support, which he agreed to because he sees the qualities he is looking for in a mayor in Patrick — fairness and no agenda. Marty said he spoke to Rodney after that. So, that is the timeline. From everything I know, and everyone I spoke to since Tuesday, I have no evidence to suggest Patrick was lobbying prior to the election.
November 12th, 2011 at 9:42 am
In my travels, over the several months leading up to the election, the “conventional wisdon” was Broderick or Elliott. The banter acknowledged Broderick as a good choice, but nagged on his time commitment to the job. The same banter harped on Elliot being snubbed and how it was rightfully his turn.
The Bernie Bashers are always more vocal with thier memes. It’s very common in higher ape species to use a call and response form of communications where a chorus of hoots and grunts get the message out. Elliotts supporters did make quite a stir. Almost every media outlet played along, questioning Elliott on ‘Is it your turn, Rodney?’ followed by a humbled Elliott gushing, ‘Well, geez, but firrt I have to get elected.’ Great kabuki, every time.
Broderick was questioned as well, but since his tenure as the next Mayor would not have been as stimulating to those that revel in political pornography, there was little interest. His answer was consistantly framed by expressing his committment to the job, should he be elected by us, then his peers.
Murphy has never been part of any banter, that I am aware of.
Tuesady night, at the Blue Shamrock, the Bernie Busters were all but singing “He’s a jolly good fellow” and putting a crown on Elliotts head. It must be that Lowell just assumes that Rita comes in first, so that second is the new #1.
The boo bird buzz immediately annointed Elliot, Mayor.
The cacophony assaulted the timeline of Broderick’s decision making process. Push came to shove and Kevin’s family committments prevailed. Not surprising, since it was tepid to begin with.
In the void left by Broderick, Murphy stepped up.
We have a representative form of government. We elect the Councilors. They elect The Mayor. It is up to 9, who is best fit to serve Lowell in that role over the next two years.
We can argue about what is good for a specific Councilor. What they have earned or deserve. What the custom is. Or, maybe we can look forward 2 years into the crystal ball and discern what is best for the 106,000 Lowellians that live with the choices of 9,946.
November 12th, 2011 at 10:29 am
I just wish our trolls would spell my name right…but I do love it when they take themselves off the blog. The place becomes so much more pleasant. (Though to be fair, Lowell Gal is mostly just grumpy over my take on Elliot - I think she might..shhhhhhh!…be a supporter. Well, dear, I take people on their words and actions, and commit my loyalties based on that. If you don’t like it that I can’t abide by Elliot, maybe you should tell Elliot to stop pandering and being tribal against all sanity.) What’s good for the goose…and he has a body of work to be judged by. And as an elected official he should expect to be judged.
Oh no, Jen M sweeps in to burst the little Murphy-bashing fest with the TRUTH! How…boring. Rampant speculation and pulling crap out of one’s tush are FAR more entertaining! Jen, shame on you!
I think Jack has the right of it - Broderick was on the minds of some people, and I think he’d do the job well…but he isn’t that interested in it - ‘if elected, I will serve’ or some such…so Murphy stepped into the breach, and thank god he did. I will be pretty happy with a Murphy mayoralship (is that a word? It ought to be!), and if anyone can gainsay that the guy put in more work and started more new ideas in his first term than many do in six, they’re a liar. He might only be second term in years served, but he’s light-years ahead in what he’s accomplished so far.
And I think it’s a mark of good judgement Lorrey wants to support him. We should be so lucky as to have more councilors like Patrick Murphy on our Council! Let’s hope some of our newbies take him on as their model!
November 12th, 2011 at 10:31 am
Also, Patrick Murphy is the opposite of ambitious. You always get the sense from him of a humble, enthusiastic public servant. Sometimes when people go after leadership positions (running for things, or asking for votes for mayor) it’s because they want them badly, and sometimes it’s because they have a passion for the issues of the day and want to make things better. Patrick, I think, comes from the second school.
It’s the same reason I love Sen. Jamie Eldridge so very much.
November 12th, 2011 at 11:25 am
Clarification: While rereading this, “The cacophony assaulted the timeline of Broderick’s decision making process. Push came to shove and Kevin’s family committments prevailed. Not surprising, since it was tepid to begin with.” It seems to be vague about which “commitment” I meant. I meant, to being Mayor. In the discussions I’ve had with Broderick on this matter, his family was always first and foremost. So, his choice to take a raincheck is not a surprise.
November 12th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
I think Rita would be a fantastic mayor. She’s already proven herself as a wonderful ambassador to the city.
When Rita was mayor last time, she decided to make doing good deeds from the mayor’s office a full-time job. Bless her for that; she probably did a lot more good from that symbolic position than anyone else who has held it.
But the Mayor of Lowell has one real job: to run the City Council meetings. That’s a very specific skill set, and…well…did I mention that Rita devoted herself to doing good deeds from the mayor’s office during her last term?
November 12th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
So Jen Myers - lemee get this straight. Lorrey told you he hadn’t committed and Rodney told you that Lorrey had? Doesn’t sound mayoral to me.
November 12th, 2011 at 6:49 pm
P.C. from what I gather Lorrey committed to Patrick and spoke to Rodney AFTER he spoke to me.
November 12th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
Then why are people poking Lorrey? He followed protocol. Move along, nothing to see here.
November 12th, 2011 at 8:15 pm
“why are people poking Lorrey?”
Isn’t he fouling up the master plan to run Lynch out of Lowell? Kinda something to see, I’d say.
November 12th, 2011 at 8:34 pm
I’ve always thought that Lynch’s use-by date had expired but I think Lorrey has more to offer than that Jack.
November 12th, 2011 at 9:00 pm
Gee PC. I don’t mean to summize all that is Lorrey. But, don’t you think there are now several self important people that know all they need know about him?
As for Lynch, if I thought what he has started would go on, I’d support a natural trajectory of his tenure. But, there are those that would take us “back to the future,” hard at work.
No thanks.
November 13th, 2011 at 10:49 am
Jack, I tend to look at this as a warning to those people that Lorrey will not cave in to the schoolyard bully. Notice that the buzz has subsided?
November 13th, 2011 at 10:59 am
PC, Those that have spent any time talking to Lorrey should know that. Apparently, I take for granted how available the candidates/electeds are to the public. Some things just go without saying.
As for the buzz, The Column tries to to frame it in alignment with Campi’s agenda. I’m working on a diary, now.
Teaser: I have video of Elliott doing his Santa bit at The East End Club, 11/7. Y’know, the one that went over like a fart in church.
November 13th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
Jack sounds like you need a new LiL moniker…hmmmm. How does “Left-in-Lowell Spotlight Team” sound? You’ve certainly been doing a better job than that much-hyped broadsheet in Boston’s been doing with their drunk-driving series!
November 13th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
Just don’t call me late for dinner. ;v)
November 14th, 2011 at 1:39 pm
You know, I was going to jump in on the mayoral discussion earlier but I’m glad I didn’t. First, I think its important to note that Rodney does have some argument to being named the mayor, he had a better than expected and very solid #2 finish and he has time served (whether you choose to accept or reject these qualifications, they have been traditionally used. the ceremonial position is passed around and these two factors often come into play.) The idea that Broderick was still going to be the mayor after Tuesday’s election results seemed pretty head-in-the-sand, Milinazzo was bumped, Rodney had a solid night, and It didn’t occur to the Rodney-hates that to give it to Millinazzo’s vice mayor wouldn’t be seen as a little tone deaf. Thats why election night, I thought Rita was the compromise choice as someone who has spent time of both sides of the great Lynch debate and still is obviously very popular throughout the city.
But the switch of the anti-Rodney candidate to Murphy and some of the arguments posted here and elsewhere have me throughoughly convinced that a Murphy mayorship would be a good thing. Regardless of what the Sun may write, he does not follow Lynch on every issue. He stood up to him on the issue of plan-design, which was one of the manager’s top priorities.
I also think it is fitting that Rodney gets what he deserves for campaigning against his fellow councilors. The one good thing about a vote for 9 at large system is that it tends to limit negative campaigning. While Rodney didn’t attack his opponents directly, the way he presented contrast was in effect an attack on him. It’s easy to be the guy outvoted 8-1 on tough issues when you know your vote is nothing but a protest. In some cases, being the lone voice is admirable. When its obvious you have no credible alternative plan, its not. Then there’s just the fact that he probably wouldnt be good at the job as mayor, at least in the minds of several of the councilors-elect, judging by published comments.
There could be some backlash (beyond the Sun, where its a foregone conculsion) for “passing over” Rodney Elliot again, but isn’t that just indicative of the great question of representative democracy. It’s far from a slam dunk to say that the public wants Rodney Elliot to be the next mayor, but let’s say for the sake of argument they do. Do you as a fellow councilor vote as the public “wants” you to, or do you vote on the basis of what you think is right?
November 14th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
Good assessment, LR.
And as for the claim of fiscal restraint, it should be pointed out that the several non-specific cost reductions proposed by Elliott have had no effect, other than to support his election campaign. However, Murphy’s pushing of the Green Communities actions led to at least one large ($500K) grant to the City, and probably a second one this year. In addition, his push for the data analyst and performance-based budget has resulted in another $500K combination of savings and added revenue. So which of the two have done better by the city finances?