Left In Lowell

I went on an adventure yesterday, a journey which started with a thorough “de-cluttering” of our home - which for years has had various computer and electronics parts strewn about waiting for a proper disposal solution. We host Thanksgiving at my house, and I was tired of tucking these old things in little corners or closets temporarily in order to have gatherings.

My batch of undesirables

In desperation over the weekend, I piled up a 10 year old tower computer (the one I started my business with, now two “generations” past) by the front door, along with a batch of CFL light bulbs which need careful disposing, an old motherboard, some cell phones, and a keyboard and mouse with the “old” connectors. I piled them there, and called the Solid Waste & Recycling Office to ask if there was a way to see them recycled.

I got several answers, including that one can bring some of these things to places like Staples, or Lowe’s and Home Depot for CFLs - and then one name was mentioned, but he told me to call first to see what they could take. That name was Northeast Material Handling, which a year ago moved from North Chelmsford into the old Prince Spaghetti factory off of Gorham St. Little did I know pursuing that tidbit would bring me lock, stock and CFL to the imposing building which is the old factory, with everything in my little car. Because when I spoke to Patti, she told me they take all of what I was looking to get rid of - for free! (You can check out their website here.)

The city should have the NMH’s name and phone number and website prominently on the Solid Waste and Recycling’s web page, because after my experience there, I found out that a partnership with NMH would be a win-win-win for residents, the city, and for the company as well. A win for residents who want to get rid of stuff without paying a fee (in some cases, I think there may be a nominal fee, but not usually), for the city, which is struggling with its waste management budget deficit, and which had to impose fees to carry away bulk items, and a win for the company, which tears this stuff apart for the materials, and makes a profit.

Electronics recycling dissembling area

The company gets its profitability from the size of its massive operation, Patti told me. As I took a tour of the place (I came for the recycling, and stayed for the tour!) I can fully believe it! Huge containers of old CRT monitors, a big assembly line of dismantlers to break apart such complex items as computers and cell phones into component parts, a massive store of furniture both home and office (for sale! more on that later). Everything they break down is recycled, said my tour guide, and that means everything. From the “painted aluminum” of computer cases, to the heavy metal of the printed circuit boards, to all the plastic bits that hold it together - and much of this is done on site. (The big thing they don’t do on site, Patti told me, is break down wood, which they send out). All of the materials are reclaimed, recycled, and sold for reuse.

Giant aisles of office furniture

Miles of computer chairs! (It seemed!)

You find the coolest, oddest stuff there

What’s more, she also talked about the security they have, and they even do work for the Department of Defense. For companies or government entities with very sensitive data, they offer specially monitored destruction. For the average cell phone or hard drive, when I expressed that I was concerned about possible data still left on them, she showed me just how thoroughly they take these things apart, degaussing drives, and then breaking them down and melting them, all under the watchful eye of video cameras. When I saw their operation I wasn’t so worried about my cell phones going into the mix. It was a relief, because even if I’d found their proper cords, I wasn’t sure I could boot them up after all this time to wipe all my contacts and info, and even if I did, I didn’t really want to spend the time on it!

They also took my CFLs and will de-mercury them and recycle them properly. It was one stop shopping for all my disposal needs. They will do pick up by arrangement, too, for appliances and items that are too bulky for your vehicle to carry.

The rest of my tour was of their furniture/for sale section. I have never ever seen so many computer chairs in one place! And a huge aisle of file cabinets! I will never go to Staples for office furniture again. They have couches, and tables, and dining room chairs, of every style you could think of. Cubicles and big executive desks. Some were outdated - some were very nice and in good shape. I’d have a hard time working there, seeing the inventory going in and out without buying a lot. The prices are what you expect - a lot lower than for new items, priced based on condition and desirability, but they take the care to clean the factory dust (the place can’t help but get dusty) before you pick them up or they deliver them. If you want to see their current inventory (or part of it at least) they post it on their website - but it changes daily, as things come in and get sold!

If you are interested in going to buy furniture, call Nick at 978-459-9595, he’s the furniture guy.

They also take washers and dryers and fridges and big appliances, again to tear up and recycle every bit of it. You can find a list of things on their website, and I’m sure you can call (978-459-9595, ask for Patti) and find out more details, talk about pick up (for things that you can’t get there yourself) and drop off hours of operation. They are talking about working with the city to arrange hours for resident drop-off on Saturdays, and I really hope that happens.

Northeast Materials Handling also does a lot of fundraising for schools and organizations - the LHS Crew team’s bring-in-your-items day was run by NMH. So if you want to recycle your items for a good cause you can bring them to one of their events, or even create an event of your own for your school or org. The materials, I was told, are also resold right here in New England for use - not only are you recycling locally, but the material stays here to be used!

I found them really friendly as well, and since I am a gregarious girl, I love meeting new people. I never thought I would say this, but I had a hard time tearing myself away from the browsing and the conversations at this recycling and reuse business. There were many fascinating things to be found, like that old-fashioned hot dog/popcorn stand, a castle and glass top side table, and just a ton of other things, artwork and knick knacks and throw pillows and lamps. You really do have to see the place to get the scale. I concluded my adventure by finding a little piece of furniture I’d been looking for for a while and making a purchase. I have the duel contentment that not only did I get a good price, but I am finding a new home for something that could have, in someone else’s hands, taken up space in a landfill.

And that is a feeling worth having!

Ask yourselves, who runs the show, the boss or the employees? Now, with a straight face, please explain to me how something like this can happen?

From The Sun:

LOWELL — The new city treasurer resigned on Monday after just one week on the job.

City Manager Bernie Lynch said on Tuesday that Greg Labrecque said he quit because Lowell wasn’t a good fit for him.

“We think he’s a good fit for us,” said Lynch.
-snip

Observers have told me that there was resistance by city workers to Lebrecque’s efforts to change the way things are done. That the political drama queens, coupled with carefully couched insubordination from staff, made Labrecque’s path back to Groveland a no brainer.

Most certainly, this whole thing will be laid at the CM’s & CFO’s feet. The drama queens never rest. They feed off the anxiety and attention of their dead tree benefactor. However, one can get a sense that the CM will not bend under the load of bullshit he is about to be assaulted with.

“His appointment gathered some political resistance and attention. It was something that he wasn’t comfortable with given the types of changes that he was being asked to put in place in the treasurer’s office,” Lynch said.

Please note: “changes that he was being asked to put in place .”

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m thinking the CM is stating very plainly that he will send another, and then another, if he has to. That The Wall in City Hall will Fall.

Or, he will.

PS. Speaking of walls, how does this bode for the City Clerk office? I hope the Council has the CM’s back on reform efforts. The “Townie Turnstyle” has got to go.

Another opportunity for you to see Elizabeth Warren, and another opportunity to donate to her campaign. Small donations are key to a campaign like Elizabeth’s because people power, all of us (the 99%) speaking in one voice can fight the “rigged game” as she put it in this first TV ad, despite the money and the power stacked against us. Please, go donate! Remember, my goal is $500 by December! Can we get to $100 by this weekend?

This is a “bio ad” - the usual introductory ad candidates put out there, but it also showcases two other things: Elizabeth’s heartfelt belief that we should be able, as a country, to provide a level playing field (also her words), and that contrary to the accusations in the silly Karl Rove ad still running on our airwaves, she’s actually quite down to earth and accessible.

(To give Brown some credit, he denounced ads from “all outside groups” - but then, there’s been ads from the League of Conservation Voters against him on TV as well - talking about his actual record, rather than a Scary Voice Lady telling lies and exaggerations about the Occupy movement and calling his likely opponent “radical” and “elitist,” mind you. If he doesn’t like people talking about his actual record, maybe he oughtn’t have voted the way he did…and Brown sure didn’t go out of his way to denounce Karl Rove and the American Crossroads group, specifically, did he?)

TONIGHT!!!

The East Pawtucketville Neighborhood Association is Forming: And you are Invited to Join!

As our neighborhood changes and grows, we need to be ready to speak up for its needs and let our public servants know that we care and will be counted!

Perhaps you are concerned about the impact of the new bridge that is under construction and how this will impact traffic patterns?

Or maybe you are worried about issues with the university—parking, student noise, or the new buildings that are being built in our area?

Join us in planning the first East Pawtucketville Neighborhood Association in Lowell. Every voice is needed; everyone’s presence is honored. Bring your suggestions and your concerns.

Planning Meeting Scheduled:

When: Monday, November 14, 2011 7:00-9:00 pm
Where: Pawtucket Congregational Church
(15 Mammoth Rd. at the corner of Mammoth Rd and Veteran’s Parkway; directions on the Internet at www.pawtucketcongregationalchurch.org).

Wednesday Morning:

Lowell city administration will be holding a Downtown Summit on November 16th, 8AM – 10 AM at Lowell Memorial Auditorium (go around towards back of the building to the meeting rooms). Recently city administration completed an on-line survey (I hope you all took time to complete the survey) about downtown and they will be sharing responses. Input from neighborhood residents and business owners is critical to making your views heard about what the priorities should be for downtown. Traffic issues (UGH!) and cleanliness seem to be common themes from everyone. Not to mention the city-wide Neighborhood Association Group “Lights On – Crime Off” campaign is desperately in need of support from business owners (leave a light on at night).

I’m going to take a trick out of the Gerry Nutter handbook and pull a comment out of another diary, making it a diary of its own.

This comment is well thought out:

48.Lowell Resident Says:
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?

Please be nice because Santa reads every Open Thread.

dog-whistle politics
A type of political speech using code words that appear to mean one thing to the general population but have a different meaning for a targeted part of the audience.

Hey, Jim! We can hear it!

First, I should remark that The Column is up on the intertubes, these days. The bumper sticker brain trust has figured out that Gerry Nutter is stealing their new media thunder, so they capitulated on the embargo they erected. Frankly, The Sun has been very busy, as of late, playing catch up to the Lowell blog scene. What’s that about “imitation” and “flattery?” Pfft. I’d chaulk it up to The Sun grubbing for a buck. Though they are going to miss the mark, as they push Rush Limbaugh politics on a demographic better suited to the late David Broder, if not leaning towards Maureen Dowd. But, I digress.

This week’s Column is a textbook example of dog whistle journalism, where the Editor’s political slant is clumsily mixed into the storyline.
Take this:

Early in his first term, Murphy focused his verbal darts at veteran Councilor Edward “Bud” Caulfield, but Murphy has clashed with Elliott more frequently as the term progressed.

In my travels, the “rude boy” meme about Murphy is frequently on hand. The gist plays Bud Caulfield as the victim to Murphy’s sharp tongue. “He has no respect for his elders,” is the cornerstone to this shiv. The intent is to mar Murphy’s appeal to the huge Senior voting block. Nobody likes a smart alic, or so Campi hopes.
Next up:

THE CONTEST will be seen as a proxy war between supporters and detractors of City Manager Bernie Lynch. Lynch and Elliott have little affection for each other. Murphy considers Lynch a mentor and rarely votes against any of the manager’s proposals.

Um, not a clear signal to the “Bernie Bashers?” Except the point that Murphy looks to Lynch for mentoring. Bogus, say I. Murphy knows the position each hold in City Hall. He does not follow the CM. You wanna see a mentor for Murphy? Chat with his fiery eyed father, Dan. Of course, Campi knows better, but to hell with inconvenient truths. (Pardon, the Al Gore pun.)

When word leaked that Councilor Kevin Broderick was out of the running for mayor and Murphy was the alternative to Elliott, several observers told The Column that Lynch was behind the move.

This one is simple, “the CM is the puppet master” blather offered to build on the “rubber stamp” meme. You’d think, if The Sun had its way, that when Councilors don’t rant during meetings, they are under the CM’s “spell.” What bothers me about this particular tactic, is that it assumes we believe our Council is populated by weak minded drones. That might work when trying to frame state and federal electeds, ones we rarely meet. But, any Councilor is only a meeting, email or a phone call away. That won’t stop The Editor. He thinks you are stupid, apparently. Why else would he pump such limp narratives?

Meanwhile, other observers say Lynch may actually benefit from Elliott being mayor. As holder of the gavel, Elliott would have to down his persistent questioning, the theory goes.

More on this later. I think Rodney as Mayor will put him out of the Council in ’13. Elliott believes his own hype. That is a dangerous flaw.

Elliott, taking a cue from the elves here at The Column, donned a Santa suit at last Monday night’s candidates rally at the East End Club and gave out “Christmas gifts.” Those in attendance admitted the air was sucked out of the room as Elliott began roasting city employees, including CFO Tom Moses and City Solicitor Christine O’Connor.

Judge for yourselves:

Though he may have rubbed some in the room the wrong way, the voters spoke the next day. Elliott finished second, apparently tapping anger among voters.

This line is rather bold. It assumes that voters were aware of Elliott’s lack of respect and decorum. Worse, that they rewarded it with their votes. This is done to specifically make room for more of this crap, by Elliott and any others that would carry Campi’s water.

Remember this, those that hate government will work tirelessly to undermine it. No matter how low they have to sink, they fantasize of serving a higher calling. Of course, the charlitans that comingle with these haters, line their pockets as they exploit the void left by citizens digusted with the slime.

You probably realize that for the most part, I don’t get too far into fundraising for candidates unless I really like them. It’s a lot of work to harangue you guys for money and I prefer the organizing part anyway. But Karl Rove’s fun little ad which I posted about previously has goaded me into creating an ActBlue Warren page for LeftinLowell. Particularly, I would like to set a goal and see if we can’t meet it! I would like to, by the end of December 2011, have raised $500 for Warren through this ActBlue page. I will place the thermometer on the sidebar as well.

Elizabeth has the poise, the intelligence, the speaking ability, and the issues on her side. But Scott Brown and his henchmen like Karl Rove have unlimited money they can raise. Brown has something like 10 mil in the bank just on his own. We need to compete on the money front at least a bit - though there is no substitute for the grassroots organizing that I know we’re going to do!

I put in my first $25, but it looks lonely in there. If you were thinking about donating to Warren, do it now! Click on our page to donate and help us reach our goal!

And where were you 4 years ago?

Four years ago, almost to this date (November 9, 2007) I posted that I thought City Councilor Rodney Elliott should be elected as Mayor for a number of reasons. Here is the link to that post.

He was not elected, Bud Caulfield, who had previously served as Mayor, was elected for a repeat performance. So my question is all of you who are now saying it is Rodney’s turn, where were you 4 years ago? He was the longest serving Councilor who had not yet been Mayor then.

Frankly, I think any of the City Councilors can serve as Mayor. What I do not want is a Mayor with a chip on his shoulder, who will be easily influenced by the Sun. By the way, those of you who have poor memory let me remind you that 4 years ago CC Elliott was not Campy’s favorite. Here is my link to my post on the Councilor’s letter to the Sun and here is a quote from that letter:

“Mr. Campanini used inaccurate information to mislead the public to believe that I was not doing my job or that I do not work hard. I have other faults in life, but working hard is not one of them.”

So if Campy used misleading information 4 years ago to criticize the Councilor, I would think he will use misleading information to praise the Councilor in his bid to become Lowell’s next mayor.

I do not care if it is Mayor Murphy, Mayor Broderick or Mayor Elliott. What I do care about, like the rest of them, is what is best for the entire City. Not only those 9,900 that came out on Tuesday. Remember, the only City Council candidate who received a majority of the votes was CC Rita Mercier, no one else. Let’s not re-write the election results to fit our agenda.

One thing I know in Lowell, the election of the Mayorship is not over until the vote is taken. What we need, IMHO, is a a facilitator not an agitator. We need someone who can bring us together not divide us. Let the best person be elected.

Has anyone else seen the new ad by Karl Rove’s American Crossroads attacking Elizabeth Warren? I did, this morning, and all I could do was think: thanks, Karl Rove…?

The ad hits Warren about her support for the Occupy movement (and talking about her contribution to the seeds of the movement, the idea that the middle class and the American dream have been under attack, something Warren has been fighting against for decades). The ad labels the movement as socialist/radical/yadda yadda yadda.

Is Karl Rove aware that he’s running the ad in Massachusetts? I’m just wonderin’. Maybe he’s getting senile in his old age. And he is aware, I have to assume, of the polling that shows more Americans support Occupy than not? Or that 2/3rds agree that income inequality needs to be addressed and the system as it is is not fair? The numbers are likely a lot higher in MA, since, as we keep getting reminded (by the “red speck” who’s running for President, if nothing else) that our state is one of the most liberal in the union.

If I were Scott Brown, I’d beg Karl to please…stop helping.

Seriously, if what’s come out of the MA GOP, the Brown campaign, and the Republicans in general thus far is indicative of their future attack strategy…I am not going to say it’s cakewalk because nothing ever is and one’d be a fool to underestimate the underwear model…but geez. Make it a bit competitive at least!

Update: and we have video! I will also make the point that if Scott Brown wants to win a real term next November, he has to tack to the middle and look moderate, and divorce himself from the radical right. It’s his only chance. However, this goes in the opposite direction - and his campaign will be tarred with the same brush, as these sorts of ads go into the general mindset as “from the opposition” - they don’t make such distinctions as “oh that was an independent Karl Rove ad, and I’ll judge Brown accordingly.” That just doesn’t happen.

I’ve sorted each Ward by who “won” that Ward. Precinct totals are shown.

Note: Candidates are indicated, if they are “out of place” in relation to the 9th place cut off line. Candidates in Yellow highlight won election, city wide. Candidate in Red font, lost election city wide. Candidates with asterick (*) are incumbents.

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