Wellesley seniors stress need for new center - The Boston Globe
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Monday, December 28, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Karp Speaks; Says Little
Well, Northshore Magazine took a stab at capturing the epic so-called struggle between Karp and those fighting for the "real" Newburyport, whatever that might be.
The piece is balanced, focusing largely on Ann Lagasse and her work downtown. (I think the timeline in the history is a bit off. I'm pretty sure the Lagasses bought their properties in the 1980s as they were already The Lagasses when I arrived in 1993.)
The writer hits the usual issues: White Hen, "Nantucketization," the leases that call for a share in store profits (the Lagasses had this in place back in The Day). The only real perk I can offer is the reporter actually spoke to Karp about his introduction into the city through Walter Beinecke, the development guru who advised him on Nantucket as well as The Lagasses during their accumulation of downtown properties.
Karp sheds little light on what's coming. The article suggests the construction of a hotel is up in the air given the state of the economy. I guess I was a little surprised to read that but it makes sense.
Of any future plans Karp gives some assurances that people will have a say. “We try to listen to what people have to say,” Karp says. “We can’t always agree with everyone. The community will have input into any major development that will change downtown.”
White Hen supporters will scoff at this, and while I understand their position and admire their willingness to fight I'm not entirely sure the majority of people in town share their views and even if the do they clearly don't share their passion.
In fairness, sad as it is to note, the majority of people in town aren't passionate about much these days. (See 39% voter turnout.)
The piece is balanced, focusing largely on Ann Lagasse and her work downtown. (I think the timeline in the history is a bit off. I'm pretty sure the Lagasses bought their properties in the 1980s as they were already The Lagasses when I arrived in 1993.)
The writer hits the usual issues: White Hen, "Nantucketization," the leases that call for a share in store profits (the Lagasses had this in place back in The Day). The only real perk I can offer is the reporter actually spoke to Karp about his introduction into the city through Walter Beinecke, the development guru who advised him on Nantucket as well as The Lagasses during their accumulation of downtown properties.
Karp had reportedly declined to invest in Newburyport the first time he was approached, but later changed his mind and was drawn to the city. “Walter [Beinecke] introduced me to Newburyport, and we discussed the similarities and differences with Nantucket,” Karp says. “I had great appreciation for the character of Newburyport, the preservation of older buildings, the unique shops and restaurants, the location on the Merrimack, and the close proximity to Plum Island.”
Karp began buying several of the Lagasses’ properties in 2005, starting with 31 properties and adding on from there. He had a vision for the town, one that was estimated at more than $100 million that included long-term development of the waterfront. Ann Lagasse stayed on with NED and now helps manage its Newburyport properties.
“The Lagasses created value in their preservation of building character, land purchases, and appreciation of the location on the water,” Karp says. “Ann continues her work in finding new tenants who serve a year-round population.”
Karp sheds little light on what's coming. The article suggests the construction of a hotel is up in the air given the state of the economy. I guess I was a little surprised to read that but it makes sense.
Of any future plans Karp gives some assurances that people will have a say. “We try to listen to what people have to say,” Karp says. “We can’t always agree with everyone. The community will have input into any major development that will change downtown.”
White Hen supporters will scoff at this, and while I understand their position and admire their willingness to fight I'm not entirely sure the majority of people in town share their views and even if the do they clearly don't share their passion.
In fairness, sad as it is to note, the majority of people in town aren't passionate about much these days. (See 39% voter turnout.)
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
NED Looks South?
I honestly don't know what to make of this or what conclusions to draw, but this certainly is interesting.
Our own Charles Lagasse is heading a group called Boston Boat Basin, which just put in a $9.9 million bid for Boston's North End Marina, Yacht Haven marina.
The real estate paper Banker & Tradesman appears to have the exclusive. You can read all about it here. Tip of the cap to Northendwaterfront.com, a blog focused on the land of my people. (Mom grew up there, which is why I think Newburyport desperately need a real Italian bakery.)
I know nothing about this project, but the article seems to suggest Boston Boat Basin--which shares an address with our own Newburyport Development, owned by Steve Karp and New England Development--paid a pretty penny for the property.
This clearly shows Karp & Co. have the capital to spend when it makes sense, which makes me wonder why they have shown zero public interest in the Towle project property.
Our own Charles Lagasse is heading a group called Boston Boat Basin, which just put in a $9.9 million bid for Boston's North End Marina, Yacht Haven marina.
The real estate paper Banker & Tradesman appears to have the exclusive. You can read all about it here. Tip of the cap to Northendwaterfront.com, a blog focused on the land of my people. (Mom grew up there, which is why I think Newburyport desperately need a real Italian bakery.)
I know nothing about this project, but the article seems to suggest Boston Boat Basin--which shares an address with our own Newburyport Development, owned by Steve Karp and New England Development--paid a pretty penny for the property.
The sale price is nearly $2 million more than the $8 million credit bid that
North End marina's current owner, Northern Bank & Trust, paid at bankruptcy
auction in August. No private bidder came close to matching that price at
auction, with most bidders quitting the action at $5 million.
This clearly shows Karp & Co. have the capital to spend when it makes sense, which makes me wonder why they have shown zero public interest in the Towle project property.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
What a kick in the Khakis
Klondike Bar is featuring a video game called "The Adventures of Khaki Pants Pete."
I need a lawyer.
I need a lawyer.
Bah Humbug at the News
Media critic and blogger (aren't we all) Dan Kennedy reports that CNHI, the national company that owns the Daily News, Salem Evening News, the Trib and others is requiring employees to take another unpaid day off sometime before Dec. 26. Local reporters already have taken at least one furlough week this year.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Be Heard on Charter Review
I thought this letter to the editor in the Daily News presented an interesting perspective on the task facing the Charter Review Commission. The letter writer essentially argued that the commission should issue a statement of what elements of the city charter will be reviewed and, I suppose, why they're reviewed.
Perhaps such a proactive statement would work to get the conversation moving forward, however, I fear it would just as likely establish a position that Charter Review commission members might be forced to defend.
As this stage, I think the most prudent and practical step would require the voters of the city to attend Wednesday's public hearing to state THEIR concerns about the city's current form of governement. Voters need to make their own voices heard first to give the Commission members a foundation and framework to work within.
At some point the commission will need to take a stand and present a document that represents the majority--and I hope the entirety--of the memebers' opinion. But right now the commission needs to hear what voters feel are the shortcomings of our current government--if they feel there are any--and then act on those statements.
The first opportunity for the public to speak to these issues will be Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
Perhaps such a proactive statement would work to get the conversation moving forward, however, I fear it would just as likely establish a position that Charter Review commission members might be forced to defend.
As this stage, I think the most prudent and practical step would require the voters of the city to attend Wednesday's public hearing to state THEIR concerns about the city's current form of governement. Voters need to make their own voices heard first to give the Commission members a foundation and framework to work within.
At some point the commission will need to take a stand and present a document that represents the majority--and I hope the entirety--of the memebers' opinion. But right now the commission needs to hear what voters feel are the shortcomings of our current government--if they feel there are any--and then act on those statements.
The first opportunity for the public to speak to these issues will be Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
Why the Rush?
Two things strike me as odd about the city appealing the flood maps on behalf of Steve Karp's New England Development, and not one of them has to do with the city appealing the flood maps on behalf of Steve Karp's New England development.
I agree with the Daily News. Makes sense for the city.
What I don't get is why the last minute filing? Are you telling me this wasn't on NED's radar until recently, and it took a last minute bit of cramming to get the appeal in? What the heck?
The city filed an appeal of the preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps on behalf of New England Development on Monday, the last day possible to fight the imposition of new flood maps that will impact hundreds of properties in the city.
Mayor John Moak had said earlier this year that the city would not appeal the new maps, which will take effect June 1. However, the mayor said last week that the city is the only party that can file an appeal and did so this week on behalf of the development company.
Everyone wants to point at the White Hen Pantry as being the first chink in NED's armor, suggesting the move to expand the CVS represents some sort of communal tone deafness. Wait, I think I said that too.
But this to me raises even more questions. Is there a legitimate reason why the appeal went down to the wire. Seems to me the city's been warning about these maps for a long-time. Did NED take a look just recently?
Honestly, what possibly could be more important to NED's plans this the flood maps?
Oh and the second odd thing--interesting really--is the suggestion that the flood maps might require NED to elevate building on the site to compensate for any flood waters.
From my understanding, NED already had issues with the height limitations laid out by the Overlay District. So, if the flood maps really require the buildings to start at a higher elevation any building's that NED has eyed for that parcel could really squeeze the square-footage of any project cown there.
What these means for the feasibility of the entire project, I just don't know.
I agree with the Daily News. Makes sense for the city.
What I don't get is why the last minute filing? Are you telling me this wasn't on NED's radar until recently, and it took a last minute bit of cramming to get the appeal in? What the heck?
The city filed an appeal of the preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps on behalf of New England Development on Monday, the last day possible to fight the imposition of new flood maps that will impact hundreds of properties in the city.
Mayor John Moak had said earlier this year that the city would not appeal the new maps, which will take effect June 1. However, the mayor said last week that the city is the only party that can file an appeal and did so this week on behalf of the development company.
Everyone wants to point at the White Hen Pantry as being the first chink in NED's armor, suggesting the move to expand the CVS represents some sort of communal tone deafness. Wait, I think I said that too.
But this to me raises even more questions. Is there a legitimate reason why the appeal went down to the wire. Seems to me the city's been warning about these maps for a long-time. Did NED take a look just recently?
Honestly, what possibly could be more important to NED's plans this the flood maps?
Oh and the second odd thing--interesting really--is the suggestion that the flood maps might require NED to elevate building on the site to compensate for any flood waters.
The maps would cause any new buildings to be built at a higher elevation than they would have been, which can be a "multiple feet" difference, Green said.
If new buildings are a higher elevation, it wouldn't match what is currently in place, [Local NED Rep Tony] Green said.
From my understanding, NED already had issues with the height limitations laid out by the Overlay District. So, if the flood maps really require the buildings to start at a higher elevation any building's that NED has eyed for that parcel could really squeeze the square-footage of any project cown there.
What these means for the feasibility of the entire project, I just don't know.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
John Moak's New Gig
Nashoba Publishing has the details on John Moak's new contract with Pepperell. Go here.
Highpoints
* Three-year deal
* $94,000 per year
* Starts Jan 4.
* He's going to oversee IT functions as well as administrative, not sure what that means.
* No salary increasee for 18 months. Beyond that there is a performance based 0 to 2 1/2 percent option.
* His employment can be terminated if Moak seeks another job within the first two years of the contract.
Can we get the last one for our Superintendent?
Highpoints
* Three-year deal
* $94,000 per year
* Starts Jan 4.
* He's going to oversee IT functions as well as administrative, not sure what that means.
* No salary increasee for 18 months. Beyond that there is a performance based 0 to 2 1/2 percent option.
* His employment can be terminated if Moak seeks another job within the first two years of the contract.
Can we get the last one for our Superintendent?
Friday, December 11, 2009
Senior Center Meeting
The Senior Center Building Committee will meet to discuss the notion of acquring the Towle project land. However, the meeting is Monday, December 21 at 8am in the City Council Chambers, not this coming Monday as reported in the Daily News this morning.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Hmmm, Senior Center?
This place provided the family a great deal of comfort when we lived in Central, Mass. Sad to see it go.
Oh, and hellllooooooo Loretta. Welcome to town.
We'll see who has the longer lines, the BBQ or the neighboring Grezzo, the raw food place. (Actually I'm eager to try Grezzo.)
Oh, and hellllooooooo Loretta. Welcome to town.
We'll see who has the longer lines, the BBQ or the neighboring Grezzo, the raw food place. (Actually I'm eager to try Grezzo.)
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Mr. Moak's New Neighborhood
Gillian Swart is reporting that John Moak accepted the job in Pepperell, no real surprise. She was too polite to ask about salary, but the guess is he'll come close to if not top $100,000, not a bad bump from his current $62,500.
I thought we should all get to know our Mayor's new professional home. I considered taking a trip to Pepperell where I'd interview town leaders, average joes, regular janes (Wrangler Jane if she's available) and return with a concise, yet insightful report.
But I realized the comments section from the Lowell Sun article announcing the job offer to Moak would be just as illuminating, so here you go.
Lots of comments, 26 in all, I particularly enjoyed the suggestions that our mayor is some kind of fast-talking Harold Hill, who pressured the selectmen into offering him the job by mentioning the other potential job offers. Sounds a lot like...someone else's mayor.
In fact, one commenter refuted a section of an earlier article--the one I linked to initially that quoted Moak as advising Pepperell's selectmen to act quickly because he was considering other positions. The commenter reported that Moak actually said that he had no other offers and would move on if Pepperell declined.
I'd say the overall tone is positive, but Moak is clearly stepping into a battle between native and newcomers. It appears as if he'll be seen as an agent of the change, again, doesn't sound a lot like our mayor, who enjoyed particularly strong support from old timers in these parts. (And newcomers as well, no doubt.) He also got a plug from someone calling themselves Clipperpride.
As an aside, notice that I never once called these commenters--bloggers--because they are not. Bloggers have blogs.
I thought we should all get to know our Mayor's new professional home. I considered taking a trip to Pepperell where I'd interview town leaders, average joes, regular janes (Wrangler Jane if she's available) and return with a concise, yet insightful report.
But I realized the comments section from the Lowell Sun article announcing the job offer to Moak would be just as illuminating, so here you go.
Lots of comments, 26 in all, I particularly enjoyed the suggestions that our mayor is some kind of fast-talking Harold Hill, who pressured the selectmen into offering him the job by mentioning the other potential job offers. Sounds a lot like...someone else's mayor.
In fact, one commenter refuted a section of an earlier article--the one I linked to initially that quoted Moak as advising Pepperell's selectmen to act quickly because he was considering other positions. The commenter reported that Moak actually said that he had no other offers and would move on if Pepperell declined.
I'd say the overall tone is positive, but Moak is clearly stepping into a battle between native and newcomers. It appears as if he'll be seen as an agent of the change, again, doesn't sound a lot like our mayor, who enjoyed particularly strong support from old timers in these parts. (And newcomers as well, no doubt.) He also got a plug from someone calling themselves Clipperpride.
As an aside, notice that I never once called these commenters--bloggers--because they are not. Bloggers have blogs.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Because I keep forgetting...
Please consider this a reminder to vote in tomorrow's Senate primary. Check out the Newburyport Dems blog, Newburyport's (GOP) Voice blog and the Daily News site for background information if you still need it.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Plop
That's the sound of the other shoe dropping on the Towle Bulding project. Read the deets at Newburyportbiz. The city is in some stage of talks/consideration about buying the project. Looks like a lot of moving parts, but it's an interesting idea that I still need to get my brain around.
That said, it would be wrong of me not to point out that I raised this idea in April....
I left the many typos and grammatical errors to prove its authenticity.
That said, it would be wrong of me not to point out that I raised this idea in April....
I actually thought of the senior center this week while reading in the Daily News about the mothballed luxury condo project behind the Towle building. It's a shame the building can't acquire one of these hafl built structures and convert it into a senior center. That would be the ideal spot, easy access to parking, the waterfront and many doctor's offices in the Towle building.
I left the many typos and grammatical errors to prove its authenticity.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Men's Shopping Night: A Rebuttal By Bean
When are you going to comment on the sexist nature of the upcoming “Men’s Shopping Night”?
As if all men are pathetic, procrastinating, deer-in-headlights shopping zombies that lack thought and creativity when it comes to buying gifts! I find it highly offensive and I plan on suing every shop in Newburyport that participates.
It is an insult to assume that all men wait until the last minute to purchase gifts and actually need to be told what their significant other and family members want for Christmas. You should join me in this cause!
By the way, do you know if any shops will be open on the 24th, just in case?
-Bean
As if all men are pathetic, procrastinating, deer-in-headlights shopping zombies that lack thought and creativity when it comes to buying gifts! I find it highly offensive and I plan on suing every shop in Newburyport that participates.
It is an insult to assume that all men wait until the last minute to purchase gifts and actually need to be told what their significant other and family members want for Christmas. You should join me in this cause!
By the way, do you know if any shops will be open on the 24th, just in case?
-Bean
More Moak Details
Here's the Daily News' account of Mayor Moak receiving a job offer from Pepperell. Apparently, he'll be staying through the end of his term, but I'm guessing he'll take a little time off between Christmas and New Year's as we all hope to do.
Two quick thoughts....
I don't know a thing about the town, except it's location, but Pepperell is roughly two-thirds the size of Newburyport and it's run by a three-person board of selectman and a town manager. We have 11 Councillors and a Mayor. Just an interesting contrast of communities. No doubt, Pepperell is a bit more sleepy/rural, but 12,000 people is 12,000 people.I can't wait to see what the salary is. We're in a sad state if he doubles his $60,000 mayoral salary.
BTW, Charter Review Commission is meeting tonight and planning to hold its first public hearing on Dec. 16. More on the hearing later, I hope.
And yes, I'm bringing back Lord Dexter, and his little Dog too.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
What the hell
I don't go around proposing tiny taxes and pushing for senior centers do I?
Ed Cameron's got the news on John Moak getting a job offer from Pepperell.
Stay off my turf, Ed.
(Oh and Gillian beat me to it as well. Stupid job.)
Ed Cameron's got the news on John Moak getting a job offer from Pepperell.
Stay off my turf, Ed.
(Oh and Gillian beat me to it as well. Stupid job.)
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Moak Has Irons in the Fire
Our outgoing Mayor John Moak is a finalist for the Pepperell Town Admnistrator position, according to an article on the Nashoba Publishing web site. He's one of two candidates, with the other begin Jason Hoch, former administrator of Littleton and Plaistow.
Moak told the Pepperell Selectmen that he'd be available in two weeks "and asked for an answer quickly because he expects other offers will be coming." His term runs until early Jan., but perhaps he has vacation time saved up.
From the article:
The article's description of Moak was a bit confusing as I don't know him to be an "energy adviser" to anyone. I also don't know about the eroding top soil of the sewer lines. Sounds like the reporter conflated some issues that probably came up during the interview?
Pepperell is an hour Southwest of here.
Moak told the Pepperell Selectmen that he'd be available in two weeks "and asked for an answer quickly because he expects other offers will be coming." His term runs until early Jan., but perhaps he has vacation time saved up.
From the article:
Moak had been an energy adviser who helped convert Newburyport's middle school electric heating into a solar power purchase agreement that is expected to save about $1.4 million over the next 20 years.
He recently worked on an administrative shutdown order to force the owner of the town's landfill to work more closely with the town to eliminate hydrogen sulfide, and has worked with three communities and the Army Corps of Engineers to replace eroding top soil covering sewer lines.
The article's description of Moak was a bit confusing as I don't know him to be an "energy adviser" to anyone. I also don't know about the eroding top soil of the sewer lines. Sounds like the reporter conflated some issues that probably came up during the interview?
Pepperell is an hour Southwest of here.
Towle Project Off the Market
The recent activity around the Towle Building might been a clean up aimed at enticing a buyer to take over the half-finished project.
But Jerry Lischke of Stoneridge says owner First Republic has asked him to take the entire project off the market. He wouldn't say why, but I have to think it wasn't drawing any significant interest. (How's that for insight?)
At least FR cleaned up Cashman Park. I just hope they winterized the old barn that still stands in the parking lot.
To be clear, the Towle Building was not up for sale, just the luxury housing project on the side and rear.
But Jerry Lischke of Stoneridge says owner First Republic has asked him to take the entire project off the market. He wouldn't say why, but I have to think it wasn't drawing any significant interest. (How's that for insight?)
At least FR cleaned up Cashman Park. I just hope they winterized the old barn that still stands in the parking lot.
To be clear, the Towle Building was not up for sale, just the luxury housing project on the side and rear.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Clear the way
The boardwalk behind River's Edge is officially open for business and connects to the bike trail which, of course, isn't officially open for business. But it's open nonetheless.
Still no connection under the bridge, but could happen soon.
Still no connection under the bridge, but could happen soon.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Good News
Congrats to Newburyport Business, the new weekly business news web site, for scoring the details on the fate of the (former) First Church of Christ building on High Street. Go here for details, but I'm happy to report it appears as if the building will be spared.
If that is the case, congrats and kudos to the buyer as well.
If that is the case, congrats and kudos to the buyer as well.
Oh! Christmas Tree?
I'm still not sure why this was lying out on Green Street.
But it found it's new home less than an hour later.
But it found it's new home less than an hour later.
Charter Commission Meeting (Updated)
The Charter Review Commission will hold its second meeting on Tuesday night, 7 p.m at City Hall. At the first meeting, the commission appointed officers.
Steve Cole, of the School Committee Coles, is chairman. Kathleen Bailey is vice chairman and Shelia Mullins was named secretary.
Mullins says Marilyn Contreas, senior program and policy analyst for the Department of Housing and Community Development, will meet with the commission to go over responsibilities, answer questions and help get the ball rolling.
The public is encouraged to attend,but the first public hearing likely will be Dec. 9. All meetings are open to the public. Not sure if cable will be broadcast.
Steve Cole, of the School Committee Coles, is chairman. Kathleen Bailey is vice chairman and Shelia Mullins was named secretary.
Mullins says Marilyn Contreas, senior program and policy analyst for the Department of Housing and Community Development, will meet with the commission to go over responsibilities, answer questions and help get the ball rolling.
The public is encouraged to attend,but the first public hearing likely will be Dec. 9. All meetings are open to the public. Not sure if cable will be broadcast.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
From the Daily News
Salvation Army short on Thanksgiving food
By Katie Farrell Lovett
Staff writer
NEWBURYPORT — Thanksgiving is just one week away, and The Salvation Army workers are getting nervous.
Although several companies are running holiday food drives, Major Kathy Purvis said the local chapter of the Salvation Army may not have enough food this year to distribute to all the families who have signed up for a turkey and supplies to make all the fixings.
"Usually by this time, our pantry is quite full of extra stuff," Purvis said. "The shelves aren't as full as they normally are."
The Salvation Army will distribute the Thanksgiving meal packages on Tuesday and will accept donations right up until that morning. Donations can be brought to The Salvation Army's office at 40 Water St.
Currently, they need turkeys, stuffing mix, vegetables, any kind of potatoes, dinner rolls, pie crust and filling, gravy, and anything else that might make a Thanksgiving dinner complete, Purvis said.
Last year, 75 local families signed up for a Thanksgiving meal package. This year, 65 families are signed up, but there are single people on a waiting list who will come after the families get their supplies, Purvis said.
The Salvation Army is also collecting monetary donations. Following Thanksgiving, the organization will start accepting items for their Christmas dinner packages, Purvis said.
The food pantry is also in need of "winter" food, such as soups, Purvis added.
Purvis said she's unsure why this year is bringing less donations than previous years. Usually when the economy is poor, The Salvation Army does well, she added.
"Maybe people just aren't thinking about it too much," she said.
"In advance, we thank everybody who is going to contribute this year in one way or the other," Purvis said.
DONATIONS NEEDED
The Salvation Army is in need of the following items to distribute to families to make for Thanksgiving diner:
Turkeys
Stuffing mix
Vegetables
Any kind of potatoes,
Dinner rolls
Pie crust and filling
Gravy
Donations can be brought to The Salvation Army at 40 Water St. in Newburyport as late as Tuesday morning before noon
By Katie Farrell Lovett
Staff writer
NEWBURYPORT — Thanksgiving is just one week away, and The Salvation Army workers are getting nervous.
Although several companies are running holiday food drives, Major Kathy Purvis said the local chapter of the Salvation Army may not have enough food this year to distribute to all the families who have signed up for a turkey and supplies to make all the fixings.
"Usually by this time, our pantry is quite full of extra stuff," Purvis said. "The shelves aren't as full as they normally are."
The Salvation Army will distribute the Thanksgiving meal packages on Tuesday and will accept donations right up until that morning. Donations can be brought to The Salvation Army's office at 40 Water St.
Currently, they need turkeys, stuffing mix, vegetables, any kind of potatoes, dinner rolls, pie crust and filling, gravy, and anything else that might make a Thanksgiving dinner complete, Purvis said.
Last year, 75 local families signed up for a Thanksgiving meal package. This year, 65 families are signed up, but there are single people on a waiting list who will come after the families get their supplies, Purvis said.
The Salvation Army is also collecting monetary donations. Following Thanksgiving, the organization will start accepting items for their Christmas dinner packages, Purvis said.
The food pantry is also in need of "winter" food, such as soups, Purvis added.
Purvis said she's unsure why this year is bringing less donations than previous years. Usually when the economy is poor, The Salvation Army does well, she added.
"Maybe people just aren't thinking about it too much," she said.
"In advance, we thank everybody who is going to contribute this year in one way or the other," Purvis said.
DONATIONS NEEDED
The Salvation Army is in need of the following items to distribute to families to make for Thanksgiving diner:
Turkeys
Stuffing mix
Vegetables
Any kind of potatoes,
Dinner rolls
Pie crust and filling
Gravy
Donations can be brought to The Salvation Army at 40 Water St. in Newburyport as late as Tuesday morning before noon
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Going, Going....
Well, a sign in the front of the First Church of Christ building on High Street suggests a sale is pending.
Friday, November 13, 2009
New Comment Policy
The bastard spammers found me, so I had to insert one of those annoying "Type this word that you can't really read" features on my comments page. Sorry about the inconvenience, but I've got more "male supplements" than I can handle.
Welcome Newburyport Business
I didn't want to repeat the same mistake by snubbing a fellow blogger, so let me present my dear readers with a link to the newest non-paper paper in town, Newburyport Business.
Good luck to Gillian Swart, Melanie Wold and Stewart Lytle.
I'll have deeper thoughts on this at some point, but this will do for now.
Good luck to Gillian Swart, Melanie Wold and Stewart Lytle.
I'll have deeper thoughts on this at some point, but this will do for now.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Mary Baker Art on Display
I regret not posting this sooner because the show opened officially last Saturday. But you still should make your way down to Kaya, the jewelry store at the corner of State and Essex Streets, to visit with some of the paintings done by our fellow blogger Mary Baker Eaton. They'll be on display until the end of the year.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Take that Stanley Walker,
This popped into my head this morning after enjoying Victor Tine's account of the ceremony honoring former Daily News editor Bill Plante. Written in 1928 by Stanley Walker, city editor of the New York Herald Tribune.
Besides my many friendships, a small laminated card with this writing was one of the most lasting things I received from journalism school. Geeky as this sounds, I carried it in my wallet for years after college. I'd rediscover it while digging deep into my wallet for some lost piece of paper and read it once again.
I'm not sure why I kept it. Religious fervor, I suppose. Newspaper reporting, unlike most professions, is truly a calling. Salary, benefits, comfort and security are all secondary considerations to doing the job well. There's a public service element to it for sure, a fact that most people don't recognize, but it's true. Reporters really do care.
I always found this writing amusing, particularly the end, because in addition to shorting themselves on several comforts reporters must accept that fruits of their labor have a very short shelf life. Like a new car driven off the lot, their articles lose considerable value once they're read. Unlike a car, most articles are worthless in a day or two.
I don't have the card any more. I wish I knew where it went, but I've never forgotten the message. So it came to me as I read about Newbury's decision to name the new Hay Street bridge after Bill Plante. This wasn't a random landmark. As you can read in the article and in this moving piece once written by the newspaperman himself, the bridge holds special meaning to Plante.
As Walker suggests, Newspaper people don't expect to leave any indelible marks in this world, at least professionally. Bill Plante,thanks to a classy move by the town of Newbury, is the exception.
"What makes a good newspaperman? The answer is easy. He knows everything. He's aware not only of what goes on in the world today, but his brain is a repository of the accumulated wisdom of the ages. He is not only handsome, but he has the physical strength which enables him to perform great feats of energy. He can go for nights on end without sleep. He dresses well and talks with charm. Men admire him, women adore him; tycoons and statesmen are willing to share their secrets with him. He hates lies and meanness and sham, but he keeps his temper. He is loyal to his paper and what he looks upon as a profession; whether it is a profession, or merely a craft, he resents attempts to debate it. When he dies, a lot of people are sorry, and some of them remember him for several days."
Besides my many friendships, a small laminated card with this writing was one of the most lasting things I received from journalism school. Geeky as this sounds, I carried it in my wallet for years after college. I'd rediscover it while digging deep into my wallet for some lost piece of paper and read it once again.
I'm not sure why I kept it. Religious fervor, I suppose. Newspaper reporting, unlike most professions, is truly a calling. Salary, benefits, comfort and security are all secondary considerations to doing the job well. There's a public service element to it for sure, a fact that most people don't recognize, but it's true. Reporters really do care.
I always found this writing amusing, particularly the end, because in addition to shorting themselves on several comforts reporters must accept that fruits of their labor have a very short shelf life. Like a new car driven off the lot, their articles lose considerable value once they're read. Unlike a car, most articles are worthless in a day or two.
I don't have the card any more. I wish I knew where it went, but I've never forgotten the message. So it came to me as I read about Newbury's decision to name the new Hay Street bridge after Bill Plante. This wasn't a random landmark. As you can read in the article and in this moving piece once written by the newspaperman himself, the bridge holds special meaning to Plante.
As Walker suggests, Newspaper people don't expect to leave any indelible marks in this world, at least professionally. Bill Plante,thanks to a classy move by the town of Newbury, is the exception.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
A disturbing trend
So, only 39% of the voters turned out to vote in Tuesday's election. Dismal. Depressing. Just plain sad.
How's this compare to years past? From the Daily News article reporting on the 2007 general election.
Six years ago, just over half the eligible voters bothered to go to the polls. This week, just over one-third made it.
People, this is not good.
What this says to me is its clear the politically active "old guard" continues to vote and vote well. (Good for them by the way.) But their numbers are shrinking as newcomers like myself move into the city.
But we new folks aren't holding up our end of the bargain. We're not caring enough to vote. We're not letting our voices be heard.
Why the hell not?
I'm not going to suggest that the outcome of the mayoral election would have been different if the turnout were considerably higher, although common sense suggests that Donna Holaday had the support of the long-time residents and natives, much more so than James Shanley.
But we can't continue this way. We can't let one-third of the voters in this city decide its course. If you fellow newcomers to this city love it as much as you profess you gotta stand up, get involved and for goodness sake's vote.
How's this compare to years past? From the Daily News article reporting on the 2007 general election.
Voter turnout was lower than the previous two general elections with 43 percent - or 5,327 - of the city's 12,141 voters casting ballots in the mayoral race. In 2005, 52 percent voted; in 2003, 51 percent went to the polls.
Six years ago, just over half the eligible voters bothered to go to the polls. This week, just over one-third made it.
People, this is not good.
What this says to me is its clear the politically active "old guard" continues to vote and vote well. (Good for them by the way.) But their numbers are shrinking as newcomers like myself move into the city.
But we new folks aren't holding up our end of the bargain. We're not caring enough to vote. We're not letting our voices be heard.
Why the hell not?
I'm not going to suggest that the outcome of the mayoral election would have been different if the turnout were considerably higher, although common sense suggests that Donna Holaday had the support of the long-time residents and natives, much more so than James Shanley.
But we can't continue this way. We can't let one-third of the voters in this city decide its course. If you fellow newcomers to this city love it as much as you profess you gotta stand up, get involved and for goodness sake's vote.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Back to some Business
From the School Committee:
The Newburyport School Committee has initiated its search for a new superintendent. A key step in this process is to identify the characteristics that the Newburyport community is seeking in our new superintendent. There will be a community forum on Monday, November 9th at 7pm in the RAN/Molin Auditorium. Your input is important, because it helps us to find a candidate who is the best match for Newburyport. The entire Newburyport community is invited to attend.
For more information about the Superintendent Search, please go to: http://www.newburyport.k12.ma.us/supt.html
The Newburyport School Committee has initiated its search for a new superintendent. A key step in this process is to identify the characteristics that the Newburyport community is seeking in our new superintendent. There will be a community forum on Monday, November 9th at 7pm in the RAN/Molin Auditorium. Your input is important, because it helps us to find a candidate who is the best match for Newburyport. The entire Newburyport community is invited to attend.
For more information about the Superintendent Search, please go to: http://www.newburyport.k12.ma.us/supt.html
The Day After
Well, I always told myself that if the question passed and I lost I'd still be a happy guy.
Man, was I wrong. Losing stinks, at least it did last night.
But things are better this morning, and I'm so glad I went through with the process. I did, in fact, meet a lot of great people and found election night a whole lot more exciting if you've got some skin in the game. I highly recommend the experience for anyone interested in politics, especially those on the sidelines who insist candidates should run even if they have zero chance in winning.
In the end, this probably is the best outcome for the Charter Review issue. Now I can blog on the issue without fear of betraying trusts or presenting conflicts. I can still shout from my laptop and ruffle feathers (if needed) without complicating matters.
In fact, that's probably why some of you didn't vote for me. You'd miss my unvarnished commentary. Yeah, that's the ticket.
But I'm thrilled the question passed so overwhelmingly. I feared a squeaker would undermine any sense of mandate the commission now holds. The poll on the right was in fact an accurate measure of the mood of the populace. People are open to change; the question will be, how much.
I look forward to helping answer that question.
Thanks again to everyone who voted for me.
Man, was I wrong. Losing stinks, at least it did last night.
But things are better this morning, and I'm so glad I went through with the process. I did, in fact, meet a lot of great people and found election night a whole lot more exciting if you've got some skin in the game. I highly recommend the experience for anyone interested in politics, especially those on the sidelines who insist candidates should run even if they have zero chance in winning.
In the end, this probably is the best outcome for the Charter Review issue. Now I can blog on the issue without fear of betraying trusts or presenting conflicts. I can still shout from my laptop and ruffle feathers (if needed) without complicating matters.
In fact, that's probably why some of you didn't vote for me. You'd miss my unvarnished commentary. Yeah, that's the ticket.
But I'm thrilled the question passed so overwhelmingly. I feared a squeaker would undermine any sense of mandate the commission now holds. The poll on the right was in fact an accurate measure of the mood of the populace. People are open to change; the question will be, how much.
I look forward to helping answer that question.
Thanks again to everyone who voted for me.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
And the winners are....
The Daily News just confirmed what I wrote in a comment.
Again, congratulations and good luck to the commissioners.
Based on the unofficial vote tally last night, the others voted to the commission, in alphabetical order, were:
Kathleen Bailey, chairman of this year's Yankee Homecoming Committee;
C. Bruce Brown, a former city councilor and Waterfront Trust member whose son is U.S. Senate candidate Scott Brown;
Steve Cole, a lifetime Newburyport resident who is a member of the School Committee;
Roger Gagnon, a history teacher for 36 years at Newburyport High School who recently retired;
Hugh Kelleher, executive director of the Plumbing Contractors Association of Greater Boston who charis the city’s Tree Committee;
Bruce Menin, a non-profit administrator who was re-elected to a fourth term on the School Committee last night;
Sheila Mullins, an interior designer who has lived in Newburyport for 22 years;
James Stiles, a data manager and environmental examiner who was runner-up for mayor two years ago;
and Bruce Vogel, a regional manager for an e-mail service provider who served four years on City Council.
Again, congratulations and good luck to the commissioners.
Charter Review In, Salemi Out
The Daily News is doing a nice job of reporting on the important races in town, so here's the link to their page.
The other big news, particularly in these parts, is the passage of the Charter Review question by considerable margin. Unfortunately, your intrepid blogger was not one of the nine people selected to do the review. But, such is life.
Congratulations to the nine selected to do the review and to the 11 that ran but didn't win. It was a fantastic experience.
I'd personally like to thank anyone who took the time to vote for me. I truly, truly appreciate your support.
And a hearty congratulations to the other winners of the day, particularly Donna Holaday who defeated fav James Shanley as well as council newcomers Heartquist, Cronin and Herzog.
The other big news, particularly in these parts, is the passage of the Charter Review question by considerable margin. Unfortunately, your intrepid blogger was not one of the nine people selected to do the review. But, such is life.
Congratulations to the nine selected to do the review and to the 11 that ran but didn't win. It was a fantastic experience.
I'd personally like to thank anyone who took the time to vote for me. I truly, truly appreciate your support.
And a hearty congratulations to the other winners of the day, particularly Donna Holaday who defeated fav James Shanley as well as council newcomers Heartquist, Cronin and Herzog.
Quite a moment for Democracy
I took The Boy to the polls.
I held his tiny hand as we walked in the Hope Church, checked in, picked up my ballot and ambled over to the booth
Once there, I knelt down to show him the ballot, all the names of the "mommies and daddies" who want to help the city including his own Daddy. I made sure he saw our last name on the ballot so he could really understand the significance of the day. (We'd been watching a Berenstein Bears in which Papa Bear runs for mayor of Bearville just last night.)
And then, after taking it all in, he spoke these words that I'll never forget....
"Daddy, I need to go to the bathroom."
Kind of gets you right here, doesn't it.
I held his tiny hand as we walked in the Hope Church, checked in, picked up my ballot and ambled over to the booth
Once there, I knelt down to show him the ballot, all the names of the "mommies and daddies" who want to help the city including his own Daddy. I made sure he saw our last name on the ballot so he could really understand the significance of the day. (We'd been watching a Berenstein Bears in which Papa Bear runs for mayor of Bearville just last night.)
And then, after taking it all in, he spoke these words that I'll never forget....
"Daddy, I need to go to the bathroom."
Kind of gets you right here, doesn't it.
Election Day
Here's the agenda for today
I. You go to vote. Polls open 7 am to 8 pm. Don't know where? Go here.
II. Vote yes on the Charter Review Commission. You can figure out the rest.
III. Check back here later tonight. I'll try to post the results as soon as I get them. If I can't get them I'll post saying so.
IV. Check out PortMedia for a life report from City Hall with Gillian Swart.
V. Thank God you live in a Democracy.
Gotta say, it's pretty cool being on the ballot. I once ran for Planning Board in my old town, but I was unopposed. I managed to beat out blanks and incumbents, but this is a lot more fun. I think I'll bring The Boy.
I. You go to vote. Polls open 7 am to 8 pm. Don't know where? Go here.
II. Vote yes on the Charter Review Commission. You can figure out the rest.
III. Check back here later tonight. I'll try to post the results as soon as I get them. If I can't get them I'll post saying so.
IV. Check out PortMedia for a life report from City Hall with Gillian Swart.
V. Thank God you live in a Democracy.
Gotta say, it's pretty cool being on the ballot. I once ran for Planning Board in my old town, but I was unopposed. I managed to beat out blanks and incumbents, but this is a lot more fun. I think I'll bring The Boy.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Why I'm voting for James Shanley
I've done a horrible job blogging on this election, which is too bad because I was really looking forward to the discussion. I don't like posting this on election eve, but I didn't want the season to slip by without fulfilling my long-promised reasons for endorsing James Shanley. Well, there's really only one.
I think we need him.
I disagree with the Current's endorsement, suggesting now is the time more suited for a candidate like Donna Holaday, someone who knows the inside and the outside of a ledger and can pull together a tight budget. To me, that would be the defensive position to take at a time when we need to show a strong offense.
We need a mayor who is looking beyond the squabbles of today and yesterday. Someone who recognizes the status quo just isn't working today. A person who is willing to lead folks toward possibilities they hadn't previously considered.
Shanley did that for me two years ago. We were attending one of the NRA's public hearing about the waterfronts, specifically asking what features should be included in the Cecil Group's plan for a waterfront park. Having just arrived to the city a year earlier, I attended the meeting thinking the battle over the waterfront parcels had been fought and won. The waterfront would be open; it's just a question of what we rest upon this openness (openicity?).
Skating rinks. Tot lots. Art displays. one after another suggestions for park features. Then Shanley stood up and reminded the NRA that the waterfront lots were economic engines that shouldn't be left in idle.
I couldn't believe what I'd heard. Someone actually suggested publicly that the lots be built upon. I thought these issues were settled in the 90s when Roger Foster finally abandoned his hotel bid (or had it abandoned for him), but someone had the guts to bring it up again.
We met for coffee later and his argument was convincing. We can't afford to maintain wide open green space. We need tax revenue. This city needs to maximize our resources if we're going to survive, thrive and restore some of the school programs and services that have been cut over the years.
A park, in my opinion, isn't the most practical or even the most attractive use of that space.
I know the surveys and so-called consensus that has built after 40 years supposedly wants an open waterfront. My question is this. Why isn't anyone using the park we currently have? A month or so ago back, we four made our way down to the Farmer's Market just before closing. We did our shopping, ambling through the crowds that still filled the Tannery parking lot and filling our shopping bags with vegetables, peaches and cider doughnuts. The place was packed, alive and a joy.
Lunch was next so we wandered over the Abraham's, grabbed some sandwiches and made our way to the Waterfront Park for a picnic. One might expect the place to be jamming in the middle of a glorious Sunday afternoon but that one would be wrong. The place was empty, a few families here, a napping waitress there, but the park was a quiet contrast to the bustle of the downtown and the Tannery, with the only exception being the boardwalk and walkways that guided people around the green space. In my opinion, this state isn't unusual. I never see crowds enjoying the grass we do have. The park always looks empty to me.
Having just returned to Newburyport a few years ago, I can testify that people "out there" don't think pastoral riverside retreat when they think of Newburyport. Quite the contrary, they think State Street, restaurants, shops and boardwalks. They want vitality. So do I.
In my opinion, people who have lived in this city forever-plus overstate the importance of the park in the ability to draw visitors to town. Most of the visitors to our fair city have parks in their own towns (admittedly without a river), what they don't have is our historic downtown.
As I write this the temperature is sagging into the 40s. I wonder how man people will be using that park this weekend or the weekend after that? How can we commit such a massive parcel of our downtown to be used for a handful of concerts and a three or four months of pleasant weekend afternoons?
To be clear, I'm not talking about building on the entire waterfront. I think we should extend the park on either side, but we should complement the open space with life, vitality and a return of the commerce that made and makes this city great.
This is the vision James Shanley laid out a few weeks after that 2007 meeting when we met at Plum Island Roasters. He never accepted authorship of the idea. (I'm told it was Nick Cracknell, the former planning director, but not sure.) But he sold it.
I think we need him.
We need a mayor who is looking beyond the squabbles of today and yesterday. Someone who recognizes the status quo just isn't working today. A person who is willing to lead folks toward possibilities they hadn't previously considered.
Shanley did that for me two years ago. We were attending one of the NRA's public hearing about the waterfronts, specifically asking what features should be included in the Cecil Group's plan for a waterfront park. Having just arrived to the city a year earlier, I attended the meeting thinking the battle over the waterfront parcels had been fought and won. The waterfront would be open; it's just a question of what we rest upon this openness (openicity?).
Skating rinks. Tot lots. Art displays. one after another suggestions for park features. Then Shanley stood up and reminded the NRA that the waterfront lots were economic engines that shouldn't be left in idle.
I couldn't believe what I'd heard. Someone actually suggested publicly that the lots be built upon. I thought these issues were settled in the 90s when Roger Foster finally abandoned his hotel bid (or had it abandoned for him), but someone had the guts to bring it up again.
We met for coffee later and his argument was convincing. We can't afford to maintain wide open green space. We need tax revenue. This city needs to maximize our resources if we're going to survive, thrive and restore some of the school programs and services that have been cut over the years.
A park, in my opinion, isn't the most practical or even the most attractive use of that space.
I know the surveys and so-called consensus that has built after 40 years supposedly wants an open waterfront. My question is this. Why isn't anyone using the park we currently have? A month or so ago back, we four made our way down to the Farmer's Market just before closing. We did our shopping, ambling through the crowds that still filled the Tannery parking lot and filling our shopping bags with vegetables, peaches and cider doughnuts. The place was packed, alive and a joy.
Lunch was next so we wandered over the Abraham's, grabbed some sandwiches and made our way to the Waterfront Park for a picnic. One might expect the place to be jamming in the middle of a glorious Sunday afternoon but that one would be wrong. The place was empty, a few families here, a napping waitress there, but the park was a quiet contrast to the bustle of the downtown and the Tannery, with the only exception being the boardwalk and walkways that guided people around the green space. In my opinion, this state isn't unusual. I never see crowds enjoying the grass we do have. The park always looks empty to me.
Having just returned to Newburyport a few years ago, I can testify that people "out there" don't think pastoral riverside retreat when they think of Newburyport. Quite the contrary, they think State Street, restaurants, shops and boardwalks. They want vitality. So do I.
In my opinion, people who have lived in this city forever-plus overstate the importance of the park in the ability to draw visitors to town. Most of the visitors to our fair city have parks in their own towns (admittedly without a river), what they don't have is our historic downtown.
As I write this the temperature is sagging into the 40s. I wonder how man people will be using that park this weekend or the weekend after that? How can we commit such a massive parcel of our downtown to be used for a handful of concerts and a three or four months of pleasant weekend afternoons?
To be clear, I'm not talking about building on the entire waterfront. I think we should extend the park on either side, but we should complement the open space with life, vitality and a return of the commerce that made and makes this city great.
This is the vision James Shanley laid out a few weeks after that 2007 meeting when we met at Plum Island Roasters. He never accepted authorship of the idea. (I'm told it was Nick Cracknell, the former planning director, but not sure.) But he sold it.
Anyway, at the time, I thought he was mildly nuts. I compared him to a WWII Japanese soldier who'd been holed up on a tropical island and didn't know the war was over, but I listened and I came to appreciate the vision behind the point of view, and I also appreciated the guy who was willing to stand up at a meeting filled with people who dreamed of parkland and state a completely contrary position.
I think he's consistently been willing to push for unpopular ideas that he thinks will work. He wants paid parking without free parking on the street, a system Donna Holaday seems to favor. I agree with James that the free parking will only undermine the paid parking system, causing people to drive around looking for "free" spots and adding congestion. He wants to develop a parking management program first before considering a parking garage. Again, at this time when government dollars are drying up we need to be prudent so this makes sense to me. (Jim Roy, a garage backer, had a great exchange with him in a recent Liberator.)
I think the time has come to settle these issues: the waterfront, paid parking. These programs, if executed well, all promise to bring revenue back to the city when we most desperately need it. Do we need a mayor who shows a propensity for counting the dollars or generating the dollars. I'm favoring the former, and I see James Shanley as that person.
I'll echo every other publication and blogger who has expressed an opinion on this matter. We're enormously lucky to have two capable candidates, and I'd be pleased to call Donna Holaday mayor. But I truly think James Shanley is the right candidate for this time, and that is why I'm voting for him.
Thanks.
I think he's consistently been willing to push for unpopular ideas that he thinks will work. He wants paid parking without free parking on the street, a system Donna Holaday seems to favor. I agree with James that the free parking will only undermine the paid parking system, causing people to drive around looking for "free" spots and adding congestion. He wants to develop a parking management program first before considering a parking garage. Again, at this time when government dollars are drying up we need to be prudent so this makes sense to me. (Jim Roy, a garage backer, had a great exchange with him in a recent Liberator.)
I think the time has come to settle these issues: the waterfront, paid parking. These programs, if executed well, all promise to bring revenue back to the city when we most desperately need it. Do we need a mayor who shows a propensity for counting the dollars or generating the dollars. I'm favoring the former, and I see James Shanley as that person.
I'll echo every other publication and blogger who has expressed an opinion on this matter. We're enormously lucky to have two capable candidates, and I'd be pleased to call Donna Holaday mayor. But I truly think James Shanley is the right candidate for this time, and that is why I'm voting for him.
Thanks.
p.s. Crazy day tomorrow, not sure how deeply I can get into comments until Wed.
Why Vote for Me?
That's a fair question.
I've kept the campaigning to a minimum here. That's partly intentional, I never wanted to turn this into the Tom show. But I've also been insanely busy with the new one, work and all the other elements of life. No complaints.
So I really haven't addressed why I'd be a good charter commissioner, and that's a fair question to ask. This is a unique race, both for candidates and voters.
How should voters judge the candidates? What's the criteria for a good charter review candidates? And what should the candidates say. Most of the candidates all trying to be non-committal, steering clear of answering any direction questions about what form of government we might favor. It's not that we're hiding anything, rather we just honestly want to keep or options open and let the discussion set the commission's course.
But here are a few things I feel I can offer up:
City Manager vs. Mayor -- As I stated in an earlier post, I'm leaning toward a four-year term for mayor but I'm honestly open to hearing the arguments for something else. If you're basing your decision entirely on my mayoral preference,don't vote for me. I wouldn't want to disappoint.
City Council -- As I suggested at the forum last week, I'd prefer the city council retain some sort of ward representation as that gives voters one councilor dedicated to their interests. But I also see the weakness. An issue in Ward 5--say the landfill--is mostly the concern of that councilor and those voters. The rest of the councilors aren't dependent on those votes to retain their seat so they can care a little less or not at all. I'd like to explore a system that gives voters in any ward an even stronger voice in selecting more than one city councilor so as a city we might follow the lead and care a little more about problems that aren't our own. I'm not certain such a system exists, but it's worth exploring.
Other boards--I brought this up a long time ago, but I'd also like to investigate the possibility of making some of the seats on key city boards elected positions. I'm not entirely satisfied with the mayor having total appointing power (should say total nominating power with city council approval, just would like to have some board members not need to pass over the mayor's desk.)
Note: I appreciate the support from commenters but I'm going to shut off comments on this one. I'd hate for this post to turn into something that might hinder the commission's work going foward if I'm lucky enough to be elected. The two comments I've received have been very polite, very civil, and very kind, thanks for that. But I'd regret it if a potential future fellow commissioner took offense at an off-hand remark made so close to the election. I have no designs on impacting other campaigns, just my own. Thanks.
I've kept the campaigning to a minimum here. That's partly intentional, I never wanted to turn this into the Tom show. But I've also been insanely busy with the new one, work and all the other elements of life. No complaints.
So I really haven't addressed why I'd be a good charter commissioner, and that's a fair question to ask. This is a unique race, both for candidates and voters.
How should voters judge the candidates? What's the criteria for a good charter review candidates? And what should the candidates say. Most of the candidates all trying to be non-committal, steering clear of answering any direction questions about what form of government we might favor. It's not that we're hiding anything, rather we just honestly want to keep or options open and let the discussion set the commission's course.
But here are a few things I feel I can offer up:
City Manager vs. Mayor -- As I stated in an earlier post, I'm leaning toward a four-year term for mayor but I'm honestly open to hearing the arguments for something else. If you're basing your decision entirely on my mayoral preference,don't vote for me. I wouldn't want to disappoint.
City Council -- As I suggested at the forum last week, I'd prefer the city council retain some sort of ward representation as that gives voters one councilor dedicated to their interests. But I also see the weakness. An issue in Ward 5--say the landfill--is mostly the concern of that councilor and those voters. The rest of the councilors aren't dependent on those votes to retain their seat so they can care a little less or not at all. I'd like to explore a system that gives voters in any ward an even stronger voice in selecting more than one city councilor so as a city we might follow the lead and care a little more about problems that aren't our own. I'm not certain such a system exists, but it's worth exploring.
Other boards--I brought this up a long time ago, but I'd also like to investigate the possibility of making some of the seats on key city boards elected positions. I'm not entirely satisfied with the mayor having total appointing power (should say total nominating power with city council approval, just would like to have some board members not need to pass over the mayor's desk.)
So those are the issues. Now, as to my qualifications: As a news reporter I've covered municipal government from Cape Cod (where this city boy first heard the terms, Town Manager and Selectman) to the North Shore. Hell, I covered the Statehouse and Boston City Hall while I was still in college (no pay, mind you, but I did get clips.) I love tracking municipal government, which is one reason I started this blog.
I really think this passion coupled with my research and reporting skills would serve the commission well. I hope you think so too.
Note: I appreciate the support from commenters but I'm going to shut off comments on this one. I'd hate for this post to turn into something that might hinder the commission's work going foward if I'm lucky enough to be elected. The two comments I've received have been very polite, very civil, and very kind, thanks for that. But I'd regret it if a potential future fellow commissioner took offense at an off-hand remark made so close to the election. I have no designs on impacting other campaigns, just my own. Thanks.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
The good, the bad
I generally don't have much use for Halloween. Yeah, we carve the pumpkins and give out the candy, but I don't anticipate the day all that much.
As holidays go, I can take it or leave it. But as days in Newburyport go, it's one of my favorites.
It's the only day of the year when most of the neighborhood roams the streets or sits on their front steps with welcoming smiles. Last night proved to be one of those great nights again, giving us an opportunity to reconnect with neighbors we really haven't seen much of since....sigh...last Halloween.
Unfortunately, the night was spoiled a bit by some teenage kids who decided to empty every unattended basket of candy. I'm sure it was done in the mischievous spirit of the day, but I somehow can't endorse the premise of taking candy that's intended for little children. Seems a bit....shitty.
The loss of candy isn't a big deal. Unfortunately, the Boy caught a wind of what happened and I believe he cut his trick-or-treating short because he didn't want to leave the remaining candy unattended. (I'd caught the buggers before they completely cleaned us out.)
I know we're lucky if this is what counts as youth problems. Still, it bugs me a bit. So if you're teenager came home with an inordinate amount of candy last night, consider this.
Great night with the neighbors though.
As holidays go, I can take it or leave it. But as days in Newburyport go, it's one of my favorites.
It's the only day of the year when most of the neighborhood roams the streets or sits on their front steps with welcoming smiles. Last night proved to be one of those great nights again, giving us an opportunity to reconnect with neighbors we really haven't seen much of since....sigh...last Halloween.
Unfortunately, the night was spoiled a bit by some teenage kids who decided to empty every unattended basket of candy. I'm sure it was done in the mischievous spirit of the day, but I somehow can't endorse the premise of taking candy that's intended for little children. Seems a bit....shitty.
The loss of candy isn't a big deal. Unfortunately, the Boy caught a wind of what happened and I believe he cut his trick-or-treating short because he didn't want to leave the remaining candy unattended. (I'd caught the buggers before they completely cleaned us out.)
I know we're lucky if this is what counts as youth problems. Still, it bugs me a bit. So if you're teenager came home with an inordinate amount of candy last night, consider this.
Great night with the neighbors though.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Endorsement Scorecard
So, here's how it's looking. In this corner, endorsing James Shanley is the Daily News and this here particular blog.
In the other corner, backing Donna Holaday is The Newburyport Current, The Liberator (not online), The Newburyport Blog.
Gillian Swart deftly endorsed both.
Ultimately, the winner will be the city. We've got two great choices.
In the other corner, backing Donna Holaday is The Newburyport Current, The Liberator (not online), The Newburyport Blog.
Gillian Swart deftly endorsed both.
Ultimately, the winner will be the city. We've got two great choices.
NED Goes Deep
In venture capital circles, this here is what you call a homerun, at least it will be if SmartBargains hits it goals and gets the future payment. From PEHub (stands for Private Equity Hub)
That's an extremely quick and generous return on investment, particularly in this market.
GSI Commerce Inc. (Nasdaq: GSIC) has agreed to acquire Retail Convergence Inc., a Boston-based operator of private sale site RueLaLa.com and discount e-commerce site SmartBargains.com. The deal is valued at up to $350 million, including a $180 million up-front payment (50% in cash), and an earn-out of up to $170 million. Retail Convergence had raised a $25 million Series A round in April 2008, from Breakaway Ventures, New England Development, Mugar Investments and General Catalyst Partners.
That's an extremely quick and generous return on investment, particularly in this market.
Our New Dog Park!?
It's only fitting our dogs will be free to roam the home of the Liberator.
Or perhaps the rehab of Brown Square is about to begin.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Guest Post: Just How Wrong Tom Is
Former Daily News colleague Denis Kennedy took time today to remind me that the paper has always endorsed mayoral candidates. For those who don't know Denis covered City Hall back in The Day. He still lives in the city.
It’s true that the paper has endorsed for a long time. They consistently backed Byron and Dick Sullivan when they were mayor. I remember sitting in on many endorsement meetings on local and state races when I was there in the 80s and 90s. They were interesting discussions, but never as sinister as some would believe.
The DN backed Ed Molin, Lisa Mead and Jack Bradshaw for mayor multiple times, with mixed results. More recently, John Moak has been endorsed twice in a row.
They endorsed Ed during his biennial tussles with Peter Matthews: in 1985 (he lost), 1987 (he won) and 1989, when he was unseated by Peter. Jack Bradshaw was endorsed when he ran against Peter and lost in 1991. (The paper never endorsed Peter for mayor, but he often told me that was fine with him, considering some in town viewed it as a kiss of death. When he was working on one of Peter’s campaigns, Dan Raycroft half-jokingly asked me to thank Cal for not endorsing him.) Sticking with Molin again, the DN endorsed him over Lisa when she won the vacant seat in 1993. Lisa got the endorsement when she beat Byron in 1995.
After I left the paper, I seem to remember they endorsed Bradshaw in 1997 over Mary Carrier (there’s that kiss of death again), Lisa over Carrier in 1999 (she won), Lisa over Lavender in 01 (she lost), Clancy over Lavender in 03, and Moak the last two times.
That’s a batting average of a little over .500 -- backing seven eventual winners in the last twelve races. With the exception of Peter, Mary and Al, they have endorsed incumbents for re-election.
You can imagine that I often got some pushback from endorsement decisions when I was at City Hall. I pointed out that while I was in on the meetings, I did not vote on the final mayoral decisions. I got defensive only when someone suggested the endorsement affected my coverage of the races; as you can attest when you took over my beat, that was never a factor in our reporting.
I can attest to that since I didn't even know we endorsed candidates. See, all you agenda-mongers out there. Newspapers and reporters can't be controlled or agenda driven. We're not organized enough. Like herding a bunch of drunken cats.
It’s true that the paper has endorsed for a long time. They consistently backed Byron and Dick Sullivan when they were mayor. I remember sitting in on many endorsement meetings on local and state races when I was there in the 80s and 90s. They were interesting discussions, but never as sinister as some would believe.
The DN backed Ed Molin, Lisa Mead and Jack Bradshaw for mayor multiple times, with mixed results. More recently, John Moak has been endorsed twice in a row.
They endorsed Ed during his biennial tussles with Peter Matthews: in 1985 (he lost), 1987 (he won) and 1989, when he was unseated by Peter. Jack Bradshaw was endorsed when he ran against Peter and lost in 1991. (The paper never endorsed Peter for mayor, but he often told me that was fine with him, considering some in town viewed it as a kiss of death. When he was working on one of Peter’s campaigns, Dan Raycroft half-jokingly asked me to thank Cal for not endorsing him.) Sticking with Molin again, the DN endorsed him over Lisa when she won the vacant seat in 1993. Lisa got the endorsement when she beat Byron in 1995.
After I left the paper, I seem to remember they endorsed Bradshaw in 1997 over Mary Carrier (there’s that kiss of death again), Lisa over Carrier in 1999 (she won), Lisa over Lavender in 01 (she lost), Clancy over Lavender in 03, and Moak the last two times.
That’s a batting average of a little over .500 -- backing seven eventual winners in the last twelve races. With the exception of Peter, Mary and Al, they have endorsed incumbents for re-election.
You can imagine that I often got some pushback from endorsement decisions when I was at City Hall. I pointed out that while I was in on the meetings, I did not vote on the final mayoral decisions. I got defensive only when someone suggested the endorsement affected my coverage of the races; as you can attest when you took over my beat, that was never a factor in our reporting.
I can attest to that since I didn't even know we endorsed candidates. See, all you agenda-mongers out there. Newspapers and reporters can't be controlled or agenda driven. We're not organized enough. Like herding a bunch of drunken cats.
Councillor-at-Large Candidates
I'm a little behind on my linking (Take Time to Blog) but there's the councillor-at-large profiles from the Daily News.
AND the article covering last night's mayoral debate, which I did not attend but will watch (and post) when it's up on cable. I only caught the last few seconds of the closing statements.
AND the article covering last night's mayoral debate, which I did not attend but will watch (and post) when it's up on cable. I only caught the last few seconds of the closing statements.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Daily News Endorsment
I was heartened to read the Daily News endorsed James Shanley for mayor. Yes, I'm happy they endorsed my candidate . But I'm equally glad I'm glad the paper took a stand. I erroneously thought the Daily News stayed out of the endorsement business, but John Macone pointed out that I couldn't be more wrong.
I'm not sure we endorsed that frequently in the 1990s although I do recall our supporting Lisa Mead over Byron Matthews in 1995? (Was it 95?)
It's been the general practice of The News to make mayoral endorsements since at least the 1960s, and perhaps earlier than that. Since I've been here (starting in 2002), we have endorsed in every mayoral election, in both Newburyport and Amesbury. We also make endorsements in presidential,gubernatorial, and override/debt exclusion elections. When state senate and state rep, elections are contested, we make endorsements. Usually they are not contested.
I'm not sure we endorsed that frequently in the 1990s although I do recall our supporting Lisa Mead over Byron Matthews in 1995? (Was it 95?)
Salemi Takes an Early Lead
Someone just told me they voted for me on their absentee ballot. So, counting myself and (perhaps) my wife I'm guaranteed at least three.
Showing You the Money
The issue of campaign fund-raising came up last week and, as expected, the Daily News had an account of who had contributed what to which mayoral campaign.
Go here.
Quick points, no sign of Steve Karp anywhere as should be expected. He'd be wise to stay out of this until the winner is declared.
James Shanley has raised three times the dollars of Donna Holaday, $21,475 to $6,849. (Holaday already had a little bit in her "war chest" so her total is $8,653.)
The report covers donations made from Jan. 1 through Oct. 26.
By my reading, Shanley has vastly outspent Holaday. He's got $8,536 left in his campaign fund, which means he spent roughly $13,000 while Holaday has only $3,485, putting her expenditures at roughly $5,000.
I don't know how much more they'll be able to spend over the next five days, but both will have some dough if they decide to run again in 2011.
Go here.
Quick points, no sign of Steve Karp anywhere as should be expected. He'd be wise to stay out of this until the winner is declared.
James Shanley has raised three times the dollars of Donna Holaday, $21,475 to $6,849. (Holaday already had a little bit in her "war chest" so her total is $8,653.)
The report covers donations made from Jan. 1 through Oct. 26.
By my reading, Shanley has vastly outspent Holaday. He's got $8,536 left in his campaign fund, which means he spent roughly $13,000 while Holaday has only $3,485, putting her expenditures at roughly $5,000.
I don't know how much more they'll be able to spend over the next five days, but both will have some dough if they decide to run again in 2011.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Candidates Forum a Success
Well, I'm happy to report attendees outnumbered candidates, a considerable feat given the rainy weather and the fact that the race has 20 people running. Only 15 were able to show up, but the crowd was still bigger than the field.
I'm quite impressed with all the candidates. There's a lot of talent and commitment spread amongst the field. I could see any mix of nine doing a fine job.
No cable on hand to record the event, however, which is a good thing since I absolutely hate talking about myself, particularly in public. I didn't pull a Munson, but I'm glad that's over.
And I finally got to meet Dick!
I'm quite impressed with all the candidates. There's a lot of talent and commitment spread amongst the field. I could see any mix of nine doing a fine job.
No cable on hand to record the event, however, which is a good thing since I absolutely hate talking about myself, particularly in public. I didn't pull a Munson, but I'm glad that's over.
And I finally got to meet Dick!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Aaargh
Work dragged me away from here for nearly a week, forcing me to stay in some two-bit (okay, probably three or four diamond) hotel on San Francisco's Nob Hill. Oh the horrors.
And my pain only gets worse because I haven't been able to blog nearly as much as I'd like to, and I'm finding all the good ideas for blog items are getting snapped up.
Witness Mary Baker Eaton's tome on the rail trail. I had the opportunity to walk from the train station to my home yesterday afternoon on the freshly paved pathway. Fantastic place to spend part of a brilliant fall day.
Actually, I was quite shocked when I boarded the 11:30 Newburyport-bound train. It was packed with young people in walking shoes. I thought for an instant, perhaps they're coming to stroll State Street. But then I realized they're true destination--Salem.
Ah well, just wait until they read about our trail. No doubt they'll be visiting us one brilliant fall day.
I do have one question, however. Why are their curbstones on Washington Street? I assumed we'd want the trail to be accessible to people bicycles. Giant hunks of granite may slow people down, but perhaps that's the idea?
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Charter Review Commission Forum
The Newburyport Democratic City Committee will be sponsoring a forum for all Charter Commission Candidates on Tuesday, 10/27 at 7PM at City Hall Auditorium. This will be nonpartisan much like the event for Mayoral and Council candidates sponsored by the Newburyport Republicans earlier this fall.
Hope to see you there.
The Newburyport Charter Review blog is at http://newburyportcharterreview.wordpress.com/
And please check out the new page "The Candidates" which features short bio's for all 20 candidates.
Please spread the word about Question 1 on the Newburyport Ballot!!!
Hope to see you there.
The Newburyport Charter Review blog is at http://
And please check out the new page "The Candidates" which features short bio's for all 20 candidates.
Please spread the word about Question 1 on the Newburyport Ballot!!!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Debate Info
Got this from Ed Cameron. I assume it'll be on the PortMedia web site so there's no excuse to not watch it.
Dear Neighbor,
If you weren't able to be there last night, it's worth watching.
The schedule is as follows:
10/22/2009 at 5:00 PM10/23/2009 at 12:00 PM10/24/2009 at 4:00 PM10/27/2009 at 8:00 AM10/30/2009 at 4:00 PM
Topics discussed were:
Budget
Infrastructure
Hotel/Meals Tax
Single Tax Rate
Senior Center
State Budget
Economic Development
Industrial Park
Wind Turbine
Green Communities
CPA
Local Historic District
Attracting Business to Newburyport
Impediments to Economic Development
Education and Superintendent
Chairing School Committee
City Council and School Committee
Waterfront
Parking
Leadership
Civil Service
"Proven Leadership"
And here's the Daily News article.
Dear Neighbor,
If you weren't able to be there last night, it's worth watching.
The schedule is as follows:
10/22/2009 at 5:00 PM10/23/2009 at 12:00 PM10/24/2009 at 4:00 PM10/27/2009 at 8:00 AM10/30/2009 at 4:00 PM
Topics discussed were:
Budget
Infrastructure
Hotel/Meals Tax
Single Tax Rate
Senior Center
State Budget
Economic Development
Industrial Park
Wind Turbine
Green Communities
CPA
Local Historic District
Attracting Business to Newburyport
Impediments to Economic Development
Education and Superintendent
Chairing School Committee
City Council and School Committee
Waterfront
Parking
Leadership
Civil Service
"Proven Leadership"
And here's the Daily News article.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Debate Tonight @ NHS
Contenders for mayor take stage for debate
By Katie Farrell Lovett
Staff writer
NEWBURYPORT — Mayoral candidates James Shanley and Donna Holaday will face each other in a debate tonight at 7 in the high school auditorium.
The debate is sponsored by The Daily News of Newburyport and the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce.
The candidates will be asked a variety of questions that were submitted by citizens.
The five topics for discussion include leadership, education, economic development, budget and waterfront/downtown parking. The candidates will be asked two questions related to each topic.
The moderators of the debate are John Macone, editor of The Daily News, and Chuck Withee, the chairman of the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce.
The election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
By Katie Farrell Lovett
Staff writer
NEWBURYPORT — Mayoral candidates James Shanley and Donna Holaday will face each other in a debate tonight at 7 in the high school auditorium.
The debate is sponsored by The Daily News of Newburyport and the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce.
The candidates will be asked a variety of questions that were submitted by citizens.
The five topics for discussion include leadership, education, economic development, budget and waterfront/downtown parking. The candidates will be asked two questions related to each topic.
The moderators of the debate are John Macone, editor of The Daily News, and Chuck Withee, the chairman of the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce.
The election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Polls Close Tonight
I attended a very nice gathering on Saturday night, which presented me with the opportunity to explain the charter review process, speak to my qualifications (something I'm really crappy at), and chat with a few other candidates.
I'm encouraged by the excitement people have for the idea once they hear about it. I just hope we can spready the word a bit wider. If anyone knows someone running for the Charter Review Commission (and with 20 candidates I'd say that's pretty likely) they should consider having a few friends over to hear all about the question and to meet the candidate as well.
One point that I stressed a few times on Saturday night, and I've addressed it here before. The commission DOES NOT have the power to change the charter. It can only recommend changes to voters who will have the opportunity to either accept or reject the changes in Nov. 2011 at the city's regular election.
I'm encouraged by the excitement people have for the idea once they hear about it. I just hope we can spready the word a bit wider. If anyone knows someone running for the Charter Review Commission (and with 20 candidates I'd say that's pretty likely) they should consider having a few friends over to hear all about the question and to meet the candidate as well.
One point that I stressed a few times on Saturday night, and I've addressed it here before. The commission DOES NOT have the power to change the charter. It can only recommend changes to voters who will have the opportunity to either accept or reject the changes in Nov. 2011 at the city's regular election.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Poll Update
The most telling part of the poll results is 95% of the people responding think some kind of change is in order. That's encouraging as my biggest fear is the question doesn't pass. If it passes and I'm not on the commission, that's fine. But I just hope the measure passes.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Shameless Plug
A family friend/friendly family) puts out these Bella Pepper Sauces. Damn good stuff and a nice write up in the Globe.
Speaking of shameless plugs, is it me or are the scarecrows in Market Square more commercially this year than past years?
Speaking of shameless plugs, is it me or are the scarecrows in Market Square more commercially this year than past years?
Vote for Bubba
What we really needs is a tax on khakis !!!
-Bubba
I am writing Bubba's name in as a councilor-at-large.
I also give him props for promoting the residential exemption program for property taxes like the one Boston employs. http://www.cityofboston.gov/assessing/resexempt.asp
Definitely worth a look.
-Bubba
I am writing Bubba's name in as a councilor-at-large.
I also give him props for promoting the residential exemption program for property taxes like the one Boston employs. http://www.cityofboston.gov/assessing/resexempt.asp
Definitely worth a look.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
PSA: Upcoming Volunteer Fair
Senzeni Na!
Zulu for "What have we done?"
2009 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES and POVERTY AWARENESS FAIR
All events are free will offering.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 6:30-8:30 PM Unitarian Universalist Lower Meetinghouse Presentation by Pastor Ross Varney on UNDHR, Article 25 and the Power of Peaceful Protest followed by the documentary, "Amandla: Revolution in Four-Part Harmony."
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 - WORLD FOOD DAYUnitarian Universalist Sanctuary
12-4 PM Organizations and Non Profit Table Event
Food Drive for Pettengill, Our Neighbor’s Table, The Salvation Army, Community Action
12-4 PM Bake Sale, Jelly Bean Mystery Item Auction, Banner Making
12-2 PM Waging a Living: Documentary with presentation by Deborah Smith.
2–3 PM Homelessness Presentation by Ed Cameron.
3-4 PM Power of Music in Creating Social Change: Presentation by Kathy Heywood.
4:00 -5:30 PM Newburyport Activists and Benefactors: Walking Tour with Ghlee Woodworth. Meet at Brown Chapel.
6:30-8:30 PM The Road to Fondwa, Documentary and Presentation by IC Haiti at Immaculate Conception Church.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 - International Day for the Eradication of PovertyUnitarian Universalist Sanctuary
9AM-2 PM Organizations and Non Profit Table Event
9AM-2 PM: Bake Sale, Jelly Bean Mystery Item Auction, Banner Making
9:00-9:30 AM Pennies, a New NPO Model, Presentation by Fran Larkin
9:30:00-11:00 AM Perspectives on Immigration
11:00-12 The Global Water Crisis: Locally and Globally, Presentation by Anna Phillips
12-2 PM RENEWAL and Its Stories
3:00–4:30 PM African Americans in the Newburyport 1800s, Walking Tour with Ghlee Woodworth Meet at Brown Square.
5:00–6:30PM Boston Community Choir, Location Belleville Congregational Church, doors open at 4:30.
6:30–8:30 PM Closing Reception hosted by the Belleville Service Club
7:00 PMJelly Bean Mystery Item Winners Announced
Zulu for "What have we done?"
2009 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES and POVERTY AWARENESS FAIR
All events are free will offering.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 6:30-8:30 PM Unitarian Universalist Lower Meetinghouse Presentation by Pastor Ross Varney on UNDHR, Article 25 and the Power of Peaceful Protest followed by the documentary, "Amandla: Revolution in Four-Part Harmony."
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 - WORLD FOOD DAYUnitarian Universalist Sanctuary
12-4 PM Organizations and Non Profit Table Event
Food Drive for Pettengill, Our Neighbor’s Table, The Salvation Army, Community Action
12-4 PM Bake Sale, Jelly Bean Mystery Item Auction, Banner Making
12-2 PM Waging a Living: Documentary with presentation by Deborah Smith.
2–3 PM Homelessness Presentation by Ed Cameron.
3-4 PM Power of Music in Creating Social Change: Presentation by Kathy Heywood.
4:00 -5:30 PM Newburyport Activists and Benefactors: Walking Tour with Ghlee Woodworth. Meet at Brown Chapel.
6:30-8:30 PM The Road to Fondwa, Documentary and Presentation by IC Haiti at Immaculate Conception Church.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 - International Day for the Eradication of PovertyUnitarian Universalist Sanctuary
9AM-2 PM Organizations and Non Profit Table Event
9AM-2 PM: Bake Sale, Jelly Bean Mystery Item Auction, Banner Making
9:00-9:30 AM Pennies, a New NPO Model, Presentation by Fran Larkin
9:30:00-11:00 AM Perspectives on Immigration
11:00-12 The Global Water Crisis: Locally and Globally, Presentation by Anna Phillips
12-2 PM RENEWAL and Its Stories
3:00–4:30 PM African Americans in the Newburyport 1800s, Walking Tour with Ghlee Woodworth Meet at Brown Square.
5:00–6:30PM Boston Community Choir, Location Belleville Congregational Church, doors open at 4:30.
6:30–8:30 PM Closing Reception hosted by the Belleville Service Club
7:00 PMJelly Bean Mystery Item Winners Announced
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
A True Fan
I spotted a re-elect John Moak sign on Tyng Street. I give the person points for loyalty and subtlety.
Take Time to Care
I know this caption sounds a bit snippy, but I just wanted to convey a simple thought.
I hear often from people in my demographics, those folks with young children and zero extra time, have a difficult time keeping abreast of the election. It's no lie, it's exceedingly difficult to set aside the time to read the paper, watch council meeting and generally stay informed.
But we're fortunate to have an abundance of news sources:
- The Daily News
- The Current
- Blogs by Gillian Swart, Mary Baker Eaton and others (hello self)
- Port Media, which is running extensive interviews on both mayoral candidates and all but two of the city council hopefuls.
- The Liberator (which, btw, has two excellent sit downs with Donna Holaday and James Shanley in the current issue.)
So all I ask is this. Try to carve out two or three hours over the next three weeks to watch a few interviews. Check in on blogs. Read whatever you can find either in newspapers or the candidates' own Web sites and try to get informed and, if you can, somehow involved.
As a service, I'll link to articles and interviews in a box below and list any election-oriented meetings I can find.
Poll First Day
Wow, I'm a bit surprised. Well, I'm also pleased with the number of votes. But I didn't expect the four-year mayor term to take such an early and commanding lead. I thought we'd see more votes for the current structure, which we all know is the two-year seat.
This gives me hope. It means folks are open to some change and might support the Charter Review question. Excellent.
Speaking of the question, please pardon my atrocious writing. I hope the options were clear enough. The last one is the trickiest one to understand. The city would have both a city manager and a mayor, but the mayor would be more of an honorary position. He or she typically is an elected city councillor.
Meet the Candidates
Well, the event was cancelled. Apparently, the Custom House isn't handicapped accessible so you can't have these gatherings there. You may recall the Newburyport Republican Party ran into a similar problem when they tried to host a candidate's night at the Phoenix Room.
Ironically, the Custom House was hoping to use this attention to raise money for improvements, such as making the museum handicapped accessible.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Council
I may try to get to the council meeting tonight to speak in favor of the proposal to apply an additional local tax to restaurant and B&B bills. However, it's tough to get out of the house with soccer/meal/bedtime so we'll see what happens.
This is approximately what I will/would say.
---
I'm here to speak in favor of the proposed addition of local meals and lodging taxes in Newburyport.
I concede this is a lousy time to talk new taxes. People are struggling financially, trying to make ends meet. The economy is officially out of its recession but you'll have a hard time seeing evidence of that these days.
However, this proposals goes beyond just raising new revenue. The addition of these two taxes can be the beginning of a shift in how this city raises taxes, a move away from relying almost exclusively on property taxes.
In fact, I'd argue that these taxes present a fairer way of generating revenue for the city. Newburyport is a destination city drawing people from all over to our sidewalks, boardwalks and restaurants. That identity is only going to grow in the coming years as Steve Karp develops the parcels downtown
That development is only going to draw more cars to our streets, people to our sidewalks and customers to our restaurants and hotels. I don't have a problem with that. In fact, I think it's great for the economic viability of the city. But these developments will come at a cost, both financial and actual in the form of more traffic.
As a resident of the city I'd like to see us be in a position to benefit from this growth in business. Yes, we'll see an increase in property taxes when these projects are built out but one could argue that will hardly cover the services these new buildings will require.
But a small tax added to every restaurant and hotel bill gives the people of this city a bigger stake in the financial success of downtown. As more people come into the city to dine and stay, more money will come back to the city in form of taxes.
Furthermore, these taxes will spread a bit of the burden of this congestion to the very people causing it, the visitors. Yes, Newburyport residents also eat in city restaurants, but the vast majority of local eateries wouldn't be able to survive without visitors to the city so I think it's safe to say those from outside the city will pay a decent share of the new taxes.
And I completely support the idea of dedicating any new revenue toward maintaining the downtown or going toward other infrastructure projects that will benefit the businesses who are charging the taxes.
In closing, we need to move away from the model of relying only on homeowners and property owners for taxes. These measures simply ask those who are visiting our city to share a bit of the responsbility of keeping it the beautiful place that it is.
UPDATE: I never made it to the meeting, but the matters were referred to budget and finance committee.
This is approximately what I will/would say.
---
I'm here to speak in favor of the proposed addition of local meals and lodging taxes in Newburyport.
I concede this is a lousy time to talk new taxes. People are struggling financially, trying to make ends meet. The economy is officially out of its recession but you'll have a hard time seeing evidence of that these days.
However, this proposals goes beyond just raising new revenue. The addition of these two taxes can be the beginning of a shift in how this city raises taxes, a move away from relying almost exclusively on property taxes.
In fact, I'd argue that these taxes present a fairer way of generating revenue for the city. Newburyport is a destination city drawing people from all over to our sidewalks, boardwalks and restaurants. That identity is only going to grow in the coming years as Steve Karp develops the parcels downtown
That development is only going to draw more cars to our streets, people to our sidewalks and customers to our restaurants and hotels. I don't have a problem with that. In fact, I think it's great for the economic viability of the city. But these developments will come at a cost, both financial and actual in the form of more traffic.
As a resident of the city I'd like to see us be in a position to benefit from this growth in business. Yes, we'll see an increase in property taxes when these projects are built out but one could argue that will hardly cover the services these new buildings will require.
But a small tax added to every restaurant and hotel bill gives the people of this city a bigger stake in the financial success of downtown. As more people come into the city to dine and stay, more money will come back to the city in form of taxes.
Furthermore, these taxes will spread a bit of the burden of this congestion to the very people causing it, the visitors. Yes, Newburyport residents also eat in city restaurants, but the vast majority of local eateries wouldn't be able to survive without visitors to the city so I think it's safe to say those from outside the city will pay a decent share of the new taxes.
And I completely support the idea of dedicating any new revenue toward maintaining the downtown or going toward other infrastructure projects that will benefit the businesses who are charging the taxes.
In closing, we need to move away from the model of relying only on homeowners and property owners for taxes. These measures simply ask those who are visiting our city to share a bit of the responsbility of keeping it the beautiful place that it is.
UPDATE: I never made it to the meeting, but the matters were referred to budget and finance committee.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Jack O'Lantern, Jack O'Lantern
you are such a funny site.
Sitting out by the window looking out at the night.
Daily News is looking for pictures of Jack O'Lanterns. Send your photos to NTphotosATnewburyportnews.com.
Sitting out by the window looking out at the night.
Daily News is looking for pictures of Jack O'Lanterns. Send your photos to NTphotosATnewburyportnews.com.
Friday, October 9, 2009
A new poll
Haven't put up a poll in a while. Starting Monday I'll have a poll up there asking folks THEIR position on having a mayor vs. a city manager, which is one of many questions facing the Charter Review Commission if it's established by voters next month.
I am a candidate for the commission, btw.
I am a candidate for the commission, btw.
Atticus on Animal Plant
Tom Ryan's increasingly famous pooch will be on Animal Planet tomorrow night at 9 p.m. For a few more details visit this post on Tom's Blog.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Candidate Interviews
Local writer/blogger Gillian Swart interviewed all the City Council and Mayoral Candidates on behalf of the Citizens for Environmental Balance. She's published a schedule of the interviews as they'll run on PortMedia.
UPDATE: Better idea, just check out the link under my picture.
UPDATE: Better idea, just check out the link under my picture.
Mayor Vs. Manager
why hasn't anyone running for the commission stated their opinion on mayor vs. manager?
-Commenter
I can't speak for the other candidates on this one. Believe it or not, I've only met most of these folks once, at the information hearing a few weeks back. (See the link along the side.) But even if I knew their preferences I'd leave it up to them to state them (they can do so here if they'd like. )
So I'll take the question differently.
What's your opinion on mayor vs. manager?
First, let me say the review of the charter--if approved by voters next month--will look well beyond this issue. As the description on the side explains, this would be a comprehensive analysis of city government. It could affect the council, school committee and other city boards with the single purpose of making government more efficient and more responsive. Unfortunately, I'm sure the Charter Review question is seen by some as a referendum of whether we want a city manager or a mayor, but that isn't the case, not at all.
That said, I get that the mayor/manager issue is THE Big Issue for folks considering the question. So here's my take.
If I'm lucky enough to be elected, I'll go into the review with an open mind. I'll listen to the discussion. Find the pros and cons of both through the research of myself and others and ultimately decide what's the best system of government for the city, be it with a manager or a mayor at the helm.
To be sure, there are downsides to both. A city manager is a professional position, no doubt, so the person should bring significant and relevant experience to the job. That said, the person answers directly to an elected body so they can't help but be influenced by politics. Plus, city councils--the typical hiring body--can make bad hires just like anyone else, so there are no guarantees.
A mayor, on the other hand, answers directly to the electorate, including the city workers and others who vote or influence elections. They also usually haven't had experience managing a $50m revenue per year entity with how every many number of workers underneath them (hundreds at least.) So every election is a crap shoot. The interview process in this case--the election--really doesn't address actual management skills. We talk mainly of big ideas and goals.
In short, I see the strengths and weaknesses of both.
But, gun to my head, I favor mayor over manager with the possibility of a four-year, rather than two-year term. I think the mayor needs more time to implement plans. I also think we'd draw an even better field of candidates if we offered a greater degree of job security.
But I do reserve the right to have my mind changed over the next two years if I'm lucky enough to be elected. So if the only boxes on your score card is mayor or manager I can't tell you which one to check.
Go Ahead, Tax My Food
The pre-election timing of this effort is surprising, but I'm glad someone finally took the initiative to propose including a local meal tax on city restaurants, particularly if the money were used to maintain the streets and sidewalks of the downtown.
Daily News article here. Ward 4 Councilor Ed Cameron, the electorally unopposed proposer, also writes on it here in his blog.
Let's be frank here. We have some nice restaurants in town, a few really nice ones. But I'm not sure we have anything good enough to draw people from far and away.
What draws people here is the location, the downtown, the ability to enjoy a great meal and walk the boardwalk or visit the downtown shops.
I say it's perfectly reasonable to tack a small tax onto the meals being served in those restaurants to maintain the infrastructure that visitors--and us locals--like so much. I'm all for earmarking the funds for improvements downtown. Bricks will start to give away. Boardwalks will wear down. Things will need to be replaced and it'd be nice to have a dedicated stream to take care of those things.
I'm sure the fear is this revenue will get lost in the flood of tax money and go toward other city services (like a school...gasp!). But I'm guessing--since it's the only sales tax collected by the city--that the totals will be fairly easy to track. But I might be wrong on that.
I'm against, however, using this money to bolster any chamber marketing campaign as Ann Ormond suggests in the Daily News article. I'd like the extra money I'm paying to go toward paying for something tangible and visible like infrastructure.
It will be the subject of the council's Tuesday meeting.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The New Phone Books are here!
Actually, not phone books. Ballots. And Ari Herzog provides a sneek peek on his campaign blog.
I'm number 16 in that long line of capable Charter Review Candidates.
Speaking of which, you'll find along the right hand column a short description on the ballot review effort, a link to the Charter Review hearing held a few weeks ago, and the entire unabridged collection of photos and bios for each of the candidates. (Same ones that are running on Port Media cable.)
I'm number 16 in that long line of capable Charter Review Candidates.
Speaking of which, you'll find along the right hand column a short description on the ballot review effort, a link to the Charter Review hearing held a few weeks ago, and the entire unabridged collection of photos and bios for each of the candidates. (Same ones that are running on Port Media cable.)
Monday, October 5, 2009
Here's a Nice Primer
This is the explanation running on the PortMedia station. I'll have the candidate bios, and pics (I think) up in a few days.
CHARTER REVIEW BALLOT INITIATIVE
BALLOT QUESTION #1 - Nov. 3rd
“Shall a Commission be elected to frame a Charter for the City of Newburyport?”
A YES VOTE …. would create a 9 member, elected, unpaid Charter Review Commission to publicly review our city’s Charter.
Our Charter is the document that defines Newburyport’s current form of government. It was last reviewed ninety years ago when the current structure was established. Currently our Charter calls for a municipal election every two years, when a Mayor, 11 City Councilors, and members of the School Committee are elected.
If this question passes, the elected Commission will research other communities, hold public hearings and solicit all relevant input to formulate their recommendations.
Some of the possible recommendations include: 1) no change. 2) extending the mayoral term of office; 3) delegation of day-to-day city operations to a City Manager, with or without an elected Mayor, 4) a change in the size and/or term length of City Councilors, and 5) elect rather than appoint members of some City Boards, and 6.) other possibilities as provided within State law.
The Commission will issue their report and recommendations within 16 months. After that, a review by the State Attorney General and the City Council is required.
Recommended Charter revision, if any, would be placed on the 2011 municipal ballot, and must be approved by Newburyport voters to be adopted. If rejected by the voters in 2011, no change will occur.
The Charter Commission will be dissolved after the 2011 election.
A NO VOTE …. would mean that no commission would be established. The City Charter would not be reviewed and would remain unchanged.
Think Nine Municipally-oriented Mike Bradys
An interesting piece by Katie Farrell Lovett in today's Daily News offering a nice summation of the Charter Review process and how it might impact the mayoral race.
I would like to emphasize one point she makes.
It all depends on the will of voters.
In November, citizens will be asked to create a Charter Review Commission, and the interest around the city is evidenced by 20 candidates vying for a spot on the board, while only a few other elected positions will have contested races in November. If that group is formed, they will review the city's governing document and make recommended changes that will then go before voters at another election.
By reviewing the charter, any number of changes could be proposed. That commission could look at whether the city even has a mayor and City Council or goes to a city manager form of government. The city could even change back to being a town. The commission could look at keeping a mayor and council and extending their term limits, or downsizing the number of councilors that sit on the board. They could recommend things stay exactly the same.
Everything would be up for review.
The Charter Review Commission will do exactly that: examine our own system, see what works. If it doesn't, see if someone is doing a better job of it and find out if we can do what they do. (I am a candidate and speaking personally, the only thing I'm dead against right now is becoming a town. I don't see that making any sense. Nor do I see it as something the population wants.
And that's exactly the point I want to emphasize. Whatever the commissioners come up with will go first before the City Council. The Council can review it but really won't have the ability to make any substantive changes. Then, the entire idea goes before voters in November 2011. Every voter in Newburyport will get the opportunity to give any new charter a thumbs up or down. The commission doesn't have that authority.
Think of it this way. Next month's election will decide whether or not you want to explore building a new house to replace your old one. At the same time you'll decide who should come up with the design of the house. But, in the end, you'll be the one deciding whether or not you really want to tear down the old house in favor of a new one.
The Commission is just a municipal architectural firm. Whether or not any changes are made is up to the voters.
And so
does Kathleen Bailey. Here it is.
The bios/pics of the Charter Review Candidates are up on Port Media. I'm impressed with the level of experience and breadth of backgrounds. Worth a look.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
New Campaign Web Site
Fellow Charter Commission Candidate Shelia Mullins has a web site outlining her goals and thoughts on the Charter Review. I added it to the campaign web site list.
Friday, October 2, 2009
PSA: GREENING THE OLDER HOME
Newburyport Preservation Trust and the Newburyport Historical Commission present a free homeowners' workshop
GREENING THE OLDER HOME:
Historic Preservation Meets Energy Conservation
1:30 to 4:30 pm Sunday October 25
Newburyport High School
241 High Street
Registration requested.
Please email mary@strongstreet.com.
GREENING THE OLDER HOME:
Historic Preservation Meets Energy Conservation
1:30 to 4:30 pm Sunday October 25
Newburyport High School
241 High Street
Registration requested.
Please email mary@strongstreet.com.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
No More Fancy Chocolates
Too bad. Expensive, but clearly different and tasty.
The blog address at the bottom is adventures@ballotinchocolates.blogspot.com
The blog address at the bottom is adventures@ballotinchocolates.blogspot.com
Newburyport Posts Presents....
A dramatic and fictional depiction of the cell phone interruption that might have convinced the City Council to take a hard stance on electronic communication devices, with Hugh Jackman as Councilor-at-large Tom Jones and Daniel Craig as Ward 2 Councilor Greg Earls (only because he sits next to Jones in the chamber.)
For those who haven't read about or watched the scene, Jackman and Craig plead with a cell phone owner to pick up their phone when the device keeps ringing during their performance of "A Steady Rain." I picked it up off TMZ.com.
Great response by the two actors.
BTW, it should be noted that the scene was recorded by someone who most likely held another cell phone. See, these things aren't disruptive at all if their ringers are off.
A bit of a correction here. I rewatched the city council meeting during which they discussed the lap top ban. It appears to me that the council did intend to exempt the media from the restriction, as the Daily News editorial suggested, suggesting the writing of news article is part of council business.
I still don't see how that exemption is fair given that any citizen or public official could be working on council business by taking notes on council debates and votes. On top of that, reporters are just folks like you and me. They hold no offical standing or privileges in the eyes of the law.
Anyway, enjoy.
For those who haven't read about or watched the scene, Jackman and Craig plead with a cell phone owner to pick up their phone when the device keeps ringing during their performance of "A Steady Rain." I picked it up off TMZ.com.
Great response by the two actors.
BTW, it should be noted that the scene was recorded by someone who most likely held another cell phone. See, these things aren't disruptive at all if their ringers are off.
A bit of a correction here. I rewatched the city council meeting during which they discussed the lap top ban. It appears to me that the council did intend to exempt the media from the restriction, as the Daily News editorial suggested, suggesting the writing of news article is part of council business.
I still don't see how that exemption is fair given that any citizen or public official could be working on council business by taking notes on council debates and votes. On top of that, reporters are just folks like you and me. They hold no offical standing or privileges in the eyes of the law.
Anyway, enjoy.
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