Happy Halloween

Feast your eyes on the Jack'O Omelette

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.

And the Second Debate

Here you go.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

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!!!

Here's the Debate

Enjoy

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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

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

Charter Review Commission candidates Jim Stiles and Hugh Kelleher booked a room at the Custom House Museum tomorrow night from 6 pm to 8 pm.

All candidates--and those interested in meeting candidates and hearing about the issue--are welcome to attend.

BTW, the Custom House Museum sent out a very nice note to all political candidates inviting them to use the facility for these functions. It was a very nice gesture and a great idea.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.