Ed Cameron

Here's Ed Cameron's profile.

It's wildly uninformative as far as issues go. But Cameron favors the school building plans, the local historic district and minimal development on the waterfront.

So, as I've stated in the past, he's got one of my five votes.

Catching Up

Work-required travel has kept me a way. Doing my best to catch up on the blog.

Steve Hutcheson

As a dad with two school aged kids, it's difficult not to like Steve Hutcheson. Just look at this profile in the Daily News.

"One of the most important things a community can do is provide a good education for its children," said Hutcheson, who before moving to Newburyport was involved in town government in Reading.
"We're at a point where we need a new school, and I am going to work hard to make that happen."
Hutcheson also supports renovations to the Nock/Molin school complex, which could come up for a vote in fall 2012.
He said that this is a good time to be building schools, since the state is in a position to pay about half the cost. In addition, interest rates are low and many construction companies are looking for major projects.

He also seems like a very nice guy.

Hutcheson and I are on the same page with the Local Historic District as well. But like with Katy Ives, Hutcheson fails to earn a perfect score on my political litmus test because of his position on the Waterfront. From the Daily News' coverage of the second candidates forum.

Hutcheson: He would like to see it mostly open, with much public access. The three-term councilor would like to see an improved park and a parking lot that "is no longer dirt."

Trouble is I don't know what "mostly opens" means. I'm not interested in having the entire lot covered with buildings. I don't believe anyone is, but I don't support the notion that the entire two parcels need to be converted to park.

Katy O'Connor Ives

Ah, Katy O'Connor Ives.

Two weeks ago, she wowed me at the candidate forum at Clipper Way, demonstrating a poise and ease of expressing herself that I hadn't previously seen. (To be fair, I haven't watched a council meeting in quite a long time.) I walked away intending to give her one of my votes.

Then, she impressed with her performance at the enjoyable ROOF Port Follies fund-raiser. Ives serenaded her tiny dog with a solid performance of Boy from Ipanema.

But then things went a bit south.  The profile of her in the Daily News, "Ives strives for waterfront access," included this troubling nugget.

"One of the most important priorities is access to the waterfront," Ives said. "There is such a rich history here, and city projects should be anchored in history."

I wondered how she defined Waterfront access? I think we're all in favor of maintaining an expanding the public's right along the river, particularly as Steve Karp decides what he'd like to do with his properties to the east and west of the NRA lots. As things stand, the public really has very limited access to the waterfront on Karp's property closest to the Route 1 bridge, unless you're dining at the Michael's or the Black Cow.

I'd hoped that was how she defined waterfront access, ensuring any future development on those lots restores the public's access to the river. But that might not be the case.

A few days later, the Daily News covered the second candidates forum with this article, "Candidates differ on waterfront's future."

Ives: She said that open land should be preserved, because the waterfront is a resource cherished by city residents. If a hotel is considered, it might be located "closer to the bridge" than to the east end of the city's public holdings.

Ives is a strong proponent of the Local Historic District and supports the project to rebuild the Bresnahan School, so she scores two out of three on my political litmus test. But I'm beginning to think she'd be against the placement of any buildings of the NRA lots. If so, we may have a problem.

Update: Ives called recently to explain her position and we're on the same page. No problem here. She's open to some limited building on the NRA lots.

p.s. I am intrigued by her proposal that the city take out a bond to pay for city's extensive sidewalk repairs. As Ives said at the forum, the state of the economy might help the city save money on costs as contractors compete for work. But before supporting such a measure I'd need to understand how we'll decide where the money is spent. Will there be a public body making decisions? Or a transparent formula we all can understand and accept?

On Fire

Another good one from Mary Baker Eaton.

Dick Sullivan Jr.

Dick Sullivan Jr. impressed me at last week's candidates forum until he declined to raise his hand when the Councillor-at-Large candidates were asked if they supported the Local Historic District.

I had hoped Sullivan's opposition was conditional, that he'd support an LHD in some manner. But today's profile in the Daily News eliminated that notion.

Sullivan said that he would be against a Local Historic District if proposed plans do reach the council next year.
"People have pride in their property, and we don't need a new level of bureaucracy when it comes to permits," he said.

Game over. I admired his stances on the schools and waterfront, but there are two many qualified candidates who do support the LHD to compromise.

I can't wait to see how he fares in the coming election. There was a time when the Sullivan name would carry someone into office. (This isn't Sullivan's fault, but roughly two thirds of the profile is spent talking about the Sullivan family including former Mayor Dick Sullivan.)

But I wonder if that's the case in today's Newby-buryport? Sullivan is a former fire firefighter and school committee member, so he's well connected in his own right. But a failure to finish in the Top 5 might say something about the make up of today's electorate.

See Edwin O'Connor's "The Last Hurrah."

Councillor Forum Tonight

Tonight is your best chance to see the eight councillor-at-large candidates for yourself. The festivities start at 7 pm at the Nock Middle School.

Candidates: Incumbents Barry Connell, Kathleen O'Connor Ives, Ari Herzog and Steve Hutcheson face four challengers Michael Early, Larry Giunta, Dick Sullivan Jr. and Ed Cameron, present Ward 4 councilor.

I attended last week's session at Clipper Way. It was informative, but I'd expect tonight's session to delve a little deeper into the issues.

A New Hope?

A week or so ago, I wondered if Mayor Holaday was backing off her believe that some development on the NRA lots was acceptable.

Dyke Hendrickson, in today's City Hall Notebook, isn't backing off the suggestion that she is.

One variable on waterfront development appears to be the agenda of Mayor Donna Holaday. She has said she is working with various stakeholders on the waterfront, including the representatives of mega-landowner Steve Karp. But she has been close-mouthed about what exactly is being discussed.
It appears that she wants to get a consensus on some kind of a plan before making her thoughts public.

Probably politically prudent to secure the ground before planting a flag.

More Bad News

I don't know what - if anything - this means for the Daily News, which is owned by the same company. But it can't be good.

No George Washington?

You all should definitely read this.

Larry Giunta

I always enjoyed sparring with Larry Giunta on his former Newburyport's Voice web site. His political leanings are different than my own, but I generally found him to be a reasonable fellow. So I was intrigued when he announced his intentions to run for City Council.

I generally DON'T* take party lines into consideration when voting local. I look more at the person and their positions.

Larry definitely passes the person test, but his positions and I have irreconcilable differences.

At last week's candidate forum, Larry indicated he did not support the Local Historic District. He was one of only two candidates who declined to raise his hands. Dick Sullivan Jr. was the other, but I wasn't sure if he opposed the concept or a district or the specifics of the ones being proposed. I'm assuming the former.

That was strike one.

Strike two came this morning when a profile on Larry in the Daily News suggesed he "supports an open waterfront."

Giunta said he will pledge to work to keep the waterfront open as a park for all to enjoy.

For me, that's strike two, which is really one strike too many in this competitive at-large race. I like Larry Giunta, but not enough to give him one of my five votes.

*Capitalized for emphasis since I originally left the word out.

A Welcome Voice

I'm happy to report I'm adding Newburyport Blog back to the blog roll you see down below.

I removed it a few months ago or so when I was doing a housecleaning of blogs that hadn't been updated over a time. At the time, Mary Eaton hadn't posted in months, and frankly seeing that depressed me.

But she is back, and I'll second the congratulatory tone over the MP's address.

And I'll add a personal note. From Day One, Mary's been a steady source of kindness and support for this blog. I appreciate that and am very happy to have her back on the scene.

Something to Consider

Fun Time!

That's right readers, it's another snicker-generating installment of "Find the Humor" in Tom's recent column on Newburyport Today.

A Back Track?

Well now I don't know what to think.

A few weeks ago, I wrote that I was pleased to see the evolution of Mayor Holaday's position on the waterfront after she was quoted as uttering the following at an NRA meeting.

Mayor Donna Holaday, attending as an observer, said that the days are over when residents of the city are opposed to any kind of development on the waterfront.
"This is a different community than it was 10 years ago; residents and boards in the city are ready to work together," Holaday said.
"Many people were initially against paid parking, but we worked together, and now, we have a system that is in operation."

But our waterfront-loving counterpart, the Masked Preservationist, hinted in a recent post that Holaday has suggested she was misquoted. He promised details later.

Yet I read in Monday's Daily News City Hall Notebook that some behind the scene-ing was going on to develop a plan.

On another issue, the development of the NRA's land adjacent to the waterfront will likely generate its requisite amount of controlled fury.
Mayor Donna Holaday has been working on her own consensus plan, meeting with numerous commissions and private interests to develop a scenario that all stakeholders can accept.

It seems like any consensus plan would call for some development on the waterfront. Otherwise, that wouldn't be much of a consensus.

So what's the real deal. Can't wait to find out.

p.s. I do agree with MP on one regard. In fact he beat me to the punch with his post. I like the tone Dyke Hendrickson has taken with City Hall Notebook. It might not sit well with those within City Hall, but that's  not really the point.

NED Might Take a Hit

The Lowe's story in Biddeford, Maine, visible to travelers on the Maine Turnpike, shut down this week, apparently due to lack of business.

New England Development - possessor of a Midas touch for most commercial projects - is the developer of the project, an article in the Portland Press Herald suggests.

Show Time?

Red Sox owner John Henry, who of course beat out our Lord and Master Steve Karp for controlling stake in the Sox nine years ago, might have helped turned the tide of fan resentment with an surprisingly candid and gutsy appearance on Boston radio station 98.5 (Point of interest:, Michael Felger, the lead host on the station's 2 pm to 6 pm, worked at the Daily News for a short time back in The Day.)

Anyway, the session brought me back to the fateful day - 43 months ago to the day, in fact - when Mr. Karp came to town, speaking before a full house at the Nock Middle School.

Just as I felt bolstered by frankness and honesty coming from John Henry today, I remember the high feelings I had about Karp back then.

I ended the blog post with ....

I'm not sure if my scribblings do the segment justice, but I think they suggest that Karp isn't some far-off nobleman who will storm into town one day with armies of lawyers and builders to implement his plan.

The guy gives every appearance of wanting to be part of what Newburyport is, and what it could become. He concedes he can't please everyone, but last night he asked folks to speak loud and clear about what we want to see happen down along the water.

People in this town certainly have no problem speaking their mind. But now we can do so with an idea that Karp is actually listening. 

Perhaps this will work out afterall.

I felt the same then as I did today. I had hopes the person who held all the cards (or marbles, or whatever) was not only playing the same game as I but was playing on the same team.

But such feelings are fleeting,and I now find myself wondering what the heck is going on downtown. The hotel plan moved from Karp's Western holdings to the East where an abuttor has effectively put it on ice.

Downtown vacancy is low, which is nice, but Karp's Newburyport Development doesn't seem content and now is targeting a genuine Newburyport landmark in Fowle's.

The whole area just seems stagnant.

Could the NRA actually be on a faster track to get something done? As laughable as it might be to suggest that, the group demonstrated some real progress at the last meeting including some much needed buy-in from Mayor Holaday herself.

Anyway, not sure what I'm looking for here. Just interesting that a little frankness and attention from John Henry might help turn public sentiment in his favor. I'm wondering if it's time for Karp and New England Development to offer a bit of the same.

Upcoming Election Events

Election Season is heating up from ice cold to tepid. Three upcoming candidate forums.

Tuesday, Oct. 18
School Committee: Three Seats Up for Grabs
Candidates: Incumbents Bruce Menin and Nick deKanter faces two challengers: Audrey McCarthy, a former at-large city councilor, and Peter McClure, a teacher and parent.
Time: 6:30 pm
Place: Program Room at the Newburyport Public Library.

Wednesday, Oct. 19
Councilors-at-Large: Five Seats
Candidates: Incumbents Barry Connell, Kathleen O'Connor Ives, Ari Herzog and Steve Hutcheson face four challengers Michael Early, Larry Giunta, Dick Sullivan Jr. and Ed Cameron, present Ward 4 councilor.
Time: 7 pm
Place: Clubhouse on Clipper Way

Tuesday, Oct. 25
Councilors-at-Large
Time: 7 pm
Place: Nock Middle School

Just a thought

 I wonder how many of the folks bemoaning the potential loss of Fowle's (hello self) stand opposed to the local historic district on the grounds that "no one should tell me what to do with my property." (hello not self.)

The possibility of losing the newsstand and restaurant irks me more every day ...

Finally got mine.

An Issue?

Well, I have nothing to add to the Daily News' rather sparse account of last night's historic district hearing. I missed it. Son had a doctor's appointment. The Mrs. had a conflict, and I sort of fell asleep when reading my kids stories.

Oh, and the Steve Jobs news slowed me down.

I arrived around 8:30 pm. The meeting was understandably over.

But my general take away. This could be the issue that helps sort out the Councilor-at-Large race, which is the only competition on next month's ballot.

I'm still not sure but the article inferred that the decision to accept or reject the district would be left to the next council, not this one.

If that's the case, it'll be worth finding out where the candidates stand on this.

Free Cash Update

The city is clearly managing this fiscal downturn better than it did in the 1990s. Thanks Ed.

Historic District Hearing Tonight

I understand people's opposition to the proposed to historic districts in general and, more specifically, the proposed historic district that would encompass 770 homes in Newburyport. Such opposition was laid out in a article that ran in yesterday's Daily News, but I couldn't find it on the web site. So go to this July article for details.

The complaints center primarily around loss of property owner rights. No one wants to be told what they can do with their own property, I get that.

But people speak as if they hold complete authority to do what they want on their own property, and they don't. We all abide by property line set backs, allowed uses  and other restrictions that we as a community have deemed to be acceptable to preserve communal harmony.

The city adopted restrictions against so-called "in fill" buildings to try to cram multiple homes on what had been single family lots. And, of course, down along the river, the city adopted the overlay district to ensure that developers (see Steve Karp) build something that fits into our downtown.

I see the proposed historic district as an extension of these existing regulations. The historic district would help ensure that nothing drastic is done - or hundreds of nothings are done - to diminish the unique historic appeal of our signature ways, High Street and Fedeal Street.

Take time to read the regulations for yourself. From my reading, the requirements aren't particularly onerous. They don't regulate interior work, paint color or every minute detail.

In fact, they merely confirm the role we all play in living in such a historic town - stewardship.

Meeting starts at 7 pm at the Belleville Church at 300 High Street.

Vote By Chocolate

Wondering if Winfrey's Fudge will come up with a candy named after every candidate (also surprised no nuts were used.)

Good Question

From Dyke Hendrickson's City Hall Notebook today...

On the subject of municipal projects, a couple of city councilors had a head-scratching moment when pondering the community's plans for future "enlightenment."
City officials have contracted with a consultant to advise it on the pros and cons of revamping the streetlight system.That consultant is George Woodbury. director of energy services for Republic ITS, a California-based consulting firm with offices in Boston.
Woodbury, who was described as a "one-man Wikipedia" because of his broad knowledge of lighting issues, made a presentation two weeks ago at which he said the city could save about $100,000 per year by buying its lights instead of renting them from local utility companies.
Woodbury provided a torrent of facts and figures as to why the city should move forward — preferably now — to convert to a new system.
Councilors voted to send the matter to committee.
But prior to a regular meeting of the council Monday night, councilors Greg Earls and Brian Derrivan noted with some consternation that Woodbury represents a commercial enterprise that promotes new lighting systems.
How objective could this consultant be?

It's a fair question. One that no doubt will be asked in subcommittee.

If this saves us money over the long haul, fine. But it's good to get everything on the table first.