By popular demand… sort of
I have been asked to include the content of My Corner on the front page. Let’s give it a try and see if it serves any purpose, like making you go read it.
Homeless Coordinator
A coordinator of homeless services has been hired. His name is Anil DaCosta and works out of the Community Development office at 225 Essex St. in Lawrence.
This position had been approved by the City Council a year ago but it was not until last month that he came on board. The reason for the delay is that originally the job description didn’t have as many requirements and a salary of $20,000 to $35,000 and as a result, there were no good candidates for the position. It went back for city council approval with a more professional appearance and a boost in salary and this time several people applied.
The new description calls for a salary ranging from $50,000 to $65,000 although I don’t know for how much he was hired. One thing is for sure, it has very serious educational requirements: “Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Social Sciences, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services or related field from an accredited college or university. A minimum of five (5) years of work experience in the areas of: homelessness, developing community resources, and/or operating advocacy programs.”
I have always said that the creation of this position is not a good idea because it will bring people from everywhere into Lawrence looking for services. According to the job description, Mr. DaCosta will be responsible for “planning, organizing, managing, and ensuring program results associated with preventing and ending homelessness in the City of Lawrence…”
Also, “provide leadership and coordination toward creating and sustaining a coalition of existing and new service providers and community partners to address and end chronic homelessness among those living in encampments and temporary shelters.” And it further reads, “Assist in connecting homeless or at-Risk individuals with an array of resources, including but not limited to SSI/SSDI, legal services, credit repair, job skills training, health insurance and health care.”
The most telling part of the job description was that he will “Create partnerships with private market landlords and property owners. What is the meaning of that? The biggest problem in this city is the lack of housing. Ask the fire department how 2 and 3 families are packed together in one apartment because they cannot find a place to live. Now, this city employee is going to “create partnerships with private market landlords and property owners” to accommodate people coming from who knows where.
I was under the impression that providing for the poor was the job of the welfare department (today it’s called Department of Transitional Assistance – DTA).
There is also a notation on the job description that the candidate should be “Bilingual English/Spanish preferred” and Mr. DaCosta does speak Spanish.
But something unpleasant happened as a result of attracting members of this population to city offices. Recently, a homeless woman went to Community Development trying the see Mr. DaCosta and, while the receptionist went to check if he was available to meet with her, the visitor snatched her purse and disappeared. I believe that puts the safety of our workers in jeopardy.
He will be working under the general direction of the Community Development Director which is now Vilma Dominguez Martinez.
Mayor Rivera’s expenses
Every time I check the mayor’s finance reports I come up with new questions. I am still debating the purpose of paying Diana Vasquez $2,500 thus far this year as a “consultant.” She works fulltime as Development Coordinator at Esperanza Academy but according to 970 CMR 2.05, Expenditures by constitutional candidate committees shall be governed by the following:
(g) Reasonable public relations expenses provided they meet the following requirements:
1. For a part-time or full-time campaign staff person or persons whose primary responsibilities are to function as a Public Relations Consultant, and relevant expenses;
2. For the hiring of a public relations firm or agency and relevant expenses.
As I read it, it doesn’t sound right.
Head cashier’s future
For those who have been asking me about Gabriel Soto, the head cashier at City Hall who was placed on leave with pay under suspicion of larceny, the investigation is ongoing.
We read about cases such as this one often in the press and wonder why people risk their job and reputation to that extend. Is it that they believe they are so smart that they won’t get caught? Perhaps they are doubtful of their superiors’ intelligence. No matter how much riches they get to accumulate, it doesn’t compensate for the loss of freedom, their reputation and the shame it will bring to their families.
As soon as I hear further news I’ll let you know.
Fireworks
Remember that fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts although it doesn’t mean a thing to many people. They continue buying them and risking their safety and that of their families confident that police would not enforce the law.
Agitators wanted!
There was an interview on television a few days ago with Dick Gregory, a black comedian who was famous in the 60s and 70s for his involvement in racial issues in the country and was arrested dozens of times. He said something that my audience will appreciate because it will remind them of someone – even me.
He said, “When you put your dirty underwear in the washing machine and take the agitator out, you’ll end up with just dirty, wet underwear.”
Agitators are necessary to effect change!
