There is money for fire departments
The conditions of the Lawrence Fire Department were revealed in our July 15th edition with the Central Fire Station’s crumbling floors. The same for the South Broadway building because the floor has also been reinforced to support the weight of the trucks in fear they may have to pull one out of the basement.
Other old stations are in need of major repairs or complete razing to make way for a suitable place of work.
Congresswoman Niki Tsongas has given grants to several cities in the Third District: Lawrence, Pepperell and Dunstable Fire Departments as well as the state firefighting academy will receive funding through the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) program.
The Pepperell Fire Department will receive $38,762 to be used to purchase a diesel fume exhaust system.
The Dunstable Fire Department will receive $115,481 to be used to purchase firefighter breathing apparatus.
The Lawrence Fire Department will receive $16,364 to be used for driver/operator training.
The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, Stow will receive $434,783 to be used to purchase a firefighter search and rescue prop.
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program and the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program are the two main federal programs supporting local fire departments by helping them support staff, buy equipment and provide adequate training.
I think it’s time to give Niki Tsongas a tour through Lawrence’s fire stations.
ADA Task Force meeting
I attended the ADA meeting on July 26th and it was similar to the previous time enumerating the work that is being done at different polling places.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has demanded that many of the violations to the Americans with Disabilities Act be repaired in time for the September 4th Elections. Progress is being made at all the polling places although the Bruce School is probably the one with the longest list of repairs. “It we want to do everything we want, it would cost $47,000,” said Carlos Jaquez, director of the Department of Public Works. The doors alone will cost $17,000.
Mark Ianello, director of budget and finance estimates that we’ll be compliant by the November Elections.
Next meeting will be on August 15 at 11 am.
No fresh fruits and vegetables here
During the past couple of years we have been listening to complaints that Lawrence has only one supermarket where residents can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, almost implying that we are lacking in health.
Recently, I was talking to some friends who apparently never venture into the unknown, and they mentioned having to travel outside of the city for their products. I mentioned several stores that we know have an excellent supply of fresh fruits and vegetables and they never heard of any of them.
That showed me that the division in Lawrence goes deeper than just language. Non-Spanish speakers don’t enter into our businesses and no one can explain why. Essex St. and Broadway have so many interesting stores with merchandise that can be found in the best stores, often at better prices.
I want to encourage everyone to visit a Latino grocery store and be surprised. Sometimes the outside appearance may not be pleasant but inside, they take pride in their success as entrepreneurs.
The hypocrisy of our Mayor
When the employees at CLASS were on strike, I saw pictures of Mayor Daniel Rivera supporting the increase in their salaries to $15 an hour. Please read our Editorial and you will see that he talks from both sides of his mouth.
Gilda’s case settled
Yes, it was a settlement but in my book, she won her case. After dragging it for four years, two days before they were to appear in court, Mayor Rivera’s outside high-paying attorneys called her attorney with an offer. She had a good case and he could not risk losing. This time he would have to explain to a judge why he lied under oath when he said Wendy Luzon (Gilda’s replacement) had a college degree when all she has is a high school education.
Wendy no only lied during her deposition; she wrote that on her employment application with the city which says at the bottom that lying on that application will be grounds for “immediate dismissal.”
Besides Gilda’s award, the city also has to pay for her legal fees.
Yes, Gilda is a winner!
Strange work on Haverhill St.
I was wondering about some work that is taking place on Haverhill St. with the road being narrowed, widening the sidFrom ewalks before the Methuen line.
I contacted the Department of Public Works via Facebook and sent them a message which proved to be quite efficient. Their response was this is part of the Safe Route To Schools – Bruce School Improvement project. This is a MassDOT project which wants to increase sidewalk safety for the students of the Bruce School.
Like anything new, some people are bound to have accidents because they are not aware of the change.
Notice from the Water Dept.
Please take the time to read the notice below about the flushing hydrants in the city. This does affect public health as it is related to the drinking water system.
Fear to comment on Facebook
Have you noticed that any silly posting on Facebook can generate a long line of responses? People love to chat, discuss, argue, etc. online; yet, Rumbo’s postings barely get some “likes.” Oh, people have opinions but on private messages or by phone.
What could be the reason for that? Perhaps fear to be identified as an individual who think like us. We’ll never accomplish anything unless we come out of the shadows. We need to speak up when we see unfairness, unlawful actions or corruption.
