Mail-in voting
Since before the Massachusetts Legislature approved voting by mail, I have been trying to explain to our audience that it is unnecessary and perhaps even dangerous. The integrity of the elections process in the United States is at play and there should never be any doubt about the results.
Last May New Jersey had elections and everyone was forced to vote by mail. Many mistakes were made and election officials did not count ballots for several reasons. Most commonly, officials did not count many ballots because the signature on the ballot did not match the one on file, the ballot arrived too late or the required certificate was not enclosed.
About one in every 10 people who mailed in ballots in last May’s special elections had their votes rejected. Using that as a sample of what could happen in November, out of 140 million voters in the United States, if 10% of mail-in ballots are rejected, it means that 14 million people will not be counted.
If you want to make sure that your vote is counted, the Elections Department will be available for Early Voting for 14 days prior to November 3rd.
You may also request an absentee ballot or just go to the polls and keep your distance, just like you do when going food shopping, gas up your car, the barber, hair dresser or manicurist.
Yes, we are all afraid of the virus but voting by mail is risky for the reasons explained above. I want my vote counted!
Terra Luna vs. the Court
A few years ago, a judge at the Superior Court complained about the exhaust fan from Terra Luna Restaurant because it was blowing the smells into the air intake of the Courthouse. Eventually, the problem was resolved; the complaints stopped and the restaurant continued to grow and expand.
Last week, Judge Lui stormed into Terra Luna Thursday and demanded the dumpster emptied. Dumpsters stink so bad it fills the Superior Court with rank smells because they’re placed at the court’s air intake. I’m told that complaints don’t fly because they are friends with the mayor and the last Inspectional Services inspector that was investigating Terra Luna was fired.
Reasons for the tax increase
Last month, the Lawrence City Council approved without questions, a 2.5% increase in the property tax because the city needs money.
One of those reasons is the salary increases given to some department heads even though there are employees that have not had a raise in many years – or ever.
There is also the $3 million that we didn’t get from the government due to the mismanagement of Vilma Martínez Dominguez, director of Community Development.
This year, we also lost between 3 and 4 million dollars in revenue because we don’t have a Parking Enforcement contractor. All violations issued since March have been canceled. No data, no records to enforce anything.
What a city! The best way to solve a problem is by throwing everything out. If the paperwork doesn’t exist, we have no problems.
