I didn’t do it!
Every time I mention Councilor Estela Reyes, certain people scream that I’m picking on her unjustly.
Well, last Sunday’s Eagle-Tribune had an update on her property next to the Oliver School and the lots behind it. Of course, nobody complains about their articles because they are considered a credible source and in their estimation, we’re not.
The facts are the same, no matter who writes them. It’s been three years since she acquired them and has done nothing to repair the house or raze it. As it is, the city has been spending our money blocking windows and exterminating rats because she doesn’t care. Police had to be called several times because of homeless hanging around the property and she has not even paid more than $12,000 due in taxes.
Time is getting closer to the reconstruction of the Oliver School and she’s counting on a good offer from the city for the school expansion. The city would want to use her property while she makes a bundle at our expense.
I’ve been telling you so for a long time. When it happens, there will be those who might complain on the radio about political corruption and in a couple of weeks, it will die down, while Councilor Reyes and her cohorts will be laughing all the way to the bank.
Crime stats and Lawrence
NeighborhoodScouts is an organization keeping track of all kinds of crimes in the United States. Their research reveals the 100 most dangerous cities in America with 25,000 or more people, based on the number of violent crimes per 1,000 residents. Violent crimes include homicide, rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. Data used for this research are 1) the number of violent crimes reported to the FBI to have occurred in each city, and 2) the population of each city.
Since many cities are served by more than one law enforcement agency, their exclusive analysis includes crimes reported by all agencies. To read more about the way they go about gathering information and coming up to conclusions, go to their webpage www.neighborhoodscouts.com
In the past, I’ve been reporting how Lawrence fared within the 100 most dangerous cities. Keep in mind that the higher the number, the better. In 2013, 95; 2014, 86; 2015, 79; 2016, 52 and for 2017 and 2018, Lawrence doesn’t appear at all. While the crime rate was increasing, apparently something right is happening now.
During those years, Chelsea, New Bedford, Holyoke, Brockton, Fall River and Springfield were present and still remain to this date. In 2017, it was surprising finding Barnstable listed for the first time.
Council vote for Bernal
I have been approached by a few people wondering if the City council should have waited 1 year to bring up again the name of Eileen Bernal for city attorney. The council took a vote on October 16 and it was 5-4 against Eileen and again, on November 7, they tried and it also failed 4-3 with two councilors absent.
I looked at the City Charter and not being able to find the answer, I went to the City Council Rules which is something separate from the charter.
Rules of the City Council, not the City Charter
RULE 21 – FINAL REJECTION
When an ordinance or resolution has been finally rejected or disposed of by the City Council, no ordinance or resolution which is substantially the same shall be introduced by any Council member or committee at any time within twelve months next following final action on such ordinance or resolution.
Since this item is a personnel appointment not an ordinance or a resolution within the meaning of the Rule, there was no requirement to wait a year to bring it up again. I don’t intent to be a “Monday morning quarterback” but they probably should have been preceded by a “Motion to Reconsider” the previous vote.
Centennial of 1918 influenza
As the coordinating organization, the Lithuanian Patriotic Society of Lawrence (TMD) would like to invite all Lawrencians and friends to the commemorative ceremony for the centennial of the socially devastating and calamitous Influenza of 1918.
The ceremony will be held on the first floor antechamber of the Lawrence City Hall at noon on December 7th, 2018. It will be a simple and solemn floral wreath laying ceremony to mark the centennial of that tragic and unexpected misfortune that swept our city, state, country and the world.
For future information contact Jonas Stundzia at (978) 685-4478. All are welcome.
