Bravo for Rozzi and Russell!
Lawrence has been known as a “news desert” because it lacks access to local news in any language. Rumbo came to alleviate a bit of that need 28 years ago but we realize that the effect is very minimal, nevertheless, our attempt has enlightened many residents as to what’s going on in our community.
Over the years I complained about the lack of information available in any language on local issues in the hope that others would follow our lead. We have several Spanish-language radio stations with great programming but very little is done in the way of information.
Now, someone finally has taken the reins and initiated something badly needed: a television show on Lawrence Community Access Television (LCAT) analyzing the actions of the City Council. I know, it’s in English but it is the kind of information we need to hear to understand a little better the councilors’ actions. Most times, the public doesn’t understand the reasons why some measures are taken by the council.
I want to congratulate Brenda Rozzi and Richard Russell for their program From the Second Row on LCAT. I never thought I would be promoting any programming on LCAT but this is what they were supposed to be doing.
Remember, this is not a flashy production. Watch it for the content, not their looks.
It would be a plus if other residents decide to do a Spanish-language version of what they are doing.
And, speaking of the council…
You may have seen several of my columns where I severely chastised the council’s behavior. At times, I am embarrassed sitting at home because of the way they approach city employees.
During last week’s council meeting, they did the usual barrage of insults against the City Attorney Timothy Houten. He cannot get used to being treated like a servant or a slave. Certain councilors spew the worst insults in public, something they wouldn’t do with any city employee who may be appearing before them due to misdeeds or performance complaints. Those things are dealt with in private or in an executive session of the council.
Last week, Councilor Wendy Luzón said while Attorney Houten was at the podium, “the city attorney doesn’t know what he’s doing.” No city employee should be placed in a position to receive such verbal abuse in public, especially coming from someone with such an embarrassing track record.
The decorum and good manners have disappeared from the Lawrence City Council, compared sometimes to a street brawl. All the decent work Marc Laplante did while president of that group was forgotten when the new council was sworn in.
Hispanic Week after the failures
There has been silence after last week’s column when I criticized the lack of action from Hispanic Week’s board year after year. This community has not learned to fight back and require what they should. Hispanic Week needs to change, and no one wants to demand it.
They are such cowards that they won’t risk putting a comment on social media; that’s why we are in this predicament. Some people have said, “Something must be done, but not firing Gerimundi Rosario.” We should continue spinning the mix – even if it stinks.
That’s why receiving this letter to the editor from Councilor Ana Levy gave me hope that someone else may be willing to speak her mind. Thank you, Ana.
Letter from Councilor Ana Levy
First of all, I want to congratulate you and Alberto for your newspaper Rumbo, since it is the only news outlet in Spanish in the City of Lawrence. Thank you for all these years of service.
Although I am not a big fan of writing, I have taken this moment to support you in some of the things you said in your From my Corner column on Hispanic Week.
I have nothing against the members of that organization, but I do believe that Semana Hispana has to organize. Still at 45 years old he doesn’t learn. Some of the things you said, I had already said more than 24 years ago, when Semana Hispana was under the umbrella of Greater Lawrence Community Action.
As soon as the festival ends, this organization must meet and analyze what it did well and what it didn’t. You must find a way to overcome these mistakes that were made, setting the stage for next year. You must better monitor and manage the funds you receive. Hispanic Week should not wait for the last day to prepare. He had already said it many years ago.
We all know that it is a family festival, and it is something expected by the people. But like any company, it must start looking for funds now. Analyze income and expenses well and do not wait for the latest. The city does not always have funds to cover the expenses generated by this celebration. Semana Hispana has great potential to raise funds as a non-profit organization.
As I said above, nothing against the members as this problem has existed for many years. It is time to grow up and leave dependency aside. It’s a shame that Semana Hispana would disappear if they don’t give it the attention it needs. This was a warning! But since it is something that our children need, we were all in the best position to help and have the long-awaited festival.
In any case, I want to congratulate you all, since you were able to bring a good family entertainment show with community groups. We were also able to demonstrate that we, the elected officials, along with the mayor, were in the best position to help. May this serve as a lesson and begin to prepare for next year.
Ana Levy
City Councilor at-Large
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