We keep voting for them!
There were a couple of news items in the local newspaper last week that I would like to highlight here.
The Eagle-Tribune reported on June 20, 2014 that John Pica, Lawrence City Comptroller/Tax Collector resigned abruptly after two months in the position. Reporter Keith Eddings investigated and reported that he could not be bonded in the position of Treasurer because of his credit report, so he was moved from that job to that of comptroller/tax collector. He was recommended and pushed through by Lisa Torrisi, the Mayor’s Chief of Staff but worst of all, that he had lied on his resume indicating that he had a college degree when he deserted school on his sophomore year.
I think Lisa is taking the fall on this covering for the mayor because Dan Rivera is a friend of Mr. Pica and at one time, they went to school together. Just like others that he placed on positions for which they are not qualified and their credentials were not even checked being political appointments.
And this, coming from the mayor who said that his administration will be transparent and that he wants the best qualified people working for the city.
The other story came from the Tribune’s State House reporter Christian M. Wade on June 21, 2014 about the State Representatives’ travel expenses showing that Marcos Devers went to the State House only 46 days in all of last year.
I have been writing for a long time that he doesn’t have anything to his credit because he is never there to advocate for our city. The few press releases that we have ever received are just to say that he raised his voice to vote along the rest for something – never producing. Even the State House reporter verified that he is hardly ever there. Just try calling his Boston office and see there’s no response because not even his Legislative Aide Franklin Fernandez is there. I see him often during the daytime running around Lawrence, usually giving rides to radio personalities.
To his fanatics: If that is being “anti Devers” prove me otherwise.
False arrest
The press release on the right from the Interim Police Chief James Fitzpatrick, explains the incident that occurred Friday night, although he does not mention which officer.
Police Officer William Green, who recently complained of discrimination within the department, had his home surrounded by 14 officers (including the Chief) and called outside. He was quickly arrested and taken to the police station for booking. While being processed, Captain Pierce came into the booking room saying that it had been a mistake, that they caught the man who was making threats by calling the 911 line. Officer Green was arrested because another officer said it sounded “like his voice.”
Maybe I watch too much CSI but I believe that 911 calls leave a trace of the number and location of the caller. Why this harassment? Officer Green stayed calm but I wonder what would have happened if he resisted arrest with so many officers present.
He was set free to go home without an apology although the chief’s press release said so.
I thought those days were gone but we have another million dollar lawsuit in our hands.
