Was it an error or intentional?
On September 6, The Eagle-Tribune published the article (Democratic Candidates for 16th Essex District Discuss the Issues), with the results of a questionnaire sent to the three candidates for state representatives. They listed the responses from Marcos Devers and Juan Pascual but at the bottom they wrote that Juana Matias “Did not respond.”
I called to find out why Juana had not responded and was told that she sent it out and obviously the newspaper chose to ignore it.
Then, on September 18, there was an article (Lawrence Politics Upstart Knocks Out Old Guard) about Juana Matías. Towards the end there was a reference to her opinion of charter schools but “She declined to be specific again in a questionnaire The Eagle-Tribune mailed to the candidates before the primary.”
So they admitted having received it!
What’s Abel Vargas’ real job?
If you want to know what really goes on in this city, you have to learn to read The Eagle-Tribune between the lines. It’s all there!
Last week they said that Abel Vargas the unqualified Business and Economic Development Director has spent months working with the producers of the new movie that is being filmed in Lawrence.
I want to know how that relates to business development or economic gains for the city, besides a small amount of cash going to compensate for the assistance they get from the city.
All that work with the movie should be done by the Community Development Director. A chief of economic is supposed to bring new businesses, go to other cities and states looking to convince businesses to move to the city. To bring big housing developments that would generate taxes and jobs to the city. Also help city companies reach state and federal funds for expansion to the company that will increase jobs.
I would like to know how many projects he can claim as having his name attached. I don’t want to hear about private investments where the city has no say like the apartments at 525 Essex St., or the Italian restaurant that opened in the industrial park and closed its doors within a month. Tell me where was the value of the food trucks park he touted as “business development.” That did not create jobs, didn’t produce any benefit to the city and didn’t last more than a few weeks.
Whatever progress we’ve seen has been made possible through private initiatives or assistance from our legislators bring funds for businesses and organizations to work and grow.
DPW director search
I came across some notes about the search for a new director of the Department of Public Works and called Frank Bonet, personnel director for the city. He only said that they are interviewing three finalists for that position and not much more.
I was hoping that this time Lawrence takes the time to find a qualified individual, preferably with a civil engineering degree (because it is one of the requirements) and we have not had one for decades. Having two civil engineers in the search committee (Marcos Devers and Jeovanny Rodriguez) is a positive move because they understand the need.
But I also heard that not all of the candidates are qualified and they are willing to consider someone with experience in lieu of the degree. Well, one of them is Lance Hamill who was brought to Lawrence by Mayor Dan Rivera less than a year ago and he boasts a high school diploma from Greater Lawrence Technical School (Carpentry studies) and a few courses at Northern Essex.
It sounds to me like the story of the city engineer repeats all over again. Theodoro Rosario is going on his third year pretending to be worthy of that job and people stopped paying attention to that issue.
What happened to the mayor’s promise of hiring the best qualified people to work for the city? Over and over again he is hiring friends without regard for having the required education or experience.
I was also told that his receptionist Orlando Maldonado was moved to Inspectional Services to occupy Jorge De Jesus position as a building inspector. Never mind posting, advertising, searching, interviewing and giving equal opportunity to others who may be more capable to do the work.
The mayor also got his way selecting the ‘confidential secretary’ for the city council. Some councilors objected and wanted to be part of the process, after all she will be working for the council, not the mayor.
City Council meeting
Channel 22 was off the cable since Monday and I was not able to watch the City Council meeting on Tuesday night. At least when the picture is black and white and blurry and the sound atrocious, we could watch what is going on but now, off completely, we have to wonder why to pay for cable at all.
And, speaking of Lawrence Community Access Television (it really should be called No Access) should be having its Annual Meeting sometime in October. This has to be advertised in the local media and it should be open to the public. The problem is that they offer a snack to the attendees while they meet in secret. No one has any idea as to the inner workings of that organization for which we pay monthly in our cable bill (Verizon and Comcast) or how their budget runs.
Another thing is that Verizon’s contract should be coming up in another year. Before a cable contract is signed, there should be a period of ascertainment which could easily take two years. No one is thinking about it and time is passing by. Perhaps, they don’t want the public to wake up and start demanding access to the production facilities to educate and inform this community.
