In the primaries, we Lawrencians went to the polls to choose who, in our opinion, were the most competent to proceed to the final election to be held next Tuesday, November 3. Those who did not receive the approval of the voters, just by participating deserve our admiration and respect, and urge them to continue involved in future elections.
Unfortunately, only 3,539 of 37,998 registered voters who bothered to come out and vote decided for the majority which candidates would appear in these elections in November.
Among dozens of home owners passions are altered, alleging that some may lose their homes and blame the city government for increasing taxes and are calling for the elimination of what they consider responsible for their misfortune. On the other hand, there are residents who are very happy with the status quo.
When voting, remember to turn over the ballot. There is an important question waiting to be answered on the back: The Residence Law.
A YES vote will support the proposal that any person who has started working for the city as of July 1, 2014, shall reside in the city.
Within the school system, teachers are exempted; the law would apply to administrators, clerks, teacher assistants and maintenance personnel, if approved.
Currently, police officers and firefighters cannot live more than 10 miles from the city and within the State of Massachusetts. If the law passes, the new police and firefighters will have to reside in Lawrence.
Some of the benefits of the residence requirement are: (1) Within the next few years, 130 policemen will eventually live here, turning Lawrence into the only city with the highest concentration of police officers and firefighters per square mile in the United States. (2) Other city employees will help in improving the quality of life throughout the city. (3) City workers will pay taxes here and spend a portion of their salary in the city. (4) City employees will be more aware of how their daily decisions affect citizens, because their decisions will also affect them.
On Tuesday November 3, it is our duty to decide the best option for the city and its residents. As to the Residency Act, we explained some of the strongest points. We expect you will consider them.
Whatever your choice, be sure to exercise it.
Vote on November 3!
