Decision 2007-Springfield Mayoral Race...

For the Mayor of Springfield, Western Mass Politics and Insight endorses Jason Varitek.

But seriously, folks.

Election Day in the Pioneer Valley is steadily approaching. All of the candidates are spending their final remaining hours as candidates in the hope of becoming elected officials. As WMassP&I has explained before this election season is pivotal for the city of Springfield. As such to avoid distraction, endorsements will be broken up in three separate postings. Today Springfield Mayor, next Springfield City Council, and then if there is anything contentious to talk about miscellaneous city/town elections. It is not my intention to look down on other area communities, but Springfield's future may hinge more so on these elections and the succeeding ones than any other in recent memory in or out of Springfield.

Anybody who reads this blog should not be surprised who will receive WMassP&I's first mayoral endorsement. This race has been more contentious than the one that came before it. The incumbent faced numerous challenges since 2005 and in particular since this year began. Many such challenges have sullied his name. Still, his challenger has been unable to provide any real alternatives.

Domenic Sarno has served on the City Council for a long time. However, he is horribly tainted by his years during the previous administration when the Council was little more than a rubber stamp. His solutions offer a populist appeal, but lack wisdom and timing. They do nothing to move the city past the entrenchment and inertia that has dogged it for nearly 20 years. There is a very real fear among city residents and leaders of the nascent reform efforts in the city that a Sarno administration would only open the floodgates once more, despite the Control Board's work, and leave our city in ruin again.

In 2003 and into 2004 after the election, WAQY radio personalities Michael A. "Bax" Baxendale and John O'Brien offered referred to the once and future mayor Charles Ryan as "Uncle Charley." In tribute to the character of the same name from the show My Three Sons, "Bax & O'Brien" would play the theme from that show. The entire process contributes to a persona of an old man who better fits the title "Grandpa" than "Mayor." Indeed he was thought to be out of date and out of touch. I personally did not support him and urged people to do the same.

I was wrong. (You may want to mark that on the calendar or something).

Mayor Charles Ryan has proven himself as an apt city manager and tireless advocate for the city. He knew from the get-go that reform could only happen in the City with direct state intervention. Removing the power from the past administration's flunkies on the Council, and as a member of the Control Board, he guided the city back from the fiscal brink. Granted these successes were not done alone. The Control Board played a huge part in it. However, he completely immersed himself into the job and with the FCB Executive Directors, Phil Puccia, and later Stephen Lisauskas, real progress was made in the city. By using all forms of technology at his disposal he has transcended his age and did not allow it to be a deterrent in his efforts to right the city. Above all, his credibility and honesty are above reproach. Therefore, WMassP&I endorses Mayor Charles Ryan for re-election.

In many ways, Ryan, will always maintain that "Uncle Charley" persona. It is comforting for some and coupled with the results over the past four years, quite befitting, if you know the show. He is not perfect, but this once and future mayor's dedication is unimpeachable. He deserves and must be the Mayor the City of Springfield one more time.

Boston Beat: The Heavy Side of Victory...

Last night/early this morning, the Boston Red Sox won the World Series in Denver. The local nine swept the Colorado Rockies defeating them 4-3 in game four.

Minutes after the result was announced, fans began to pour out onto the streets from all quarters of the city. The city had cordoned off Kenmore Square before the game even ended and the barricade kept crowds out of the square.

The extraordinary measures are not surprising given the reputed rowdiness of Boston fans. In addition, the city also has the memory of the 2004 ALCS championship after which Emerson College student Victoria Snelgrove was killed by a pepper spray pellet. The city accepted responsibility for Snelgrove's death and paid out over $5 million to her family. A bargain frankly, as macabre as that may sound. Although the pellet was only fired after a mob turned violent, the tactics and weapons employed by the Boston PD were extreme.

During yesterday's ad hoc victory celebrations police stood in formation steadfastly blocking passage by gathering fan into restricted areas. Armed with batons and sporting riot gear, the lines of police remained the most visible and effective deterrent against drunken idiocy on the part of fans. Still, excluding the routes to Kenmore Square and Fenway Park, a number of closed paths seemed suspect.

Around quarter past one, the situation suddenly turned grim. Perhaps spurred to action by an overturned car or a fan-fueled fire, the police marched from their position at the Kenmore Square side of the Beacon Street bridge and over the Turnpike. They held there for a moment. Fans, up to this point were undeterred and did not appear fazed. Then the lines of police became several men deep and enveloped the width of Beacon. Police on horseback led the mass of cops. The crowds got the picture and pulled back, but continued to go about with rear-guard cheering.

It appeared that the Boston Police were going to hold at the Brookline-Boston city line. Instead, the legion of police in dark riot gear turned south onto Park Drive, the heart of Boston University's South Campus. Voices on bullhorns demanded that everyone return to their homes. The line's march remained in semi-formation thundering loudly and ominously as the police rumbled down Park Drive. Some shouted in protest, but most just turned and walked--or ran--away.

Certainly the need to protect property and people last night was necessary. Drunken idiots are dangerous. Closing off Kenmore Square simply made sense. As a wide area, also crawling with never-finished half constructed MBTA structures, the danger was obvious. The same goes for the blocks that border Fenway. We could debate the need for the length and breadth of the barricades, however. The frightening part was the march down the streets. Suddenly, Kenmore Square looked a little more like Red Square twenty years ago. Decked out in all the riot gear, with helicopters buzzing overhead, the scene resembles, minus the gas masks and bayonets, this portion of Diego Rivera's Man Controller of the Universe, which is in the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City.

Rivera's themes are obviously socialist and the military men and the police beating the crowds on horseback represent attacks on Communists like those in 1930's Germany and Italy. Plus it bears noting that Rivera was a pretty crappy Communist. Still weather its Fascists putting down Communists or Communists putting down Democracy or Democracy putting down Democracy it all smacks of a police state. Granted last night it was Democracy putting down Sox-happy anarchy, but the comparison cannot--and should not-- be ignored. Many police departments across the country are too easily prepared to turn into quasi-military garrisons.

All of this is something of a holdover from the Vietnam era. Luckily very rarely do we see incidents such as Kent State anymore (although that was National Guard, not police). Still as Snelgrove's death shows us, it still does happen. It is far too easy to blame the out of control rioters for her death. It is more complicated than that and we can have a debate about the lack of self-control among revelers. Nor can we blame the cops. They are just doing their job and trying to secure the peace. But peace at what cost? That's a politician's problem. And ours.

We cannot help but ask ourselves, is Snelgrove's death even more in vain if we live only a few inches or one drunken idiot away from a night in Rangoon right here in Boston? Put more simply, are we able to balance our need for security and law & order with our democratic ideals without transforming, even for a moment, into the intimidating fascist police state we are so accustomed to seeing "over there" and resisted for 2 and 1/4 centuries?

VICTORY

RED SOX ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS

The Skies are Friendly to Springfield...

NBC affiliate WWLP and the Republican (look for the full story in tomorrow's paper) both reported today that US Airways is featuring Springfield in an article detailing its recovery and highlighting the advantages of the city and the Pioneer Valley.

The article itself was warmly received by Mayor Charles Ryan and Economic Director David Panagore. Western Massachusetts businesses reported bought ad space throughout the articles pages when news of the story broke.

The timing of this article is quite important. The city has more or less weathered the financial crisis. The challenge now rests with improving the city's economy and reducing the high poverty rates. The US Airways Magazine, like other airlines and Amtrak, is found aboard flights and its available to passengers. A positive article in such a magazine with wide reach can double as a promoter to the eyes of potential investors traveling here there and everywhere.

Of course this is the good news. However, it is also as good as a time as any for city officials and residents to remember that the job is hardly done. Widening Springfield's exposure can generate interest, but that is not development.

There is a second factor that cannot be ignored. US Airways does serve Bradley Airport and connects the airport to high profile locations like Washington. Incidently, somebody going to Hartford for familyreasons or to the Connecticut coast for vacation may daytrip to Springfield.

Springfield's exposure to those willing to invest the capital is going to be key to any long term recovery. This magazine article is not enough. New York Times articles are not enough. They help, but what will really help is results...and some optimism rising from residents themselves.

You Can Go Flynn, You Can Go Out...

The flap over Springfield Police Commission Edward Flynn's potential cross-country move has reverberated throughout city government and into this year's election season.

First of all, the outrage (while mostly confined to City Councilors running for re-election), is to a point justified. People expected that Flynn would be making an investment in the city and this appears that he will not be.

That being said, all of the evidence suggests that Flynn's story, that Milwaukee's national search committee came to him, is true. The stories from the Sentinel-Journal and the Milwaukee blogosphere support his version of history.

Once again calling on the administration to act as a substitute for having a real campaign, Mayoral Candidate Domenic Sarno called upon the city to fire or ask him to tender his resignation rather than wait for the results of the Milwaukee search.

According to Heather Brandon's Urban Compass, reporting from a City Hall press conference, such an action would cost the city severance pay. City Solicitor Ed Pikula stated that were Flynn to resign at the City's suggestion, Flynn could expect a year's pay as severance. Luckily, Pikula indicated that Sarno's demand isn't likely to count. Only an official city request count. Still, Mayor Ryan requested that Sarno not make such a demand again to be on the safe side.

Incidentally, Urban Compass also discussed the political implications of the city acting on Sarno's pontifications. While Ryan and the city have followed through on only a few issues, it created potential political problems for Ryan. Interestingly, while Flynn's possible departure does not look good, the legal wranglings of Flynn's contract could benefit Ryan.

Speaking to the City Solicitor is a wise common sense decision, not politically based at all. However, finding out that asking Flynn to resign could cost the city a hundred grand make Sarno's demand look bad and Ryan's refusal to ask for the resignation look smart. Now, Sarno looks foolish and more importantly uninformed. Do we really want a mayor who doesn't get all the facts or just blurts out what sounds good neglecting the ramifications?

The entire Flynn debacle also brings up an interesting problem in looking for important city officials. Obviously, it is beyond me to say how Milwaukee runs itself, but these national search groups have often created problems. There are problems with the "public hearings," which often cow to public input defeating the purpose of removing the decision from politicians. Similar problems were encountered as Boston sought out a new Schools/Education Director. It creates situation such as this one where cities end up trying to steal each others officials. Springfield will be undergoing this process sooner or later as School Superintendent Joseph Burke will not be around too too much longer.

What is the solution? Who knows. But the system that is in place to find the "best" candidate often falls short and discredits itself amidst a different set of political circumstances.

A Fifth Redux...

Well it seems very likely that the Massachusetts Fifth Congressional District will have in the history books a husband and a wife as its representatives. Niki Tsongas maintains a substantial lead both monetarily and in the polls over her opponent Jim Ogonowski. While the Dracut Republican remains in striking distance, in blue-state Massachusetts, it seems unlikely that he can trump Tsongas' advantage.

Earlier on, WMassP&I commented that Tsongas was waging a silly campaign by making it all about Bush. That tactic was part of what kept this race from being a runaway for her. Sadly the things that for which Ogonowski has criticized her, are true. She will be something of an insider due to the late Sen. Paul Tsongas, her husband, and his old connections. Not having built her political prowess up herself, she is at risk to becoming a follower or "proxy" in Congress, rather than a leader as Marty Meehan was from time to time. When her husband was in office, she was no Hillary to Paul's Bill. But maybe I'm wrong.

Ogonowski, too, made mistakes. He tried to appeal to the more conservative tendencies of many Massachusetts' voters. However, he promised to be independent and not beholden to the GOP leadership. Granted that didn't work for former Sen. Lincoln Chafee R-RI. However, Ogonowski performed a classic form of political foot in mouth, when he said he'd be willing to support a Democratic issue/bill, only to not think of one such issue. Sadly, the now-vetoed Children's Insurance Bill (SCHIP) was before Congress then and Ogonowski could not think of it.

Ogonowski's challenge might have had more chances, if this was not a special election, but a regular even year race. Instead, the DNC can pull out the stops to support Niki Tsongas and trash Jim Ogonowski.

What is unfortunate is the entrenchment of Massachusetts (and other states) politicians and that when they are replaced it sometimes seems to be anybody new as in Tsongas' case. The paradox is, however, that many who are entrenched are wonderful.

Anyway, WMassP&I, in this eleventh hour, hoping to strengthen the Democratic Congress to pass critical legislation like SCHIP, endorses Niki Tsongas for Congress.

A Debt of Gratitude?...

Today's Republican reported that City Councilor Tim Rooke suggested that the state forgive the loan that came with the arrival of the Springfield Finance Control Board. However, his suggestion was not one made out of a plea for charity. Rather, Rooke said the forgiveness could be seen as a trade for the millions of dollars the state does owe the city for school-related bussing. Estimates in the article put that figure at around $60-70 million dollars.

The proposal is a novel approach and indeed a great way to help the city by both vindicating the city in this dispute with Beacon Hill and saving the city a few pennies. However, Beacon Hill is unlikely to go for it. For the past thirty some odd years it has been unmoved by arguments that the legislature itself passed the law requiring bussing and promising to pay for it. While it is wrong, the legislature as a whole long ago washed its hands of that issue, especially after cutting all bussing money off amidst the financial crisis four years ago. Secondly, the leaders on Beacon Hill are not receptive to Springfield handouts. While the political climate has changed since the FCB was established and leaders in both Houses and the Corner Office have changed, the statewide mood has not. Gov. Deval Patrick can open all the offices he wants in Springfield and it will not heal the divide between east and west.

That does not mean that everybody is opposed to bridging the gap somewhat. Inevitably, though, while Rooke is right about the money, if taken as a trade like that, Eastern Mass legislators will see it as a handout. The answer to the solution may be able to evolve out of Rooke's suggestion.

The first issue with the loan is the repayment timetable. Current legislation calls for full repayment by 2012. That deadline is thought by both Springfield and Beacon Hill officials as being a bit too soon though not impossibly so. Given that a number of municipal employee contracts will be expiring around then, the run up to paying off the debt may end up being a thorn in everybody's side. Bills calling for an extension of about 20 years are circulating on Beacon Hill, but most movement has been halted since area legislators called into question the FCB decision to move the remaining money into a finance stabilization fund. One way or another some kind of extension will happen. When and how long is anybody's guess.

The money itself should be paid back at least in part. A modest suggestion might call for the state to not expect repayment for any cost directly incurred by the Control Board's presence. Salaries and expenses for staff and the costs of the once controversial, but now accepted, reports at the beginning of the FCB's tenure. That figure is likely only about a million or two. From there, the city and state could haggle over some of the nickel and dime stuff ending up at a reasonable figure that the state would forgive.

While the act paying the debt itself seems like a drag, forcing the city to repay the debt will be an important part of disciplining city government. Once the FCB packs up and leaves, it will be up to the mayor and city council to exercise fiscal discipline and it will up to future councils and mayors to do the same. With this load around the city's neck, one which it cannot shirk (as legally, the city must defer to the state except where the Mass. Constitution says otherwise), wasteful spending, handouts to friends, and unaffordable contracts will become that much harder to happen.

On a separate note, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported that Edward Flynn is a finalist in the search for that city's police chief. This was confirmed by the Republican. Snooping around the Milwaukee's media, it seems that Flynn has been a shadow candidate for sometime and only today came out from behind the curtain. The details also suggest that Flynn was approached; he did not seek it. Flynn has done a great deal of work in Springfield and it would be a tragedy for him to leave only 19 months into his contract, necessitating another search for Springfield's top cop. He is up against 7 other candidates so his selection is not assured, however, given the secrecy, it seems that somebody over there really wants him to lead the Milwaukee PD.

For Whom the Campanile Tolls...

This evening, CBS 3 Springfield reported that crews were inspecting the stately pre-WWI Municipal Clock tower to develop a plan for rehabilitation.

This development is not a boon for Historical Preservationists alone. Stabilization and repair of the Campanile would be an incredible victory for our ailing city and boost in morale. Returning it to a good state of repair would go a long way to restoring the city's image, as the clock tower is one of the city's most magnificent symbols. The report also noted efforts by the city to maintain proper time on all four faces and grace the streets of downtown with the sound of the tower's bells. What greater gift could we offer our children than to give to them that music and glory we've denied ourselves for 20 years? These are the same bells that tolled when peace was announced in both World Wars. Their chimes mean more than the top of the hour and we have been denied them by civic indifference.

Sadly, there are some who will not feel the same way. The money for this restoration is likely coming from the Control Board's capital maintenance plan, funded through the sale of municipal bonds. While some politicians may have questioned the use of actual cash for this project, any criticism when the FCB announced plans last year for moneys intended for Municipal Group reconstruction was muted. Now that the city has actually started work (well in fairness begun a study, hopefully followed quickly by work), there may yet be a chorus of dissenters.

It is impossible to name names, but it can be safe to say that those who will be most likely to voice opposition have been blasted by this blog before. The criticism will be local, too. None of the Eastern crowd of the Statehouse will care as it is not being done on their nickel, or more accurately, their loan. If one had to guess, the most likely attackers are those who have liked to fire off attacks at the Control Board, while offering no real solution. They will say the money should go to something more worthy, more pressing.

However, to forget about the Campanile once again would be a betrayal to our city's heritage. Nobody ever said that historic preservation was easy, but it is necessary. It has been a burden at times, but this IS NOT one of those times. As one impassioned youth said to an elected official, "If the Campanile falls down, this city will never again be able to stand and recover."

City Hall appears to be thinking the same way. In the midst of recovery, efforts are underway to see to it that turnaround in complete, not only in our economy, not only in our government, but in our heritage, our history, and our landmarks...our great symbol to the world!

*Photo obtained via Google Search

Look Who's Gamblin'...

Well it should not come as a total surprise to anybody paying attention for the last eight months that Governor Deval Patrick came out in support of legalized gambling in Massachusetts. Rather than stare down the legislature over excesses in the budget to fund his programs, which still largely remain vague and hard to decipher, he chose the supposed free money path. He believes that the state will yield $400 million from casinos in Massachusetts.

Now it is important to note that opposition to gambling casinos in Massachusetts is not entirely a moral issue or even social ills issue. For some it certainly is that. During a press conference at his home in January, Mayor Charles Ryan reiterated his opposition to gambling largely on these grounds. Thankfully, it is incredibly unlikely that the casino would be built any closer than Palmer anyway.

Another shocker was Mayoral hopeful Domenic Sarno's endorsement of the governor's plan, citing the improved revenue. However, Sarno, like the governor fails to fully grasp the impact of casinos.

Let's start with the moral/social issues. Casinos are a classic form of indirect regressive taxing. The lower and middle classes make up the bulk of gamblers. Unlike the state lottery, the government can have difficulty regulating the return to gamblers. In addition, while the lottery is designed ostensibly to make the state money, the house, if you will, is not a for-profit agency. In addition, it is not legal to go into debt to buy lottery tickets (there are ways around it, but its cumbersome). Casinos regularly open up "accounts" of "money" with which people can gamble. Moreover, in a time of foreclosures and skyrocketing tuition, is this the best way we can be encouraging our citizens to spend? Plus, the income gleaned from the casinos will inevitably be diverted to help pay for the increased social services necessary to serve compulsive gamblers and their families.

Before everybody gets all "But it works in Atlantic City, Las Vegas, and Connecticut!" it is important to note the differences. Both Las Vegas and Atlantic City were built upon the gaming industry and in that vein have very different cultures as to how the gaming industry interacts with the population. In Vegas for example, the tourist and the locals do not typically gamble in the same place. Even so, the vice and social malaise associated with compulsive gamblers remains prevalent. Atlantic City despite not being a major population center, as Las Vegas is, exhibits this only yards away from the boardwalk.

Foxwoods and Mohegan, too, are different. Neither is located in a major population center in Connecticut. There is no Mass Transit to these places and millions of people are not only a few minutes drive away. The proposed casinos in Massachusetts, particularly the Boston Metro area one will be easily accessible very likely by both T and highway. Detroit is the only major US city without a previous gaming history (excluding New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina) with gambling in its immediate midst. Detroit's decision to allow gambling was unfortunately made under extreme financial duress. Its was far greater than Massachusetts' is now. The social impact of the casinos in Detroit is not yet fully known and Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Bethlehem, PA are also planning gambling establishments slated for 2008.

Finally, there is an opposition growing unlike the others. According to the Boston Globe, the Massachusetts Restaurant Association is mobilizing to oppose casinos. Reasonably fearing a threat from the new eateries and watering holes bound to pop up, the MRA hopes to portray casinos as only drawing business away from existing restaurants. The governor's estimate of $400 millions in revenue for the state includes ancillary income from restaurants, but fails, as the MRA notes, to take into account that some of that revenue is in fact being lost at restaurants not near casinos. The MRA also claims that some of the revenue may simply cease to exist as casinos are known to hand out free food and drinks to gamblers. That's money that both restaurateurs and the state will see simply evaporate!

Not surprisingly, Boston Mayor Tom Menino is behind the proposal. Ol' Mumbles Menino has been on a binge of bizarre and egotistical plans recently. First it was a mammoth office tower that goes more toward image than need. Then he wanted to move city hall into South Boston, neglecting the citizens who can't trace their lineage back to Boston's historic center of American-Hibernia (and in fact a great deal who can). Menino needs money to do these things so gambling revenues and a newly minted meals tax (which will hurt Boston as the 128 'burbs can already rival Boston's culinary edge) would be his meal ticket. No pun intended. So Menino will be able to sit in his South Boston office facing the casino at Suffolk Downs across the water with his back to his fellow citizens, who writhe in economic and social agony, while finding it difficult to register to vote. Bravisimo, Mr. Mayor.

This is hardly a done deal. Sen. President Therese Murray supports the governor's proposal albeit a bit tepidly. House Speaker Sal DiMasi is open to listening, but still opposing it on the record. The cynics say its only a matter of time (or money) before gambling comes to Massachusetts, but its far too early to place any bets on how this all pans out.

Preliminary Fallout...

So the citizens of Springfield spoke yesterday. But what did they say? Well the 6.8% of them [registered voters], decided incumbency was best for the most part.

Oddly enough, sister of D.A. William Bennet, Kateri Walsh was not in the top nine. Newcomer Patrick Markey in a stunning performance shot into the second spot beating out political relic William Foley. Tim Rooke, known for his straightforwardness and committed convictions, also edged out Foley.

I won't dwell on the actual blow by blow. I will leave Bill Dusty's roundup on the results and colorful commentary to tell the rest of that story.

However it is not really possible to take much stock in these results. There was a hope among challengers that the preliminary results may act as something of a free polling sample. While the percentages of those who showed up may bear that out, it lacked the scientific finesse of Gallup-type poll. In addition, history has shown previous examples of skewed preliminaries telling different stories from what the general yields. It also does not jive with previous elections.

It is entirely possible that Rooke, who among the most tenured councilors seems most attuned with the concerns and exasperations of Springfield's middle class, may beat out a great deal of the council. However, it is doubtful that Foley will be so low on the list in the general. Another example is Jose Tosado. No matter what direction the city's demographics are going in, he had the lowest vote total of the incumbents in the last election. No way he stays on top.

For the challengers that survived, it will mean a lot more work leading up to the general. Even Markey whose much-deserved showing will need to work 24/7 in the next month and a half to retain that position. In addition, the strange outcome of incumbents and challenger results gives hope to everybody, showing that many of the seats are anybodies' race. Although Walsh's drop was an anomaly, we may very well see a few incumbents knocked out this election. But let's just make sure they are replaced by good people. For example, Mo Jones, former councilor who beat out Walsh and Mazza-Moriarty, has reputed connections to the Asselin Clan. You remember them, right?

Here's what some of the candidates had to say:

From Councilor Bruce Stebbins:

I am humbled by the voters who turned out and showed their support for my re-election. The turnout for the November election will obviously be higher with the mayor’s race topping the ticket. Every council candidate should be mindful of the higher turnout and re-double their efforts to express why they should be elected and not take the voters for granted. We have a number of challenges ahead of us as a community and the campaign allows a candidate the chance to talk about what they would do to help Springfield continue to rebound.

From Local Activist and newcomer Karen Powell:

I am very greatful to all the people who did get out and vote and my friends and family who are helping me in my campaign.

Phase two of the campaign starts now and I am going to work as hard as I can to get my message out. I want people to know I have the best interest of the city at heart and will do whatever it takes to help Springfield build itself back up.

I want us to be ready to take over when the Control Board leaves and we need to make sure the City Council will be fiscally responsible. I have worked with Mayor Ryan and know I can work with him as a City Councilor to keep Springfield on the right track.

In any event, Congratulations to those who survived, with special recognition to Patrick Markey, Bruce Stebbins, Tim Rooke, and Karen Powell.

They Served the Public, and Now They Rest...

Today, former Westfield Mayor, John Palczynski, died. Palczynski, who was mayor several decades ago sat on the Westfield Gas & Electric commission. He was 78. He was mayor from 1968-1973. His administration is credited with bringing Westfield mayor's office into the modern era.

Any additional details I could offer, I cannot release in deferrence to his family.

I would ask that readers to keep Palczynski and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

A Fifth of Massachusetts...

Good day once again friends. I am happy to report that my historic bouts of non-posting are not all due to laziness. Until yesterday, my computer refused to work and so here I am back.

As some may or not be aware, Martin Meehan accepted a job as Chancellor of UMASS Lowell. As a result, Meehan has resigned his seat in the United States House of Representatives. This past Tuesday, primaries were held for both the Republican and Democratic tickets. Democrat Niki Tsongas, wife of the late senator Paul Tsongas, won her party's nomination, while Jim Ogonowski, a former US Air Force Colonel has won the Republican nomination. The election is scheduled for October 16, 2007.

Tsongas is heavily favored to win, however, nobody is willing to call the election just yet. Both candidates have viewpoints and credentials that do mesh with what Bay Staters expect from their Representatives-in-Congress. Both, however, are also using strategies that do not make much sense.

Ogonowski, as reported in today's Lowell Sun, has pounced on Tsongas' self-description as a "Washington Insider." This in and of itself is a tired, though surprisingly still effective tool in winning election. Such a plan is unlikely to work in the Massachusetts' fifth, however. Cong. Meehan had been in office and therefore in Washington, for fourteen years. Well before retiring, he had been an insider. Indeed, Tsongas' connections are not exactly fresh (her husband left the Senate in the early 80's). Whatever connections she does have will only benefit those in her district specifically, and the entire Commonwealth and nation as a whole.

Tsongas for her part has attempted to make the election about President Bush. While always fun to attack somebody for associations with Bush, it helps if the person actually has them. We will not see the President traipsing through Lowell or Lawrence or Methuen on behalf of Ogonowski anytime soon. Ogonowski's only connection to Bush is their mutual belief that any pull-out from Iraq would be bad. A silly position, indeed, but not enough to equate him to Bush. Ogonowski at least acknowledges the war was a mistake unlike the Denier-in-Chief.

Beyond Iraq, the two do not differ significantly as is the case with Republicans and Democrats in Massachusetts. They both favor sound environmental/energy policy and a return to fiscal discipline. How exactly they may stray apart, but only slightly and no more than Democrats and Republicans (and Conservative Democrats) do on Beacon Hill.

Democrats do have reason to worry, however. While Republicans are on the retreat nationally, they may be poised for a resurgence here. They will not be overtaking the statehouse or even ending the Democrats' super majority anytime soon. However, were Ogonowski successful, he could stand do embolden Republicans in other races in the state and thus the dominoes fall. Even a good showing could encourage the GOP in Mass.

On a separate note, Ogonowski's victory would have a slight personal significance as he would be the first American of Polish extraction elected to Congress from Massachusetts (to my knowledge). Certainly, an ethnic camaraderie is not reason to vote for or endorse a candidates. Still, certain "ceilings" do remain.

OH NO! 0-8!: Comrade Romney's Friends...That Never Were...

For those of you who understand the second part of the title there will be no bashing of Sen. Larry Craig for his bust over lewd conduct. Just kidding, of course we will have that. However, that is not the focus.

To begin, Idaho Senator Larry Craig was busted in June for soliciting sex from an undercover police officer at a men's room at the Minneapolis Airport. Apparently, such activity is quite a problem at Minneapolis Int'l, and the police take it seriously. After performer a series of gestures with his feet and hands, the good Senator discovered his "neighbor" in the row of stalls was a cop and was thus arrested.

Now Sen. Craig is not the first person known for attempting discreet, if not anonymous activities with "stall-mates." What makes this juicy and simultaneously pathetic is Craig's known, if not vehement, public support for general anti-gay positions. After hearing the tape made by the police following his arrest, it all appears somewhat benign. However, Washington has buzzed before questioning Sen. Craig's sexuality and his role in a page sex scandal in the 1980's when he was a Congressman.

The Romney connection comes in as Craig was up until the Capitol Hill Newspaper broke this story, a lead member of Romney's Presidential Campaign. He resigned when the scandal broke and became a figure of ridicule from those calling on his hypocrisy and Republicans who are probably trying to limit the political damage and responding to the homophobia which guides many Conservative Republicans homophobia. One-time governor Mitt Romney, in a very public attempt to flout his (newly and conveniently discovered) conservative credentials, decided to simply purge Craig from the campaign.

Purge being the operative word, as Craig, who as a sitting U.S. Senator supporting Romney, appeared numerous times in press releases on Romney's site. Not only was any mention of Craig on non-chronological elements of the site removed, but also mentions of him in previous press releases. No dates were changed and no notes on any such archived releases on the site indicate a change was made. Instead, Romney and allies went Stalinist and removed Craig from history. Although it is probable that Craig and his family wish that the purge may include a total wipe from history, particularly the last three months, Romney really has no such power.

Every media organization of any merit noted the existing relationship and archived versions of the site retains by Google, Yahoo, and others still show the old versions. This is not nearly the same as removing people from photographs or film for political purposes (less we forget that Stalin's paranoia far exceeds that of Romney's). Certainly Romney didn't kill Craig, but still. It stinks of the Soviet's rewriting of history and Minitru of 1984 fame.

The fate of Craig is far from known. For the moment he is going to live through the public humiliation. However, he should stay away from the social issues or risk being outed. This was bad, but somebody with direct knowledge of his inclination would be a torpedo to his political career. For the moment, as with David Vitter, whose number was on the infamous DC Madam's Rolodex, we really have no smoking gun (although Vitter essentially did admit to have services from a prostitute). Don't expect anybody to care when either one of them start spouting stuff about traditional family values. Whether this feeding-frenzy is appropriate turns on whether homosexuals/bisexuals are entitled to be such and hold anti-gay positions.

As for Romney, this whole thing is unlikely to have hurt him anyway. The cover up is worse than the story. All he had to do was accept Craig's resignation say this is not his problem and move on. Instead he just saw red.

Do You Have Any Decaf Council...

Well it has been a hell of week. Not so much in the political world, but there, too. For those of you who may care, which I am sure is a minute minority, I have been out of town for a few days. "Where?" you may (or may not) ask. But our nation's capital. Yes, I was vacationing in the District of Columbia. But enough of that. I will (try to) get to that at a later date.

So anyway, the City Council in a rare act of chutzpah and wisdom told the developer of a Starbucks and Banks in Sixteen Acres at Wilbrahm Rd & Parker to engage in more community feedback with the hope that they may redesign their plans. The plans call for a small, but arguably past its prime retail structure to be demolished and replaced with a new building. The developers, Colvest Group, however, want to add the standard moat of parking. While this configuration is not uncommon to Sixteen Acres Center, the current structure fronts Parker.

While concerns about traffic are real (the Starbucks is intended to have a Drive-up window, residents and urban planners alike believe that the plaza, or at least the Starbucks and misc retail should front the street, too. In addition to hiding the cars, it also improve pedestrian access. The current scheme puts walkers at the mercy of over-caffeinated drivers. Such a scheme works on Main Street in Westfield set back from Route 20 in a major shopping district. It is unwise in dense residential neighborhood. Arguably, a great deal of customers will come by foot and alienating them is simply foolish.

Colvest seemed to agree in Downtown/South End where they built the city's first Starbucks, as it is nearly flush with E. Columbus Ave, the grapevine indicates that they had their hand in a similar project in Mason Square. Reportedly, they twisted the city's arm into approving a CVS complete with Parking Lot Frontage on State Street instead of agreeing to put the front door on the street and place the parking in back. This actually happened; whether it was actually Colvest, WMassP&I cannot confirm at this time.

Speaking of the City Council, Patrick Markey, Springfield City Solicitor, Library Commissioner, and resident announced his candidacy for City Council last Thursday. Were I not in Washington and had I known the Hotel had computers available to use, I would have updated Friday.

Anyway, Markey, pictured with Karen Powell, recent WMassP&I interviewee, kicked off his campaign with a flattering introduction by Mayor Charles Ryan. Markey was credited with helping the city collect back taxes using ordinance that provided for liquor license non-renewal to establishments that owed back taxes or whose landlords owed back taxes. His involvement with the divestiture of the Springfield libraries from the Museum Association was also noted.

The event's location itself echoed Markey's library roots. Markey's involvement goes back to being a legal advisor to Friends of the Library. His kick-off was held at the Cozy Club in Mason Square. That neighborhood suffered a loss when the Former Library and Museum Association sold the branch building. Thus coming full circle, Markey highlighted his efforts to improve the library while showing solidarity with a neighborhood that, pending a new branch being built, has had to cope with reduce library services.

Perhaps Markey's most memorable moment came when he praised the current city council as filled with good people, but not necessarily the right people. He emphasized the need for the city council to be good budget readers, good administrators, and good overseers. In that way, Markey attempted to crack the incumbents' lock on power without descending into mudslinging. There will be plenty of time for this blog to do that later.

Its Powell Time!...

During the odd-numbered years, Springfield finds itself in the throes of yet another municipal election cycle. Usually, the focus has been on the mayor's race, as is the case to some extent this year. The City Council Race, however, could be heating up to a level not seen in a long time. As has happened for the past few years there is an open seat, but the momentum may be there to unseat some incumbents, too.

Among those showing some strength early on is Karen Powell. A lifelong city resident and business owner, Powell has actually been active in local politics for sometime. Her advocacy for issues affecting the city goes back 10-12 years. Hers was among the most vocal in opposing Albano's boondoggle of a baseball stadium in the North End and in advocacy for the libraries during the crisis in 2003. Recently, Karen sat down with WMassP&I to offer some perspective on her views and vision for the city.

Powell emphasized her position that public service should be something that one does because they want to make a difference, not to collect a paycheck. The city council in particular, while seemingly irrelevant today, remains a conduit for public opinion. To begin, she intends to try to counter the all too common pessimism seemingly prevalent in our city. As a city councilor she would have the access to the media to get the word out about the positives of the city. Those positives, which have always been there, have been in her mind relegated to the sidelines because "people felt they had not say" and their opinion "didn't matter," or "nobody listened."

When asked if the city's problems were economic, governmental, or community-based, Powell stated it was a combination. In her estimate the city has to spend money on a number of social programs. Meanwhile, the tax base has faltered all the while, there is a loss of cohesion in the city.

Powell describes Springfield's biggest problem as the perception of crime. The problem, she explains is both a crime problem and a perception problem. To address this, Powell calls for more officers on the street to help fight crime. However, what we do with those officers is just as important. Powell advocates a strong Broken Windows Campaign. For those readers unfamiliar with this type of campaign, Broken Windows emphasizes enforcement of small offense and quality of life issues. The hope being that it will reduce the perception of crime while creating a situation where crime is less able to flourish. As a city councilor, Powell would work with the Police Department and Commission Flynn and ask them what do they need to get that job done.

Powell has called for a better policy to regulate the city's rented properties. She states that absentee landlords are in serious need of enforcement up to and including not only code enforcement, but potentially home rule legislation enabling the city to license landlords. When asked which issue is getting the least attention by officials and media, Powell responded with "litter." She explained that trash strewn about adds to the perception of crime and sullies neighborhoods. Powell suggested that cleanups should be organized more frequently.

Finally, she also sees the schools as key to the city's turnaround. Working with the school committee, she hopes to work on improving city schools in every way from decreasing class size to working on discipline.

Powell stressed that the only way she can do her job successfully is to build relationships with even the more tenured of city officials and respect their opinions. To advocate for the city, Powell promises to go out to speak to businesses and the legislative delegation, and promote Western Mass. Her years of political activism behind her have brought her more clout than the average person.

Powell describes her campaign as going "very well" with all the door to doors, and preparing for the now all-but-certain preliminary election. Her typical campaign-intensive day involves phones calls, working on her database, delivering signs, planning events, and more.

When asked what about her and her campaign appeals to voters most, Powell notes how she has spoken up for problems, been pro-active, does not over promise, and is easily accessible. Most importantly, she describes herself as an atypical politician. In other words she is one of us.

Looking ahead, Powell sees either herself or recently declared candidate, Patrick Markey taking the open council seat with either her or Markey felling an incumbent. She concluded by saying "I know that I would do a good job." Her optimism may be among the most important things she can give the city. Powell added "You can always change things."

A Bridge Too Far...From Stable: Conclusion...

Spotlight on Minneapolis Bridge Disaster

Tomorrow marks the two week anniversary of the I-35W Bridge collapse which horrified a country, but thankfully has only claimed 9 people. Another 4 or 5 remain missing.

The question remains as to whether this nation will have the will to actually change the situation. Some, including Rep. Dingell of Michigan have proposed new gas taxes to pay for a backlog of maintenance. Pres. Bush has opposed such moves claiming that Congress needs to take stock of its priorities. While it is painful to say, he is right. Congress does need to take a step back from some of the junk it earmarks or projects its lobbies agencies like the US Dept. of Transportation and General Services Administration. However, that alone will not solve the problem. The tax combined with some rollback of wasteful new "bridges to nowhere" would go a long way.

While we do need to curb some new projects, even some that are neither wasteful nor unnecessary, in favor of maintenance, this cannot be universal. Following the New York City subway meltdown due to rain, one letter to the editor in the New York Times recommended that the MTA scrap the Second Avenue subway in order to implement easily the most ambitious communication upgrade in public transit history. This is hardly an option as the Lexington Avenue line, due for some relief when the 2nd Ave line opens, will still be dangerously busy on the days that everything is dandy. Investing in a better email notice system is more than enough there.

The Times also had a segment about how such old things like the Brooklyn Bridge and the NYC subway and countless other structures keep going without replacement. They are big and too bid and expensive to replace. History as with the case of the Brooklyn Bridge also plays a role. Plus they are built well. With modest maintenance, such structures can last a long time. Can anybody say Roman Colosseum?

Locally it all remains to be seen. Apparently the Mass Turnpike Bridge and Ludlow-IO bridge both are on the watch list for state. The North End Bridge appears safe, despite sharing similar qualities to the Minneapolis' bridge. The Julia B. Buxton, better known as the South End bridge, is being inspected as we speak. Ol' Julia was supposedly recommended for replacement, but was rehabbed instead. No word on whether that rehab done over the last 2 or 10 years (take your pick) made replacement unnecessary for the mean.

If our politicians choose to prefer affixing their names to monuments for the ages rather than pushing for repair, it is up to us then. We as citizens must be vigilant and watch for sudden wasteful projects and decrepit crossings. Remember, a pot-holy street is annoying, but not likely to lead to our death. As Minneapolis tells us, a falling bridge will. As such, when we see these things, it is essential that we call our reps and demand that our safety on today's bridge cannot be traded or awe in tomorrow's bridge. We should also call the Highway Dept or whatever relevant agency. We need to watch the votes in Boston and in Washington. And, if need be we must act at the Voting Booth.

Boston Beat: A Bridge Too Far...From Stable...

Spotlight on Minneapolis Bridge Disaster

Today in the theme of the I-35W Bridge, we move east to Boston to discuss a famous and historic structure which is nonetheless emblematic of the problems Minneapolis brought to the fore. Boston's Longfellow Bridge, also known as the Salt and Pepper Bridge (for its Salt & Pepper shaker-esque minarets), has become a visible example of this state's grotesque backlog of maintenance.

The Longfellow is arguably the most important single span between Boston and Cambridge. While several bridges carry cars and people between the two cities, it is the only one which carries cars, pedestrians, and the MBTA's Red Line. According to the Boston Herald, some 50,000 cars and 100,000 Red Line passengers cross the bridge daily.

The Longfellow has fallen on hard times. The deck, particularly under the tracks needs rehabilitation. The stone has been known to chip and God knows what work needs to be done to the piers that sit in the Charles River. Plans for repairs exceed $200 million. A fire in May under the Charles/MGH station have undoubtedly only complicated matters. The century-old bridge's last major rehab was in 1959, with some nominal work done in 2002. An ed-op piece in the Boston Globe, from which some of this entry's info was gleaned, was published on Longfellow's centennial, July 31, the day before the I-35W collapse.

is just the same as many deficient structures. In lean times, maintenance gets the axe. Legislators' are reluctant to spend the necessary money or take it from somewhere else. We need to make sure that the unnecessary high-level positions in the Turnpike Authority or the MBTA are well-endowed, but the structures they oversee? Not so much. UMASS is another great example. Sure physical plant is deteriorating, but God forbid we cut back on top-level management.

Returning to Boston, we see Longfellow's issues repeated in Storrow Drive. A tunnel in the Back Bay is in dire need of repair. The only options that get the job done quickly mandate traffic diversion onto city streets. God Forbid the Brahmans' face that kind of disturbance! However, had repairs been kept up, we would not even be having this conversation. Admittedly, Longfellow and Storrow Drive are both victims of the former Metropolitan District Commission a state entity that was engorged with patronage and corruption until finally being merged into the current Department of Conservation and Recreation in 2003. The DCR in fact cannot pay for rehabs of the Longfellow itself, instead needed to beg, borrow, steal form the Highway Dept.

The MBTA is even more guilty spending itself into massive debt on "station improvement projects" while the tracks and signals go to Hell. Sure the station is nice, but the ride is slow, late, and pathetic.

So as we return to Longfellow, we see that reconstruction is not even scheduled to begin for another three years. We are told that assessments on the piers need to be completed before any further work is done. Undoubtedly, the token competitive bidding process is partly responsible for the delay beyond that. Frankly, after Minneapolis and our state's wonderful work-to-the-lowest-bidder job on the Big Dig and its cave-in on that poor woman, our legislature should take a deep breath and just cut some fat (starting with themselves), and let us swallow the pill of fast-track bid. The current system is barely better than Halliburton-like no-bid so let's not get all over ourselves about fairness. We could potentially save some lives and get our infrastructure in order. We owe to ourselves and to the patriarchs of our transportation apparatus such as Longfellow.

Oh, NO! 0-8!: A Bridge Too Far...From Stable...

Spotlight on Minneapolis Bridge Disaster

Last night the AFL-CIO sponsored a debate for the Democratic nomination for President. The event was held at Soldier Field in Chicago and took on a distinct flavor when compared to the other debates. Present were NM Gov. Bill Richardson, Sen. Joe Biden, Sen. Hillary Clinton, Sen. Barrack Obama, Fmr. Sen. John Edwards, Sen. Chriss Dodd, and Rep. Dennis Kucinich. Fmr. AK Sen, Mike Gravel was excluded due to what seemed like a paperwork issue.

The debate touched on a number of issues from Iraq to health care (brought to the fore in part by Steve Skvara, a former steelworker screwed over by his company's bankruptcy), of course, labor. Indeed, it was quite obvious that the candidates were jockeying to bring Labor's endorsement over to them. The AFL-CIO has been reluctant to endorse or allow its affiliate unions to endorse a candidate fearing a repeat of 2004's endorsement of Howard Dean.

Despite being set in Chicago, Minneapolis cast a pall over the debate. While the I-35W Bridge did not dominate the debate per se, the sensation that events such as the bridge collapse, or Mr. Skvara's health insurance lapse, do not belong in America was apparent. Moderator Keith Olbermann questioned the candidates about the infrastructure deficiencies in our country.

The candidates all agreed the far more needed to be done. The only current Governor of the bunch, Richardson, emphasized his efforts counter infrastructure degradation in NM. The Senators touted their efforts to sponsor legislation to correct rollbacks in maintenance. Olbermann even questioned Obama about the wisdom in spending money on rehabbing the venue, Soldier Field, when Obama was a state senator. Clinton noted the lack of investment in Amtrak's NYC Penn Station tunnels, which are a century old. Here the debate became similar to other debates as the candidates made vague, yet positive promises that they cannot possibly be held to deliver. Indeed, even if any of the seven become president, they will still need to contend with Congress, which may not be so willing to change. Admittedly, the format, which was rightfully called a forum, not a debate, made anything more all but impossible. Of course it is impossible to have debates with not so many candidates unless there were more candidates. Certainly, I hope when the General Election debates come up, we do not have a redux of this.

But enough of that. Minneapolis was clearly on the minds of the candidates. Their promises to do better got cheers from the union members in the crowd not only because it offered jobs, but also it is their families who use this critical infrastructure.

Even though the replacement I-35W bridge may be nearly complete by next November, its effect will hopefully make Infrastructure maintenance a key part of the 2008 campaign. Unfortunately, if Hurricane Katrina is any indication, we may not be so lucky; it will affect the election, but not policy.

*Addendum. Wrap-up of event. Winner: Hillary, did not just play to crowd, but won them over a number of times and walked having poise, yet visibly relaxed (for her anyway). Most improvement: Barack, though still getting hammered as the rookie, able to rise about "naive" comments of the past. Least expected to shine, but did: Chris Dodd, was able to show that his grey-white hairs do equate with experience and was unwilling to get shouted down. Crowd Favorite: Dennis K, had nothing to lose because he has nothing to win, able to be completely populist and say exactly what the crowd wants to hear because they aren't going to get it or at least not from him.

A Bridge Too Far...From Stable...

Spotlight on Minneapolis Bridge Disaster

Today begins a multi-part series on the implications of the Minneapolis Bridge Disaster. The preceding days of silence from WMassP&I on the issue were spent, in part, researching and reading the headlines in order offer WMassP&I's first spotlight issue, which will carry the themes of this tragedy over into our other serials. Stay tuned for more on that.

Now onto the meat and potatoes. Last Wednesday, August 1, the I-35W Highway bridge in Minneapolis collapsed during the late evening rush. The bridge was not operating at full capacity due to resurfacing, which was underway at the time. Questions are now surfacing what role the weight of the construction materials may have played. People may remember the historic collapse of the West Side Highway in Manhattan, which gave under the weight of a truck carrying repair materials.

Anyway, the bridge had been certified as safe by past inspections, with only the deck needed replacement by 2020. OR SO WE THOUGHT.

However, the stories of heroism and low fatality count belie the appalling fact that bridges, particularly those not that old could come tumbling to earth so easily. While there is a reasonable concern about the load the structures bear relative to their intend design, it also emphasizes the woefully inadequate ways our nation maintains and upgrades existing structures.

Sunday's New York Times Editorial described how politicians today are not interested, especially in times of fiscal crises in repair infrastructure "named for somebody else." There is far more enthusiasm to build a great shining new structure while the old one, still being used, crumbles beneath drivers' wheels. Even the recovery plan, which calls for replacing the I-35W Bridge and building some new light rail lines and such (a good idea) fails to address overhauls of other structures.

Unfortunately, the change will not come about by laying guilt on politicians. It can only come within them. They write the budgets and while they did not initiate the act of God or Entropy that took down a bridge and 5 souls to the bottom of the Mississippi, a great deal of blame rests with them. This is not an exclusively Minnesotan problem either. All 50 governors, and all 50 legislatures, and Congress and the President need to play the necessary part.

That part may also call for more money. Yes, paying more in taxes somewhere, whether it is at the pump or on April 15 is a pain, but is it worth dying for? I'm sure that the families of the dead will rest easier knowing that their country men's stinginess and legislators' cowardice is partly to blame.

Well, as I have alienated politicians and my fellow countrymen enough, I turn now to the local connection. The North End Bridge connecting Springfield to West Springfield and carrying US Route 20 is the only bridge in the immediate area that is of similar construction to the I-35W Bridge. Although bridges in Chicopee and Northampton have been reevaluated as part of a precaution. These events are of particular concern as Western Mass frequently gets the shaft on transportation projects including maintenance. For the moment, there is no reason to suspect any concern about Springfield's main CT River Bridges, nor the three Interstate Highway Bridges over the CT. I-291, which crosses the Chicopee River is near completion of recent roadwork and the main Indian Orchard, Ludlow bridge was rehabbed in the last year. Several small bridges that pass over brooks and streams or minor necks of the Chicopee and Westfield rivers are probably under municipalities' control and have not made any local headlines.

WMassP&I's coverage of this event will continue tomorrow and the next day with special editions of Boston Beat and Oh, No! 0-8! before wrapping up with some more details on local impact.

A Less than Clean Sweep...

Mayor Charles Ryan, presumably with the blessing of Stephen Lisauskas, SFCB Executive Director, fired American Sweeping Co. of North Andover after a lackluster job at cleaning the city's streets.

Aside from providing ample evidence that privatization of government services is not a universal good (or very good at all), this action may prove to stir up the mayoral race this fall. No this is hardly torpedo to the campaign, fear not Ryanites.

Several weeks ago, Mayoral challenger Domenic Sarno, publicly demanded that the Street Sweeping Contract be terminated. As Sarno had been making several pronouncements every so often, nobody thought much of it.

However, while it is more difficult to speak to the other claims by the mayoral challenger, this one had some merit. American Sweeping Co. apparently failed to achieve their goals and was the target of numerous citizen complaints.

Thus Ryan fired them. However, given Sarno's earlier comments this creates something of a political problem. It lends credibility to Sarno's claims and empowers him before the electorate.

This is not an uncommon problem in an election year. How does one do the right thing without giving his opponent a boost? Ryan is lucky that this is not a big thing. Nobody cares about American Sweeping, but just glad they'll be gone by Sept. 30. Also, this is way too early to matter much either. However, Ryan and the Ryan camp need to be cautious about how such things, particularly Control Board matters and how they relate to the campaign.

The "Coalition of the Willing" that brought Ryan to power in 2003 and kept him there for the past four years is strong enough to weather this. Their fear of return to business as usual will likely not permit anything less. Even so, Mr. Ryan, if you want to be sure you stay Mr. Mayor, pass this stuff over to the Control Board. As much of a political hot potato they are, they're not running and you are.

Sarno v. FCB...

Well it should seem perfectly clear to the Springfield community that this year's mayoral election will be basically the challenger running against the Control Board. In other words, a redux of Decision 2005.

In 2005, School Committee person Thomas Ashe, attempted to unseat Mayor Charles Ryan by largely making the election about the Control Board. However, given that the establishment of the board was more raw, the issue also turned on whether Ryan simply gave up and handed the city over the state. At three years in and staring down the barrel of two more years of Board, whether the control board should have been is largely moot.

Still, a challenger can, will, and indeed is running against the board, of which the mayor is a member. Of course, the challenger is really fighting against the three state-appointed members. In any case, 2007 mayoral challenger Domenic Sarno has already launched an assault against the Board. Sarno of course forgets his actions, or rather lack thereof, as a City Councilor contributed to the necessity of the Board. No. Voting to cut the budget for phone service does not make you a hero.

Sarno, knowing in the event he wins will have to contend with the board for three quarters of his term, made nice at the 6-25-07 FCB meeting. However, by then he had already called for Phil Puccia's dismissal. Puccia preempted the Board dignifying this demand by resigning, ostensibly to take a job in the private sector.

Arguably, besides an untrue impression by the electorate that the mayor simply doesn't matter under the FCB, most voters had until last year yet to see any impact from the board. Sure, they grumbled about the expensive studies and Puccia's salary, but clearly did not care that much or they would have punished our Reps in Boston in 2004 and/or 2006. While a fair number of the public employees were affected, not nearly enough live in Springfield to have any elective impact. Certainly they do not vote as one mind anyway. Enter the trash fee. Reprehensible as it is, it was a necessary evil. Yet, it still stirred the ire of Springfielders. Today and there, Sarno launched his latest stab in his quest for the city's top job.

The Republican reported today that Sarno has launched an effort to abolish the trash fee. The article states that he claims the city has the money to function without the fee referring to the $17 million in the bank. However, the FCB officials counter that that money is from one-time revenues and cannot be relied on. Plus, there is a concerted effort by the FCB to build up the city's rainy day fund and make downturns such as the ones which partly precipitated this crisis in 2003 less painful.

Sarno's timing is also of note. Ire over the trash fee is present, but less vocal. Seeing that the FCB has been paying dividends with improved public works and a balanced budget, citizens are less apt to complain about the fee. This presents a problem for Sarno so he needed to act now before nobody cares anymore and just accepts the fee. The fee is really the only way he can effectively rally popular support and run against the board. All of their other decisions, whether bad or good simply do not effect enough citizens particularly the ones who reliably vote to make a difference.

The fee is bad. No question. It should be abolished. BUT NOT NOW!! Puccia is right. We cannot take from savings to do so. The city is developing plans to move to a pay as you throw system. The more you thrown out, the more you pay. This system will allow the end of the fee as those who throw out the least can pay nothing while charging those who toss more.

That's tomorrow's issue. The fee is not going anywhere right now and unless Sarno comes up with something better to attack, I doubt his campaign will either.

Just a Few Updates...

According to the Springfield Intruder, Bill Dusty's new Springfield oriented blog, John Lysak has thrown his hat into the ring for City Council. Rather, he has announced he will throw his hat into the ring July 18. See the link at left to the Intruder for more details.

Also noted in the Intruder's updates status of current declared City Council candidate Karen Powell website. It is now up and running. Karen Powell appears to have a history of activism in the city and could be a much needed reformer on the City Council. All of the incumbent have not yet made their intentions known. However, with Domenic Sarno running for mayor, his seat will be open. Therefore, as has been the case for the last few elections, at least one new face will join the City Council this year.

Certainly, much to most of the City Council's chagrin, the Control Board will be having its way with the city for the next two years. However, the City Council is still important and, given that the next City Council will have 6 months of post-Control Board rule, it is into the next city council's hands that power will be restored. All citizens should pay attention to this campaign and vote for effective leaders who will make decisions that are thoughtful and genuinely good, not just popular and feel good.

Puccia Resgins...

Need more be said? The resignation comes a day after the newly seated Springfield Finance Control Board held its first meeting.

For more details, see Urban Compass.

Changing of the Guard @ 36 Court St., sorta...

Number 10 Downing Street is not the only place where transitions were happening. In downtown Springfield, the Springfield Finance Control Board (FCB) held its first meeting with the new members appointed by Gov. Deval Patrick. The new members are Chris Gabrieli, former gubernatorial candidate, James Morton, Springfield area YMCA director, and Robert Nunes, a former Taunton mayor.

Before the meeting got underway with the meat and potatoes, the now-traditional public speak-out was held. Nine speakers were scheduled with eight appearing. Most discussed issues relating to schools and to programs, such as the Old Hill restoration program, which apparently has been defunct for some time. Such a restoration may help save buildings such as the recently demolished house on Buckingham Street. Two of the speakers were other Springfield elected officials including School Committee person Antoinette Pepe and City Council and Mayoral Candidate Domenic Sarno. Sarno's appearance was hardly coincidental given his mayoral ambitions. Showing up for a grin and greet with the current powers that be is to be expected. Other speakers spoke about a range of issues. The second to last speaker, a young citizen of Springfield fumbled his train of thought to some degree, but ultimately sought to drive home to point that we cannot be so quick to attack or break down the Control Board's work thus far because it is or has been unpopular.**

After the speak out, the board selected Chris Gabrieli to serve as the new chair of the Board. They passed a few housekeeping measures including moving some of the city's free cash, the first of its kind in 18 years according to Mayor Ryan, and approving the sale of the old Chestnut Middle School to private developers.

Most importantly, the Control Board extended itself another two years to see to it that Springfield is able to get over the hump. Sure, its budget is balanced, but there is still far more work to be done. Economic development and work that will bring more free cash in for the rougher times is still a must. Many of the same players from the darker times are still in city government and there is a genuine concern we could still slip back into business as usual pre-FCB. Kateri Walsh, City Council President voiced her opposition to the extension as a member of the board, insisting it was time for a return to democracy. The motion carried 4-1, illustrating the belief in the Mayor's Office and at Gov. Patrick's level that more work needs or at the very least should be done.

President Walsh may be forgetting that even at our city level that this is not a democracy, but a democratically elected republic. That means we elect people to make decisions for us. They should be sensitive to our needs and look out for our best interests, even when we do not think they are. True, our republic locally is suspended essentially, but we do elect the officials who created the Control Board (area state Reps and Senators) and we elected the Governor who essentially controls the board. It is still too early to decide whether the FCB has been a success or that more of it is beneficial, but we must wait and see. Only then will we know how splendid the day has been.

*Photo from Mass 2020 Foundation, an organization of Gabrieli's
** In case you have not guessed, I was that second to last speaker.

Bye, Bye, Blair...

Today, as WMassP&I returns from one of its painful hiatuses (hiati?), we turn to the East. Much further than Boston, I'm afraid to the country under whom this city was founded. In England, or more correctly, Great Britain, the Premiership of Tony Blair is at an end. For ten years, Blair has been the leader of what was once the holder of the world's largest empire. The changing of the guard at 10 Downing Street is, however, tied to our country because of the conflict that has mired and is miring both of our nations.

Some say that Tony Blair's fall is inevitable. An Ed-op in Monday's New York Times, ostensibly written by a Brit, describes how Britons simply detest politicians. He notes how they turned out Churchill scarcely after WWII ended. The author omits the fact that all of GB does not elect the Prime Minister and that Churchill was in office as leader of the opposition until he later became Premier again after Labour was turned out.

It is easier for us to say some things about Blair. That which I say about him is kinder. It is true that his charisma and third way politics were a big part of his success. He did take a cue from our dear friend Bill Clinton. While that led to some major domestic victories, it could not save him from public opinion on Iraq.

Blair has not appologized about Iraq, which I hope before the day he dies, he one day will. His position might have been excuseable had he been able to extract real concessions on real threats to humanity like Global Warming from the Prez of this country. Instead he decided to compete with First Pet Barney the Dog and become Bush's poodle, as the British press frequently lampoons.

Blair, while sly like any good politician on either side of the Atlantic, doubtlessly had better thoughts on Iraq and perhaps was duped by Bush and not interested in exposing himself to having been misled by his own ally. Either way, his foray into Iraq I do not see as the actions of a pig-headed, pompous, self-righteous, stubborn pinhead, like a certain leader of a certain free world. It was an attempt, by sticking with the United States, to make Britain more relevant in an era when the Sun does indeed set on the British empire.

This does not excuse his actions, but it does allow us to understand them. The relationship between the United States and Great Britain may have suffered mightily otherwise. Blair obviously saw where the wind was blowing when France and Germany declared their opposition to invasion and could not stomach such a situation for his country.

Time will only tell if Blair will be exonerated. If he ever shows contrition for Iraq or evidence of deliberate attempts to mislead the public comes to light and he cannot but admit the truth, it may happen. In the meantime, he has been appointed an envoy to the Middle East for the so-called Quartet (US, UN, EU, and Russia). So ad interim, Cheers, Tony.

Making the Ban...

So the supporters of Gay Marriage in Massachusetts have scored a major victory by defeating a move to put an amendment to the State Constitution on the ballet banning the nuptials. Under the state constitution, voter initiated amendments, which this was, need 50 votes out of a Joint Session of the state legislature. Yesterday, the ban failed to advance on a 45-151 vote.

Sen. President Therese Murray had stated soon after ascending to her position a vote on the amendment was among her top priorities. Earlier this week, she said she hoped to hold a vote, but only if there were enough votes to kill the amendment. Gov. Deval Patrick wanted to end the amendment because he feared that it would "be all we do" until the elections in 2008.

The amendment lost 17 votes since it was first voted on back in January. A full roll call of votes can be seen on the Boston Globe's website. That is a significant shift in only six months time. While Gay Marriage advocates would like to think that they changed the minds of those members, more likely than not, the answer is much simpler: pork. The powers that be on Beacon Hill very likely decided to use the power of the purse to "convince" a few legislators how a defeat of this bill would be beneficial to their district.

There is no evidence of this, nor will we likely see it unless we can track down where all 17 changed votes were in the last week, cross reference it with credit card receipts for coffee shops and restaurants, then get eye strain by parsing through the State budget or any supplemental spending bills. It is unlikely that they caved to populist pressure because gay marriage advocates, frankly do not have the muscle in the districts of 25% of the state's legislative districts. Admittedly, gay marriage opponents do have significant muscle in most of the same districts.

The ballot initiative is dead, but the issue is far from dead. Certainly Mitt Romney will be making statements out on the stump (far away from Mass) that he fought hard to try to get this noble [sarcasm] bill this far. And Gov. Patrick, naive as he is, probably does not realize that while gay marriage may not be "all we do" it still will be something that we do.

There are many people who wanted the initiative on the ballot on both sides who are upset over the notion that the people have been denied their say. The state Republican party, a wounded beast will make hay out of it in 2008. I doubt that they will make significant headway as a result, but they will make trouble for state Dems, especially as the fractures within the party become more apparent in the coming weeks and months. There may not be a gay marriage initiative, but there will be 151 names on primaries ballots in Sept 2008 and on the general two months later that may be facing heavy scrutiny for their vote. It will not take much for challengers both in the primaries and in the general to spin votes against this as a vote again democracy.

While a casual reader of this blog may find elements of support for both sides, the truth is, I never had an opinion. Ever since this issue raised its head three years ago, when the SJC's decision became effective, I didn't care. I have been bombarded with mass mailings and recently phone calls asking my opinion on the issue and encouraging me to contact my legislators, which I did not. I think I stunned a woman calling from MassEquality when I told her I was indifferent. I'm sure I'm not the first person to feel that way or even the first to express their opinion as such. However, given the rapid fire way they ask their questions most probably feel a compulsion to answer the question their way. In short, I'm sure a lot of people were more indifferent to the issue than any poll can suggest.

Either way we will not truly see the fallout until the State Mid-term elections in 2008. Maybe I'm wrong, but there will probably be some political payback when that day comes.

Slapping a Grown-up Baby Bell...

Telecommunications are on the table in Massachusetts these days. Efforts are underway to repeal exemptions to certain property taxes that could yield millions to Bay State cities and towns at the expense of mostly Verizon New England, the official name of Verizon's Massachusetts and Rhode Island Operations (their VT, NH, and ME ops have been spun-off in preparation of a sale to a rural phone operations company).

At the same time, a bill is before the Legislature that would permit the state rather than individual municipalities to issue franchises to provide cable TV services. Verizon has been spending billions to upgrade its entire network to roll-out high(er) speed Internet and its FIOS television service.

Before I go on, it is essential to note that I come from a Verizon household. However, I believe that this makes me MORE able to discuss this intelligently instead of hindered by bias.

Verizon employs a great number of people in Greater Springfield, but in the city especially. These are good paying jobs, union jobs, jobs Springfield and indeed all of Massachusetts NEED. The union and the company are also united in these legislative fights as evidenced by the ads taken out by Verizon and the IBEW and CWA, the two unions that represent telephone workers. Many jobs have been driven out because of Massachusetts' high costs and, gulp, taxes. International economic pressures and trade pacts doomed Springfield Wire's plant, but such is not the case with Verizon.

Many sit back and say "They're the phone company they can't outsource!" WRONG. Verizon still employs many office workers in repair, sales, and dispatch. Granted the company has been attempting to move these jobs to India and the like, but why should we be making the unions' jobs tougher by assisting. And for what? A few puny millions a year only to be cancelled out by idled employees? Oh, and the satisfaction that we protected cable customers from something, undefinable, but sinister, of course. I liken it to oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlift Refuge in Alaska. We drill (destroy) a natural treasure only to get very little oil.

The cable debate is particularly preposterous. If its taking 15 months for Verizon to gain franchises that is ridiculous. I could care about the arguments about competition, but they do raise a point when the cable company can use the Internet to creep into the phone business, but the phone company cannot. The municipalities are simply trying to hang onto one of the few areas of local control they have. That does not justify such delays. The cities and towns meanwhile are trying to portray their case as an altruistic effort to protect the people, as if there is some grave abuse by cable companies denying the people access to their HBO and MTV and FOX News. They say that Verizon will cherry pick the areas of the cities they serve to make the most money e.g Sixteen Acres, but not Six Corners. The bill in question specifically prevents this. Further amendments could be offered to make sure that existing cable companies and Verizon work together to maintain existing public access networks.

The true bulk of the opposition is coming from Comcast, the state largest cable provider and other cable companies. They do not want the competition, but Verizon never got such a say when the cable companies starting muscling into the telephone. Consumer notice: the service stinks relative to Plain Old Telephone. But still, a double standard is clearly in force under the guise of consumer advocacy.

Either way, local officials are girding for a fight that isn't worth fighting and certainly is not worth winning. The taxes are one thing, but if that bill (the tax one) is passed, the legislature MUST let Verizon get franchises for cable anywhere it wants. Even if it is not passed, Verizon should be given something, like a law mandating the local cable boards reach an agreement within 60 days.

Some cynics and self-proclaimed public advocates will dismiss my words as simply a refusal to bite the hand that quite literally has fed me and some of my other family members. Rather it is just a common sense argument to secure investments and jobs from a multi billion dollar company, a large Massachusetts (and Springfield) employer, and an essential part of the national infrastructure.