This is going to be a very interesting week for the candidates. Their first debate is going to be centered around the Peabody Schools...It is being hosted by the City Wide PTO. It appears the parents are beginning to formalize and form a stronger voice. For them to get the first debate is a pretty big deal. What are peoples opinion on the winner?
Then on Thursday, we have the business organizations have a all you can eat buffet and listen to the two candidates go at it. I am sure all the city's finest will be at this one to hear how they are going to solve Peabody's issues with being business friendly. Any guess of a winner of this contest?
The downtown update seems to be a little too late. There were two restaurants that have closed their doors...Will this be a continued trend before we spend all this money or will businesses get in now before all the work and demand for the area increases. IF I was a betting person I actually think I would try to take over a space like Firebull and hope the city of Peabody is going to make good change for once.
This is going to be an interesting month and there are rumors flying around with the mayors race as well as strings being pulled in the city councilors race...There is a puppet master hard at work to make sure there are black eyes with anyone that has crossed him in the past and to ensure victory for the people they want...
Sooooo....not closing down shop?
ReplyDeleteOK, who is the puppet master? Why don't you just spit it out, this is why this site has no legs. I like to hear a good story and make my opinion heard, how can I do that with your last paragraph?
ReplyDeletetrue story...
ReplyDeletethere is a current councillor at large that is saying:
"you know, i am probably not gonna get in this time...can i put a sign up in your yard?"
who is it?
Fitzgerald PLAGARIZM
ReplyDeleteThe two paragraphs in question are below:
Fitzgerald
In an era of increasing international economic competition, the quality of Peabody’s elementary, middle and high schools could determine whether our children hold highly compensated, high-skill jobs that add significant value within the integrated global economy, or compete with workers in developing countries for the provision of commodity products and low-value-added services at wage rates comparable to those received by third world laborers. Moreover, it is widely believed that workers in the next century will require not just a larger set of facts or a larger repertoire of specific skills, but the capacity to readily acquire new knowledge, to solve new problems, and to employ creativity and critical thinking in the design of new approaches to existing problems.
"Use of Technology to Strengthen K-12 Education in the United States," 1998
In an era of increasing international economic competition, the quality of America’s elementary and secondary schools could determine whether our children hold highly compensated, high-skill jobs that add significant value within the integrated global economy of the twenty-first century or compete with workers in developing countries for the provision of commodity products and low-value-added services at wage rates comparable to those received by third world laborers. Moreover, it is widely believed that workers in the next century will require not just a larger set of facts or a larger repertoire of specific skills, but the capacity to readily acquire new knowledge, to solve new problems, and to employ creativity and critical thinking in the design of new approaches to existing problems.
Fitzgerald
While the importance of securing an adequate education for Peabody’s children has long been clear, this undertaking has, over the past 10 years or so, acquired a sense of special urgency. On the one hand, expanded global competition and corporate restructuring have drawn attention to the importance of preparing the next generation of students to add value within an increasingly integrated world economy. Over this same period, however, serious concerns have been raised regarding the capacity of our existing educational system to meet this challenge.
"Use of Technology to Strengthen K-12 Education in the United States," 1997
While the importance of securing an adequate education for America’s children has long been clear, this undertaking has, over the past fifteen years or so, acquired a sense of special urgency. On the one hand, expanded global competition and corporate restructuring have drawn attention to the importance of preparing the next generation of Americans to add value within an increasingly integrated world economy. Over this same period, however, serious concerns have been raised regarding the capacity of the U.S. educational system to meet this challenge.
caught for plagarizm
OG says...guilty as he now admits...OG is amused as we see yet another person vie for political life only to have reality and truth bite them in the ass....when will they all learn??? any person running for office today is placed under a high powered electron microscope! the problem is that most of us have some skeletons or errors along the way in life so how do we find the perfect saintlike candidates?? OG would love to know...we are seeing this now with the demise of Rick Perry....and there will be more to come...
ReplyDeleteThis is one of many skeletons in the closet with Fitzgerald! Way to go Bettencourt!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat are the odds that Benton brushes this underthe rug tomorrow?
ReplyDeleteI would like to take the time to personally thank Mayor Bonfanti for such a fine job battling the flooding down town!
ReplyDeleteROTFLMFAO
All I have to say is that anyone who was asking whether or not Bettencourt was going to wake up needs to make sure to watch tonights debate on PAT when it airs. Bettencourt went on the attack and really gave it to Sean. Sean could not answer one question that was asked of him. All he continued to do was deviate and get lost in his words. Bettencourt stood up tonight as the next leader of Peabody!!!
ReplyDeleteBTW Sean really thinks the Mayor has done a great job with the city and exciting the city plan. I didn't realize that the downtown area was to look like Venice Italy with the gondola's....As far as I know, the downtown is still under water...
Oh and one more thing....Probally not a great idea to steal the ideas of one of our Presidents. I know you think that you are already the Mayor because I see how you talk down to people and try to control decision thru the media but not only are you no Mayor, you are definitely no President!!!
OG says....let me ask all of you this question with regard to downtown flooding....WHO IS GOING TO PAY THE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO TRULY FIX THE DOWNTOWN FLOODING ISSUE? oh yes, the real fix has a very pricey, big dig price tag...so while it is easy to slam Mayor Mike and even the Emperor on Peabody's downtown flooding embarassment history has anyone actually figured how to pay for it and has anyone truly considered the long term upheaval that such a fix would cause ??? OG wants to hear your views on this and I would love to hear our next Mayorr's view on this powderkeg issue.....and that's how OG sees it.
ReplyDeleteOG says...and while I have you here ....check out this article from 2008...it is now 2011...where's the beef on this issue? once again our downtown is the laughingstock of the local news channels tonight....this is a Snews article dated June 13,2008 and this is why OG has no patience for local politics....
ReplyDeleteCity of Peabody North River Canal Widening and Flood Mitigation Project Will Receive Funds to Boost the Local Economy
PEABODY – Friday, June 13, 2008 – Governor Deval Patrick today announced the City of Peabody will receive a $1.25 million Massachusetts Opportunity Relocation and Expansion (MORE) jobs grant to widen the North River Canal and mitigate the severe flooding problem in Peabody Square and downtown Peabody have experienced, leading to the creation of over 150 new jobs.
“The grants support partnerships between local municipalities and private investors to create new jobs,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “I am proud our administration can partner with cities and towns in this way to help both the state and local economies flourish.”
The announcement comes after Governor Patrick laid out his economic stimulus plan to create a culture of opportunity focused on restrained spending with immediate and long-term investments, while preparing for the impacts of a softening national economy. The MORE Jobs Program is another tool to help the administration stimulate economy growth across the state.
The North River Canal widening project is expected to mitigate the severe flooding problems that Peabody Square and Downtown Peabody experience. The flooding and perception of flooding has decreased property value, hurt business and led to stagnant growth in the City’s downtown. In mitigating the flooding problem, the downtown area will experience a renaissance of business growth and investment, creating more than 150 new jobs.
“Today's announcement by the Governor reflects our shared commitment to addressing Peabody's on-going flooding problems. I am pleased to have worked with my colleagues in Congress over the past several years to have secured significant federal funds on several occasions for this important project, including, most recently, the federal grant for conducting a feasibility study so work can be completed in conjunction with the state and local funds. I also will continue to work with the state and the city to encourage FEMA to accept Peabody’s grant application for additional assistance. I applaud the Governor's announcement and believe it further evidences the strong federal, state and local partnership that exists to help the residents and business owners in Peabody deal with this critical issue," said Congressman John F. Tierney.
“Today, I am proud to say that Governor Deval Patrick has kept his commitment to the citizens of Peabody to help protect their lives and their livelihoods from disastrous flooding events in the heart of our community,” said Peabody Mayor, Michael J. Bonfanti. “This MORE grant will go a long was towards creating the kind of exciting business development activities that will surely help Peabody maintain momentum as we work to achieve our economic and civic potential as a community."
"I'm grateful the Governor has recognized how long the economic development of Downtown Peabody has been effected by the continuous flooding of our city and has assured us that we have his full support," said Rep. Joyce Spiliotis.
"I want to thank Governor Patrick and his administration for taking the time to understand the great economic hardships our City has endured due to flooding,” said Senator Frederick E. Berry. “This grant funding will strengthen the City's effort to revitalize our downtown and attract sustainable business relationships."
“Today’s announcement represents Governor Patrick’s continued commitment to address the flooding problems in downtown Peabody and therefore improve the economic conditions of our downtown business community,” said Rep. Theodore Speliotis.
###
OG says...and yes, you have me all worked up now...here is an excerpt from a June 2009 article...where is our leadership at the local and state level on this? can anyone tell me what 'phase' we are on in 2011? oh ya, I figured it out ..phase ZERO.... shame on all of them...this is like watching paint dry folks....go watch the 1000 news and maybe you will see a good neighbor floating up Foster St in a rowboat this morning...
ReplyDelete...The flooding remedy involves three phases. Twin underground culverts will be installed under Foster Street and through Peabody Square as part of phase one. A 1,600-foot stretch of the North River will be widened to 38 feet, from 11 to 22 feet in spots, during phase two. The final phase will widen a portion of the river that extends into Salem.
The city of Peabody is responsible for the first two projects. The Army Corps of Engineers will complete the third.
The immediate focus of the companies is to get a state waiver, ideally by the end of the year, to begin phase one without having to include it as part of an environmental impact study that could take a year to complete, Luxenberg said. In the meantime, the cleanup and repair of the Foster Street culvert could begin within months, said Tim Dorman, project manager for Joslin Lesser.
The companies will be challenged to address the diverse concerns of various stakeholders, including businesses, residents, and Peabody and Salem officials.
The environmental group Salem Sound Coastwatch, for example, is worried about the possible impact on the North River's smelt habitat.
"We're trying to work with everyone," Dorman said. "We want to make sure we're doing the right thing for all the folks involved."
OG let me make something clear to you. The Mayor in his infinite wisdom felt that he should go out and buy a Mercedes instead of fixing his house. What I mean is that, he gave all our money to the New Vocational school instead of fixing the flooding issue. We are now forced by contract to pay whatever money we are requested too and continue to have this major problem because now the city cannot find the money to fix this grave problem,
ReplyDeleteOG says...no here is the real problem--it is called procrastination with the hope that the fix occurs under someone else's watch...the Emperor knew years ago that to REALLY fix our downtown flooding would require BIG BUCKS and hoped for federal funding...Mayor Mike knows the same thing....and they have both delayed and prayed that all of a sudden we would get a pot of gold to fix the issue from the federal government but here we still talking about the same old issue everytime we have a '100 year' rainfall event every four or five years ! this issue carries a tremendous price tag to fix...that is the reality of this...it is a political hot potato because of that fact...so let me ask again what is Teflon Ted going to do about it? what would Sean do about it? he has worked under both prior administrations...you see OG is getting older and this issue is getting older and older...aren't you tired of seeing Peabody on the news every time we get some heavy rain??
ReplyDeleteFirst off Sean DID NOT work under Torigian. He was an appointee in another area. Typical if you say it enough everyone is going to believe it. If you dont believe me, ask his family. See who is family is supporting. I found it funny that Sean spoke more about Torigian last night than Bonfanti. He continues to try to make people believe that he was instrumental under his time as Mayor. That is a BIG NOT!
ReplyDeleteSo OG back to your question. What would Sean do if by some flippin miracle that he won...Most likely screw it up really bad and I say this because he only believes that he has the answers and no one else. He will not solicit or use feedback.
As for Ted, I respect him because he voted down the Vocational School. Not because it wasnt a great opportunity but he new that we cannot have that much of a percentage of our budget as a annual unknown. With that being said, Ted will find away and I believe that it will be fixed under his watch.
OG, I continue to take offense that you call him tephlon in a negative manner. Why dont you enlighten us with what you think should have stuck to him in a negative manner? The rality is that there isn't anything of value.
The city of Peabody has great opportunity right now and with Ted we will receive support from other communities and entities. With Sean, we will not. The reality is that Sean is not likealbe and he has angered a lot of people for the wrong reasons...No one will take meetings with him unless it is with duress. Bonfanti said that this election is not a popularity contest in Sean's little Youtube video but the reality is, all elections are.
What makes a great candidate is based on the following pillars.
1.Are you likeable?
2.Do the voters trust you?
3.Do you have ideas and plans?
I have heard these three pillars during all the elections and the reality is, they are true. They say the first two are more important than the third in the eyes of the voters...
Do people like Sean? Doesnt appear to be the case. Do the voters trust Sean? After the plagerism call out from Bettencourt, doubtful. Does he have plans and ideas? None that I can recall based on the first forum last night...
Bettencourt will be Mayor and it will not be because he is teflon. It is because that people like him and they trust him. He also has ideas and is thinking ahead of the curve and trying to have our city get out in front of the next wave so that the city can benifit more and can actually compete!
To the previous Anon:
ReplyDelete3 Pillars?
Likable? You mean like George W. Bush was more 'likable' than his much more qualified opponents? But that turned out just fine?? Right? No.
Voters Trust? Well obviously the voters need to trust you if they are going to vote for you. So why should I trust Teddy? He is actually PART OF THE PROBLEM FOR THE LAST 8 YEARS... if you agree we are in a problem... But worse? Teddy LIES! Case in point... (not a direct quote but reported in all media from the debate)
...We should not have joined the VOC but
...instead used the money for flood fixes.
This is a ridiculous LIE. He is equating two different things. And if you believe that the money from the new VOC would make a dent in the BIG DIG costs of a flooding fix... you are lying to yourself.
And in case you think that this is just a ONE TIME THING for Teddy... He did exactly the same thing when he pandered to the elderly and poorer folks in Peabody when he suggested that we divert the affordable housing payment from Dearborn to pay for poor peoples energy bills.
Such a sweet thing to suggest publicly... and a great way to look good to the people... ALSO ILLEGAL and if he had done one speck of research before announcing it... made one phone call to City Hall... he would have known it (IF he already didn't know.)
Trust Teddy... not me.
Ideas and Plans? Sean seems like he is looking everywhere to find ideas to try and solve the Cities problems. The 'copied' texts from the Feds are an example of GOOD IDEAS being brought forward... sadly without a footnote.
Teddy has plans too... usually ill conceived ones such as the idea that Downtown Peabody should become a medical hub! When you spend 2 minutes and actually think such an idea through... it is garbage and he should have known it. Great idea. And he has too many like this one.
So I disagree with your list... I want experience and vision and leadership... not empty promises and lots of signs. I would rather respect my next mayor instead of enjoying a beer with him.
And I hope my post is not deleted as so many have here before.
OG says...I am sitting here with some Teflon Ted campaign handouts and it is quite clear that he is still hoping to ride the Emperor's carpet into the corner office...themes like Peabody Pride...and wanting to bring it back...now I don't know about many of you out there but in my eyes he has been a very quiet and lowkey City Council member during his 4 terms...for someone who has been around now for 4 terms I would suspect that we might get to know him a little better...have some greater insight into what makes him tick....and this has been a real challenge for OG to see...he seems like a great guy...nice young family...deep Peabody roots...local athlete...it all looks just wonderful but again and again I objectively ask where is the beef? what is the single most compelling reason to vote for him...forget about Sean Fitz or any opponent for that matter....why is Teflon Ted the best thing for Peabody now? why Teflon Ted? nothing sticks to this guy...clean as a whistle...nothing lingering ....seems to be skeleton in the closet free...and that may not be a bad thing at all...but OG is still looking for substance...and I just wish that we had seen more beef, bravado and energy during the 4 city council terms...in my view it was almost like he was putting the time in til the time was right to run for Mayor...will he be our next Emperor ? bet the house on it...will he be good for Peabody because make no mistake he will be in this job for many years to come in all likelihood...we shall see...the Dark City will bring home their favored son...who says all the right things...and that is how OG sees it.
ReplyDeleteWell you two old bastards lets review...
ReplyDeleteYou think the medical hub is a fallacy...Lets look at the Peabody population. It is rich with older people. Those people will need medical services, right? Instead of having them leave the city, why wouldn't be a great idea to cater to not only these individuals but others in local areas. Lets find a way to bring more traffic to the downtown. You need to have blended approach. That being said, with more medical facilities means more traffic for restaurants and stores that will meet the needs of these visitors...
Someone said it best "people who are crazy enough who think they can change the world, are the ones who do" The most successful leaders in business are the ones that are ahead of the curve and can think way outside the box on what the consumer is going to need. If you are always in the box then you will be stale and go out of business. You need someone that has a desire to try new things. Will there be some failure? Maybe...But with failure comes lessons and new knowledge that can make you have major steps forward. Instead of playing catch up with everyone, lets become the leader. BTW, maybe I just see this in my head but the last time I drove by Centennial Park, didn't Children's Hospital build a massive outpatient facility....You think he is crazy because you live in your house don't leave it. Bettencourt goes out and explores and gets the taste of what is coming...
Sean could not find his way out of his car let alone his house. He is extremely disheveled in appearance and with speech...I look at that man and ask why the hell would you want to put yourself through 6 debates with that lack of skill set...Not sure if anyone got a look at his campaign manager but he was sulking the entire night because he knew like everyone else, Sean does not have a chance in hell to beat Bettencourt.
Also, if you two are so politically savvy then you would know that as a city councilor you have very little power. Our bi-laws are Mayor strong and councilor weak. Also, when you have hacks like Manning who have no clue how to run a meeting and takes pot shots at all of the non-supporters then you are going no where fast. I cannot imagine a Peabody where you have Sean as Mayor and Manning as Council President. I WILL SELL MY HOUSE!
And lastly, please take a peak over at the peabody patch and look at the comment section for the debate. There is someone that wants Sean to produce his degree. The Fitzgerald support believes that he is a lawyer and went to Suffolk and Holy Cross. Those are his supporters, the uninformed...
OG says...ok, so if a City Councilor has very little power as you suggest then why is Teflon Ted claiming that he formulated sound fiscal policies while serving as the Chair of the Finance and Reserve Committee that helped RESCUE Peabody's bond rating and expanded our reserve funds? If he is so void of power how did he initiate the Drug Education and Awareness Task Force only to see it slip away due to budget cuts? this is his claim to fame after FOUR TERMS and I am supposed to be a wow'd and informed voter here in Dark City?? Mike Garabedian or Dave Gamache have a more impressive political resume !!! where is the beef?? this guy is going to be our Mayor for at least four terms so what am I missing? why is he a sure thing for Dark City during these challenging times??? Help me see what appears to be so obvious to many of you. oh and please...a bit more than "hey OG, lighten up, Ted's a good guy"
ReplyDeleteOG says..hey Anon, does this represent what Sean did during the Torigian regime?
ReplyDeleteAs a key aide to Mayor Peter Torigian:
Served as Regional Services Coordinator to Metropolitan Area Planning Council where he assisted 16 member communities with cost reductions through regional procurement programs
Acted as Administrative Liaison to the Essex County Advisory Board where he was responsible for the creation of the annual county budget
Served as the Advisory Board's representative to Essex Agriculture and Technical High School where the future North Shore Regional Vocational School was conceived
or is the the appointee role that you mention?
Make no mistake-- Sean Fitz understands local politics...in fact, he may be a bit more politically savvy than our next Mayor Teflon Ted...if you match up their pure political experience then Sean Fitz has some insights that a candidate like Ted does not yet have....
But fear not Dark City will go with their vanilla favored son over an in your face political type...and the future will tell us if we have gone in the right direction...and that's how OG sees it.
Hey OG - do you actually know what the Regional Services coordinator did? Or what the Administrative Liaison to the Essex County Advisory Board did? Did you read the job description? Do you honestly think Sean Fitzgerald created the annual county budget? I think the county commissioners and the county treasurer might have a different opinion of that!Sean takes a lot of credit for the work of a lot of other people - and he thinks he can get away with it because it took place long in the past...but people have Long memories! Oh, but maybe Sean "inadvertently" takes credit for the work he didn't perform...
ReplyDeleteA liaison with another organization does not come even close as he states working as an aide for torigian. He wishes that he did. The reality is that he continues to hold it out on his resume and maybe if he didn't play with words so much on his resume we would have much better understanding who this guy is. The reality is that Sean is an actor playing a part. He has done a quarter of what he actually says!
ReplyDeleteOG says...so Sean is the only political candidate in existence who has ever embellished his credentials then huh?
ReplyDeleteLook its time to start calling these idiots out that embellish so that they stop doing it. When you say you work for a company and didn't that is pretty major. Just like when you say you have a degree and don't! The crud starts to add up and any statement they make cannot be trusted...
ReplyDeleteOG, you sound like a guy that is comfortable with all the same even though you attempt to preach differently. Here is something maybe you can hang our hat on with and get yourself a platform!
OG says..hold on..who appointed him to serve in these quasi important positions? did he need to interview to get the job? or was he serving in these capacities on behalf of Peabody's vested interests??
ReplyDeleteHe had nothing to do with Torigian except that he was working in that position. Torigian never had anything to do with it. His daughter and her mother are supporting Bettencourt. That is a big statement. Especially when he supposedly did so much for him. You would think the family would be there right by his side.
ReplyDeleteBTW did you know Sean attempted to go out to hollywood and become an actor. Failed miserably...The guy is a phony and attempting to fool everyone...Everyone that really knows Sean is not buying into the lines he is attempting to deliver poorly...
OG says...I don't give a hoot who did what because any politicians resume is going to be bloated, exagerrated and fluffed up to look impressive...that is how the game is played...and frankly I have no interest in getting into a Teflon Ted supporter vs Sean Fitz supporter debate...the issue with me is the ISSUES...and the question I keep asking is why so many people feel that Teflon Ted is the next best thing for our future here in Dark City and NO ONE has provided a compelling reason for this voter to support him...so go ahead...I am all ears.
ReplyDeleteOG,
ReplyDeleteI think one of Ted's best qualities is that he is not Sean.
It sure sounds like the same jerks who claimed that Obama wasn't an American and forced him to have his birth certificate revealed are now accusing Mr. Fitzgerald of claiming false college degrees and jobs on his resume.
ReplyDeleteOf course just like Obama NOT ONE SHRED OF EVIDENCE is ever presented... just accusations from Councilor Bettencourt's supporters.
Hold on a second, I was one who argued against those earlier accusations but due to the recent oversight of clear plagiarism, I question whether or not that earlier poster was on to something. You can't be half pregnant nor can you have selective integrity. You either have it or you don't.
ReplyDeleteIf there is questions over his education, Sean may need to prove it, because I don't trust him now.
And Ted has made one stupid proposition on the city council floor after another... some simply misguided while others clearly against the law... but you wish to trust him?
ReplyDeleteHe is pandering to the people and is doing it in a fool hardy manner that will either disappoint many people when it is shown to be a silly lark or worse, a lawsuit is brought against the city for misuse of funds. (Dearborn $ for poor/elderly energy bills)
Oh please...proposing the use of CPA funds to assist with energy costs for the poor/elderly during a time when heating oil was topping out at over $4/gallon. That's your concern that he was showing some empathy and trying to come up with a solution to a dire need?
ReplyDeleteAnd your assertion that the medical hub idea is naive on his part is silly as well. Bonfanti has already made Peabody a retirement community so why not look to add services to meet the needs of the community? Fine, that was snarky comment, but actually the medical hub idea isn't too far off from where Peabody already is heading. We've had the recent expansion of the Lahey, new Boston Children's in Centennial Park, new pain clinic in Centennial park, not mention our location between Salem and Beverly hospitals. Peabody is actually well placed to be the regional medical hub of the North Shore. Why not look to leverage upon this and expand?
The problem with you PI, is you want it all. You want low taxes, good schools, and a cross between Reagan, Torigian, and the Marlboro Man as Mayor. That doesn't exist! The real world is messy....and no single person can do it all themselves. That's why a Mayor needs to be a team builder, a leader, someone who inspires confidence and will be build the right team around them. Management isn't about having all the answers yourself, its about inspiring confidence and providing direction.
Ted is the right choice because those are the qualities he's possessed his entire life. He's always been a successful leader from HS to college to his professional career. And the reason he's been a successful leader is because people trust him due to his integrity and honesty.
For argument sake, let's say Fitzgerald has more relevant experience, does it even matter? Is he a leader? Does he have integrity? Does he inspire confidence in others? These are the qualities that city needs to drive it forward.
PI, you may want another steward to continue the status quo, but its time for Peabody to move forward. There are 2 candidates running for mayor, but only 1 is a leader.
OG says...well stated ! BUT for those of us who don't know Teflon Ted personally and during his HS and college career we can only base our "assessment" of him from what we see of him while serving on our City Council...and that is where I am missing all this 'leadership' that you speak so highly of....in my mind I have not seen this above average and inspiring leadership so what has OG been missing? maybe you know him all your life so you have a whole different view of things but a voter like me only knows of him while serving on the City Council...so where's the beef? all I have seen is clean cut vanilla ...which isn't necessarily a bad thing but I cannot label it as inspiring leadership....and that's how OG sees it.
ReplyDeleteWith 2 debates in the books, Bettencourt has won both. How many did Sean want ? 6? I think getting embarrassed 6 times is too much.
ReplyDeleteWell this wasn't really about me actually... because I, in fact, think our taxes are too LOW and need to be raised so we can actually do all the nice things discussed in the Education Debate.
ReplyDeleteIn this City there is a majority that wants LOW TAXES and HIGH SERVICES, but that is not me... I understand you get what you pay for and that we have been paying too little and have exactly that to show for it.
Now I also disagree about Councilor Bettencourt and his proposal for the Dearborn funds... Lets face it... his idea was STUPID and ILLEGAL and one phone call to City Hall and he could have found out that he was dead wrong and being idiotic when he proposed it.
So two possible choices here... he didn't do any homework and simply saw a little money in one place and wanted it spread out to another place. This is a fine action for an average guy on the street who might think of this... but BETTENCOURT is supposed to be doing MORE than spouting off in the middle of a meeting (and in fact he had been planning this announcement - it was not a spur of the moment idea) OR he knew it was NOT REALISTIC OR LEGAL and proposed it anyway so he would look good.
I actually HOPE it was the second one because in the first case he is simply a fool, but in the second he is devious and mean, but at least he's aware of his actions.
And you are getting mad because I keep bringing this ONE issue up! Well... where are ALL THE OTHER GREAT ISSUES AND IDEA from Councilor Bettencourt? Seriously... he has been in charge for 8 years now and we have heard practically nothing from him and when we do it is a GAFFE or WORSE.
As for the medical hub...
Peabody is well situated to be a centralized location for any distributed industry - medical supply/support included.
DOWNTOWN PEABODY IS NOT! The traffic flows into and out of downtown are poor at best and to intentionally increase these traffic rates will make the matter much much worse. Supply/support businesses DO NOT wish to locate to areas with poor traffic flows, crumbling infrastructures and periodic flooding... not when many many lower cost, better accessed, and newer facilities are available outside of the downtown areas.
Bottom line... it was a stupid idea and continues to be a stupid idea and, yet again, he could have had his ideas vetted by the PROFESSIONAL PLANNERS who work for the city... but he chose to make a big grandstanding show of his "TEDDY SAVES DOWNTOWN" plan.
More poorly thought out ideas and still more pandering.
I guess Peabody Insider is not going to like it when I run. He dislikes us young people and feels that our ideas are crazy. I guess Steve Jobs was crazy for thinking y ou could put 10,000 songs, movies and pictures on a device the size of your wallet that you could call people and search the internet with. Just think that was only 4 years ago when the Iphone was released...Now you could never know what it would be like to be without it. New ideas are needed and you never know what someone is capable of if you let them run with them. Sean has no real ideas. he is all over the map when he speaks and his statements change based on the audience. Plus he has a lot of red flags with his credentials and the words he are saying are his.
ReplyDeleteThis Dearborn thing did not happen and there is no issue. Guess what, Maybe Sean went over the speed limit and almost ran a red light. Maybe we should hold him out as a criminal too!!! PI you are an idiot!
OG says...PI raises some valid points and it seems that he is looking for more beef too...but here's the problem....there aren't enought voters out there really looking for ideas and vision and workable plans...here in Dark City they are very content to ride the wave and go with the name recognition thing or hearsay...so be it...we have this same scene repeated over and over again ....and it will happen now with Teflon Ted...our blue collar mentality will once again stifle us from being as great as we can be...I know....if you don't like it OG then move !!
ReplyDeleteDo you not see that YOU are the problem with this city. All you do is complain...I cannot stand that. Do something about it if you think you know so much....
ReplyDeleteI consider myself pretty active around the community and attempt to make good things happen. I read this space and it sounds like you guys can't get off your butts. Maybe you should go join the tent kids in Boston because you sound just like them...
OG says...I'm the problem? why? because I actually pay attention to the local political scene and I actually go out and vote when we have elections days? that makes me the problem? I don't think so....OG comes on this blog to simply comment on what I see and hear...if I wanted to adopt a 'fixer' role then I would have to run in order to be in a position to try and fix things...but then we have Dark City reality....OG is not a life long Peabody citizen...first nail in the coffin...OG is not a sympathetic union guy...second nail in the coffin...OG has no patience for the entire slow as a turtle crossing the road local political process...third nail in the coffin...so in reality then OG is not the solution and yes, a part of the problem...but I am a good problem to have around because there needs to be a balanced voice that calls out for a better way of doing things and we hear very few of those voices here in Dark City...instead we see contentment and more of the same in most cases...don't you agree?
ReplyDeleteNO OG....All you do is criticize...Anybody can do that. Like I tell my employees, do not just come here and complain, give me an idea how you would like to fix it. I do the same with my kids. It's amazing how the tone changes. If you worked for me, you would get very annoying very fast. I am like you, did not live here my entire life, not for the unions and I would like my taxes r aided so that more money could be used for the needs of the city so that long term we are in great shape. But you lack the one skill that makes you part of the problem. You are not a solution based personality. It is always everyone else's fault but in reality part of the blame falls on those who know better and choose to not make it right....
ReplyDeleteBettencourt is a great example of why he should be the Mayor. Not only does speak of where the city weaknesses are but he offers ideas and solutions to correct them. Will they all work, no. But he will make an effort to make the city better. Sean is now criticizing his statements on lack of pride. You keep saying it best with the dark city...blah blah blah This city is sick and it needs an injection of life. Ignoring that fact that everything is happy is pure ignorance. Its like being in an awful marriage and thinking everything is fine and just g king through the motions to get by each day. Sometimes you have to blow things up and start back up to make it work and I don't think Sean is capable for the same reasons that I comment back on your personality, you are part of the problem.
OG says...who said that I have to come on here and provide 'solutions' and more importantly, why are you holding me to a standard to which most people running for local office are not held to ? maybe some of those running for office may find some insight and inspiration from some of my negativity? perhaps I am not to blame since I am a product of my very own Dark City environment which has been nourished by years and years of the same old same old...OG has been commenting on these various blogs and perhaps the only way to shut me up is to prove me wrong.
ReplyDeleteYet again it seems my comments are being deleted. I guess free and open speech is only for those who agree with the blog owner... Who is obviously a supporter of Bettencourt who will not allow others to speak against his non-record of ANY SUCCESSES in his 8 years as a city leader.
ReplyDeleteThis is PP and I HAVE NOT deleted any of your posts. If you would like I will delete all going forward if you make accusations like that again! maybe you didnt click on the post butten you old fart!
ReplyDeletePI, ok you don't like Bettencourt, we get it. But why should I vote for Sean? Make your case....
ReplyDeleteOG says...for the record...OG is not delighted with either of our choices...but we don't have the luxury of complaining about it now...hats off to each of them for even wanting to have this most challenging job....I like the fact that they are younger and have some roots in this town...and perhaps after I hear more BEEF I will settle on my choice....but up to now neither candidate has given me a compelling reason to vote for them....they both have all the cliches and statements in their campaign blogs and literature but OG is too wise and realistic to fall for that stuff....please don't promise me a rose garden...but show me some kind of road map....don't tell me what I already know but teach me something new and progressive...and that's how OG sees it.
ReplyDeleteOG you are completely sacked. You are the one that makes zero sense. You have no mindset and you cast negative commentary to just cast negative commentary. There are people on this board that have provided you feedback and you just ignore it. I wish the owner of this site would ignore you and just bounce you from the site. That is how Anon sees it!!!!
ReplyDeleteOG says....ok, ya right...ignore all the feedback.....so anyways.....I am reading Teflon Ted's Economic Development blog comments over on the Peabody Patch and he says > As Mayor, I will make certain that we hold the line on residential property taxes while maintaining the quality of city services that our citizens expect and deserve.....so tell me fellow voters....what are you thinking when you read this ??? here's what I am thinking...I think we need a firm, nasty son a gun running this town...kind of like a Chris Christie type because this whole downtown thing is gonna take a whole lot of ugly arm twisting from the feds to pay for the real fixes that our needed...Teflon Ted seems like too nice of a guy...too low key and too tame for this task ahead of him....I HOPE I am wrong...current and former sports team captains can have that little something that may not be immediately noticeable and we can only hope for that...this is not the time for mellow....this is the time for bold, pushy and firm as needed...now before all of you take my head off and talk about the need to build consensus please save it....we have settled for this ineffective approach for take long and it does not work here in Dark City....take the bull by the horns and ride it Ted !
ReplyDeleteThey both are limited.. Either one will be just average.
ReplyDeleteFirst off the Mayors are not going to have the power to pull federal funds. That comes from your state reps and congressman senators etc...Those people should be advocating for the city. No one ever talks about their lackluster performance. They are magicians to stay out of the focus and they need to be brought back in line from the voters....That is clear and simple. So OG before you begin to think to know what you are talking about maybe you should go back to school and understand the layers of government. The main problem now is that Bonfanti has a bad relationship with these people and actually so doesn't Sean. You should understand that before you think you know what you are getting with Sean. He says a lot but the reality is that no one likes him. He made some foolish attempts at muscling some local officials and it backfired really bad for him. That is what I know and you need to rethink what you are saying....
ReplyDeleteOG says..."They need to be brought back in line by the voters"....now that is amusing because it once again assumes that we have all these voters out here in Dark City who have a clue about anything that we are on here chatting about! Reality check !!! So let's see....the Emperor couldn't do it (and who will be more influential than him?)...Bonfanti couldn't get it done, even with Sean Fitz riding shotgun, so now we have Teflon Ted riding into town on his trusty vanilla white steed and he will finally make the magic happen? is that what you are selling me? you're a crafty salesman much like one of our current City Councilors my friend....and who said anything about me knowing what I am getting with Sean....I believe I said that I was not thrilled with either one of them!...but you go ahead, sit back and let the quiet diplomacy and consensus building kick in for you....give me a yell when I am retired up at Brooksby Village and Teflon Ted is getting sworn in for his 4th straight term....you might catch me down the road at the Outback having a blooming onion to make me remember all the layers of government that I apparently overlooked...this downtown flooding project will cost MILLIONS to truly fix....let me repeat that...MILLIONS to truly fix. We better twist some arms or it will be more of the same every time we get 4 inches of rain...and that's how OG sees it.
ReplyDeleteOG, you are a funny bastard, but very true! What are your thoughts on the others races??
ReplyDeleteOG says...are there other races going on?? oh ya, I guess so...well...it is nice to see Bob Croce back on the local political scene...now there is a guy who has proven that he wants to serve this city....he is up against the ubiquitous Ice Cream Man and that will be a most interesting race....that one is still too close to call in my eyes...the key will be the vote and who can get it out for their respective candidate...as for School Commmittee (yawn) we hear some good talk about Ben Russell but I fear that he will face the same fate as many of his predecessors....you run the first time knowing you won't be elected here in Dark City...that would be much too dramatic here in 01960...but then you run again if you still give a hoot and prove your interest and then you get elected....as for the Light Plant stuff who cares? why do we even vote for these guys?
ReplyDeleteOG. Bob Croce can't beat Tom Gould. Gouldie does not have one new idea in his head but has given away 56,000 ice cream cones in the last year so he is a shoe in. Bob does have a good shot though of knocking off Liacos. I am going to bullet Croce. Liacos seems tired and worn out and cranky. Time for him to go.
ReplyDeleteWhy would anyone want to vote for the highly qualified Ben Russell and his numerous degrees and years of experience as an educator on many levels when, instead, we could have ... a pastry chef on the SC! This city of ours is one F-ed up place.
ReplyDeleteOK. Here is my take on the Croce thing. He is working his ass off and the imbumbents are not taking it seriously. I do not think he can catch up to Manning (too bad) or Gravel, but Garabedian and Liacos should be worried. At least Bob is a candidate who has some ideas based on the letter I read in the Snooze today. So go ahead and say I am the candidate. U would be wrong! And you would be shocked to know who I am. I support this guy, I hope others will too. Go get 'em Mr. Croce
ReplyDeleteThanks Mrs. Croce
ReplyDeleteNot original ANon 7:36
ReplyDeleteOG says....now that guy Croce keeps coming back for more...he does not stay down and it tells me that he really wants the job...and that he really wants a piece of the action...so OG says 'isn't that the type of candidate we want to elect?"...when we are not happy with what we have and we have the golden opportunity to bring in change and a fresh perspective why the hell don't we do it??? what stops us ?? OG will tell you....the Dark City electorate don't give a hoot ....well, certainly enough of them don't give a hoot.....so when you don't have the time or take the time to pay attention we continue to get more of the same...for years these blogs have talked about the Winds of Change here in Dark City....you could walk around on election night with a Yankee Candle (perhaps Over the River--one of my new favorites)on your shoulder and it would stay lit my friends ....so if you are listening out there Dark City...prove me wrong...shut me up..give me hell the day after election day for having it all wrong.....
ReplyDelete