Salem News Mayoral Debate

Okay so who went and who watched it??? I showed up early to hear from all the other candidates of elected offices and the downtown area was being overrun with Bettencourt signs. You almost couldn't see any signs for Sean. Does he have any supporters? At the debate there was not much cheer for him either. You would think that it was a rally for Bettencourt.

With regards to the debate. Sean did not have a chance. I think he attempted to take a play from Bettencourt and release another PR statement to the Patch and it read like someone was kicking and screaming for attention yet again. It also sounded like he continued on with his tantrum into tonight attempting to make attacks at Bettencourts ability to make decisions even though he was giving plenty of examples.

One area Sean harped on was the city zoning from years back. About 5 to be exact. He dinged Bettencourt for voting against and wasting 5 years to move the city forward. Bettencourt answered back that the plan was much different than the zoning plan that they recently approved. The old plan called for much higher structures and would have have a negative impact on how the city could look if it was approved.

He also attempted to ding Bettencourt on the Regional Voc school. Is it going to be a great school? Yes but if you can't afford the luxury car that the payments can change at anytime even though it is reliable is not a reliable investment when you are on a fixed budget. Sean attempted to slam Bettencourt that it was the wrong decision and that there was no way Bettencourt would be making a strong effort to support it if he was Mayor. This was after Bettencourt said that he will do whatever it takes for Peabody to get the most out of this investment. The reality is that Sean did not have any strong retorts on what Bettencourt was saying. I caught him many times nodding his head in agreement when Bettencourt spoke.

There were many cheap crack shots that had no merit towards Bettencourt. Bettencourt was above them and stuck to the questions and did a great job answering them. Watching this debate, I am not sure how someone would feel comfortable having a personality like Fitzgerald in the Mayors seat. I saw way to much immaturity tonight and have seen it through the campaign with all these attack Press real eases. This is not what I want to see in our next leader.

So I am sure that I will hear people against me which is fine, but I say with all honesty that Bettencourt is the right person for the job. He will wield the power with respect and honor.

Sean is on the Attack Again...

Sean shows up in the Patch today criticizing Bettencourts record...One should wonder if he should be throwing rocks in glass houses...

http://peabody.patch.com/articles/fitzgerald-blasts-bettencourt-for-exaggerating-his-role-in-firm-city-council

So what are everyone's thoughts on this??? Lets make sure there are no accusations on either side that may be seen as potentially Libelous...or they will need to be deleted.

Sean's Crew is at it again...

The Peabody Patch is starting to blow up with comments and there appears to be a new Peabody Mayor Race blog that is 100% support Sean. Sounds like his website peabodymayor. Only three weeks to go and it looks like there is some desperation to manipulate perception of his like ability. It also appears the new blogger is a college student based on the comments. Who know's people, but it is starting to smell fishy in the dark city. Looks like Seans pit bull has a little competition for his masters attention...

Dave McGenney Must GO!!!!

I watched the School Committee Meeting which I typically do not do because they are such a happy family...Or least that is what they portray publicly while they all run for re-election. So big Dave got to pretend to be the Mayor tonight since he was not able to chair this evening. Dave attempted to shut the meeting down as soon as he could. As though he really needed to go to the bathroom. He attempted to overlook a item that Beverly wanted to discuss and that had to do with the salary of the Regional's Superintendent. We are writing a blank check folks and we are not going to have the control on this school district. Beverly is someone that knows her stuff and then you have Hochman a 2 yr member disagreeing with her. He doesn't have a clue. She should have smacked him around. Oh ya, Hochman voted for the school and Bev didn't...hmmm Anyways, while this was going on Dave just wanted out of there.

So let me get this straight Dave....You are not campaigning, not walking or holding signs and you want to get the hell out of the meeting as fast as you can??? So why would I want to vote for you?

As of right now there is only one candidate that has the experience and knowledge to be on the ticket and it is the new kid Russell. I hope everyone takes a hard look at him and gives him a vote. Peabody would be doing a real disservice if he doesn't make it on the school committee. Mcgenney is definitely not getting my vote. He is miserable and he thinks his reputation will get him re-elected. That is arrogance that I will not tolerate and I am calling him out!!!

Week 1 of the Debates-Schools vs Business

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...

This Site is Coming to an End

I am tired of all the people that come on here over and over again and say the site is lame. Then why do you return. I am tired that I am pushing an agenda. Am I? Sort of? It is called discussing the issues. The last time that I check we live in America. I have not defamed anyone on here and if I have felt that rude comments were over the top I deleted them. This blog has been based on what is going on in the news. Clear and simple. My most recent blog had to do with Mr. Fitzgerald and his continuous attempt at trying to hold himself out as some authority of the city of Peabody. It annoys me as a taxpayer, clear and simple. If there is an elected official doing it then they are doing it for their constituents. Clear and simple. I think some of the individuals that are on this site are just attempting to create conspiracy theories and prevent good honest feedback.

I guess I am a horrible person for attempting to push discussion and god forbid if I do have an opinion. With that being said, I think by the end of today I will be shutting this site down and maybe all those looneys can go back into their parents basement and play x-box...

Stop the Insanity!!!!

I am all for individuals stepping up and wanting action in the city. I have a concern when one individual continues to make demands on everyone to act immediately instead of having health debate. Do you know who I am talking about? Well yes Obama does it too...But in this circumstance, I am speaking about the article in the Patch today where Sean is demanding that the City Council vote on city plans immediately. Can someone tell me when the last time an individual (Not an elected official) made a public demand on any part of the city government? Somehow the reporter/editor thinks he deserves and entire article to make his decree. It was not even an editorial comment....At some point someone needs to call Sean out on this childish attempt at attention and I am doing it.

Sean, how many times are you going to make attempts to give the appearance that you have this factor over the decisions of our city government. At this point in your life you have the same power as me, my neighbor and the woman down the street. Why do I say this? We all have a vote in Peabody. You sit here now and believe that you have some great vocal authority over the citizens and politicians of Peabody and it really angers me. As an equal individual in Peabody I am demanding that you stop this behavior and act like a gentleman and equal taxpayer of Peabody. The reality is that I should have more say since I pay more in taxes. But that is not me. If you own a home and/ or you are a voter then you have the same weight with the city government.

Sean, based on what I have seen from you and what others have told me about you, you are the same person as a child that you are today. You really worry me if you would actually win the authority of the Mayors office. It is my belief that you would wave the power very heavily and you would not listen to voters like you demanding actions. I get the impression that you would retort back and say I am the Mayor and I am the one that makes the decisions...It is a statement that I have heard for to long now and there is no way that I am going to listen to it again.

In all homestly, I had not made a decision on either candidate until today and as of right now, I am being very clear that I would support any candidate that is not Sean. That does not mean that I support Bettencourt. I am still attempting to figure out his plans for our great city but I will not vote for someone that continues to place demands on people like this. When you see red flags, you need to acknowledge them and correct the issue. That is what I am doing.

So everyone, go ahead give me your thoughts and if you think I am wrong to say this, so be it....

The Primary

What is everyone feeling about next weeks primary? Will Rico make it out of next week? There was some good points from his competitors...Sound off and let us know what you think!

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

It has always been said that every election that is one has a commonality; the candidate has and spends more money than the other. Does Fitzy stand a chance against Bettencourt? Also, Bettencourt has another big party this weekend.


http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1642551000/Bettencourt-has-most-money-in-contest-for-Peabody-mayor

The New Downtown

So what does everyone think of this new proposal. Do you really think it is going to reinvent the downtown area? Who wants to take bets how far traffic will be pushed back on Lowell Street now? I am guess beyond Su Chang's...Terrible idea and we are not going to be a downtown Salem for one reason. We have a high end mall that people would rather travel too than a downtown that is congested and has no parking.


http://www.salemnews.com/local/x803553332/Final-design-unveiled-for-Main-Street

The Fear I Had when Peabody Gave a Signed Blank Check

In yesterdays Salem News, it spoke about the pay increase of the current Voc that will be merging into the new one. I still continue to believe that this may have been one the most dangerous moves not only from a educational budget decision but also a city budget as well. I fear that we do not have some one like Dan Bennett that will stand up and call this new school district out and they will just take our money and run. This was the worst decision for the schools because there will be a lose of control and money leaving our school district.


http://www.salemnews.com/local/x601183194/Danvers-selectmen-question-195K-salary-of-North-Shore-Tech-chief

Peabody Schools Ranked 117th in the State

What do you parents think? Are you happy with that spot. Is the city happy with that spot knowing that your money is not being spent well if that is one of the lowest rankings
http://www.bostonmagazine.com/best-schools-in-boston/index.html

Downtown Plan

So what does everyone think of what they will be doing to the downtown.  There is no way this is not going to impact traffic on Lowell Street at rush hour all the way back to the Brooksby Farm area...You are taking a corridor and cutting it in half?  They think a computer can tell you how it is going to impact you vs blocking one lane and see how it goes?  I know that I would rather drive all the way around creation before I set foot down in the downtown area.  Once again I find it appalling that taxpayers came out on Monday night to voice their concerns and once again Bonfanti just shuts them down and basically tells too bad we are moving ahead.  And they wonder why people don't show up to more meetings with regards to city issues.  Everyone knows that he is going to do what he wants to do and thats it.  Peabody is his sandbox and he makes all the rules.  Pathetic....

I think they should just create a toll and collect money for all the people that are coming and going from Salem.

Ted Bettencourt for Mayor

Please use this post to list why you believe he should be the next Mayor of Peabody.  Please do not use this post to disparaged either candidate.  I want to hear how he will do good for the city of Peabody.  Any negative lashing of either candidate will be removed.  I have a feeling this will be a challenge but I also think this will be a great exercise that we can get some good points on each candidate.

Sean Fitzgerald for Mayor

Please use this post to list why you believe he should be the next Mayor of Peabody.  Please do not use this post to disparaged either candidate.  I want to hear how he will do good for the city of Peabody.  Any negative lashing of either candidate will be removed.  I have a feeling this will be a challenge but I also think this will be a great exercise that we can get some good points on each candidate.