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justme
Advanced Member
1131 Posts |
 Posted - 02/15/2009 : 1:29:41 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Tails
I cant for the life of me...with layoff's approaching and happening as we speak............people worried about how to feed their families and loosing their homes.... giving a 22.74% percent increase to a city worker.
Does anyone know anyone, City of Everett worker or otherwise.....at this time of crisis......... that is getting a 22.74% increase??
Screams of political favors all on the taxpayers and this is exactly what Carlo DeMaria said would NOT happen. It's happening now more so then EVER!
As for the bludgeoning of the Smith's......enough is enough. The State Representative has had his family name tarnished throughout the city, courtesy of the Advocate. Stat needs to take this harassment to the next level. As for Stephanie, if they had solid ground proof that she does not live in Everett, it would have been taken care of already. Why only bring this stuff up about her when election's are approaching. Because....it all comes from nasty people, that will one day get theirs.
I agree with your assessment 100%. Looking forward, it will be interesting to see just how much $$ is turned back to the city from the solicitor's office from the fiscal 2010 budget. It should be significant if our next mayor is paying attention and compensates the staff in that office more appropriately.
As far as Stephanie is concerned, she's seems to miss a lot of meetings but she's not alone. While I'd like to see a significant improvement in attendance, I have to agree if it was possible to verify residency outside of the city, it would have been done by now. I also want to believe she was brought up well enough to do "the right thing" and not cheat the citizens of this city.
What surprises me is that you don't mention the recent Foresteire debacle. My first thought was............. Let's throw Stat and Stephanie under the bus again and get people to focus on them instead of Freddie's recent conviction.
That man is an absolute disgrace! His employment should have been terminated years ago............. I'll never understand how the fools that sit on the school committee can justify his continued employment. |
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Tails
Administrator
1757 Posts |
Posted - 02/15/2009 : 2:01:11 PM
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| The Advocate will never say anything about FFF because he gets a lot of money from him. Maybe with the new ethics reform promised by Governor Patrick and new Speaker DeLeo.....FFF can be at the top of the list. I also don't understand how these same school committee members get voted in that did absolutely nothing about this. |
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massdee
Moderator
4242 Posts |
Posted - 02/18/2009 : 10:10:21 AM
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A headline on page 7 of today's Independent caught my eye. When I read the first four words, "State Ethics Commission fines," I assumed the article was going to about FFF. I was wrong. The complete heading reads, "State Ethics Commission fines former Turnpike Authority Chairman Matthew Amorello for violating the conflict of interest law." There is not one word in the paper about FFF and his recent fines from the State. If you scan through the paper you will see no less than thirteen photographs Of FFF.
That is exactly why there is no mention of FFF's shenanigans. The paper is more interested in Freddy's advertising dollars than reporting the news. Shame on the Independent.
Just my opinion. |
Edited by - massdee on 02/18/2009 6:17:11 PM |
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tetris
Advanced Member
1480 Posts |
Posted - 02/18/2009 : 12:13:17 PM
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| For the most part Massdee, I agree with you. Only it's shame on The Independent. Do not worry though; its a gurantee that this week's Advocate won't have word about it either. Another Stat Smith diatribe is a lock too. |
Edited by - tetris on 02/18/2009 5:25:15 PM |
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massdee
Moderator
4242 Posts |
Posted - 02/18/2009 : 6:18:06 PM
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| I corrected the post, it must have been a Freudian slip. |
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tetris
Advanced Member
1480 Posts |
Posted - 02/19/2009 : 11:06:19 PM
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And now for the week's most predictable commentary; we all knew it was coming:
Tired of old Static news...
Smith's an embarrassment to SC
The children and the families who depend on the Everett Public Schools once again came up short this past Tuesday when having to endure the tedious, less than eloquent, unfocused, and idle rant of Stephen "Static" Smith.
Once again, we all watched as the puppet master and disgruntled former school principal watched as his sad and sorry puppet couldn't master the King's English as he regurgitated and rehashed the old news and proceeded to personally attack Superintendent of Schools, Fredrick Foresteire.
Static.................Parents are tired of this! STEP DOWN!!! If you don't want to represent the children and their families of the city in a manner in which we deserve.......step down. It's long overdue. We are tired of watching your dismal performances week after week when there is so much more to discuss.
Our School Committee is faced with real challenges. They hold the futures of our children in their hands. Especially in this day and age, when we facing economic struggle after economic struggle, the individuals serving on this fine board are faced with many important demands. These educated, well meaning individuals give of their time to make Everett and its Schools a place where pride, performance and success is the rule, not the exception. They live by their motto, Everett Schools are Everett's Pride. They do not need to put up with the idle rant and tirade of a self propagating puppet whose strings are being pulled by two disgruntled principals. WE shouldn't have to put up with this either. |
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massdee
Moderator
4242 Posts |
Posted - 02/19/2009 : 11:17:43 PM
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Why am I not surprised? Did the Advocate happen to mention Fred's latest fines from the State?
"Deb"
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Edited by - massdee on 02/19/2009 11:19:18 PM |
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tetris
Advanced Member
1480 Posts |
Posted - 02/19/2009 : 11:40:17 PM
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Oh yeah; it was on every page...NOT!
Did the person that wrote actually the commentary watch or attend the meeting? Although it was clearly his intention, no where on the televised version of the meeting was Stat allowed to get to the point where he could attack FFF. I can't imagine that it happened off camera much either; that wouldn't suit Stat's purpose.
If the Advocate is going to accuse anyone of being "less than eloquent", maybe the first place that they should look is in the mirror. That commentary needed a good editing. Self propagating? Maybe it could be used the way that they use it here but when I first read, I certainly thought of something else.
There was a former school principal in the audience this week. I can't recall his name though; I'll catch it on replay. He's been there before too and FFF always seems glad to introduce him. Guess that I know better now.
Update - The former principal in the audience was John Andrenucci, a name that Tails supplied last week when the subject of the disgruntled former principals came up. |
Edited by - tetris on 02/20/2009 07:37:50 AM |
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tetris
Advanced Member
1480 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2009 : 5:51:43 PM
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A look at this week's Advocate. Or is that a proper description? Nothing in the paper seemed to be news from the last seven days. Oh well, still some "interesting" bits.
On the cover, there was a blurb telling us on what page of the paper we could find the ad for the schools' Winter Concert. Really! This is totally out of control. As a side note, the ad looked better using the Advocate full page size than it did on the Independent' larger page. It looked better in the Leader-Herald too; but, they must be wondering why they were excluded from the full page ad bonanza.
While we're on the subject of schools, the only shot that the Advocate took at Stat Smith this week was a head shot of John Andreucci at last week's meeting with the following caption:
SPARE US ALL: Judging by the look on his face, even longtime Static supporter, former Principal John Andreucci, appeared to have a bad taste in his mouth after watching Static's erratic display last Tuesday evening at the School committee meeting where the photo was snapped.
Other that that, the only other bits that I found interesting in the paper were from the section of their "Sounds of Everett" column entitled "Potholes & Van Campen". I've reproduced that section below.
Some of the pot holes around the city could swallow a Volkswagen. It's like driving your car through a mine field. It's winter weather's fault, not the city's. Every time they fill one, another pops-up. And, how about the new "Smart Cars" the city purchased for motoring around the city looking for traffic violations. Whoever's driving will really "smart" if he or she gets in an accident. I bet they fold like an accordion.
It looks as if Ald. Van Campen will be the Mayor's opponent in the fall. Van Campen has the Hanlon/McCarthy wannabes pushing him. They need a candidate. Hanlon's history. McCarthy's nowhere to be found, so their only hope to takeover the corner office is Van Campen. Currently, Alderman Van Campen is the Melrose City Solicitor. A short time ago, Van Campen was in a verbal skirmish with a Melrose activist who took exception to a closed door meeting to discuss a liquor license. Van Campen, as city solicitor, said the closed door meeting was LEGAL - the activist challenged his ruling but, he shut the door, anyway. It's obvious, there's one thing that Ald. Van Campen knows how to do - it's shut the door in the face on an interested resident. Naughty, public servant. |
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Tails
Administrator
1757 Posts |
Posted - 02/27/2009 : 8:17:11 PM
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| It’s rather obvious if there is a mayoral election who the advocate will endorse, no matter who it is that runs against the current mayor. They must like that cash line and not care about true news and slandering people. I have more respect for people that tell people like the advocate straight where to go! Naughty, NASTY journalism. |
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tetris
Advanced Member
1480 Posts |
Posted - 04/18/2009 : 10:35:02 AM
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It's been a while but, an editorial (I guess) from this week's Advocate:
Who's Kid-ding whom?
Why doesn't Static Smith just publicly admit it that the only reasons he's on the school committee is to keep up his attack on Superintendent Foresteire? Smith is obsessed with the superintendent for selfish reasons - mainly that the supt. didn't support him when he ran for State Rep. Get over it, Static, and do your job for the kids - that's what an elected school board member is supposed to do. Static doesn't mind double dipping, either. Here's a guy that will brag about his deep pockets from the rents he collects - but still pockets two salaries of taxpayers' money.
At the last school committee meeting - Static's motive was all over the agenda. Nothing about the kids. of course - it was all aimed at the superintendent. Of course, he sits there with his glasses on the end of his nose and pretends that he only informing the public. Obviously, he has little support and respect (only his pal, Joe Guiliano) on the school committee. The other members don't want any part of his tangled web of deceit.
In the fall election, the voters should sent a message to the "Foresteire hater", ignore his re-election bid for the school board and, let him do his job full time at the state house. The voters should put his political shenanigans to an end. Get rid of the double dipper who has his own personal baggage. The kids come first. There's no place for a "hater" on the school committee. |
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tetris
Advanced Member
1480 Posts |
Posted - 04/18/2009 : 2:18:33 PM
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From this week's Advocate mailbag:
Taxpayer blasts Simonelli over comment that "taxpayers wouldn't mind paying more"
To the editor and all the citizens of Everett:
I live in Ward Two and I vote in every election. I am appalled at Councillor Simonelli's assessment (Everett Advocate report 4-10-09) that local taxpayers wouldn't mind a tax increase. What planet are you living on? You haven't even taken a survey in your own ward. None of my neighbors want a tax increase. We've been hit with increase of house insurance, gas, tolls, utilities, food, bus fare increases, etc. How dare you say something so ridiculous? The mayor at least as taken a survey. What have you done? We were promised a new street when the Keverian Schools was completed. We are still waiting! We have patches over patches, water leaks repaired and gas company holes drilled in the street because they can't find the gas leaks. Councilor Simonelli, my question to you is when are you going to communicate with the people in your ward? I don't know about the other voters in Everett but you certainly won't be receiving my vote with an attitude like that! Open your eyes. Everett is mostly seniors living on fixed incomes.
Sincerely,
Joyce A. Medugno
Taxpayer |
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tetris
Advanced Member
1480 Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2009 : 3:40:54 PM
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The cover story from this week's Advocate:
Councillor Simonelli explodes over taxpayer’s criticism
By The Advocate
Ward Two Councillor Stephen Simonelli this week responded to criticism about his recent remark that the taxpayers of Everett wouldn’t mind a tax increase, maintaining that “my integrity was violated.”
Speaking on a point of personal privilege at Tuesday night’s brief council session, Simonelli didn’t deny making the statement, but he said his critic was being unfair because she didn’t explain why he made the remark at a recent meeting.
Local resident Joyce Medugno blasted Simonelli in a “letter to the editor” in last week’s Advocate for not being sensitive to the financial burden of most Everett residents.
Ms. Medugno wrote that she was “appalled” at Councillor Simonelli’s assessment that “local taxpayers wouldn’t mind a tax increase” this year.
She contended that none of her neighbors want a tax increase, especially considering that they’ve already been hit with increases in gas, utilities, tolls, food, bus fare, house insurance, etc.
Ms. Medugno asked: “Councillor Simonelli, my question to you is when are you going to communicate with the people in your ward?”
Simonelli at this week’s meeting angrily responded, insisting that “if you’re going to criticize me, get the facts straight.”
The councilman said the letter-to-the-editor left out the reason why he had said taxpayers would accept a tax hike. The reason, he said, is to maintain an adequate level of public safety.
Simonelli recalled that the fire department’s quick response to a medical emergency had saved his mother’s life, and quick action by the police had resulted in the apprehension of a burglar who broke into his parents’ home.
“Public safety is very crucial,” said Simonelli, who added that he doesn’t want to see any police or firefighters laid off as a result of the current economic crisis.
He said he wants the mayor to find funding to preserve Everett’s public safety jobs for the safety and health of local residents.
Simonelli said criticism that he doesn’t “communicate” with his constituents is also unfair and he started to list his accomplishments.
This caused Councillor William Cardello, who was presiding over the meeting at the time, to say, “please finish up” as he attempted to invoke the long-standing five minute speaking limit.
Simonelli verbally exploded, telling Cardello, “I think you’re being very ignorant – this is important to me.”
Claiming that he didn’t feel that his five minutes had expired, Simonelli shouted that he wanted to continue speaking “without being disrupted and disrespected.”
He was given another minute.
Simonelli wrapped things up by pointing out that he does, in fact, communicate with the people of his district, noting how he has “stood up” for Ward Two on the Wood Waste controversy, and on matters such as street cleaning, his annual “pot hole patrol,” the cleaning of the parks and playgrounds and the repairing of streets and sidewalks. |
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Tails
Administrator
1757 Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2009 : 3:55:18 PM
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| The advocate never ceases to amaze me. What fascinating journalism, that this had to be "cover story" |
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tetris
Advanced Member
1480 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2009 : 08:40:00 AM
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From this week's Advocate mailbag:
Firefighters Union fears budget cuts jeopardize community and firefighters
Open letter to our elected officials,
I was in attendance at the common council meeting last night (4-21-09), and a very important piece was sent to the Finance Committee. The piece on the agenda was concerning using Reserve Funds to advert possible layoffs on the Fire Department. It was quickly sent to committee with no discussion . This piece originated from the Safety Committee Meeting, which was held on April 15th, 2009. I have received the minutes from that Safety Committee Meeting and I would recommend for each of you to take the time and read those minutes before your next Finance Committee Meeting. The reason for this is some of you were not present at this meeting. The minutes do leave out some important points that were discussed that evening, but our Chief made some important comments, along with our membership. One comment made by Chief Butler that can not be ignored is "Any reduction would jeopardize the community and firefighters". I was at this meeting and the Chief also stated how the citizens and firefighters would be at a higher risk of safety if these excessive cuts were made. As I stated at the meeting, our budget has already been cut with the retirement of six brothers along with a position that has not been filled. This will leave us with 99 firefighters starting in May. Before Prop. 2 1/2 (back in 1980) we had roughly 150 firefighters, so as you can see, we still have not recovered from those times. As a Finance Committee, you must know our city is financially strong, with possibility of more revenue in our city every day and how sound out three (3) Reserve Funds are currently, (Stabilization Fund = Over $8,000,000, Free Cash = Over $5,000,000, and a Reserve Fund = Over $1,000,000). The City of Everett has roughly $15,000,000 sitting in a "rainy day account" for these specific times. Our Chief and the union has stated the importance of man power on the fire department, which keeps our changing city the safest it can be at all times. If these extra cuts are made, WE are making our city a less safe place to live and raise a family, along with endangering our firefighters on each time they roll out the door.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything else, please feel free to call me (617-908-6768) or via e-mail. Thank you for your time and dedication to the City of Everett now and in the future.
Respectfully,
Craig Hardy
President Local 1656, IAFF
Everett Firefighters |
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Everett Advocate Newspaper
