The Following “Gifts” are presented in the spirit of humor (attempted) and sarcasm. Some will not “get them” and others will be somewhat “upset” by some of them, but what the heck, people get upset by my opinions and attempts at humor all the time!!
To City Manager Golden: a 5-figure book deal with Harper Collins for his book: Success as an Elected Official: Don’t Give a Crap about what they say! A guide for EVERY politician at every level.
To Connor Baldwin: A copy of my 2018 revised Maintenance of Effort Agreement, so he understands what a fair agreement really is!
To Shaun Machado: An offer by Skanska at double your existing salary to replace Jim Dowd, with a letter of recommendation from Councilor Gitschier.
To Mayor Rourke: A Sixth Vote!
To Sokhary Chau: ANY winnable higher office and a lucky streak!
To Corey Belanger: Funding to buy the Weft and Warp to bring Majors back, and the sense not to waste time on an unwinnable State Representative race.
To John Descoteaux: The Vice-Mayor position and a copy of the book: Why You Should be a Socialist!
To Erik Gitschier: A list of Sub-Committees, so you can check a box of the ones you really want to serve on, without having to actually tell whoever’s the mayor your choices.
To Wayne Jenness: Gift cards to Top Donut on Aiken Ave, an invitation to the dedication of the St. Louis Field renovations, and dinner with Paul Belley at the UMASS Lowell Food truck near Paul’s house to get you more familiar with that section of District 4.
To Rita Mercier: RESPECT from some fellow councilors by NOT receiving any token votes for Mayor, and as much time as you want to spend with your kids and grandkids.
To Vesna Noun: Elocution lessons from Mayor Rourke, Zoom lessons from Wayne Jenness so you don’t miss important votes, and some free advice: Don’t believe you have someone’s vote if they won’t commit publicly.
To Corey Robinson: A few of Corey Belanger’s vests and Paul Ratha Yem’s bow ties to jazz up your appearance, and a copy of the book; I’m A Leader, Not A Follower by Ken Anderson.
To Kim Scott: Unlimited golf and dinner at Vesper Country Club with Bill Martin and Jeff Markley, plus a free swag bag of Markley items and unlimited free cloud storage for your entire district.
To Paul Ratha Yem: His own spotlight so he can better read the room, and an introduction to John Leahy’s Ethics Lawyer, so you can be involved in a Front Runner City Project.
To Sidney Liang: A permanent nametag so people outside your district know who you are, and a map to City Hall to locate the Council Chamber.
To Sean McDonough: A back brace! You need to have a strong spine to make public decisions, along with some NICE THINGS!
To Belinda Juran: You won the Council seat and the City’s been named a UNESCO Learning City. What more could you ask for? Being named 2026 1st term Councilor of the Year!
To Rodney Elliott: A guided tour of Dunstable with Dave Tulley and Tyngsboro with Matt Hanson. An end to petty phantom-like squabbles.
To Vanna Howard: Tara Hong’s endorsement, NO January memories from your campaign supporters, and an end to petty squabbles.
To Tara Hong: Appointment of Vanna’s communication person and a speaking role at Rodney’s Senate Rally! (Any councilor who doesn’t support –shouldn’t be re-elected) Plus a re-election race against Sokhary.
To Liam Skinner: His own customized citation book and a new Maintenance of Effort Agreement that GUARENTEES a MINIMUM of 18%-20% Cash Contribution.
To Dave Conway: A contract with the Davis company to do an Audit on the Rules of the School Committee, and suggestions on how to avoid violating them, along with health and peace in 2026 for you and your family.
To Fred Bahou: City Health Insurance, a photo in the Council Chamber with fellow School Committee members and the Superintendent for his next re-election brochure, and some funding from the state for Chapter 74 programs at Lowell High School.
To Eileen Del Rossi: Full-Time employment, a strong support network, a year of good physical and mental health, and the realization that the Superintendent and his staff are improving the school system.
To Jackie Doherty: A Bottle of Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye and a Thanks from the School kids of Lowell for 18 years of service.
To Connie Martin: Continue to Rank #1 as the best dressed elected official. A Copy of Alan Carr’s “Easy ways to Stop Smoking” and a wish for good health.
To Dominik Lay: A New Job (replacing Gary Francis as host of the WCAP Morning Show? Or Clerk of the Works for the remainder of the LHS Project.
To Daniel McFadden: A Referee Shirt and Patience, Patience, Patience you’re dropping into a “challenging” SC and a School Supt. who thinks he can write citations to school committee members!
To Kate Hodges: a flack jacket and pith helmet for the 2026 budget presentation and a ballot question allowing the town to buy 100 Powerball tickets every time the Jackpots over $50 Million. Might be the only way Dracut gets out of their financial mess.
To Steve Stone: Early Retirement! Then a contract to come back as a consultant.
To John Curran: A Selectboard who trusts and supports YOUR choices for Asst. Town Manager.
To Brenda Regan: Congratulations on your retirement as Tewksbury Superintendent of Schools at the end of the school year.
To Ted Panos: Hotel funding, plus an investor for InsideLowell and the ability to then broadcast a morning show live from 6:00 am-9:00 am. (that way the host , who would also continue to write a weekly column could collect a stipend!)
20 responses to “Nutter’s Sunday Notes (Christmas Gifts Edition)”
To Corey Robinson: “and a copy of the book; I’m A Leader, Not A Follower by Ken Anderson.” SPOT ON!!! Jeanne Balkas for State Senate
Im flattered you are thinking about me at 3:27AM. Hoping you get some rest as you’ll need it to continue collecting your signatures. Merry Christmas “Senator”!
If YOU recall Councilor Robinson, I had encouraged YOU to run for State Senate, remember??? Then Bob Hoey said on “ City Life” that your “loyal buddy” Councilor Gitschier, was going to, and that he had YOUR FULL SUPPORT! Once again pushing YOU to the sidelines like he did in the City Council at large race, REMEMBER? So now that I have decided to run, you wouldn’t even get me some signatures! Your response was “how can I do that”? Then I remembered, you have to get the ok from your “MASTER”. Merry Christmas! Jeanne Balkas for State Senate!!!
I have NEVER considered running for any seat outside of the one I hold currently. I enjoy doing the work I have been doing. I have NEVER considered going at large? Your lack of sleep must be blurring your memory. Me having a master? Do I detect a little racism from a senate candidate?
https://youtu.be/FX891quoXhg Maybe YOU have selective memory??? And please, ME racist??? Are you still playing that card??? Of course you have a puppet master, and EVERYONE knows who it is. And if you think he has your best interests, you would be wrong. Hese for himself, PERIOD!!!
Wow Just Wow- it was very clear that you stated Erik was Corey’s Master .Jeanne Balkas I am very offended by that comment. For someone that is running for a public office you Should not make comments like that. You are devaluing people. Very racist comment and now you are trying to gaslight.
Councilor Robinson devalues himself by being influenced and Controlled by that “self serving BULLY”!!! So now telling the TRUTH is “gaslighting”??? I feel your comments against ME are Racist! And also Councilor Robinson not getting me some signatures is DEVALUING ME!!! Why don’t you ask him why he wouldn’t get ME, of all people some signatures???
Dracut is lucky to have you! Happy Holidays.
I am far from being a racist, I don’t know you from anywhere. Your truth is not someone else’s truth. Corey endorsed Rodney last week did see that? Maybe that is why. Anyways I stand what I said . Have a wonderful day.
I love how you two choose to deflect instead of answering the question. Why would he not get ME some signatures, ME, ME of all people??? You know what, I went to the peace vigil for Cambodia on Sunday that was Co-organized by Councilor Sokhary Chau. He and his wife were so very nice getting me signatures before the ceremony started even though I told them both that I felt it would be disrespectful because it was a religious ceremony. But you know what, he told me that he was supporting Rep. Elliott also, BUT still got all his friends to sign MY papers!!! So AGAIN I ask WHY would not Councilor Robinson do the same for ME, ME OF ALL PEOPLE???
Good afternoon Jeanne, I want to wish you peace and Happiness this Holiday Season! Not sure why you have chose to use me as a platform for your unrest, but I wish you and your family the best in 2026.
I don’t even know who you are, I met you once in the City Council Chambers when you asked for my signature to run for State Senate. I was more than happy to sign your papers and wished you the best of luck.
That was the only conversation I have ever had with you and it was very pleasant. Not sure where the disdain you write about me is coming from, but I wish you the best in your election.
Have an amazing Holiday!
Erik Gitschier
She should forever be known as Mimi, as in ME ME.
Councilor Getchier I guess you forgot about the Karen Cassella campaign ???
Councilor Getchier EVERYTHING i have stated about YOU is the TRUTH and EVERYONE knows what you are all about. You treat Councilor Robinson like a trained dog and I have witnessed that FIRST HAND! It’s ALWAYS ALL ABOUT YOU and your fragile ego and your desperate need to control and manipulate people for YOUR gain! And iam calling you out on that!
Councilor Getchier you never wished me the best of luck, ever!
Councilor Getchier, I guess you also forgot about the register of deeds election night conversation when YOU stated how you were so mad because you wanted Councilor Chau to come in last?
Councilor Getchier how do like having YOUR name misspelled like you did with my name on the OCPF donation site? Even when it was on a check?
Councilor Getchier I find you to be a very jealous and gaslighting type of person, and iam not the only one who feels that way. I never liked you from the get go because I always sensed a jealousy about you, bad vibes, never trusted you. Sorry just being HONEST!
Good evening Jeanne, I am sorry your name was misspelled on the OCPF site, I do not have anything to do with donations or reporting. One would think any candidate would know this.
I hope during your OCPF training you understand and are trained.
I do not understand all the stuff you are making up, but I get, as you stated, “You didn’t like me from the get go.” My hope is you find whatever you are looking to accomplish. Hopefully it’s peace for 2026 instead of hate.
Please enjoy your holidays!
Erik Gitschier
EVERYTHING i have stated is the absolute truth, and you know it! That’s why I never liked you from the get go, I sensed it about you, something, I cant explain it, but I was right. Sorry but it’s the truth. Hopefully you find peace from your intense jealousy and great need to control and manipulate people for YOUR gain. That’s my hope for you.