by Marty Lorrey
Idle thoughts jotted down while enjoying sports over the weekend with my wife;
Over the past few weeks, I have heard that this city council is fractured. I think it’s off the rails. In fact, when the Patriots play their first home game in September and they play their entrance song “Crazy Train,” I wouldn’t be surprised if the Lowell City Council runs out on the field.
How long will Governor Maura Healy stay in the race? Recently the Boston Herald said her Deputy Director for Western Massachusetts was accused of working with an accomplice to distribute some 50,000 packets of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $1-million. Not only is she the governor, but she also served as Attorney General in Massachusetts. This isn’t the first issue for the governor. There are the SNAP investigations, the flip flop on gas lines, some of her cabinet picks and the ongoing audit dispute. But the good news for Democrats is Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll may be the most qualified individual in the state to be governor. If you’re not familiar with Lt. Gov. Driscoll, just google her accomplishments.
Watching the attacks on Iran, I can’t help but wonder where that country’s allies are. It appears the world is content to watch this government fall. I know I am. But as I watch, I think back to what I believe Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice tried to advise President Bush before his attack on Iraq; you need an exit strategy before you go in. General Powell brought up the “Pottery Barn Rule” ( you break it you own it).
Which leads me to China. They purchased much of their oil from Venezuela and Iran. Where does this leave them?
Watching the Lowell City Council last Tuesday reminded me of the rumors why Lowell doesn’t, or at least didn’t, get a lot of applications for some positions. One rumor was that many professionals heard of the treatment some employees get during meetings. The rumor surrounding the city manager’s position was that local candidates may have the necessary votes beforehand. Think of it. If you’re a city councilor, how many calls, texts or requests will you get from constituents for an outside candidate if a local one is in the mix? Don’t blame the current council, this has been rumored for years.
Speaking of the city manager, how long before he calls a sports agent and asks; “How do you successfully buy out a contract?” Conor Baldwin if you’re ever approached for the city manager’s position, run, don’t walk away. Remember former Manager Kevin Murphy’s remark: The night you’re elected go out and celebrate because it’s all downhill from there.
Congratulations to State Senator Vanna Howard. I believe on April 1st the process begins for state office candidates. In Lowell we may possibly have primaries for three state representative seats, as well as the US Senate seat held by Senator Ed Markey.
Speaking of Congressman Moulton, I was wondering why the story of his office escorting his guest to the state of the union address out of the gallery has gone silent.
Time to get back to my wife and enjoy a movie!
