by Marty Lorrey

A few weeks ago, I had written on inside Lowell that I hoped President Trump had an exit plan for Iran. Now I am wondering if he had been given sound advice on Iran’s capability to respond and how they may.

In the long run I think  Iran without a nuclear program or military capability is essential not only to a stable Middle East, but also for international trade in that area. But, I hope the President and his advisors did not underestimate Iran’s desire to fight back.

I believe Iran had the 15th strongest military in the world prior to the conflict. I was also surprised to read that England refused to allow us to use two of their bases. I hope and believe the military conflict is coming to an end and that the Iranian people are allowed to select their next leader.

Another nation in crisis is Cuba.

Since the fall of Venezuela, it appears the nation of Cuba is suffering very hard times. I hope the President reverses his decision and allows essential supplies of food and medicine to get to the island.

My belief is the best way to open doors is to help the people in need. I have no respect for the present government, which is too weak to perform its duties. But by allowing some help, we may get some respect from its citizens.

The U.S. has a very large Cuban American population, which may be willing to help not only now, but with future investment in that country.

One of the potential Massachusetts ballot questions I have been keeping a close eye on was allowing 5,000 square foot lots by right. The conditions under the ballot question was 50 feet bordering the street or public way and access to water and sewerage.

Recently the Governor used executive discretion, which will send that issue to the Office of Housing and Livable Communities. I believe it also may get a legislative hearing.

With this change in direction, everything is on the table. The governor in the past made ADU’s by right and recently announced there were 1,224  ADU’s across 217 communities. Cities like Lowell have many small lots, but I think the towns may want to pay close attention.

Staying in Massachusetts, what about the fight over the audit?

State Auditor Diana DiZoglio would like to audit the state legislature, but they, along with the Attorney General are fighting tooth and nail.

Voters overwhelmingly passed the ballot question a few years ago. Is this what you get with one party rule?

On March 19th, the Lowell Sun cited two polls, the Pioneer and Suffolk, which showed a high degree of voter  dissatisfaction with state government.

Recently, the Select Board in Reading passed a motion to send a letter to the House Speaker and Senate President asking them to allow an audit.

I am wondering if a similar motion would be made by the Lowell City Council, which has a history of sending such letters for various causes.

Lowell voters overwhelmingly supported the ballot question.

I noticed something very different in the news announcement by Suffolk County District Attorney, Kevin Hayden, when he announced he was charging a Boston police officer with manslaughter.

Usually there are several people in the background supporting the speaker. In this instance, there was one other individual, whose name I didn’t get, which seemed odd.

While on the subject of public safety, I noticed the Governor has cut 15 million from the jail diversion program, a mental health program that tries to divert individuals in crisis from arrest. The Massachusetts police chiefs are fighting to get the funding put back.

Along with the lack of funding for public defenders, this tells me something about the willingness to invest in public safety.

Finally, what about the parole board?

I believe we are up to 39 individuals who were convicted of life without parole and released according to a recent Howie Carr column in the Herald. Supporters point to a decision by the Supreme Judicial Court that says sentencing Emerging Adults (18-20) to life without parole is unconstitutional.

I don’t think it says you have to let them out, but they need to have an opportunity for parole. Honestly, I’m not sure how many they denied. I’m not sure if we have to live with this decision or if it can challenged in federal court. And if it can, why hasn’t it?

Maybe they’ll find time in between filing suit against the federal government.

Or is pandering to your base more important than public safety?