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Dracut After Dark
The Best Issues & Information Forum in Dracut
Untitled Document

Bon jour. Dracut After Dark is a moderated forum (a sounding board or bulletin board) which gives people the opportunity to express their views, ideas, questions, or concerns relative to Dracut Massachusetts and its surrounding area -- a local networking watchdog advocate or blog, if you will.

Any comments which are deemed: vulgar, inappropriate, libelous, slanderous, or in bad taste WILL NOT be posted here. Changing the subject on an already established string is strictly prohibited. Postings which contain specific addresses to other Dracut Internet message boards will also be rejected. Another thing we don't allow here are posts containing specific names and/or street addresses of private citizens, i.e. neighbor disputes. Furthermore, those who guess at pseudonyms will have their postings rejected, as well.

Opinions expressed on Dracut After Dark solely reflect those of the participants, and are not necessarily shared by the management of this message board. Participants post and read messages here on their own Free Will thanks to the First Amendment. We merely discuss issues here – we DO NOT profess to initiate, or even resolve, anything on this message board. If this Internet forum is not to your liking, then please, by all means, feel free to do your websurfing elsewhere.

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Dracut After Dark

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___________________________________________________________________________________

LINKS: Please check out these fascinating and informative local websites, which come highly recommended by the management of this forum: Official Town of Dracut website; Dracut Pop Warner football & cheerleading; Warren Shaw.com (Deeb's view on Warren Shaw); Popular Dracut Restaurant Directory; Dracut School Department; Dracut Assessor Online; Property Deeds; Valley Patriot monthly newspaper; Obituaries; Ballot Initiative to Abolish Massachusetts State Income Tax; Dracut Weather Forecast; Citizens for Limited Taxation; Vote On Marriage.org; Tewksbury Issues; Dracut Street Map; Helpful Dracut websites; Official State Website; Official Federal Government Website; Public Bus Information; Storm-related Public Closings; Mass Backwards; Affordable Auto Insurance for All; Shawn's Dracut Blog; Howie Carr; and Anonymous Proxy Server.

Some of my personal favorites sites include: Bible verse reference; Teen Challenge; Youth Storm (local Christian youth ministry); Battle Cry (national Christian teen ministry); Unclaimed Money/Property; Reverse telephone number & address lookup; Curt Schilling's baseball blog; Town Hall.com; Laura Ingraham; Stop Hillary Clinton; Deval Patrick Watch; New England Patriot's Fan Club; Boston Red Sox Fan Club; Boston Celtics News; Person Locator; Online World of Wrestling; D-Tension; Singer/D.J. Sharon DiFronzo; New England Stone Masonry; Whatever Happened To?; and Dead or Alive?.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

”There is nothing so powerful as truth and often nothing so strange.”

–Daniel Webster

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Public Service Announcement

NEW MILLENNIUM SEPERATED/DIVORCED SUPPORT GROUP: Meets every Sunday from 7-9 p.m., at St. Michael’s School, 15 Sixth Street, off Bridge Street (Route 38) in Lowell. New subject matter is addressed every meeting dealing with topics such as: anger, loneliness, surviving Divorce, lawyers, Judges and our Court system, Alimony, Child Support, Child Custody, Visitation Rights, asset/property entitlements, children, finances, forgiveness, acceptance, faith and prayer, moving on, and, planning for your new life. This is a non-profit support group. No fees are required. For further information, please either attend this Sunday’s meeting, or contact Carlos Kilberg @ 978-957-2063 (cck3353@MSN.com).


Dracut After Dark
Subject: Best of Luck Dracut Pop Warner Cheerleaders


Author:
Lynn Smith
[Edit]
Date Posted: 22:46 10/09/07 Tue
To all the Cheerleaders and volunteers of Dracut Pop Warner. Good Luck at the competition. I hope you all have a great day.
Replies:
Subject: Ex-commander calls Iraq war 'nightmare'


Author:
end the war now
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:27 10/13/07 Sat


Ex-commander calls Iraq war 'nightmare'
Hits Bush, aides on 'flawed' strategy
By David S. Cloud, New York Times News Service | October 13, 2007

WASHINGTON - In a sweeping indictment of the four-year effort in Iraq, the former top commander of US forces there called the Bush administration's handling of the war "incompetent" and said the result is "a nightmare with no end in sight."

Lieutenant General Ricardo S. Sanchez, who retired in 2006 after being replaced in Iraq after the Abu Ghraib prisoner-abuse scandal, blamed the Bush administration for a "catastrophically flawed, unrealistically optimistic war plan" and denounced the current addition of US forces as a "desperate" move that would not achieve long-term stability.

"After more than four years of fighting, America continues its desperate struggle in Iraq without any concerted effort to devise a strategy that will achieve victory in that war-torn country or in the greater conflict against extremism," Sanchez said yesterday at a gathering of military reporters and editors in Arlington, Va.

He is the most senior war commander of a string of retired officers who have harshly criticized the administration's conduct of the war. While much of the previous condemnation has been focused on the role of then-Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, Sanchez's was an unusually broad attack on the overall course of the war.

But his own role as commander in Iraq during the Abu Ghraib scandal leaves him vulnerable to criticism that he is shifting the blame from himself to the administration that ultimately replaced him and declined to nominate him for a fourth star, forcing his retirement.

Though he was cleared of wrongdoing in the abuses after an inquiry by the Army's inspector general, Sanchez became a symbol - with civilian officials like L. Paul Bremer III, the head of the Coalition Provisional Authority - of ineffective American leadership early in the occupation.

Sanchez said he was convinced the American effort in Iraq was failing the day after he took command, in June 2003. Asked why he waited until nearly a year after his retirement to voice his concerns publicly, he responded that it was not the place of active-duty officers to challenge lawful orders from civilian authorities.

Sanchez, who is said to be considering writing a book, promised further public statements criticizing officials by name.

"There has been a glaring and unfortunate display of incompetent strategic leadership within our national leaders," he said, adding that civilian officials have been "derelict in their duties" and guilty of a "lust for power."

White House officials would not comment directly on Sanchez's remarks. "We appreciate his service to the country," said Kate Starr, a White House spokeswoman.

She noted that General David H. Petraeus, the current top commander in Iraq, and Ryan C. Crocker, the American ambassador to Baghdad, said in their testimony to Congress last month that "there's more work to be done, but progress is being made in Iraq. And that's what we're focused on now."

Sanchez has been criticized by some current and retired officers for what they call his failure to recognize the growing insurgency in Iraq during his year in command, and for not putting together a plan to unify the disparate military effort, a task carried out when his successor, General George W. Casey, took over in mid-2004.

Sanchez included the military and himself among those who made mistakes in Iraq, citing a failure by top commanders to insist on a better post-invasion stabilization plan. He offered a tepid compliment to Petraeus. The general, he said, could use US troops to gain time in Iraq but could not achieve lasting results.

Michael E. O'Hanlon, a military analyst at the Brookings Institution, criticized Sanchez for implying in his speech that the current military strategy of relying on additional troops and on protecting the Iraqi people is little different than the strategy employed when he was in command.

Noting that calls by members of Congress for troops were rebuffed by the Bush administration in 2003, O'Hanlon said, "Sanchez was one of the top military people who condoned that, if not directly, then by his silence."

Sanchez's main criticism was leveled at the Bush administration, which he said has failed to mobilize the entire US government, not just the military, to contribute meaningfully to reconstructing and stabilizing Iraq.

"National leadership continues to believe that victory can be achieved by military power alone," he said. "Continued manipulations and adjustments to our military strategy will not achieve victory. The best we can do with this flawed approach is stave off defeat."

Asked after his remarks what strategy he favored, Sanchez listed a series of steps - from promoting reconciliation among Iraq's warring sectarian factions to building effective Iraqi Army and police units - that closely paralleled the list of tasks frequently cited by the Bush administration as pillars of the current strategy.

Sanchez, who is now a Pentagon consultant training active- duty generals, said the administration's biggest failure had been its inability to formulate a detailed strategy for achieving those steps and "synchronizing" the military and civilian contributions.

"The administration, Congress, and the entire interagency, especially the State Department, must shoulder responsibility for the catastrophic failure, and the American people must hold them accountable," he said.

His talk yesterday at the annual convention of the Military Reporters and Editors Association was not the first time that Sanchez has been critical of the administration.

He drew a standing ovation at a gathering of veterans last month when he argued that the country's problems in Iraq were the result of a "crisis in national political leadership."
Replies:
Subject: New radio morning host


Author:
WaWa ShawShaw
[Edit]
Date Posted: 22:14 10/11/07 Thu
Heard this morning from one of the partners who bought W.C.A.P that Warren "Barnyard Animal" Shaw would be the new "Morning Information Team" host starting in a few weeks when they take over the station - no more "I hate evrybody Anthes". Gawd help us!
Replies:
Subject: A wonderful educator


Author:
Lisa Bennett (LadyBug)
[Edit]
Date Posted: 18:19 10/15/07 Mon
The Gorman family takes a lot of bashing on DAD and some of them may have done things to deserve it but I would like to say something in defense of Dr. Linda Trouville. I have had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Trouville for a few years. She is currently acting priniciple at the Parker Avenue School and is doing a tremendous job. She publishes a very informational newsletter for the parents each month. She has created after school programs which were non-existant for as long as I can remember. She greets the children with a smile every morning and treats each child with respect. She comes across as an educator who truly loves children and seeing them succeed - where's the "hidden agenda" there? I can't find anything selfish about that. Maybe other people have had negative experiences with her but doesn't that hold true with just about everyone we meet? We all have flaws and we can't please everyone all the time. Dr. Trouville should not be compared to her brother Frank, she should be seen as the professional and dedicated educator she is.
Replies:
Subject: VOTE JIM OGONOWSKI


Author:
LEND ME YOUR EAR
[Edit]
Date Posted: 05:25 10/13/07 Sat
MIDDLE CLASS BEWARE. TAXES WILL GO UP WITH TSONGAS.
LOOK AT WHAT OUR GOVENOR IS DOING TO US.

I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU BUT I AM A MIDDLE CLASS TRY TO MAKE IT PERSON. I PAY FOR THE POOR SO THEY CAN GET HEALTH CARE, FOOD STAMPS, RENTS PAID FOR BY OUR GOVERNMENT.

I PAY FOR THE RICH SO THEY CAN GET THEIR TAX BREAKS.

JOBS OUR LEAVING OUR COUNTRY. TERRORISTS ARE THERE AND WE ARE RIDDING OF THEM. DISEASES ARE BROUGHT IN OUR COUNTRY - TB IS HIGHER THAN EVER BECAUSE OF THE ILLIEGAN ALIENS.

VOTE GET OUT AND VOTE FOR JIM OGONOWSKI. DON'T LET THE TSONGAS CAMPAIGN BLIND YOU. DON'T LET IT HAPPEN THAT YOU WILL LATER SAY "WHY - WHAT HAPPENED".

TSONGAS HAS RENTED A CONDO IN LOWELL. IS IT FURNISHED? DO YOU THINK SHE WILL BE BACK IN IT OR STAY IN WASHINGTON. SHE HAS A HOME BUT NOT IN LOWELL. SHE HAS A BOYFRIEND FROM IRELAND. HER HEART IS IN WINNING - SHE IS TELLING YOU WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR. SHE CAN'T BRING THE TROOPS HOME.

JIM SAYS HE WANTS PEOPLE TO SPEAK ENGLISH. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THAT. I HAVE A JANITOR AT WORK THAT SPEAKS PORTUGUES. I CAN'T EVEN TELL HIM WHAT I NEED IN OUR DEPARTMENT BECAUSE HE CAN'T UNDERSTAND ME. I HAVE TO CALL HIS BOSS THAT HAS TO COME AND TRANSLATE! HE IS NOT A RACIST AS ATKINS TELLS YOU. WAKE UP SMELL THE COFFEE. JIM IS OPEN AND HONEST. PEOPLE DON'T LIKE TO HEAR THE TRUTH. THEY WANT TO HEAR "I WILL GIVE YOU THIS AND THAT" THEN ITS TIME TO PAY THE PIPER AS YOUR TAXES GET HIGHER AND HIGHER.

VOTE ON OCTOBER 16TH FOR JIM OGONOWSKI!
Replies:
Subject: Dracut Betrays one of its Own


Author:
Dracuteer
[Edit]
Date Posted: 11:01 10/14/07 Sun
I was SHOCKED and SICKENED when I saw the photo of present and former elected officals of Dracut standing and endorsing Niki Tsongas! What has she ever done for the town of Dracut? The Ogonowski family has supported and attended Dracut events and she has not attended any.
They have attended the opening of the library, the police station, the opening of the fire station in East Fire, and the numerous Veterans ceremonies.
What a slap in the face for the family.
Replies:
Subject: Car 54... Where are You?


Author:
going in circles
[Edit]
Date Posted: 20:08 10/15/07 Mon
How long before we have a police department website available to our town? All it ever says is that it is under construction. Even directions to the police station still say Lakeview Ave though it has been long gone from there. So much for finding help in a hurry! Someone should take a look at Pelham's police website and maybe learn a thing or two about how they value their residents and community.
Replies:
Subject: Catholics uniting to end the war,Jungle Jimmy disagrees


Author:
Wekend Catholic
[Edit]
Date Posted: 23:14 10/14/07 Sun
Hay Jungle Jimmy, go to church much? Your Catholic faith is mobilizing against the war you support. Go to catholicunited.org and find out your a radical right winger totally out of step wit your families catholic faith. I a guess your military training wins out over God and family values!

You played soilder so long you believe might is right. Not social,moral,or faith. Your a phoney soilder and sorry role model for a man! All you neocon/republicans are anti family anti God and anti constitution.
Replies:
Subject: TV analyst denies bias in coverage of 5th District race


Author:
Kopy Kitten
[Edit]
Date Posted: 17:25 10/14/07 Sun
(published in, Boston Globe, 10-13-07)

WBZ-TV analyst Jon Keller disclosed that his son works for Fifth District candidate Jim Ogonowski

By Eric Moskowitz
Globe Staff

With a competitive congressional race in progress, WBZ-TV political analyst Jon Keller has covered the Fifth District special election for the nightly news, gone one on one with the candidates for "Keller @ Large" interviews, and dissected the race for WBZ radio.

But until this week, Keller never disclosed to his broadcast audience that his son, Barney, works as the campaign spokesman for the Republican candidate, Jim Ogonowski.

Keller said he used his WBZ website blog to disclose his family connection to Ogonowski's campaign in June, after discussing how to handle the situation with the station's news director. He said he has not given preferential treatment to the Ogonowski campaign because of the tie.

After inquiries from the Globe, Keller mentioned his son's role with the Ogonowski campaign at the end of a Thursday night segment about a WBZ/Survey USA poll that showed Ogonowski trailing Democrat Niki Tsongas by nine percentage points heading into the final weekend.

Several journalism professors told the Globe that Keller appeared to have lapsed in not disclosing his son's role each time he discussed the race and that he should have considered staying out of coverage of the race altogether.

"That's impermissible," said Todd Gitlin, a professor of journalism at Columbia University. He called it "a matter of elementary disclosure, to take the time to explain that one is connected."

Lou Ureneck, chairman of the journalism department at Boston University, agreed. Avoiding the appearance of conflict or potential conflict is as important as avoiding actual conflict or bias, he said, "because it goes to the credibility of the news organization."

"Without passing judgment on whether this is a real or perceived conflict, in either case it should be disclosed," Ureneck said.

Jeff Kiernan, WBZ's new news director, agreed with the decision made by Keller and former news director Jennifer Street, who left the station in August, that web disclosure would be enough.

"Jon Keller's credibility and reputation for comprehensive and thorough political analysis is second to none, and Jon has previously disclosed that his son works for Ogonowski," Kiernan, who was traveling, said through a WBZ spokeswoman this week.

As public spokesman for the Ogonowski campaign, Barney Keller, 22, has been paid $1,500 by the campaign every two weeks, according to Ogonowski's public disclosure filings.

Ogonowski campaign manager Dustin Olson said he considered Jon Keller's coverage of the race to be fair. "Frankly, I don't think I would want to ever be asked questions by him," Olson said.

Barney Keller said he wanted to focus on the race, not his family. "This election isn't about me," he said. "This is about Jim Ogonowski."

Jon Keller told the Globe Thursday that his coverage speaks for itself and that he had avoided dealing directly with his son when contacting the Ogonowski campaign. "I challenge anyone to point to anything in my coverage that's even remotely identifiable as bias or unfairness," Keller said. "You know, if people believe in guilt by association, there isn't too much I can do about it, other than what I've done. I know my employers are satisfied."

Dan Kennedy, who teaches journalism at Northeastern University, said he advised Keller in June that the father-son relationship was less problematic than a spousal connection to a campaign. A former Boston Phoenix media critic who befriended Keller when Keller was the political writer for the Phoenix in the early 1990s, Kennedy said conflict and the appearance of conflict are not "one size fits all" situations.

"I think some degree of disclosure would be appropriate, but I don't think he has to go around with a sandwich board that says 'My kid works for Jim Ogonowski' all the time," he said.

Several professors said it was important to deal with apparent or potential conflict, as well as actual bias. "And in a case where you're commenting and a close relative's working for a candidate, you have difficulty in both areas," said Bryce Nelson, a journalism professor who has taught ethics courses at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication.

Keller said he was unfamiliar with the academic distinction between bias and apparent or possible bias. "I guess I missed a class that day," he said.

Hours after the Globe contacted Keller on Thursday, he took a similarly light approach to the matter when he disclosed the issue at the end of his segment on the Tsongas-Ogonowski matchup that aired during the 11 p.m. news.

"I'll be glad when it's over for a personal reason," Keller said on the air. "My grown son, Barney, has been on the staff of the Ogonowski campaign. I've barely seen him over the summer. Barney, I love ya, I miss ya, please come home. Your mother has a casserole she wants to lay on you."
Replies:
Subject: Cathoclics United want over ride of children health care veto


Author:
father
[Edit]
Date Posted: 23:07 10/14/07 Sun
A pro life group,catholics united are sending radio messages to pro life republicans to vote to over ride Bushs veto. Catholic united believe this bill is pro family and pro life,that all children should have free health care .
Jimmy organowsiehas refused to take a stand on this issue.
Niki agress with Catholic United on this issue.
You don't have to believe me go to catholic united ,org and see for your self.
Hay Jim arn't you a good catholic? Or a better radical republican? Jimy you can run away but you can't hide.
Subject: Tsongas supporters have to seriously question why Ogonowski is well within striking distance of an upset victory


Author:
Kopy Kitten
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:58 10/14/07 Sun
(published in, Lowell Sun, The Column, 10-14-07)

Tsongas has money, solid lead, but still ...

A Sun staff report

TWO DAYS from now, 5th District voters will have chosen their next congressperson.

According to a WBZ poll, Democrat Niki Tsongas headed into this weekend with a nine-point lead, roughly the same advantage she held a month ago over Republican Jim Ogonowski.

This comes after Tsongas outspent Ogonowski by more than 3 to 1 -- shelling out $1 million-plus to less than $300,000 for Ogonowski. She has brought in former President Bill Clinton, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Edward Kennedy to energize her Democratic base.

Add to that support from outside groups like Emily's List, the Service Employees International Union and the state Democratic Party, which have pumped in hundreds of thousands of dollars to advertise on TV, radio and in the mail for Tsongas.

Yet, Ogonowski's still within striking distance.

The Dracut farmer and retired military officer has to be feeling good today about hanging close to Tsongas, despite negligible support from the state or national Republican Party in areas where he needs it most -- money and advertising.

In the case of an upset Tuesday, Tsongas will undoubtedly be shaking her head wondering how it all went wrong.

# # # # # # # # # # # #

OGONOWSKI HAS refused to answer a basic question: If elected, will you vote to sustain the president's veto of the State Children's Health Insurance Program?

If he was looking to change the subject, Ogonowski was handed that opportunity on a silver platter by former U.S. Rep. Chester Atkins.

Atkins stuck his foot in his mouth Thursday when he told an Associated Press reporter that Ogonowski's anti-illegal immigrant rhetoric borders on "racism."

Atkins backs Tsongas. He evoked the memory of Ogonowski's late brother, John Ogonowski, who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, saying Jim Ogonowski was tarnishing his brother's legacy. John Ogonowski opened his Dracut farm to Cambodian immigrant farmers, a legacy Jim has continued.

Ogonowski called a press conference on Friday where, flanked by his family, he called Atkins comments "dirty" and "sleazy," representing politics in "its worst form."

Tsongas immediately distanced herself from Atkins. She telephoned Ogonowski and John Ogonowski's widow, Peg Ogonowski, to say that Atkins does not speak for her campaign, and that she strongly disagrees with his sentiments.

Ogonowski smartly used the episode to his advantage. He said the attacks on him and his family speak volumes about how desperate the Democrats are to keep the 5th District seat.
Replies:
Subject: Dracut Pop Warner


Author:
anonymous
[Edit]
Date Posted: 23:22 09/10/07 Mon
As a long term resident of Dracut, I am saddend to hear that there may be a possibility the kids may not have a lighted football field to play on, as like everyone else I pay my taxes to live in this town, sadly the people who live near the field are if conflict with the lights going up.

The kids of this town who support and give this town it's reputation and sacrifice their time and effort give more than any-one can speak of, these kids are being robbed of more than football, such as, scholarships, love of the sport they play,and mostly, I have one question to the residence that are not in favor of appropriate lighting and the field they play on, will you be responsiable when the kids quit and parents give up because of the little room they have on the field, will you be more satisfied when the crime level increases and the kids have nothing to do with their time, and kids with wonderful talent are never founded because of your decision.

I hope you can open your minds and heart, knowing of what you not only took from the kids, I'm speaking for all the kids with a dream, to play college football or better yet, pro football, nothing is ever to far out of reach, and that's what caring- great parenting skills is all about, watching their kids self esteem rise to the top and continue their dreams and help them aim high.

Can we not handle two nights a week for one hour maybe two, look around at Billerica, Tyngsboro, etc.. this would never become an issue and hopefully it doesnt have to be in Dracut. The parents will stand their and receive answers ,the parents will ask the selectmen why would anyone take their field away, and share a smaller field with the other teams practicing on something so small that their colliding into one another.

Parents are very interested to see who they will be voting for when the time arrives! bad news travels fast!

It's for the kids so I would think cafefully where this remains a very delicate situation.

It's a shame just a few to five families and whoever is involved can spoil all this wonderful effort and time the coaches and parents put into the fundraising, being introduced to one another, and the wonderful coaches who sacrifice their weekdays and weekends for the kids of Dracut, we come toghther as a town should, and this could be dismissed by some residences who live near a field, did they think there would be no noise, come on be real, why is this a problem!

What I don't understand it is two days a week for one hour, come on people rethink what you are doing, these kids are the future generation your talking about, we need you to understand.

Please again, rethink everyone not in favor, these kids need a shot, do it at least for their future and the fact their not hanging around on the streets, maybe in front of your houses or on your street, I don't know about you, I much rather have them on the field, safe and out of any potential trouble.

Please keep in mind I am one of the dozens of families along with the coaches standing out front, making sure there are no drop offs or kids standing around, the police don't need to be involved, I think we have controlled that very well.

Keep in mind the one's you are hurting are the kids, do you have kids who once played or grandkids whom you were involved in their sports at one time, how much did it mean to them if you have?

Rethink thats all we ask, is this necessary? I don't feel so. We have been all curtious to your concerns! Thank You!
Replies:
Subject: BREAKING NEWS: Four School Superintendent finalists have been named


Author:
Kopy Kitten
[Edit]
Date Posted: 21:44 10/09/07 Tue
(posted on, LowellSun.com, 10-9-07)

DRACUT -- The names of four finalsts for school superintendent were released on Tuesday morning. They are:

* Mark LaRoach of South Paris, Me., superintendent, Winthrop, Me., public schools.

* W. Spencer Mullin of Chelmsford, principal, Daniel L. Joyce Middle School, Woburn.

* Anthony Polito of Athol, superintendent, Athol-Royalston public schools.

* Roseli Weiss of Medfield, curriculum director, Southbridge public schools.

For more on this story, see Wednesday's Sun.
Replies:
Subject: Ogonowski never learned – You should always judge politicians by the company they keep


Author:
Nostradamus
[Edit]
Date Posted: 13:58 10/01/07 Mon
Let me see if I’ve got this straight, Jim Ogonowski literally could’ve had just about any Republican bigwig publicly appear and speak at any of his campaign fund-raisers, if he really wanted it.

Newt Gingrich, Rudy Guiliani, John McCain, Mitt Romney, Bill Weld, Paul Cellucci, or even President George W. Bush or his lovely wife, Laura, would’ve been more than willing to travel up to the 5th District, speak on Ogonowski’s behalf to raise a few bucks and, hopefully, gain another Congressional seat this year in their respective party’s favor.

Heck, on the Democratic front, Niki Tsongas had former President Bill Clinton speak at her fund-raiser yesterday afternoon, she managed to raise a ton of dough as a result, and now it’s all systems go till the October 16th election.

So who do you suppose Ogonowski retains as the “Keynote Speakers” at his 50th Birthday Party/Campaign Fund-raiser yesterday at Dracut’s Harmony Hall? Why none other than that self-proclaimed, “Dynamic Duo” from the now-defunct local access TV show, Weekly Round Table, Warren “Barnyard Animal” Shaw and Michael “Chapter 11" Maguire.

File Under: Look what the cat just dragged in

To quote the famous line from that late, great comedian Nipsy Russell, "When you a ‘has-been', just think of where you has been!" Just listening to Shaw and Maguire speak at a function like that was truly worth the $100 per person admission fee. Both Shaw and Maguire were asked to talk about something that they felt they were “experts” at, which they appropriately did:

Shaw titled his speech, “The Need to Revert Back to Stronger, Wholesome Family Values in America Today”, while Maguire’s lecture was called, “The Many Advantages to Filing Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in Order to Shirk Off Paying Your Creditors What You Rightfully Owe Them.”

Fascinating stuff, I’m sure. I honestly wanted to go to that gala event, but unfortunately, I didn’t have $100 to blow. I tried calling my good buddy, Frank Gorman to see if he’d lend me the money for old time’s sake, but I seemed to have misplaced his phone number in my Rolodex.

I’m sure it was a “gay old time” for all those who attended – especially with Pee Wee Herman prancing around there taking everybody’s picture with his little digital camera. Speaking of which, did anybody catch Mike Maguire’s ugly puss on Pee Wee Herman’s website? What do you suppose our affable School Food Service Director does these days to stay in such fantastic shape? Maguire, who I admit I haven’t seen in quite a while, looks like he’s eight-and-a-half months pregnant and is about to give birth to triplets.

I only have one question for Jim Ogonowski:

In light of some of the stupid and arrogant statements he made to the media on your behalf during the Primaries, on having Shaw & Maguire as “Keynote Speakers” at your campaign fund-raiser yesterday – Was that YOUR brilliant idea, Jim, or was it that of your wonderful campaign manager, Barney “Do You Know Who My Daddy Is” Keller? I just can’t help but wonder.
Replies:
Subject: "porky Pig " Dishonors Greater Lowell's Franco America's


Author:
Franc Oh' & Proud!!!!
[Edit]
Date Posted: 12:49 10/08/07 Mon
This edition of Greater Lowell's free communiity paper,has Lowell Sun's employee and Dracut resident "Porky Pig" Shaunassy making ethnically hateful untrue statements of a Great international author Jack Kerouce. Some experts have stated prehaps the greatest American author ever!

The Lowell Sun's employee has showen his hatered for other ethnic American with exception given to his Irish Americans.
This proagandist shows same hatred as his other country men on that Fox phoney news station you know the man desr reader
Bill O'Riely, "porky pig or the Lowell sun has never taken
these racists on!!!!!
Sentor McCarthy was a favorite of poltical hacks in Greater Boston's Irish American community, during early fifties,when he was using Congress to ruin the lives of Great patriotic Americans. His anti-semitism was only matched by Fathry Couhlin's hateful radio broadcast,again cheered by Irish American politicians!!!! Facist Father Coulign even made fun of President Roosevelot calling him a "Jewish de formed cripple!!!!!

"porky Pig" Shaunassy and the Lowell Sun EDitorial Staff owe a public appoligy to realatives of Jack K. and all members of the Franco American community!!!!!!
This apoligy should be made in both the regular Lowell Sun and the week end free Greater lowell community newspaper.

"barn yard animal" Shaw made fun of Jack and praised "porky pigs attacks! we expect this from this uneducated moron,and his days on the Late Maurice Cohn's W.C.A,P. radio station will take care of him and his b*tch "Pee Wee Herman" Ars".

"porky pig" remember only 172 days before St.Patricks day!!!
I'll have my ORANGE FLAG FLYING!!!!!!
Replies:
Subject: '07 Dracut After Dark BLEEP of the Year


Author:
P.O.W. (Pal of Warren)
[Edit]
Date Posted: 09:21 10/09/07 Tue
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Replies:
Subject: Within a week till the 5th District election, Ogonowski closes the gap on Tsongas


Author:
Kopy Kitten
[Edit]
Date Posted: 08:18 10/12/07 Fri
(posted on, SurveyUSA.com)

Asked of 457 likely voters
Margin of Sampling Error for this question = ± 4.7%

If the special election for U.S. House of Representatives were today, and you were standing in the voting booth right now, who would you vote for? Republican Jim Ogonowski? Democrat Niki Tsongas? Independent Kurt Hayes? Independent Patrick Murphy? Or Constitution Party candidate Kevin Thompson?

51% Tsongas (D)
42% Ogonowski (R)
4% Murphy (I)
2% Hayes (I)
0% Thompson (C)
1% Undecided

Filtering: 800 adults from Massachusetts 5th Congressional District were interviewed 10/08/07 through 10/10/07. Of them, 728 were registered to vote. Of them, 457 identified themselves as certain to vote on Tuesday 10/16/07, and were included in this survey.

Independents & Moderates Break In Opposite Directions as MA5 Special Congressional Election Nears:

5 Days till polls open in the Special Election for U.S. House of Representatives in Massachusetts' 5th Congressional District, Democrat Niki Tsongas cannot shake Republican challenger Jim Ogonowski, according to this poll of 457 likely voters conducted exclusively for WBZ-TV Boston.

Tsongas leads by 9 points today, effectively unchanged from a SurveyUSA WBZ tracking poll released 09/11/07, when she led by 10. But there is movement under the surface. Among self-identified Independent voters, who make-up 39% of the electorate in SurveyUSA's turnout model, Ogonowski's advantage has grown from 7 points on 09/11 to 13 points today.

The more Independents who turn out on Tuesday, the better Ogonowski does. Among self-described Moderates -- a group that often moves in harmony with Independent voters, but not in this contest -- Tsongas has gained 15 points. Conservatives are locked-in on Ogonowski; he leads by 71 points there. Liberals are locked-in on Tsongas; she leads by 76 points there.

The Gender Gap has grown since SurveyUSA's last poll. Ogonowski today leads by 18 points among men. Tsongas leads by 37 points among women. Gender Gap had been 45 points, now 55 points. Among the oldest voters, there is movement to Tsongas.

Because this is a special election, with no statewide offices on the ballot, and few comparable elections to model, turnout is difficult to forecast.

To the extent voters wish to communicate how miserably unhappy they are with anyone and everyone in elected office, Ogonowski may be the vehicle they choose to deliver that message. To the extent that the more powerful theme is that voters are unhappy with the Republican White House, Tsongas should win comfortably in a district where just 18% of likely voters identify themselves as Republicans.
Replies:
Subject: Tsongas for Congress


Author:
The Lowell Sun endorses Niki Tsongas to represent the 5th Congressional District.
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:48 10/11/07 Thu
Our district, state and nation are facing tremendous challenges in the months and years ahead. We need good-paying jobs, more funding for college, a better health-care system, and are fighting a vicious and costly war on terrorism.

Many residents are struggling to pay their bills and are rightfully worried about what lies ahead. They are looking to America's leaders to make decisions that will result in a brighter future for themselves, their children and the nation.

Much focus has been placed on the names of two of the candidates vying to replace Marty Meehan in representing the 5th District in Congress -- Democrat Niki Tsongas of Lowell and Republican Jim Ogonowski of Dracut. Both have compelling histories.

Tsongas is the widow of Paul Tsongas, a former senator who also held this same seat in Congress. She started the first all-female law practice in Lowell and serves as a dean at Middlesex Community College.

Ogonowski is the brother of John Ogonowski, who was killed when terrorists crashed his plane into the World Trade Center on Sept. 11. He served 28 years in the military and works as a hay farmer. But it requires more than name recognition and an interesting background to become an effective member of Congress. It takes an understanding of how politics works, a determination to work diligently for constituents, and an ability and willingness to make difficult decisions.

Based on her experience, dedication and deep understanding of the 5th District as a whole, we think voters should support Niki Tsongas on Oct. 16. She has the knowledge and familiarity to hit the ground running. Her learning curve will be lessened by the years she spent navigating the Washington political scene alongside her husband.

We were pleased to see Tsongas didn't hesitate to state her position on President Bush's recent veto of the State Children's Health Insurance Program expansion bill. She is a strong advocate of the expansion, which would permit more children to receive health insurance, and would vote to override Bush's veto.

Ogonowski said he supports SCHIP, but has repeatedly refused to say whether he would support the veto or vote to override. Instead he calls it a bad bill and says he would work to expand the program. Unfortunately, that doesn't tell us what he would do on Oct. 18 when the override vote is scheduled to come before Congress. We find his lack of candor on this issue troubling.

On some issues, such as the war in Iraq, The Sun's stance is often more in line with Ogonowski's position than Tsongas', but we believe Tsongas has exhibited a willingness to listen to divergent opinions, seek compromises and find consensus. We find her willingness to change the partisan bickering in Washington refreshing.

Tsongas has often stressed her pride in America's soldiers and is determined that our troops receive the care they deserve.

Massachusetts hasn't had a woman in Congress since Margaret Heckler, a Republican who served from 1967-1982. And the 5th District, considered to be the most diverse district in the state, hasn't sent a woman to Congress since Edith Nourse Rogers, who served from 1925-1960.

While gender isn't a primary factor in deciding who to send to Congress, it wouldn't hurt to have a slightly different perspective represented there.

Whoever wins the 5th District seat will be a neophyte in our nation's Capitol and will face re-election next year. That person must be able to get off to an effective start, armed with a Rolodex of resourceful contacts who can continue to build upon former Congressman Meehan's legacy of fighting for the 5th District's interests.

The Sun is pleased to endorse Niki Tsongas to represent the 5th Congressional District.
Replies:
Subject: Housing Director Mary Karabatsos ought to be thrown behind bars for Extortion


Author:
Nostradamus
[Edit]
Date Posted: 08:26 10/10/07 Wed
Now let me see if I got this straight – the majority (three) of the Dracut Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners passed over four already established and qualified Executive Directors, who were all more than willing to come to Dracut -- so they could hire an UNQUALIFIED, politically-entrenched individual, who answered most of her technical questions in the televised interview of finalists,

“I don’t know but I can learn.”

So now this woman in question, Mary Karabatsos, the former “family self-sufficiency director” (whatever the heck that’s supposed to be) of the Lowell Housing Authority, is DEMANDING a 3-year contract with more than $70K per year, $4500 of which is for educational courses so she can, “become qualified”. In addition to that, Karabatsos is asking for a 3 percent annual raise on top of that.

To illustrate just how utterly insane and ridiculous Karabatsos’ contract “demands” are, her predecessor, Joe Tully Jr., was annually grossing about $62K prior to suffering a stroke – and he had 21 years experience as a Dracut Housing Director. Unqualified Karabatsos is asking for about $10K more per year than Tully got. One of the qualified finalists, I believe from Salisbury, said in his televised interview that he was willing to become Dracut’s Housing Director for about $60K per year.

Historically, most newly-hired Housing Directors in Massachusetts start off with a one-year contract, Karabatsos is DEMANDING a three-year deal to become the Housing Director in Dracut.

The absolute epitome of insanity – having to pay this fraud $4500 per year for educational courses to “become qualified” for this particular position. At 47 years old and 24 years experience as an “employee” with the Lowell Housing Authority, if Ms. Karabatsos had any inclinations of advancing herself in a public housing career, why hasn’t she done anything to remedy her situation prior to now? Lastly, exactly what educational courses does Ms. Karabatsos feels she needs to “become qualified” as a Housing Director?

As utterly insane and ridiculous Karabatsos’ demands appear to be, the same three Housing Commissioners who voted last month for this woman to run the Dracut Housing Authority, will more than likely overrule Chairman Ken Martin at the next monthly board meeting, scheduled this Monday, and proceed to give her everything she’s asking for in this greedy and outrageous contract. My sources have informed me that a few Lowell politicians, as well as a local radio talk show host, are literally shoving Ms. Karabatsos down our proverbial throats.

Is DHA now offering Education Reimbursement to ALL its employees?

If the secretary or office manager at the DHA wanted to take computer or accounting courses to enhance themselves professionally, are they entitled to tuition reimbursement from the DHA? What about a DHA maintenance man like Brian Martin – if he wanted to take a course in Heating & Air Conditioning to enhance himself, should he be entitled to full financial reimbursement from the DHA?

I can understand setting up a system like this for teachers or nurses since they are required to constantly maintain their professional certifications via successfully completing college courses – but public housing employees??? I don’t think so.

Justifiably, Ms. Karabatsos should be offered a contract of several thousand less per year than what Tully was making. From that $50K or so per year contract, let her initiate her own outside educational courses to “become qualified” as a Dracut Housing Director. If Karabatsos finds this offer totally unacceptable, I’d say let her walk and try to land something better.

Compare & contrast appointments: Andrew Graham vs. Mary Karabatsos

Remember back in ‘92 when Andrew Graham, who just months earlier was an elected School Committee member, and then was appointed as our new school Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds? What made this appointment especially outrageous back then was the fact that since Graham had a “college degree”, he managed to start at the exact same salary as his predecessor, who had nearly 30 years on that job when he retired.

So despite the fact that Graham, who just months earlier was an elected School Committee member alongside some of the members who actually voted for his appointment, had absolutely no previous experience in building maintenance or grounds maintenance, but still started at the exact salary as his predecessor because he had a “college degree”.

Needless to say, the individual School Committee members who voted back then to appoint Graham as the school’s Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds were never reelected or elected back to the School Committee – I wonder why?

As outrageous as the Graham appointment was 15 years ago, this Karabatsos appointment is much worse. At least the former Superintendent, as well as the School Committee, were familiar with Graham – we actually know little-to-nothing about what Karabatsos is like.

As unqualified department heads, Graham started out with the exact same annual salary as his predecessor while Karabatsos is demanding about $10K more than her predecessor. Graham never asked for tuition reimbursement to “become qualified” on his job, Karabatsos is DEMANDING $4500 per year for her educational expenses.

All the pay & benefits without hardly any of the responsibilities

When I first heard that Karabatsos was named a finalist, I played the devil’s advocate, so to speak, and stated in an earlier posting that the one advantage to hiring her as Dracut’s Housing Director over her already established competition, was offering her about $10K less per year than Tully’s salary since she had no experience in this position. This Monday at the public monthly board meeting, when the Commissioners offer her a contract, she’ll probably, in all likelihood, be offered about $10K MORE than what Tully was grossing.

But unlike the School Committee with Superintendent Elaine Espindle or the Selectmen with Town Manager Dennis Piendak, can the Housing Commissioners justifiably do an Annual Evaluation of Karabatsos’ job performance when they knowingly hired her as unqualified?

So according to Federal and State housing guidelines, Karabatsos could be screwing up royally on maintaining the DHA’s day-to-day operation, even 3-4 years from now, and the Commissioners could rationalize her utter incompetence as, “learning the ropes.” Unless, of course, these three Commissioners who are supporting Karabatsos’ appointment ASS-U-ME that people like the secretary and Chairman Ken Martin are going to “help out” at the DHA and basically do her job for her.

How will State Ethics Commission view Karabatsos’ latest contract demands?

Let’s see if I got this straight – unqualified Mary Karabatsos is allegedly being shoved down our proverbial throats by certain Lowell politicians, along with a local radio talk show host, to be Dracut’s next Housing Director.

Dracut After Dark was tipped off, via one of our sources, that according to a letter dated October 2, from Stephen P. Fauteux, Enforcement Division Chief of the State Ethics Commission, an ethics probe on the Dracut Housing Director appointment process was taking place. This source is claiming they personally e-mailed the Lowell Sun of this situation over a week ago, yet nothing was ever published about it.

Somehow I doubt if the Mary Gail Martin ethics investigation – which this same local radio talk show host was literally shouting from the rooftops over her friend being hired as a Dracut teacher – had to wait even a week before that situation was published in The Sun.

I can only assume, ladies and gentlemen, that The Sun is squelching this story, probably as a special favor to the Lowell politicians and this local radio talk show host, at least until Karabatsos is “officially” under contract with the DHA – then it’ll be like pulling teeth to try to get rid of her.

I’m fully aware that the State Ethics Commission maintains strict confidentiality on disseminating information about its investigations to the public, however, I think a simple phone call to Mr. Fauteux, the Commission’s Enforcement Division Chief could, at least, confirm that an investigation is indeed taking place on the recent Dracut Housing Director’s appointment process.

It would appear that the Lowell Sun’s editors, columnists, and reporters are even more “political” than our elected and appointed politicians.

Another point that was never mention here is, what about a possible lawsuit from any of the unsuccessful finalists for this Housing Director’s job? This newspaper ad, specifically stated that the DHA wanted an experienced and certified Housing Director to fill this position. So who does it wind up hiring? A lady who has absolutely no experience as a Housing Director. Sounds to me that this is a major lawsuit from a ticked off finalist(s) just waiting to happen – regardless of what the State Ethics Commission determines in its investigation.

More on this exciting story as it unfolds.
Replies:
Subject: This is the #1 reason Dracut Pop Warner is all messed up


Author:
Warren S.
[Edit]
Date Posted: 12:32 10/09/07 Tue
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Replies:
Subject: The Top Ten Things Jim Ogonowski Doesn’t Want You to Know About His Candidacy


Author:
Tsongas for Congress
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:24 10/03/07 Wed
LOWELL,MA – September 29, 2007 – Republican candidate Jim Ogonowski is trying to convince
people that he’s something he’s not. He’s running away from his Republican roots as fast as he can
because he knows how out of step his party’s priorities are with the priorities of voters in the Fifth
District.

The top ten things Republican Jim Ogonowski doesn’t want you to know about his candidacy:

1. His position on the Iraq war is in lock step with President George Bush and hefavors keeping the
troops in Iraq indefinitely.

2. He is a card-carrying graduate of the National Republican Campaign Committee’s candidate
training school prominently featuring Karl Rove.

3. Using tactics learned directly from top GOP operatives, his principal strategy is to distort the
record instead of proposing any solutions.

4. He opposes a bill that would expand a successful program providing health care coverage for kids
—standing with George Bush when every member of Congress in New England, including
Republican Christopher Shays—supports the legislation

5. His “non partisan, non politician” base of support includes donations from former Governors
Cellucci and Swift, members of the Romney family, Republican Lt. Governor nominee Reed
Hillman, and a $2,500 contribution from the Main Street Republican PAC, a Washington-based
Republican political action committee.

6. He supports the Bush tax cuts which have given nearly one-third of the benefits to the wealthiest
one percent of Americans – people earning more than $450,000 per-year.

7. He’s said that Marty Meehan’s greatest achievement was “leaving office so a conservative
Republican can fill his seat.” [Lowell Sun, 8/31/07]

8. He says he’s “nonpartisan” but when “pressed to come up with one Democratic idea he could
support, Ogonowski had no answer.” [Boston Globe, 9/27/07]

9. When asked about what he would do about the tragic situation many families in this District are facing as their homes are being put up for foreclosure, an issue that has dominated the news for several months, he said, “he would need to know more about it, adding, ‘I have no good answer on that right now.’” [Beacon in Action, 9/28/07]

10. He has the wrong priorities for the Fifth Congressional District.
Replies:
Subject: Want a Democrat -


Author:
You want to pay more taxes????
[Edit]
Date Posted: 06:39 10/10/07 Wed
Didn't he endorce Niki? If you vote for her - she will also find ways of spending our money.

From New England Cable News:
ov. Patrick Proposes $2 Billion Higher Ed Bill
(AP) BOSTON Gov. Deval Patrick, hoping to revitalize the state's public colleges and universities, will file a 10-year, $2 billion higher education spending bill Wednesday.

The bond bill, which relies on borrowed money, includes new building or renovation projects at each of the state community and state college campuses and the University of Massachusetts.

Patrick said the hefty price tag is needed to put the state's higher education system on a par with the rest of the country and the world.

"If we ask our students to put forth their best effort to succeed then we must be willing to invest in the tools to help them -- their laboratories, their classrooms and their libraries," Patrick said.
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Subject: UML debate


Author:
richardhowe.com
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:31 10/10/07 Wed
Written on 9 October 2007 by DickH


Here are my impressions of tonight’s UML debate:

Looking at the stage from left to right you saw Patrick Murphy, Kevin Thompson, Jim Ogonowski, Kurt Hayes and Niki Tsongas, each behind a separate podium. This randomly selected ordering of candidates worked against Ogonowski. One of his central themes, repeated often, was “Congress is the problem. Both parties stink. Send me, a regular, practical guy to Washington and I’ll start straightening things out.” Problem was, the government-hating Constitution Party candidate Thompson preceded Jim and he had pretty much the same message. When your answers to serious debate questions start sounding like reruns of those just uttered by Thompson, who resembled a Saturday Night Live cast member doing a skit lampooning a Congressional candidate more than he did an actual Congressional candidate, you have a problem.

When Patrick Murphy spoke, I thought I was listening to an audio book of the greatest speeches of Robert F. Kennedy. That’s not only because he was using the same words for I do believe he was also imitating Kennedy’s voice. I spent more effort trying to place the unusual accent/speech cadence he was using than paying attention to what he was saying and that’s too bad, because I think he said some very important stuff.

Niki’s opening statement began with a direct rebuttal to recent Ogonowski attacks. She forcefully said that she does not support raising the retirement age for social security, she does not support amnesty for illegal immigrants. She does support a firm timetable for withdrawing our troops from Iraq. She then brought up the SCHIP veto override vote that the newest Member of Congress will have to cast within 48 hours of being elected. She said SCHIP was a rare example of bipartisan cooperation on Capitol Hill and that it would provide much needed health insurance to 200000 kids in Massachusetts alone. She then stated she would vote to override the President’s veto. When she said this, you could almost feel the gaze of most of those in the room pivoting to Ogonowski and silently asking “will he finally tell us how he will vote on this?” We didn’t have to wait long.

The Sun’s Matt Murphy asked the question of Ogonowski that was on the mind of everyone: “How will you vote on the SCHIP veto override on October 19?” Ogonowski again would not answer the question, diverting to his standard critique of the bill that it would allow some illegal immigrants to get health insurance. Ogonowski then said “You only give me two choices (to override the veto or to uphold it) and I think there’s a third way – I’ll work for a better bill.” To this, an obviously exasperated Murphy asked “So will you abstain from the vote?” Ogonowski wouldn’t answer that question either.

Tsongas followed this by saying “The reality is that you have to vote on this bill and I will vote to override the veto.” Ogonowski’s ideological soul mate Thompson then turned on him, saying “Jim, for someone who claims to be an outsider, you sure have mastered the Washington two-step – I will vote for it before I vote against it.” When Kevin Thompson ridicules your position and everyone agrees with him, you’ve got problems.

When WBZ reporter Carl Stevens asked Niki Tsongas to clarify her position on illegal immigrants, she said she wants “to toughen border security and to hold employers accountable,” but that those measures will only address the problem into the future. We still have to deal with the 12 million folks who are already here. To do that, she supports “an earned path to citizenship” that would include payment of back taxes, learning English and several other requirements. In his rebuttal, Ogonowski forcefully said “the pathway to citizenship my opponent advocates is just another name for amnesty.” I thought this was pretty effective until Jim’s closing statement in which he said he supported a “pathway to citizenship.” I guess when Niki says “pathway to citizenship” it means amnesty but when Jim uses “pathway to citizenship” it doesn’t mean amnesty. Unfortunately, time ran out before Kevin Thompson could help us understand this.
Replies:
Subject: Unqualified Karabatsos is pushing for 3-year contract in annual $70K range


Author:
Kopy Kitten
[Edit]
Date Posted: 08:24 10/06/07 Sat
(Published in, Lowell Sun, 10-6-07. Nicknames inserted for added emphasis.)

New housing chief faces contract snag

By Dennis Shaughnessey
dshaughnessey@lowellsun.com

DRACUT -- Mary Karabatsos (a.k.a. Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary) is hoping to begin her tenure as Dracut Housing Authority director on Oct. 15, but now finds herself bogged down in contract negotiations with Commission Chairman Kenneth Martin, The Sun has learned.

Karabatsos, who was appointed on Sept. 17, is seeking a three-year contract with a salary in the $70,000 range.

Martin, whom the commission authorized to negotiate the contract, is said to be balking at the contract proposal, which includes an additional $4,500 to cover the cost of educational courses associated with the job and five weeks of vacation. She is also requesting an annual 3 percent raise. Karabatsos, who was among five finalists for the job, was the only one who had not previously held an executive director's position.

Her predecessor, Joe Tully Jr., was making $62,000 when he stepped down from the job after 21 years. Karabatsos, a 24-year employee at the Lowell Housing Authority, earns $63,000 as the LHA's family self-sufficiency director. Reached for comment, Karabatsos said only that negotiations are continuing and she hopes to begin in Dracut on Oct. 15.

"Beyond that, I've been advised that contracts negotiations are confidential, so that's all I'll say," she said.

Under state Department of Housing and Community Development guidelines, one-year contracts are extended to newly hired executive directors.

Controversy has surrounded Karabatsos' appointment from the outset. In July, Commissioner James “O’Hara” Gookin filed an injunction in Lowell Superior Court trying to stop the search process. In August, Gookin, along with Commissioners Thomas “Stone Face” Salem and Robert “Go Along to Get Along” Audet, held an unauthorized meeting to remove Martin as chairman of the commission.

After the search committee recommended four finalists for the job, “O’Hara” Gookin added Karabatsos' name to the list at the 11th hour. She was chosen on a 3-to-2 vote over Robert Mazzone, housing director in Amesbury and Merrimac. Martin and Commissioner Gerard Suprenant threw their support behind Mazzone. Gookin, Salem and Audet voted for Karabatsos.

The commission will meet on Oct. 15 to vote on the contract. “Stone Face” Salem said he would probably support Karabatsos' salary request, but would have to wait for a determination from the state's fee consultant.

"Mr. Martin's approach has been negative from the beginning, so I'm not surprised that he would be giving her a hard time," "Stone Face" Salem said. "I'm waiting to hear what the state has to say and I'll follow that direction."

Martin could not be reached for comment.
Replies:
Subject: What are the Republicans thinking about????


Author:
WHY??
[Edit]
Date Posted: 12:54 10/09/07 Tue
The recent political add for Jimmy is his decessed brothers widow Peggy,talking about 911 and clips are showing while she speaks. What is the message that their trying to convey? Fear of another attack? Feeling of sorrow for Jimmy's tragic loss? The Republicans seem to believe that the former Mayer and Jimmy can get elected by
exploiting this American tragedy for their own personnal
political gains.

Reason not fear should drive this public service office. We know only to well how many innocent families and communities were and still are affected by is horrible sneak attack! This is not the Jim Orgonowski,show that they keep playing and replaying. This is a tagedy committed on thousands of innocent Americans that day.
For Jim and his sister in-law to use this tragedy for their own personnal gain is shamful! News!!!!! Whole young families,lost their lives on those flights!!!!
Babies in mothers arms!!!!!! Fathers who's dreams where wiped out! Not just Jimmy boys tragadey.
What is the message "vote for me" I'm in emotional PAIN?

Or "Can't you see"?!??!! You are not safe!!!!!!!!! You need my steady steel hand to save you!!! Is that the republican message???????
Fear replacing logic and reason. This is the Republican play book!! Jimmy isn't the author nor is his sister in-law they are only pawns is this game. Pawns for bigger ideology that has failed,with national republican party.

If 911 has a chance to use again to scare the people than who better to give the message than the widow and brother of one of the more visible victims?
Carl Rove and the rest of the right wing radicals are looking at this stratgy here in Dracut,if it works here in Massachusetts,than Rudy will play it even more!!!!!

Peggy and Jimmy's,message is not new,those photo's were used to justify invasion and occupation of a non cambative country Iraq. Those 911 pictures were are being used to justify torture of innocent Iraqi men woman and children.

Those photos of 911 are being and have been used by republicans to crush our civil rights!!!!
Those picturs of 911 are bing used for republican's to wiretape innocent citizens,without court order!
Peggy Jim you people have payed a awful price on 911,however the people of the United States and Iraq are paying a higher price!!!!!
There are no t.v.'s to record their massacure!!!!! There is no government/community to honor their liives!!!!!!!!!

We feel sorrow for your lost, but explain again what your qualifications are, for Congress??????????

Remember the Alamo!!! Undocumated in Dracut
Subject: MY GUY


Author:
I THINKS.....
[Edit]
Date Posted: 19:10 10/07/07 Sun
I ain't sure if I am for Ogy or Tsongas. Ya see I have a sign at my house. Actually my girlfriend lives there. I have the sign (Ogy's) facing Ogy's sister in laws house. I ain't sure so I put the sign facing her house. If cars come by they can't read it unless they turn their heads and look in my driveway cause its on the side of the lawn. I ain't sure. I know there are signs that are sideways so that in either direction of the car they can see the words "Ogonowski for Congress" - but I ain't sure. I think I'll be voting for Tsongas but make believe I am for Ogy.
Replies:
Subject: Daigle sets record straight on elected officials who exploit town’s health insurance


Author:
Kopy Kitten
[Edit]
Date Posted: 08:37 09/29/07 Sat
(published in, Lowell Sun, Letter to the Editor, 9-29-07)

Some still willing to serve without pay, benefits

After reading a Sun article on the town of Chelmsford appointing a committee to study employee benefits, I, along with the co-host of our local access cable TV show, Inside Dracut Politics, decided to attend the next meeting.

We, in reading The Sun's article, saw what seemed to be erroneous statements made by one selectman regarding the right to the town's health plan if one were receiving a stipend. He also seemed to infer the town should petition its town representatives at the Statehouse to file a Home Rule petition to absolve the town from providing this perk.

A number of Chelmsford board members were present and were interviewed by this committee regarding their thoughts on being provided with the option of health benefits, for those receiving stipends. What we heard made us jealous of Chelmsford's ability to draw people to serve in elective and appointed position for little stipend and who were willing to forgo health benefits in order to serve their community. Amazing! It would seem the "givers" still care, however, the "takers” are obviously making their move.

When mention was made that Mass. General Law 32B Section 2 gave the town's "appropriate public authority" (the Board of Selectmen) by virtue of the following sentence, "that persons elected by popular vote may be considered eligible employees during the entire term for which they are elected" and for part-timers, "such persons require no less than 20 hours per week regularly," they, the appropriate public authority, have the right to set a policy of no coverage for these two categories.

We were advised by the chairman that the "may be" had been amended in 1999 to "shall." I have checked several sources and was advised that this was not so. If I misinterpreted his answer or if he still feels his statement was correct, I would appreciate his sending me a copy of the amendment (my address is in the book)

Four years ago, in making my own analyses of employee perks in Greater Lowell communities, I was advised by Chelmsford that the town did provide health coverage to its elected officials, but only if asked and only while they were in office. This agreed with provisions of MGL 32B and therefore was not questioned. Part-timers were not provided coverage.

Pandora's Box, once opened, can cause untold miseries.

I congratulate those willing to give something back to their communities by being willing to serve. For those who wish to serve only for monetary gain, they should think again about seeking public office.

Please don't fall for that old and tired cliché, "you get what you pay for." Is this why, today, we have the best politicians mo