Live Blog: 11/10/2009

7:37 p.m. A late start after a long meeting with school committee prior. Here we go.

7:38: Eddy asks to go back to issues with National Grid. He asks Mayor Lukes to schedule a representative from National Grid to attend a Council meeting to answer councilor’s questions regarding the company’s timeline for city work.

7:42: Haller thanks the committee for providing an in-depth energy efficiency and conservation program quarterly report. She asks when a task force will be formed. A representative says she hopes by the end of December.

7:48: A lot of talk between Councilor Smith and City Manager Mike O’Brien about reducing our carbon footprint. The manager says the paybacks and savings for implementing wind and solar energy sources “aren’t as robust” and will look towards government aid to help fund such projects.

7:51: Residents stands to speak about tree replanting.

7:54: She says they’ve been “told untruths from the beginning” when the Asian Longhorned Beetle first hit her area. “I feel like you’re forcing many loyal residents out of Worcester.” She says all they want is their trees replaced, and it doesn’t seem right that they have to fight for this basic thing.

7:56: The second resident stands with photos showing before and after shots of his neighborhood showing the amount of trees that have been lost, as well as one photo showing a high level of river water that he claims has never reached that level, and says it is due to the lack of tree canopy.

8:05: Councilor Germain expresses concern about a “monstrous salt pile” on Southbridge Street in an area where there are several auto businesses and the harm a flood would do to the vehicles. He asks the commissioner where the pile came from. The commissioner says it’s a privately owned pile and doesn’t seem to share Germain’s concern of flooding causing salt water destruction to the vehicles.

What’s up for City Council?

Might be post-election let-down, but there doesn’t seem to be a hell of a lot going on at City Council this week.
- Aside from the normal list of petitions and hearings, the council will be addressing a request by the City Manager that DPW provide the City Council with a listing of the cities and towns who have voiced concerns about House Bill 834 and its impacts. This act requires that public water suppliers systematically release water from their reservoirs in order to ensure adequate flows for aquatic life downstream.
-Dr. Roberta Schaefer of the Research Bureau, will be sharing the results of the annual Downtown Worcester Office Occupancy: 2009 Survey.
Check out the full agenda here … City Council Agenda

Clark President moves on

Clark University President John Bassett has announced his future plans once he steps down in July of 2010. In a release put out by Clark, Bassett tells his plan to become President of Heritage University in Yakima, Washington. Acknowledging that he once said the last thing he would do would be to become a president of another college, he now says Heritage University’s uniqueness and “inspiring story” have changed his mind.

Bassett’s move will most likely entail more change that just taller mountains and stronger coffee. In the release, Bassett gives characteristics of the new college that seem to be on the opposite end of the spectrum from Clark. The majority of the students are from low-income families, many who are Latino farm workers, and most of them are first-generation college students.

Bassett ends his letter with sentiment for the Worcester school, writing, “As Kay and I try to make a difference there in the future, we will surely be guided by the values of Clark and by our positive experiences here; and we will always be part of Clark University!”

ELECTION 2009 – LIVE BLOG

Stick with us throughout the day as we live blog today’s election …

10:02 p.m.: O’Brien’s speech is coming to a close. A lot of thank yous and a very optimistic and cooperative tone. He’s ready to work with his rivals and the council, and is ready for action. … The party has started. Salsa music, dancing, Gilrein’s is packed.

9:52 p.m.: At the Hibernian, Kate Toomey hugs and thanks supporters at her post-election party. “We’re fine,” she says, after finishing third in the mayoral race and 2nd in city council. “This was the first time I ran for mayor! I moved up in city council. I have been really blessed and have met so many wonderful people. I look forward to working with Mr. O’Brien.”
Back at Gilrein’s, O’Brien reaches out to Konnie, Kate and “My good friend Emmanuel.” People in the crowd yelling, “That’s right” after his sentences like they were at church.

9:50 p.m.: In District 1, the race is being called for Joff Smith.

9:46 p.m.: O’Brien walks on stage to Van Morrison and the crowd chanting “Joe, Joe, Joe.”
O’Brien: “Today the people of Worcester said it’s time for. Change. Time to get this city moving again.”

9:45 p.m.: Isabel Gonzalez of O’Brien campaign says they called 5,000 people yesterday.

9:42 p.m.: Konnie: “If they liked me as mayor then they’re gonna like me as city councilor.”

9:37 p.m.: At Coney Island, Konnie Lukes’ post-election party. The only one here now is Konnie and son Peter. Looks like the party ended early after defeat.

9:36 p.m.: O’Brien has just walked into his party to cheers and gives Haller a hug. The music is upbeat and people have started dancing. Tim Murray is here, along with a number of state pols.

9:34 p.m.: Rushton on WCRN following his win: Tonight “we turned the page… Have to respect Konnie for 30 years of service to the city” but voters not like her style. Says if he’d run for mayor, O’Brien wouldn’t have run. (O’Brien cleared it with him first.)

9:27 p.m.: Menino wins in Boston. Bet O’Brien’s victory speech is more coherent.

9:24 p.m.: About 200 votes separating Smith and Casello; but voting problem at Assumption. Too close to call.

9:20 p.m.: Haller campaign calling it for Joe O’Brien. The two campaigns were closely aligned, and now are getting ready to party together.

9:15 p.m.: Rosen: Konnie not see the importance of building consensus.
School committee: Tracy Novick and Bianchera in on school comm., Bogigian out.

9:12 p.m.: Frank Raffa gets 292 voters, 16%, respectable for a 24-hour write-in campaign. Speculation is that he ran in case Phil Palmieri doesn’t finish his term to pursue Vinny Pedone’s state rep. seat. Pedone being rumored to run for sheriff.

9:10 p.m.: Lukes in 5th place for city council, barely scraping by. Does this speak to waning popularity?

9:08 p.m.: O’Brien is a definite. City Hall is buzzing with excitement, as talk about Worcester having a new mayor begins to circulate.

9:07 p.m.: The party at Gilrein’s is in full swing. Blues music, all-you-can-eat wings and meat, and a festive atmosphere. Everyone waiting for Joe O’Brien to walk in.

9:06 p.m.: Clancy wins District 3.

8:59 p.m.: District 3 – Clancy 66% to Beshai’s 33.

8:52 p.m.: With 24 of 50 precincts, O’Brien in first with 50 percent, Konnie 27, Toomey 18, and Emmanuel 3. Gary Rosen calls it the “most scientific” campaign ever run, even better than Tim Murray’s.

8:49 p.m.: Joe O’Brien just posted on Facebook: “It’s a win ! Thanks to all who worked so hard.”

8:48 p.m: With 7 of 10 precincts reporting in D4, Haller looks like she’ll take it with 64 percent of votes right now, against Ross’ 36.

8:45 p.m.: District 1 still no numbers in.

8:43 p.m.: Emmanuel is in 11th place for city council at large with 3 percent of votes!

8:42 p.m.: Mary Keefe currently in 6th place for city council at large with 8 percent of vote. Kola Akindele in 8th with 7 percent.

8:41 p.m.: Reports are that Barbara Haller is giving her victory speech at Gilrein’s. “For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Barbara Haller, the present and future District 4 representative!”

8:36 p.m.: O’Brien leading city councilor at large as well, with 15 percent, followed by Toomey with 12.

8:35 p.m.: Joe O’Brien, with 7 of 50 precincts in, ahead of Konnie Lukes by over 20 percent. 50 and 29

8:33 p.m.: Officially right now, 3 out of 10 precints in district 4 reporting, haller is well ahead with 60 percent of the vote.

8:30 p.m.: Source tells us that Joe O’Brien is ahead of Konnie Lukes and it is rumored that Joe Casello is going to beat Joff Smith. Also, it looks like there may be three new City Council members.

8:07 p.m.: City Clerk David Rushford says, “I think it was a smooth day. I don’t think our voter turnout was that great, but we were able to make multiple trips to each precinct, and it was overall a calm day.” In terms of turnout, Rushford says they’ll be getting the results in about 15 minutes, but doesn’t want to guess on it. “From what I observed today,” he says, “I would say in some areas turnout was respectable, but it others it was abysmal.”

8:00 p.m.: Polls are now closed. The candidates can rest easy, it’s out of their hands.

7:48: Nobody at Coney Island yet, where Mayor Lukes will hold her post election party.

7:07pm: With just a little under an hour left before polls close, Konnie Lukes is outside of Temple Emmanuel with supporters and friends.
“I’m feeling very positive,” she says, “and am looking forward to another two years, although it will be a tough two years. But we will get through it.” Lukes will be moving back and forth between Coney Island Hot Dog and City Hall after the polls close. “I’ll be tough to track without a GPS,” she jokes.

7:06p.m: Our guy at O’Brien headquarters says workers have been pounding the phones, getting out voters even at 7 p.m. The script:
“Hi my name is (fill in the blank) on behalf of the O’Brien campaign. Did you manage to get out and vote today? Did you happen to vote for Joe O’Brien? Did your other family members vote as well (caller lists off family members’ names)?” Then they offer a ride to the polls. Very organized.

6:22pm: Barbara Haller is at her headquarters on Main Street. “This is the calm before the storm,” she says. “We’ve been driving around all day and it looks like District 4 is going to hold its numbers from a couple years ago.” Asked if she had any jitters. “Always,” she says. “It’s been a real roller coaster ride this time around.”

6:15pm: Grace Ross, running for District 4 City Councilor, says “I’m all about concrete results, so I don’t have any opinion right now because we don’t know anything yet.” Ross has been phone banking and out knocking on people’s doors to get them to go vote. “The exciting thing tonight is going to be seeing what happens with the Latino vote,” she says. “If there is a big Latino turnout that will put us over the top.” Ross will be at the Crescent Cafe on Canterbury Street tonight.

5:40 p.m. In case you were wondering, here’s the lineup of victory/lick-your-wounds postmortem locations tonight:
- Konnie Lukes, Coney Island
- Joe O’Brien, Gilrein’s
- Kate Toomey, Hibernian Center on Green Street (where we hear the place will be well stocked with pizza)
No word on Emmanuel Tsitsilianos.

5:01: As it starts to drizzle supporters outside the First Unitarian Church on Shore Drive bundle up to stay warm. Joff Smith just left, but over the phone says, “I feel good. We’ve had some great volunteers on this campaign and have had a lot of support.”
Joe Casello just left the church parking lot, but his wife Josephine got him on the phone as well. “He’s out delivering coffee right now,” she says. Once we get Casello on the line, he admits, “I’m nervous, to be honest. I’m like a little boy on Christmas Eve just waiting for Christmas Day. Today has all been a blur, I can’t believe it’s already 5pm.”

4:33 p.m. The blog master is running out to vote. Will be back shortly …

4:27pm: Back at Temple Emmanuel, more sign holders are gathering outside as the sun sets. Growing number of Toomey signs since earlier this afternoon. O’Brien, Petty still greeting voters. Voter traffic flow still weak (people are trickling in).

4:18pm: Tsitsilianos still waving his campaign sign on Chandler and Park. Still alone…

2:57pm: A source tells us that Konnie Lukes is driving voters to and from the polls. Still no confirmation on her exact whereabouts.

2:21pm: Mayoral candidate Kate Toomey is making phone calls and counting numbers at her headquarters on Green Street. “I voted at 7am this morning at Big Y, first voter in,” she says. “I feel great, we’ve done everything we could and we’ve worked hard. As I was outside Temple Emanuel earlier there were so many people honking and giving us the thumbs up, saying ‘you’re in’.”

1:51pm: Back at Temple Emanuel. The voting demographer here is slightly skewed. Three people just walked in with canes.

1:20pm: Mayoral candidate Emmanuel Tsitslianos holds up a campaign sign at the corner of Chandler and Park by himself. Says Tsitsilianos “I feel great! Absolutely. I mean look at these people (pointing to cars driving by),” but not before criticizing Worcester Mag and the T&G for their coverage of him.

1:02pm: Still waiting on Kate Toomey to make an appearance. Polling clerks says O’Brien and Lukes have both been here today, but no Toomey or Tsitsilianos.

12:50 p.m. School Committee candidate Tracy Novick has sported the color yellow at the majority of her appearances in the past months. Today, outside of polling center Temple Emmanuel, husband Colin Novick showed support by wearing a yellow scarf, yellow t-shirt, and held a stick with four yellow NOVICK campaign signs. If elected, will Worcester go to yellow uniforms for students?

12:40pm: Steady stream of voters coming in and out Temple Emmanuel. Mostly senior citizens. Joe O’Brien, Joe Petty picketing outside, among others. Says O’Brien “I feel great, a little under the weather today but I feel great.”

Joe Petty says “I’m feeling good. You can’t help but be a little nervous about what’s going to happen though.”

Blog Log Digital 11/3/2009

Posted  by “jeffvalois” on www.twitter.com

As a Sox fan, I don’t even think I can enjoy the “You do steroids” chant as much as I used to.

Posted by “Train Rider” on trainstopping.blogspot.com

This morning’s commute had to be in the top 10 worst of all time. I knew we were in trouble when I got to the Grafton train station and after paying my parking fee, noticed there weren’t a lot of people on the platform. I took that as a sign of ominous things to come … and I was right, because then the automated sign said that the p504 had been cancelled and all other trains were operating about 10-15 minutes behind schedule. The interesting thing, Commuter Alerts on the MBTA website said something completely different, that the delays were upwards of 30 minutes. When the p508 finally arrived at about 7:30, it was pushing another train ahead of it. We traveled quite slowly through Westborough and Southborough, then spent about 20 minutes at the Southborough stop due to mechanical issues. We crawled along to Boston … luckily, we were still an express, although for some reason the train stopped at Yawkey. We finally arrived at 9:45 this morning … about 1 1/2 hours later than usual. Finally got to work around 10:00. Thank goodness my manager understands about the delays! I talked to colleagues at work and they had similar issues on the Fitchburg line as well … apparently the tracks were icy this morning and the trains had problems braking. Not a banner day on the rails.

Governor Patrick Announces $352 Million in Cuts Across State Government

Governor Deval Patrick was in Worcester today, speaking to a gathering of local business leaders to discuss his plans to close the $600 million mid-year budget gap. His idea? Governor Patrick said he is going to make $277 million in cuts across Executive Branch agencies, and is also seeking expanded 9C authority to make $75 million in cuts to non-executive branch agencies.

Governor Patrick was also keen on addressing the programs and investments that he would like to preserve and maintain, including $16 million for Universal Pre-Kindergarten and Head Start programs and $10 million for Department of Mental Health Club Houses to serve the mentally ill, just to name a few.

To view a list of the reductions follow the link below.

<http://www.mass.gov/bb/gaa/fy2010/>

Live blog: City Council 10/27/2009

7:16: Mayor Lukes starts the meeting with a moment of silence to recognize City Council reporter’s Nick Kotsopoulos’s loss of his father.

7:21: Gary Rosen proposes the Philadelphia Plan. He tells the council how the city 300 miles to our south came up with this plan that worked well for them. It brought in businesses by offering a 10 year abatement. He asks the manager to look at the Philadelphia Plan and show Worcester how it can help our city as well.

7:34: Paul Clancy has Rosen’s back. He says “the Philadelphia Plan could be a good plan” to bring businesses into Worcester. He notes the plan originally was made to improve and bring in residential properties, but asks the City Manager to look into laws that would allow Worcester to implement a similar plan.

7:26: Rick Rushton says “we’ve been on a slow train to nowhere” since 1984 when Worcester went to a duel tax rate, and says looking at the Philadelphia plan is the first step towards lowering taxes to our business owners, something we’ve needed to do for a long time now. He hopes this is one of many ideas that can be talked about, and possibly used in our own city.

7:29: Kate Toomey creates a new word: “Worcesterdelphia”. Maybe there should be Worcester City Council Dictionary for times like this.

7:32: Barbara Haller says there is progress being made with College Hill, and is hopeful that students who live there in off-campus housing and other residents will live next to each other comfortably and peacefully. She notes that the students are a large part of our city, and do many wonderful things.  We need to make sure we don’t forget that as we enforce policy to keep open container, and such things under control.

Konnie responds …

Konnie Lukes has responded to the Coalition for Worcester Retirees demand that she release information about where her family has registered its cars since 1999 following a T&G column that revealed her husband, Jim, had two cars registered in Chatham. Lukes says the Coalition has launched a “smear campaign” against her family. Her response in a press release that just came in to Worcester Mag:
“My car has been registered in the city of Worcester, and I pay the excise tax on my car to the City of Worcester. The Worcester Treasurer’s office has assured me today that their records indicate I have done so since at least 1999. Whatever the members of my immediate and/or extended family do is their business, and certainly not an issue in this campaign or any other. The personal, private decisions of my immediate and extended family have no impact on how I have served or how I will serve as Mayor, and they have no impact on how other candidates might serve as Mayor.
“I am the candidate on the ballot for Mayor, not my relatives. My payments of taxes, fees, and surcharges are all up to date and complete according to the Treasurer’s office.”
“This is obviously intended as a distraction from real issues and, unfortunately, the leaders of the Coalition for Worcester Retirees are willing to sink to the lowest levels of attack, by attempting to drag my family members into their campaign against me. I led the charge for health insurance reform, saving the taxpayers millions of dollars, instead of submitting to the Coalition’s demands to increase their own benefits.”
Lukes went on to say she will provide the press with copies of the records that she received from the City Treasurer’s office confirming her vehicle registration and excise tax history.
“Unfortunately, this kind of retaliation is what you get when you stand up to special interest groups, which is why most politicians are afraid to do it.”
She described the Coalition’s move as “angry mob antics” and “thuggery.”

The release concludes:
Mayor Lukes further noted that she has, in the past, supported orders to enforce the rule that city residents register their vehicles in Worcester. She still supports this rule and has demanded that, if any member of her own family has not complied with it, they do so immediately.

Blog Log Digital 10/27/2009

Posted by “Jim Gonyea” on www.notestoleicester.blogspot.com

The Boston Globe has a snippet about a push by the Republican senators in the State Senate. It appears that the five Republican senators are pushing a bill to require schools to teach about the proper care of the United State flag. I guess this means that all of our problems in Massachusetts have been solved and we can now focus on the flag. I’m glad that the unemployment rate in Massachusetts is no longer 9.3 percent. No, wait the Massachusetts unemployment rate is 9.3 percent. Okay, well I’m glad that this means that Massachusetts doesn’t have a budget problem right now. Oh, right, the state has a $300 million budget deficit and the Governor is suggesting a need to cut 2,000 state jobs. Well, I guess trying to come up with solutions to the state budget deficit and trying to find a way to stimulate the economy and put more Massachusetts citizens to work is hard to do. I suppose turning your back on that effort to focus on forcing public schools to teach about flag etiquette makes a lot of sense. After all if you have no good ideas on how to fix the major problems it’s easier to show to the voters that you’ve made progress on something that isn’t even a problem. Is there any wonder why there are only five Republicans in the State Senate?

Posted by “Claudia Snell” on www.cmsnell.blogspot.com

Summer really is over. The baby swans in Institute park have grown up. You can barely tell they are babies anymore. Except for a few brown feathers they look just like their parents. One of them is even nasty like his dad (I’m guessing ‘he’ by his size). The dad has left the pond as he usually does. Mom and the babies will be gone soon too. The parents did a great job – of the six babies, four have made it.

Coalition: Fess up, Konnie

The Coalition of Worcester Retirees is asking Konnie Lukes “to publicly disclose where all the vehicles owned by the Lukes family have been registered since 1999 by 5 p.m. tomorrow. If Konnie Lukes refuses to disclose the complete and accurate excise history by 5 p.m. we will be asking her directly before the City Council meeting at 7 p.m.” This, on the heels of a Clive McFarland column that Lukes’ husband, Jim, registers two cars in Yarmouth and doesn’t pay Worcester excise taxes or insurance rates. The coalition, which has sparred with Lukes over Section 19, notes that in 2007 Lukes voted for two separate orders asking the city manager to investigate why excise tax revenue had decreased significantly despite population growth.