The Valley Patriot August, 2015 (Edition #142) Dispatcher Targeted with Fake Story
Flip page PDF viewer of the August, 2015 Valley Patriot PDF OF THE AUGUST, 2015 VALLEY PATRIOT AVAILABLE ON KINDLE!!
Council Actions by Incumbent Compelled Me to Run for Methuen’s West District
By: Ken Willette – August, 2015 I have enjoyed living in Methuen for most of my life. As a former City Councilor at Large and School Committee Member, I have been honored to serve the interests of Methuen residents to the best of my ability. Now as the father of two young children attending the […]
Shenanigans in Salisbury ~ Violating the Open Meeting Law and the First Amendment
Last month while watching the Salisbury Selectmen meeting, I noticed how openly and blatantly they violate their own policies for public participation at their meetings. I also noticed how they rudely talk over members of the public and try to silence those who have something to say that the selectmen would rather conceal. They call public […]
From North Andover to London My Year Abroad
By: Vipsania Pimentel – August, 2015 While most of my classmates were getting ready to enter the real working world after our college graduation, I was packing a suitcase, and getting ready to move thousands of miles across the Atlantic Ocean. After studying abroad in Florence, Italy as an undergraduate, I never imagined that I […]
As O’Brien Exits the New Hampshire Political Stage, an Intimate Reflection on his Legacy
By: DJ Bettencourt – August, 2015 The announced retirement last month of former New Hampshire House Speaker Bill O’Brien is certain to set off reflections and reactions from across the political spectrum as the legislative session winds down next year. To his liberal critics, the departure of their favorite boogeyman is bittersweet. While they were […]
This Year’s Lowell City Council Race Just Got Exciting!
By: John MacDonald – August, 2015 Little did anyone suspect that the vote to hire a new Superintendent of Schools in Lowell would have such a profound effect on this year’s City Council race? Several months ago the match was lit, on what has become political dynamite. A divided Lowell School Committee had a choice […]
Dr. Gomer Turns Eyesore in Lawrence Into Jewel of the Neighborhood
After a year of construction work, Dr. Gomer finally announced the opening of his new location for Mount Vernon Dental Solutions. The new dental office was built in place of an old Julie and Wendy’s convenience store that was abandoned for a long time. Last month, Lawrence officials attended a ribbon cutting at Mount Vernon […]
Teacher Speaks Out on Poor Treatment in Lawrence Schools
By: Amy Berard – August, 2015 I am one of the 59 Lawrence teachers whose contract was not renewed this year. Recently, on June 11, you reported on this. I would like to share with you and possibly your readers my experience teaching within the Lawrence Public School District. I have taught in Lawrence at […]
SHENANIGANS! ~ Paying Attention with Tom Duggan
Last month the Massachusetts Legislature delayed a scheduled vote on a public records reform bill after getting pressure from the very politicians who will have to pay the price for concealing such public documents. The Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) initially opposed the public records reform bill, but after realizing there was too much momentum in […]
Lawrence Mayor Rivera Opposes Sanctuary Cities, But Will Not Veto Council’s Decision
Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera said Wednesday that even though he opposes making Lawrence a sanctuary city, he will not veto the city council’s vote Tuesday to stop criminal illegal aliens from being deported when arrested by Lawrence Police. Rivera said in a long statement (below) that vetoing the council’s decision will only drag out the process of an […]
Despite Media Reports, Lawrence 911 Dispatcher is not Suspended for Hanging up on Spanish Speaking Callers
FULL INTERVIEW WITH IKE GABRIEL OF THE SEIU (Produced by Zach Murhpy) Explosive new details have come to light revealing that media reports about a 911 call taker in Lawrence, whose “job is on the line” over hanging up on Spanish-speaking callers… is false. CBS news and other outlets reported this week that “A 911 […]
Rep. DiZoglio to File Bill Exempting Active Duty Military from Excise Tax
State Representative Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen) says she believes those who put their lives on the line for our country in the United States military should not have to pay excise taxes. DiZoglio said on Thursday that under her proposed legislation active duty members of the military would be exempted from motor vehicle excise taxes while serving. […]
Governor Should Direct Opioid Abuse Policy
By: Joe D’Amore – July, 2015 Our state is reeling from spiraling crises in opioid addiction and the newest statistics confirm the need for a coordinated policy response from the Governor’s office. The state Department of Public Health revealed the depth of the crises by reporting 1,008 overdose deaths in 2014 which compares drastically to […]
MCAD to Hear Corruption and Whistle-blower Case Against Salisbury Town Manager Neil Harrington
By: Tom Duggan, July 31, 2015 The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) has granted a hearing to former members of the Salisbury Board of Health, after Town Manager Harrington fired the entire board for trying to expose corruption, conflicts of interest, fraud, “apparent government waste” and retaliation against them as “whistleblowers”. The suit was filed […]
Rep. DiZoglio Secures Additional Funding for Merrimack Valley Opioid Abuse Prevention Collaborative
Included in this year’s 2016 State Budget is an amendment, sponsored by State Representative Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen), for $25,000 toward the Lawrence-Methuen Community Coalition (LMCC)’s recently formed Merrimack Valley Opioid Abuse Prevention Collaborative. The LMCC is a resident-based coalition focused on the prevention of substance abuse, child abuse and domestic violence through the establishment of […]