Retired Methuen Police Joe Solomon has pleaded guilty today to: 2 counts — Perjury by Written Affidavit 7 counts — Obtaining Unwarranted Privileges in Violation of the Civil Service Laws 6 counts — Civil Service Law Violations 1 count — Uttering a Forged Document 1 count — Procurement Fraud The charges stem from the illegal […]
Methuen Mayor Dave Beauregard has announced that despite his previous support for FLOCK Cameras with AI, facial recognition and license plate readers, he has “halted the installation of all remaining Flock automated license plate reader cameras and initiated a comprehensive audit of Methuen’s use of the technology.” The mayor’s change of position comes less than […]
State Finally Honors Families Who Also Sacrificed Sometimes government gets something exactly right. In Massachusetts last month Governor Healey signed legislation creating Massachusetts’ new “Blue Star Family” license plate, giving the spouses, parents, children, siblings, and grandchildren of police officers killed in the line of duty a permanent way to honor their loved ones. The […]
By: Lenny Mirra – 8-26 Our state budget includes a $200,000 earmark from State Senator Liz Miranda to a company called Bold Skin Babe Cosmetology Institute, Inc. for “scholarships for low-income students” in the beauty and wellness industry. Sounds like a noble goal, and not a big deal in a $63 billion budget. The […]
By John Cuddy – 8-26 This morning the Valley Patriot had coffee and donuts with Vietnam Veteran, Lawrence resident, and current Commander of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) “Queen City” Chapter 2, Dan Tirone. We met at the DAV Chapter 2 Headquarters on 112A East Haverhill Street in Lawrence, Massachusetts joined by key members […]
By: Essex County Sheriff Coppinger – 8-26 Have you tried finding a plumber lately? If you’ve had a leaking pipe, a broken water heater, or a plumbing emergency, you already know the answer. It can take days or even weeks to get someone to your house. The reality is that Massachusetts has a serious […]
By: State Auditor Diana DiZoglio As my office continues to fight for the 72% of Massachusetts voters who overwhelmingly voted the legislative audit into law, my State Representative Ryan Hamilton recently defended his vote in favor of the House’s so-called transparency bill. I was deeply disappointed to read my own Methuen state representative defend […]
By: Elizabeth Dionne – 8-26 I am Elizabeth Dionne, and I am running for Massachusetts State Treasurer on this November’s statewide ballot. I am a mother, attorney, and educator. As a 10-year local elected official, I earned a reputation as a relentless reformer, laser-focused on common-sense government that is transparent and fiscally responsible. State […]
EXACTLY WHAT DO THE FEDERAL DOCUMENTS ALLEGE AGAINST STATE REP. FRANCISCO PAULINO? A federal grand jury has indicted Massachusetts State Representative Francisco Paulino (D-Methuen) on eleven felony counts: Eight counts of wire fraud and aiding and abetting. Three counts of unlawful monetary transactions, commonly described as money laundering. The indictment alleges that Paulino used false […]
8-27-16 On August 14th Lawrence Mayor Brian DePena was arrested for fraudulent use of COVID money. Initially the federal government charged Lawrence Mayor Brian DePena with two counts of: Wire Fraud Aiding and Abetting (count 1) Unlawful Monetary Transactions Aiding and Abetting (Count 2). Yesterday the federal government added 9 more charges to DePena’s indictment. […]
By: State Rep. Francisco Paulino – 8-26 I have always believed government has one core responsibility: to open doors for people willing to work hard. Not handouts. Not empty promises. Real opportunity. A chance to learn a skill. A chance to earn a steady paycheck. A chance to build a life and stay in the […]
A Valley Landmark, The Olympia represents 75 Years of the American Dream *** A BIT OF GREEK HISTORY For nearly 75 years, the Olympia Restaurant stood at 453 Market Street as the heartbeat of Lowell’s historic Acre neighborhood — the same enclave that drew waves of Greek immigrants seeking a new life around Holy Trinity […]
The Massachusetts Senate passed a wide-ranging economic development bill on July 24th. The package authorizes $575.4 million for housing, small businesses, and emerging industries, along with new consumer protections and $100 million for scientific research at public colleges and universities. Here is what is in the bill and what it means for Methuen and the […]
By: Ken Willette Methuen School Committee I am seriously mounting a write-in campaign to serve as your next State Representative for the 4th Essex District. Having worked 24 years at the Massachusetts State House, I possess the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to best serve the deserving constituents of the District. I will be waging […]
By: Kevin Dube 7-26 The Massachusetts Treasurer is one of the more obscure elected statewide offices. Everyone knows the Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General. These are high profile public facing positions. But the Treasurer doesn’t get as much press. While most people think only of the treasury as where the bills get paid, it […]