By: Joe D’Amore
Mayor Brian DePeña of Lawrence was recently arrested and charged by the U.S. Justice Department for serious missteps well documented by the publisher of this paper and numerous news outlets. Suffice it to say, the mayor is presumed innocent and is entitled to his day in court.
In a series of public statements, the mayor’s senior adviser, Octavian Spanner, offered this message: “The administration will continue its work without interruption and will remain focused on advancing the mayor’s vision and the priorities established for the City,” he wrote in an email to city employees.
Mr. Spanner commented further in another email titled: “Continuity of City Operations and Commitment to Public Service”: He stated: “The matter involving the mayor concerns allegations relating to his personal affairs and a privately held business. It is important to distinguish this personal matter from the ongoing business of the City of Lawrence. The City’s departments, programs, services, financial operations, contracts, and responsibilities continue to be carried out by the professional employees who serve our residents every day.”
A few days after the charges were filed and conditions imposed on the mayor by the U.S. Justice Department, the Lawrence City Council met. Assurances by Council President Jeovanny Rodriguez and other officials echoed two important points: first, that the mayor’s issues are personal and not related to official city business; and second, that the mayor remains in place to fulfill his official duties.
The official statements and subsequent airing and handling of difficult issues have been exceptionally professional and calming. Clearly the people of Lawrence continue to be well served by its leadership. Additionally, the mayor retains the right to continue serving the city – and in doing so – no discernible negative impacts have materialized.
In an uncertain storm there is remarkable stability throughout the community. This should be recognized and widely publicized.
However, there is a swirl of potential negative consequences that could eventually materialize during an unsettled period before a trial occurs- likely in a few months. In fact, the passage of time can diminish confidence.
One concern is deliberate and continuing community disruption fueled by speculative social media posts and faulty assertions made by some influencers and news commentators. Often, some of these folks have made little to no investment in Lawrence, unlike the mayor and members of the community who have contributed to building it. It is unsettling to view unsubstantiated claims, offensive commentary and even racist remarks that serve no constructive purpose.
Separately, it has been reported that Sarah Perez Marquez, a former supporter of Mayor DePeña, is initiating a recall effort. Ms. Marquez efforts are principled and based in integrity. Her premise is understandable as she may be motivated to prevent perceived consequences to the city.
Perhaps in her view, no better avenues exist.
Yet I have conviction that such a pursuit is necessary only in unusual cases where there are substantial and immediate risks to the welfare of people in a community. Are there such risks facing Lawrence today?
Though over the coming weeks and months, sentiments may intensify for or against the mayor – and in the contact sport known as politics- strife in the community could set in. With human nature being what it is, situations, emotions and consequential actions can quickly spiral.
Money is one of those issues that can become a contested topic of debate not only in Lawrence, but beyond its borders.
The City of Lawrence receives significant support from Massachusetts taxpayers, with some funding —though provided to all communities — are allocated at elevated levels. The city’s bond rating could be affected as well, meaning financial consequences may arise during a period of municipal instability.
Local aid distributions are tracked on the state’s “Cherry Sheet.” These include allocations for public education (Chapter 70), Unrestricted General Government Aid for municipal operations, school related reimbursements, specialized public housing support, and community development grants.
While all communities receive such basic allocations, some for Lawrence are significantly enhanced- such as for school aid- due to low-income enrollment weights and the Student Opportunity Act. Additional supports include Charter School Tuition Reimbursement, offsets for elderly tax exemptions, veterans’ benefits, and PILOT (payments in lieu of taxes) for state owned land.
The city also receives specialized state assistance for public housing, financial housing support, and public library aid.
Lawrence is an exemplary Gateway City and remains on an impressive path toward economic revitalization, workforce development, cultural integration and enrichment, and educational attainment for all children and adult learners. This proud immigrant city with a rich industrial history operates not only through strong local government but also with the support of state resources and a constellation of nonprofit organizations, agencies, and faith-based groups.
There is an extraordinary level of cooperation and goodwill among numerous stakeholders who are mutually supportive and collectively focused on advancing the city.
Yet under the circumstances, Lawrence is now in a delicate balance with the specter of personal issues potentially affecting the mayor and his ability to continue to serve his city. Questions may arise concerning his ability to remain fully engaged during a difficult period of preparing a legal defense.
There is also the potential for waning support outside the city as sentiment may deteriorate. This can lead to consequential public policies that can unravel the essential work accomplished by the mayor and city leadership over many years of dedication and hard work.
The mayor is expected to fulfill his duties despite it being a trying time in his life. However, questions of whether the city should retain substantial statewide financial support or whether the quality and effect of services from the mayor’s office may be negatively affected are preventable. The key is his well informed and unhurried resignation. This of course contrasts sharply with more tenuous outcomes- endorsed by some- such as official votes of no confidence or recalls.
The logical conclusion is that the mayor may consider resigning. Some advantages to him may be the ability to maximize time, resources, and attention to sufficiently prepare for a defense with minimal interruption. This may be beneficial for himself, his family, and the people of Lawrence too. After all, it remains possible that managing a city while simultaneously preparing for a substantial legal case may be exceedingly difficult. Yet, the decision of course rests with him solely to consider his best options.
Essentially, compassionate and reflective bearings should inspire his closest advisors to guide the mayor’s decision making at this critical juncture in the city’s history.
This could lead to healthy civic engagement as well.
With the strength of current city leadership supported by stakeholder partnerships, the people of Lawrence can participate in a process in timely fashion staffing the mayor’s office, initially through charter rules acted on by the City Council, followed by either a special election or a regular one.
Lawrence is strong and will likely remain so during this trying time.
Therefore, continuity is not elusive if thoughtful, sensible steps are embraced openly. For example, selfless continual care by the mayor taking the difficult step to resign – while under adverse personal circumstances- may be added to his considerable legacy.
I am sure that many likeminded people in and beyond Lawrence prefer not to proverbially throw stones – which sadly for some has become the easier path so callously taken.
Rather, there are likely many in the community and throughout the region who advocate exercising thoughtful judgment to lead to the best outcome for all effected.
I hope such a course is ultimately considered by the mayor for his and his family’s wellness, and the people he has led with distinction throughout his public life.
Joe D’Amore writes political commentary from Groveland for Valley Patriot.
He is a naturalized citizen, a proud immigrant and for several years worked with numerous non- profits and faith- based groups to address the issues of marginalized residents in Lawrence.
damorecos@gmail.com ◊