As the year draws to a close I thought it appropriate to highlight some of the highs and lows that took place in Methuen in 2014. IT PRIVATIZATION It took two different councils and three different proposals for the Mayor to finally pass a measure restructuring and privatizing the city’s IT Dept- a move designed […]
“Many times our lives have been threatened by people like those today that are marching. And they shouldn’t. They should be thanking us and thanking Jack who gave his life for this community.” Ret. Woburn Chief Phil Mahoney By: Tom Duggan, December 26, 2014 Emotions still run deep in the City of Woburn, Massachusetts four […]
By: John MacDonald – December, 2014 On November 13, 2014, Congresswoman Tsongas led a hearing on police militarization following protests in Ferguson, Missouri in the House of Representatives. During that hearing she was quoted by the Lowell Sun as saying, “When you saw peaceful protesters being confronted with armored vehicles, having assault weapons pointed at […]
By: State Senator Katy Ives Dec. 2014 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the United States. It disproportionately impacts women and is caused by smoking and poor air quality. It severely impacts quality of life by causing a shortness of breath, which makes it difficult to do the […]
BOSTON, MA — Treasurer-elect Deb Goldberg named the following people to her transition committee today, highlighting their proven-experience, innovative leadership and commitment to public service. “Each of these leaders brings a proven track record along with the creative leadership skills we need to implement our vision for the Treasurer’s office,” said Goldberg. “Together, we will […]
CHANNEL 5 DEBATE – Of all the debates this political season, Channel 5’s debate between Charlie Baker and Martha Coakley was by far the worst. It was so awful and apparently biased that I actually had to go back and watch it twice. It was like a train wreck you can’t look away from. […]
By: Kenneth Willette – November, 2014 I have always deeply valued the honorable service and sacrifices rendered by veterans throughout our beloved nation. These veterans came from vastly different backgrounds, races, ethnicities, economic classes and neighborhoods. However, they always collectively shared the common purpose of duty, honor, and love of our nation. Their remarkable journeys […]
By: DJ Beauregard, Satirist November, 2014 In the days following this year’s elections, former Lawrence Mayor Willie Lantigua has been preparing to take the oath of office as Lawrence’s new State Representative in January. He lost to Marcos Devers by over 400 votes but is looking forward to enacting his agenda on Beacon Hill. “I […]
Applause filled the room as the 2014 LIFE Matters Award recipients were announced. The crowd rose to their feet as Market Basket associates were called to the stage. Each year American Training recognizes companies and individuals in the community who make a difference in the lives of those they touch by putting people first, at […]
By: Cheryl Hajjar – November, 2014 ‘Tis the season for homework. Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy. If you have grade school children, even mentioning the word homework is like dragging your fingernails down a never ending chalkboard. Some days I honestly would rather walk over a 1000 hot coals in my bare feet than suffer the […]
By: DJ Bettencourt – November, 2014 Few presidents upon leaving office have kept a lower profile than George W. Bush. Where other presidents have sought to bolster or define their legacies, Bush has been content to let history pass judgment on his leadership. When pressed for comment, Bush is emphatic: “There’s no need to defend […]
By: Bill Cushing – November, 2014 November is election month, and it made me think of TV shows that dealt with the political arena. There have been quite a few. Commander-In-Chief, Scandal, House of Cards, and on the comedy side, we’ve had Spin City, and Veep, among others. But, in my opinion, the conversation begins […]
By: Paul Murano – November, 2014 Although political conservatives are feeling relief after this month’s election, it should not turn into satisfaction. The American people have not repudiated any party or philosophy on principle; it was rather the Republican’s turn for the pendulum to swing in their direction. This pendulum has continued its back and […]
By: Senator Kathleen O’Connor Ives November, 2014 November 11, Veterans’ Day, a national day of remembrance to honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces during war, was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954. In my first term as State Senator, I am proud to have worked […]
By: Tom Duggan – November, 2014 State Representative Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen) handily defeated Rosemary Smedile (R-North Andover), on Election Day by 1,133 votes. Smedile is Chairman of the North Andover Board of Selectmen and does not come up for re-election until 2016. DiZoglio represents Haverhill, Methuen, North Andover and Lawrence. “I’m just glad it’s all […]