Tom Duggan's Notebook - October 2008 - The Valley Patriot

10/08/08

Tom Duggan's Notebook

Lawrence - Lantigua Barely squeaks by Devers

The bitter rivalry between former Lawrence Mayor Marcos Devers and State Representative Willie Lantigua has been going on for at least five years and, as time goes on, Devers seems to slowly but surely gain more and more support in the community. Last month, Lantigua was elected to his third term at the State House defeating Devers by 342 votes (Lantigua 2,089 to Devers 1,747 votes). Lantigua told the Valley Patriot that he was happy with the win but wished that he had won by a larger margin, saying that Devers’ high numbers were no surprise. “When you say the same lies over and over, eventually some people are going to believe it,” Lantigua said bitterly. Lantigua noted that Devers had supported spending state money for illegal aliens to receive legal aid lawyers and refused to disclose it to his Anglo constituents. “But it doesn’t matter if you win by one vote or one million votes,” Lantigua added. “You still get a win next to your name and that always feels good!” While Lantigua has no opposition in the November final election, he now has two years to try and win back some of the support he has lost in the last four years. For his part, Devers mounted a Herculean effort to unseat Lantigua and was the only candidate in the race to advertise or campaign in English language media. With rumors swirling around Devers possible run for mayor next year the smart political move would be to back another candidate, build a base of support in the district, raise some money and then ride the wave of continued displeasure with Lantigua to challenge him in 2010.

Lawrence – Speaking of the Lantigua race … here’s loyalty for you!

Lawrence City Councilor Grisel Silva, has been a longtime enemy of State Representative Willie Lantigua and has publicly attacked him for at least the last four years. She has also been considered a “good friend” and supporter of Marcos Devers in the last two elections where Devers has challenged Lantigua for his legislative seat in Boston. But on election night this year, shortly after Lantigua was announced the winner over Devers, Silva showed no shame when she actually showed up at Lantigua’s victory party at Bali’s on Essex Street (my favorite place to get Dominican food). Silva congratulated Lantigua when he entered the room as if she had been his long time friend and stayed for the festivities as Lantigua and his supporters celebrated his close win over Devers. I’m not sure what happened to make Silva betray her “good friend” Marcos Devers, but if I was Willy Lantigua I would be very careful not to get too close to Silva as she obviously has no loyalty and is not not above throwing her “friends” under the bus when it suits her.

Methuen - Campbell Wins – Leone drops out, DiBella viable next year

First term Methuen State Representative Linda Dean Campbell defeated Chris DiBella by 496 votes (Campbell 2,478 to DiBella 1,982). Campbell said that her win sent a “clear message” that Methuen voters do not respond to negative campaigning and care more about the issues. Campbell lost only one precinct to DiBella (precinct. 3) by a margin of 197 to 189. But anyone who thinks that Chris DiBella is finished in politics because this represents his third loss in Methuen politics would be dead wrong and here’s why. DiBella is not only an attorney who is plugged in politically in Methuen but he worked ferociously on his last two campaigns building a clear base of support and showed a deep understanding of the issues. He is young, good looking, has a young family and didn’t do anything monumentally damaging to his reputation during the last election. He also showed he can do the one thing that actually does win elections ... raise lots of money and pay his bills on time. Make no mistake about it, the people of Methuen may very well see Dibella’s name on the ballot next year and with the experience of this state race behind him, will be better equipped to handle himself when the municipal races open up in the spring. One thing for sure, Chris DiBella shows no signs of going away and anyone who thinks his recent loss is a nail in his political coffin would be seriously underestimating what could be a viable candidate for mayor or city council in 2009. As for Campbell, her win last month all but assures her a job for life in the legislature if she wants it. The people of Methuen have spoken clearly and what they said was that they like Linda Campbell where she is. As you all know, more than 90% of all incumbents get reelected in any race and with two consecutive wins under her belt at the state level Campbell can now relax a little and concentrate on doing the business of the taxpayers of Massachusetts.

Congressional Race - Tribune reports Congressman John Tierney has no opposition in November ... his opponent is not amused

The Eagle Tribune reported last month, in an article entitled “Tierney switches vote on $700Billion bailout”, that Congressmen Tierney and Tsongas are unopposed in the November final election. “Lowell Democrat Niki Tsongas remained supportive of the bill. Neither she nor Tierney have opponents in next month’s election.” The only problem is that Congressional candidate Rich Baker who IS opposing John Tierney next month said he is not amused and told the Valley Patriot today that the Tribune “should know better” especially given the fact that he met with the editorial board of the Eagle Tribune just ten days ago. Baker called The Tribune gaffe “pathetic reporting” just 30 days before the election. The article was written by none other than Bill Kirk, one of the reporters who wrote the bogus “Monarch on the Merrimack” story in Lawrence last September and whose wife is the mayor of Gloucester. Baker has railed against the $700 billion bailout for Wall Street since the day a proposed bailout was announced, Congressman Tierney voted against it before eventually voting for it. Anyone want to guess who the Tribune is planning on endorsing in November??

Lawrence - Tower Hill 20th Anniversary Celebration

Join the Tower Hill Neighborhood Association as they celebrate their 20th Anniversary on Friday October 17, 2008 with a Fall Dinner Buffet at the “French” Social Naturalization Club (across from Walgreens), 120 Broadway, Lawrence at 7:00 p.m. Hors d’ oeuvres, Dinner, Dessert, Raffles, Prizes, Music and more. A donation of $20 per person is requested. Tables of eight may be reserved in advance. For tickets, additional information, or to make a donation, contact THNA President, Keith Wlodyka, 603-548-9929 (cell), e-mail: towerhillman@hotmail.com or THNA Vice President, Dan Clark at 978-902-0595.

Georgetown – Wine tasting!

I LOVE wine tasting, (actually I hate wine tasting but really hot women like it so I have to pretend). This fall, make sure you check out the Georgetown Liquors Annual, Fall Grand Wine Tasting event on Saturday, Oct 18th, from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., and the event is free! Georgetown Liquors is located at 103 East Main St. in Georgetown, you can call them at (978) 352-2091

National - 9-11 conspiracy whackos

Being a magnetfor conspiracy nuts and psychologically ill people is something that comes with the territory of running a newspaper or radio program, and in the last four-plus years we have certainly attracted our share of crazies. But, lately it seems we’ve become the focus of wacky 9-11 conspiracy nuts who focus their hatred and psychological obsessions on The Valley Patriot because their own mental problems are somehow challenged (or maybe highlighted) by our columnists continually reminding people about the war on terror and the imminent threat America faces at the hands of self proclaimed Islamic terrorists. Terrorists who took credit for 9-11 on the one hand yet also blame the US and the Jews on the other creating quite the double edged sword for the terrorists and their supporters here in America. What is most amusing is, whenever I get an email from one of these poor damaged souls I always ask the same question: Does it bother you that you share the same foreign policy views as Osama Bin-Laden, Hamas, Al Qaeda in Iraq, and the rest of the terrorist world? From their refusal to answer the question, it is obvious that the answer is “no”. Then, these 9-11crazies go on and on about other issues, using anti-Semitic code words like “Neo-con” following the same script, using the same talking points and reciting the same language as every other Anti-American lefty who has emailed me previously on this same topic. It never stops being funny when these sad and lonely miscreants are so desperate to validate their fantasies about how the evil Jews and the US government caused the 9-11 attacks, that they so predictably use what is called transference in the world of psychology. By that I mean that, while they are defending Nazi-like Islamic terrorists who are trying to use force and terror to strip the world of free speech and freedom of religion, they in turn accuse those who fight the Nazi/Islamic terrorists as Nazis themselves. Freud would be proud ... as for me... I’m just amused.

Newburyport - Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society to Hold Rabies & Microchipping Clinic

Ensure the health and safety of your pets by attending the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society’s (MRFRS) Rabies & Microchipping Clinic. Costs are $5 for rabies vaccination and $30 for Home Again microchip (including registration). All dogs must be leashed and cats must be in carriers. Three-year rabies vaccinations will be given with proof of current vaccination status. The event is sponsored by the City of Newburyport, MRFRS, and the Newburyport Veterinary Clinic. Please call MRFRS at 978-462-0760 or visit www.mrfrs.org for more information. When: Saturday, October 18th, 2008 – Noon to 3 p.m. at the Newburyport Department of Public Works, 16 Perry Way, Newburyport, MA

Methuen - Police Department open house

On Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008, the Methuen Police Department will be having its annual Open House from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. This is an opportunity for all citizens to see who we are, what the police do and what equipment they use to help them do their job. There will be jet skis, motorcycles, off-road vehicles and other equipment on display. Fingerprint kits with DNA sampling will be available for parents to bring home and use for their children. A crime watch table will be set up where you can get information on home, personal and motor vehicle security, as well as getting your neighborhood signed up to start a Neighborhood Crime Watch. A table will also be set up with Police Dispatchers who can explain all communication’s issues with you. Two K-9 demonstrations will be held. The first will be at 1 p.m. and the second will be at 3 p.m. Continuous tours of the Police Station will be happening all afternoon. McGruff the Crime Dog will be visiting and food will also be available at no cost. Any questions regarding the event may be directed to Lt. Kevin Martin at 978-983-8688 or emailed to kmartin@ci.methuen.ma.us.

Lawrence - Policeman’s Ball

The Lawrence Police Relief Association is holding their annual policeman’s ball in November at the Wyndham Hotel Grand Ballroom in Andover on November 7th at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and $450 per table of ten. Our good friends The B-Street Bombers will be performing and semi-formal attire is encouraged for the event. Anyone interested in attending should contact Sgt. Sandy Picard at 978-794-5900 x636. Help out our friends at the Lawrence Police Relief Association and attend the ball, I will be there for sure!

Haverhill - Recycling Hours Expanded to include Tuesday Nights

Mayor James J. Fiorentini announced that, at his request, the Recycling Center at 500 Primrose Street is now open for additional hours. As of Sept. 2nd, the Center has been opened on Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. In addition, the Recycling Center remains open on both Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.. “I requested additional hours of operation at the Recycling Center because I had heard from some constituents that it was inconvenient not to have later hours,” Mayor Fiorentini said. “With these expanded hours in place, I encourage all residents to do the right thing for our community and our planet and recycle whenever possible,” the Mayor added. The Recycling Center accepts recyclable papers and cardboard stock as well as bottles, cans, glass, aluminum and other recyclable metals.

Haverhill - Church Celebration

St. James Parish of Haverhill, Mass. is planning a 150th Celebration event on Nov. 30th. Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Dinner will be held following Mass at the Atkinson Country Club. Tickets for dinner are available at the Rectory on 6 Cottage Street or after Sunday Masses until November 15th. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. For additional information please call St. James Rectory at 978-372-8537

Newburyport - Job Fair

The ValleyWorks Career Center, the Newburyport Chamber of Commerce, and the Newburyport Office of Economic Development invite you to participate in their 2008 Autumn Job Fair. The Job Fair will be held at the Newburyport Masonic Hall, “The Old Hall,” at 31 Green Street in Downtown Newburyport on Thursday, October 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. Space is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to reserve your space early. The registration fee is $300 which includes the following: * Display table and company signage * A 6 foot table * Space to hang company signage * Lunch will be provided for the Employers * Three hours of unlimited recruiting of some of the most qualified candidates in the area * Listing with corporate logo in the event Exhibitor Directory * Internal and external event promotion via ValleyWorks marketing department ValleyWorks maintains a database of thousands of job seekers in the Merrimack Valley region, so if you need employees with a specific skill set, ValleyWorks can provide you with the qualified candidates you seek. For more information or to register for this upcoming event please contact: Chuck Masaitis - Business Service Representative - ValleyWorks Career Center at 978.722.7008 or email cmasaitis@detma.org.

Methuen - Baddour and Manzi Kiss and Make up

State Senator Steve Baddour and Methuen Mayor Bill Manzi were on the outs (and don’t let anyone tell you any different) over the Linda Campbell, Chris DiBella race for State Representative over the last six months. Baddour, who eagerly supported Campbell two years ago and called her one of the hardest working legislators on Beacon Hill, then pulled his support for Campbell when his “friend” Chris DiBella entered the race. Baddour said at the time that he was not going to support anyone in the legislative race but insiders on both campaigns were completely convinced that Baddour was quietly campaigning for Dibella (at the very least rooting for him on the sidelines) angering Mayor Bill Manzi and his supporters who sided with Campbell. But in politics alliances are never permanent and nothing proved that more than the fact that Manzi and Baddour held a joint fundraiser for State treasurer Tim Cahill at Jackson’s restaurant just a little more than a week after Campbell’s win over DiBella.

State Politics - Speaking of Tim Cahill

Tim Cahill, the State Treasurer for the Commonwealth, has been raising a lot of money lately and insiders close to Cahill say he is gearing up for a run against Deval Patrick in two years (or Tim Murray if Patrick leaves early). Cahill may be a Democrat but he is a conservative Democrat who might even get my support if he runs for the corner office in 2010. Cahill tried to sound the warning bells months before the Wall Street crisis came to light in the media and has been readily accessible to local cities and towns in need of help. Last month he told Methuen officials at a fundraiser that he was working diligently to help Methuen renovate Methuen high school and has been working very closely with Methuen Mayor Bill Manzi on increasing funding for the city. Even though I am a Republican, I can admit to you that Tim Cahill is the only Democrat I have endorsed on the state level in many years. My prediction is that Cahill, barring political scandal, will be a viable candidate for governor in the next state election cycle. So keep your eye on our State Treasurer because you may be seeing a lot more of him over the next few years.

Amesbury – 13th Annual Village of Church Fairs

The 13th annual “Village of Church Fairs” will be celebrated on Saturday, November 8th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Amesbury. Traditional offerings will include crafts, baked goods, holiday decorations, raffles, a variety of foods and of course plenty of fun! Maps and Menus will be available at every church. For more information please contact Linda Reiber at (978) 388-0683.

Haverhill - Sal Lupoli taking over the Valley

According to Haverhill Mayor Jim Fiorentini, Sal Lupoli, owner of Sal’s Pizza, has purchased a waterfront building on Merrimack Street in Haverhill and plans on spending millions to rehab and redevelop the building the way he turned around Sal’s Riverwalk in Lawrence. On a related note, Sal has opened a new Sal’s Pizza on Howe Street in Methuen inside the Howe Street Supprette.

Rumbo– Still lying about the “Billy Bridge”

Well, it really is sad that I have to say this, (as I have been trying really hard not to criticize them lately) but once again the bilingual newspaper Rumbo has&127;mislead their readers and I have to correct the record. For years, Methuen columnist Ellen Bahan has been writing in Rumbo that the foot bridge over the Spickett River behind Hampshire Street (recently dedicated to Frannie Roberge) was a corrupt deal by Mayor Bill Manzi. Bahan’s bogus claim going back to 2001 when she appeared on my radio show has been that the bridge, built with state funds “lands on Bill Manzi’s property”. For the record, Mayor Manzi owns Rostron’s Liquor store on Hampshire Street and having walked the bridge myself I can tell you it clearly does not “land on Bill Manzi’s property”. Now that the bridge has been opened and dedicated Rumbo has pulled a bait and switch on their readers to justify their deceitful attacks on Manzi by writing the following passage in their September 22 editorial:

“This is a story that goes back a few years. Our columnist Ellen Bahan has been writing in her column It’s All About Right(s)! about the bridge landing behind the liquor store owned by Methuen’s Mayor William Manzi. Mayor Manzi went on WCCM radio and complained that Ellen and Rumbo were liars, that there was no such a thing as a bridge being planned over the Spicket Falls.”

Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, I don’t often do this, but I am going to call this an outright lie. Manzi has been denying allegations by Ellen Bahan and Rumbo both of whom were very clear in their accusation that the bridge “landed on his property.” Manzi even brought the construction plans into my radio show to prove it did not “land on his property.” There was NEVER ... EVER a dispute about the bridge being built, or it landing NEAR his property. But, now that the bridge is built and it clearly DOES NOT land on Manzi’s property (as Bahan claimed) she and Rumbo have been caught lying. You only need to go back and read their previous newspapers to see what the actual allegation has been against Manzi all along. The worst part of all this is that Bahan and Rumbo would gain so much credibility if they just came out and said they were wrong. Instead, they now try justifying their lies by spinning the story around. How shameless! Well, we have the audio tapes from my interviews with Ellen Bahan and they clearly prove that her bogus allegation was that the “bridge landed on Manzi’s property.” I will be happy to make them available to anyone who wishes to hear them.&127;&127;