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Dracut After Dark
The Best Issues & Information Forum in Dracut

Entering Dracut sign

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Bon jour. Dracut After Dark is a moderated forum (a sounding board or bulletin board) which gives people the opportunity to express their views, ideas, questions, or concerns relative to Dracut Massachusetts and its surrounding area -- a local networking watchdog advocate or blog, if you will.

Any comments which are deemed: vulgar, inappropriate, libelous, slanderous, or in bad taste WILL NOT be posted here. Changing the subject on an already established string is strictly prohibited. Postings which contain specific addresses to other Dracut Internet message boards will also be rejected. Another thing we don't allow here are posts containing specific names and/or street addresses of private citizens, i.e. neighbor disputes. Furthermore, those who guess at pseudonyms will have their postings rejected, as well.

Opinions expressed on Dracut After Dark solely reflect those of the participants, and are not necessarily shared by the management of this message board. Participants post and read messages here on their own Free Will thanks to the First Amendment. We merely discuss issues here – we DO NOT profess to initiate, or even resolve, anything on this message board. If this Internet forum is not to your liking, then please, by all means, feel free to do your websurfing elsewhere.

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_______________________________________________________________________________________

Public Service Announcement

NEW MILLENNIUM SEPERATED/DIVORCED SUPPORT GROUP: Meets every Sunday from 7-9 p.m., at St. Michael’s School, 15 Sixth Street, off Bridge Street (Route 38) in Lowell. New subject matter is addressed every meeting dealing with topics such as: anger, loneliness, surviving Divorce, lawyers, Judges and our Court system, Alimony, Child Support, Child Custody, Visitation Rights, asset/property entitlements, children, finances, forgiveness, acceptance, faith and prayer, moving on, and, planning for your new life. This is a non-profit support group. No fees are required. For further information, please either attend this Sunday’s meeting, or contact Carlos Kilberg @ 978-957-2063 (cck3353@MSN.com).

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Hark the Herald Angels Sing;

Glory to the Newborn King

We, at Dracut After Dark, wish you and yours the Merriest Christmas ever on this very festive Christian holiday. May God bless you abundantly in this yule-tide season, as well as throughout the New Year.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Since Jesus is the Reason for the Season, Please be sure to Keep Christ in Christmas!

_______________________________________________________________________________________

5th Annual Dracut After Dark's Person of the Year Award voting,

Dec. 26-31

Don't complain if YOU don't vote!

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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Dracut After Dark
Subject: Dracut Football Running Wild?


Author:
UpsetAlready
[Edit]
Date Posted: 08:49 06/14/09 Sun
What is the deal with football? First the QB, now ANOTHER "Star" making less than stellar headlines in the Lowell Sun. Doesn't this coach have ANY control? Not to mention my son told me the player with the latest incidents brother told him that the coaches would "take care" of it so his brother would not miss a game next fall? Doesn't this sound like some bad movie, set in the south or some dirty big time college football team? I was told the coach is a police officer and this is how he deals with these incidents? My son is going to be a frosh this year & wants to play but I have my doubts. Now he's talking about some camp the coaches are demanding the kids attend, which I have to pay for on top of the user fee!!!! I spoke to a parent of a soph & was told to "wait until August when the fundraisers start", I guess I'll be asked to shell out more money again. Why are we being forced to pay additional fees for our sons to play football? Just to line the coaches pocket more? The coach should worry more about keeping his players out of the arrest log than milking the parents of this town of their money!
Replies:
Subject: Dumping in the Merrimack River


Author:
Dracut Man
[Edit]
Date Posted: 19:59 06/03/09 Wed
Is it Legal to dump in the river? I remember reading an artical in the Boston Globe on March 17,2009 about Paul Borriello from MVS having to pay $20,000 as part of a big Exxon clean up. There was a quote under a pic of him that read... "I could have dumped it down the drain and not owed anything" And now I see him dumping truckloads of fill into the river, Behing his garage on 500 Merrimack ave. I just want to know is this ok to do? i took my boat back there and there is all kinds of debris on the banking behind his property. What can be done ....
Replies:
Subject: Martin accuses Selectmen of "bullying" housing board into purchasing Louisburg Square


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:22 07/21/09 Tue
(published in, Lowell Sun, 7-21-09)

Sparks fly between Dracut Housing Authority, selectmen over elderly housing plan

By Bridget Scrimenti
bscrimenti@lowellsun.com

DRACUT -- In a confrontational and heated exchange, members of the Dracut Housing Authority and selectmen fought over supporting a senior housing project, after one selectman accused DHA members of being political.

"I'm getting sick and tired of hearing my actions are political," said Housing Authority member Ken Cunha at last night's Housing Authority meeting.

Selectman Bob Cox made the accusation at last week's selectmen meeting, after Cunha said he was leaning toward not supporting the project because of capital expenses and the project's price tag.

Cox later accused DHA members of not doing anything to create senior housing in town.

"I haven't heard one plan to add additional elderly housing," Cox said. "To sit there and beat this plan down is just plain wrong, and the elderly deserve more than that."

The project, planned for 1476 Mammoth Road, would provide 38 units of affordable senior housing in an existing building. The town is supposed to buy the building for $2.65 million, using money from Dracut's Community Preservation account. The state Department of Housing and Community Development had previously awarded $2.9 million to the Housing Authority to pay for renovations.

The DHA will eventually buy the building from the town after paying the town $70,000 a year for 20 years.

The DHA did not vote on the project last night -- Chairman Ken Martin said he needs to know the total cost for capital repairs and other information before making a decision.

Several issues remain on the table, including money for capital improvements and the project's selling price.

"Why should the taxpayers be expected to pay more than they have to for this project?" Selectman John Zimini asked.

While the property was initially appraised at $2.4 million in 2005, Zimini questioned whether the town should buy the property based on a new appraisal reflecting lower real-estate values in the current market.

Another pressing issue is capital maintenance costs and who will pay for them.

Martin said that while he's not against the project, he's concerned that the DHA doesn't have the money to flip the bill for additional capital maintenance costs for new kitchens, bathrooms, an elevator and a retaining wall outside the building that engineers wouldn't approve as safe.

"My mother's 85 -- she lives in Florida," Martin said. "I wouldn't put her on the third floor there (at 1476 Mammoth Road) based on the reports being done. We're not going to put the Housing Authority or the town at risk."

To address capital maintenance costs, Town Counsel Jim Hall told selectmen last week that the DHCD has already budgeted $12,350 per year for the DHA to hold in a reserve account. The DHCD also planned for the DHA to put half of the building's profits from rental income in an escrow account, and the town would reduce the DHA's rent if it needed to spend money on capital repairs.

But between pockets of information about the project, angry exchanges took place between selectmen and DHA members. Martin accused selectmen of trying to "bully" the board into voting for the project.

"The Board of Selectmen has tried to intimidate and bully other boards in town," Martin said.

But Selectman Jim O'Loughlin said Martin purposely attacked selectmen.

"It's very difficult for me to believe your intent and Mr. Cunha's intent is to provide elderly housing," O'Loughlin said to Martin. "You came in here tonight with venom to attack the board."

Mark Slotnick, the DHA's hired consultant for the project and a former DHCD administrator, advised the board to make a decision about the project in the next month in order to get it out to bid. The project has to be awarded to the lowest bidder before DHCD can release money.

The Housing Authority is scheduled to meet again on Aug. 17.
Replies:
Subject: Diarrhea-mouthed Tom Salem makes total ass of himself @ recent housing board meeting


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:59 07/26/09 Sun
(Published in, Lowell Sun, The Column, 7-26-09. Nicknames added for humor.)

Meetings of DHA to carry R rating?
Sun staff report

MUTTERING PROFANITIES under his breath, Dracut Housing Authority member “Stone-Face” Tom Salem walked out of Monday's heated meeting about a senior housing project at 1476 Mammoth Road (a.k.a. Louisburg Square) while Chairman Ken Martin was in midsentence.

Salem's path cut right in front of Martin and the cameras from Dracut Access Television. And for good measure, Salem called fellow DHA member Ken Cunha a nasty name, the audio of which was picked up loud and clear by those very same cameras.

Salem, who didn't speak publicly at the meeting, was visibly upset with Cunha. But Cuhna had other bones to pick with Selectman Bob “Captain Kangaroo” Cox, who had previously accused Cunha of being political after Cunha said he was leaning toward not supporting the project because of capital expenses and the project's price tag.

"I'm getting sick and tired of hearing my actions are political," Cunha said at the meeting, which took on the feel of a professional tag-team wrestling match, with Martin and Cunha taking on Cox and Selectman James O'Loughlin.

Cox chided the commission for doing nothing to create affordable housing in town and for trying to hinder efforts that have been ongoing since 2006.

"You guys haven't done anything since 1988," Cox told DHA members. "To sit there and beat this plan down is just plain wrong."

The project plans 38 units of affordable housing in an existing building.

Martin said he has been concerned since the beginning that DHA won't have enough money to pay for capital repairs.

"We're not going to put the town or the Housing Authority at risk," he said.

O'Loughlin said Cuhna and Martin purposely attacked the selectmen and showed up ready to pick a fight.

"It's very difficult for me to believe your intent and Mr. Cunha's intent is to provide elderly housing," O'Loughlin told Martin. "You came in here tonight with venom to attack the board."

And just when you thought things were simmering down, Selectman John Zimini took offense to Cox's remarks that Zimini, Martin and Cunha, along with Finance Committee Chairman Gary Marsella, favored the project until they "drank the Kool-Aid."

The squabbling, however, has had an impact on (Gerry?) Jerry “Draco Homes” Lussier (a.k.a. Selectman Jim O'Loughlin's landlord) the owner of the building proposed for the elderly housing project. Lussier has made it clear that he will not extend the time frame to get the deal done and, according to sources, is considering pulling out because of the political infighting.
Replies:
Subject: Lowell Sun editorial depicts W. Spencer Mullin as a piss poor School Superintendent


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 10:11 07/21/09 Tue
(published in, Lowell Sun, Editorial, 7-21-09)

Spencer Mullin

A poor example of leadership

Dracut Superintendent of Schools W. Spencer Mullin is scheduled to receive a salary increase of $2,600. It isn't the dollar amount that we find particularly troubling, it is the message being sent at a time when the town, like most Massachusetts communities, is struggling to maintain positions and services.

Mullin argues that he is taking the raise because his base salary is lower than other Merrimack Valley superintendents and because the funds are already in the budget.

So what?

Mullin has less experience than most other Merrimack Valley superintendents and oversees a smaller school district than most of them. Shouldn't his base salary be lower?

This is the first time Mullin has served as a superintendent of schools and, while we are not evaluating his entire performance, he has had some difficulties. He had to alter his budget at least five times, and The Sun has been forced to issue Freedom of Information Act requests to get the most basic information. Without FOIA letters, Mullin doesn't respond to requests for such facts as:

* How many teachers were issued layoff notices?

* How many teachers are expected to be hired back?

* How much money would it take to reinstate the positions?

* How did you decide to implement layoffs?

* Are you receiving federal stimulus money?

* Could concessions have saved jobs?

These aren't the most difficult questions for an education executive to answer. Most superintendents can almost instantly respond to such questions. They certainly don't have to be forced into a response through legal means.

Mullin is the leader of the Dracut school system. He should act like a true leader by setting a good example for the department's employees. By declining to accept the pay raise in light of Dracut's cloudy financial climate, Mullin would have shown Dracut teachers how a leader responds in times of crisis.

However, instead of coming across as a true leader, Mullin appears as more of a follower. Although several town unions agreed to wage freezes for fiscal 2010 to preserve jobs, the Dracut teachers' union refused.

We had hoped for more from their leader.
Replies:
Subject: Dracut school complex track


Author:
Justin F.
[Edit]
Date Posted: 13:03 07/13/09 Mon
Hello everyone, I just sent this email to the Dracut Rec. department and I thought posting it here I might be able to get an answer too.


" Hello, Im emailing the recreation department to find out why the Track lights were no longer coming on a night. I am 19 years old and I graduated from Dracut High School in 08. The track was one of the only full sized fields in the area with lighting provided at night. Now out of High school my friends(also graduates of Dracut High) and myself would use the track at night (due to the fact most of us have to work during the day) to toss the baseball around or play a pickup game of football."

I also stated a response would be much appreciated, as it would on this forum too.

Thanks, Justin F.
Replies:
Subject: School chief Mullin says he deserves every damn penny he's contracted to make


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:55 07/19/09 Sun
(published in, Lowell Sun, 7-19-09)

Dracut schools chief defends pay hike

By Bridget Scrimenti
bscrimenti@lowellsun.com

DRACUT -- Superintendent of Schools W. Spencer Mullin is scheduled to take a 2 percent pay increase, boosting his salary by $2,600.

However, with the town in dire financial circumstances, other town employees have chosen to forgo a pay increase for fiscal 2010.

"In the financial times we're in, we should lead by example," said School Committee Chairman Matthew Sheehan, who thinks Mullin should not take the raise.

But Mullin said the raise has already been budgeted for, and was scheduled for the end of fiscal 2009.

"My initial base salary was considerably lower than other Merrimack Valley superintendents, and instead of taking (the pay increase) at the front (of the fiscal year), I took it at the end," Mullin said.

Mullin currently makes $130,000, while a 2 percent increase would bring his salary up to $132,600.

While school superintendents in Billerica, Chelmsford and Lowell do make more than Mullin, they're opting not to take a pay raise for fiscal 2010.

In Billerica, Superintendent Anthony Serio makes $159,588, and Chelmsford Superintendent Donald Yeoman's salary is about $169,000.

Lowell Superintendent of Schools Chris Scott makes $170,000 and is declining to take an $8,000 pay raise.

In Dracut, the town's police, fire, Department of Public Works and Town Hall Clerical Workers' unions have opted to take a wage freeze for fiscal 2010.

However, Leo McMahon, president of the fire union, said it's unfair to compare taking a raise that's already been negotiated (like Mullin's) to simply agreeing to a wage freeze.

"There's a big difference between being asked to give up a negotiated raise and being asked to forgo a contractual raise for a year when there's been no agreement," McMahon said. "We (fire union) did not have a dollar value on the table."

Teachers were also asked to take a wage freeze for fiscal 2010, but opted not to.

"We're not trying to take (a pay raise) away -- all we want to do is put if off for a year," Sheehan said.

That wage freeze would have saved $541,241, Sheehan said.

Henry Boissonneault, president of the DPW union, said all 23 highway workers will work under an extended fiscal 2009 contract without a wage increase, except for four to six employees who will receive a 1 percent step increase.

"If we wouldn't have taken the wage freeze, we probably would have had layoffs -- that's what we did to try to help out," Boissonneault said. "If the economy doesn't shape up, we're going to have to do it next year."
Replies:
Subject: Town Manager refuse's to issue code violations to Andover developer


Author:
Town Hall employee
[Edit]
Date Posted: 00:01 07/23/09 Thu
Our code dept.has turned a blind eye to unhealthy sanitary conditions on Jerry's over priced property! In addition independant inspection sited dozens of safety violations on this property. Our town manager again and again refuses to look into this fire trap of a building. Why hasn't any public official been notified to do a inspection and hold current owner accoutable for the repairs????? May be next election will bring out more answers on this disgusting,immoral and criminal behaviour by our Dracut Selectman,Town Manager and Town attorney Jimmy Hall!!! Oh by the I'm the one who turned the document over to Mr.martin and his board!!
Replies:
Subject: Louisburg Square still appears to be the hot controversy in town


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 08:29 07/18/09 Sat
(published in, Lowell Sun, 7-18-09)

Boards still sparring on housing plan

By Bridget Scrimenti
bscrimenti@lowellsun.com

DRACUT -- Tensions boiled at Tuesday's selectmen's meeting, after Selectman Bob Cox accused members of the Dracut Housing Authority of being "political."

Cox, who didn't mention Housing Authority members by name, previously said he was upset that Dracut Housing Authority Board member Ken Cuhna would oppose the senior housing project at 1476 Mammoth Road.

"Seniors should know the potential is there for this project to go south," Cox said during Tuesday's board meeting. "I have to say it certainly smells of being political."

Selectman Joe DiRocco also accused Dracut Housing Authority members of being "political" about the housing project.

"It's more political than anything else," DiRocco said. "We're all elected to serve and the elderly suffer if this project goes south."

Both DiRocco and Cox are members of the town's Affordable Housing Partnership Committee.

Cuhna, a former selectman, said he thinks the project is too expensive, and is worried about future capital maintenance costs.

"I think that the project is costing a lot of money," Cuhna said. "It's $2.7 million to buy it (the existing senior apartment building) and $2.7 million for repairs."

DHA Chairman Ken Martin, who serves as director of the Methuen Housing Authority, said he's not against the project, but has been concerned with capital funds since day one.

"I am not against the project, but I'm not going to vote to approve it, unless I know the building is in tip-top shape," Martin said.

The town is slated to buy the building for $2.65 million, using funds from Dracut's Community Preservation account, while the state Department of Housing and Community Development previously awarded $2.9 million to the Housing Authority to pay for renovations.

The DHA will eventually buy the building from the town, after paying the town $70,000 for 20 years.

Selectman John Zimini said a 2005 appraisal assessed the building at $2.4 million, and questioned whether the town should buy the property based on a new appraisal reflecting lower real-estate values in the current market.

"We are elected to look out for the taypayer- this is all taxpayer money," Zimini said.

To make any capital improvements on the building, Town Counsel Jim Hall told selectmen that the DHCD has already budgeted $12,350 per year for the DHA to hold in a reserve account. The DHCD also planned for the DHA to put 50 percent of the building's profits from rental income in an escrow account, while the town would reduce DHA's rent if it needed to spend money on capital repairs.
Replies:
Subject: Why isn't Coxy , Georgie ,Joey and Jimmy enforcing safety codes?


Author:
Elderly n'Dracut
[Edit]
Date Posted: 12:01 07/24/09 Fri
My sister lives in Andover developer's "fire trap"on Mammouth Road in Dracut,their are code violations for years.And now they come out to the public and these Dracut Selectman NEVER ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE. The town manangers along with town attorney James Hall haven't done a thing for these poor elderly living their! Some of the people living their are very fragile with extreme health issues.The only time they hear from this Dracut Board of Selectman George Millaras,Joe DeRacoon,Jimmy O' and Bob Cox is when they are up for reelection they send a stooge to get the signitures on there papers to run!!!!!

You guys have used us elderly long enough!!!! If Dracut Town Manager cared he would have addressed the code violations. When someone gets killed will Joe Deracoo and Jimmy and Georgie go to their funeral??????

We need action NOW!!!!!!! Who is in charge at Dracut Housing Authority???? If we complain by using our name we will be punished by the powers that be. They tell us look if you bitch,their are hundreds who are on waiting list! So we have to hide,only this Dracut News Blog gets our message out,without fear. Please some call call State?Fed.authorty's and report these public violation.
Subject: Secret Docu. appers showing elderly occupation of Andover developers condemed senier building!


Author:
Inspector of Dracut Housing Code...Not!
[Edit]
Date Posted: 20:45 07/22/09 Wed
A secreat document has been delivered to Housing Chairman Ken Martin,insuring that elderly tenants will be ONLY TENENTS of Andover developers property!!!!!!

Our town manager and Board of Selectmen headed by Georgi (slam the door)Millairas refuse to follow safety and health codes on Andover developer with strong financial ties to Coxy,Jimmy O,Atty.Hall,Warren Shaw and Diraccon!

This bomb shell was not reported by Porky Pig or Lowell (Colorado)sun. However state and federal officials should be notified of these violations before a senier or their loved ones are hurt/killed in this code violated building!!!!

Of I forget Jimmy Gookin who like his boy hood friend Atty.Hall stand to recieve a "consultant"fee from Andover developer Jerry Lussier!

Coxy borrowed well over 50k from his father in law/ retired local business man Harvey Gagnon,with the promise of repayment once this over priced sale is final.

Town manager Dennis was heard saying to Atty Hall how did they find that covernent?????? Both Atty.Hall and Dennis were promised by certain employees @ Registry of Deeds that this secret document would NVER SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY!!!!!!

Due to State and or Fed.inquiring @ regisrty of Deeds this employee got "cold feet"thus this document appered!!!

Our investagative staff here at D.A.D. were searching for this document for months! To no avail,.

Fact:Why are the taxpayers being forced to pay for over priced building?

Fact; Why does our Town Manag4er refuse to order a code violation to be issued to this Andover Developer?

Fact: Does Andover developer still own mortagage @ Jimmy O's house/is their another secreat document that answers this question?

Fact: Jerry Lussier once said years ago,"I don't OWEN any politicians in Dracut, I just RENT them when I need a financial favor", that seems to include Atty.Hall and Dennis Peindake.

Remember dear taxpayers this property can not be used for any other use than senior Dracut citizens!!!! And if Andover developer doesn't bring this property up to safety and saitery code teneants can with hold their rent under Ma.State law! We need a State/Fedral investagation in this matter.
Replies:
Subject: Public hearing set Tuesday (7-14-09) for possible lighting @ Vet Park


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:26 07/12/09 Sun
(Published in, Lowell Sun, 7-12-09. DAWG NOTE: Nickname inserted for humor.)

Dracut residents will speak on plan to light field

By Bridget Scrimenti
bscrimenti@lowellsun.com

DRACUT -- Residents on Tuesday will have a chance to voice their opinions about a plan to install lighting at the rear athletic field at Veterans Memorial Park.

The plan, which has drawn opposition from neighboring residents, will be discussed in a public hearing at Tuesday's selectmen meeting.

Pop Warner Football teams practice on one of the park's athletic fields, which directly abuts homes.

At the last selectmen meeting, on June 23, Pop Warner representatives said having lights on the back field would benefit their organization, allowing kids to play football at night.

However, neighbors say they were promised by selectmen that the back field wouldn't be lit.

"They're a great organization and nobody's against kids playing," said Colleen Curley, whose home directly abuts the field. "We'd like the park to stay how it was designed."

The back field is closest to Montaup Avenue and Blackberry Field Road.

When former selectman Warren "Barnyard Animal" Shaw gathered support for the park, he told neighbors there would be no lights on the field.

"We (selectmen) knew we were putting a substantial recreational facility in their neighborhood and we understood from time to time they would have concerns and we would stand by them," Shaw said.

Pop Warner teams also practice at the high school, but there isn't enough room for all the teams to play at once.

Bob Gantz, former Dracut Pop Warner president, speaking before selectmen last month, said it would be nice if the neighborhood could strike a compromise with Pop Warner.

Neighbor Diane Mazzone said while the park is a wonderful resource for families, the athletic fields are used excessively, surpassing the initial intention of having a neighborhood park.

"I think sports should be there, but let's keep (the park) the way it is," Mazzone said.

Selectmen will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Harmony Hall.
Replies:
Subject: Tomorrow's (M, 7-20-09) Housing Authority meeting promises to be a real "slobberknocker"


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:31 07/19/09 Sun
(Published in, Lowell Sun, The Column, 7-19-09. Nickname added for humor.)

THOSE PLANNING to attend tomorrow's Dracut Housing Authority meeting might want to get there early. The meeting at 7 p.m. is expected to be well-attended and lively.

While senior-housing residents at 901 Mammoth Road are dealing with bed bugs, the crux of tomorrow's agenda is Louisburg Square, a 38-unit senior housing project at 1476 Mammoth Road. Selectmen Robert Cox and Joe DiRocco accused Housing Authority members of being "political" about the project, and trying to shelve it.

"It's more political than anything else," DiRocco said at Tuesday's selectmen meeting. "We're all elected to serve and the elderly suffer if this project goes south."

Authority member Ken Cuhna previously said the project is too expensive for the town, and is worried about future capital-maintenance costs. Could this be payback on Ken Martin's part? Martin wanted to be appointed to a vacant School Committee seat in February, but was snubbed by Cox and DiRocco.

Or could it be an attempt to make life difficult for Dracut Housing Director Mary "Mary, Mary Quite Contrary" Karabatsos, who was selected in an 11th-hour maneuver by Martin's adversaries? Will Martin and Cunha have a third vote tomorrow night or will it be deadlocked just as it was in May when Martin was seeking the chairmanship?

Commission member Gerry Suprenant, who is seriously ill, did not attend the May meeting, but showed up at the next meeting to cast a deciding vote for Martin as chairman. Martin said that Suprenant called him to ask for a ride to the meeting.
Subject: Our School Atty. Kevin Murphy represents 2 local violators fighting liquor license suspensions


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:25 07/19/09 Sun
(published in, Lowell Sun, The Column, 7-19-09)

LAVALLEE, SPARING no quarter, said selectmen in Billerica and Dracut are tougher with package stores.

In Dracut, for example, selectmen recently voted to suspend the liquor licenses of Nason's Quickmart for 30 days and Dracut Center Convenience for 42 days for selling to minors. Each was a second offense. Both businesses have appealed to the state ABCC, and the cases will be heard July 29. The lawyer for each business is Akashian's uncle and law partner, state Rep. Kevin Murphy.

Lynch appointed Akashian to the commission in January 2008 to fill the unexpired term of Michael Geary, who resigned. That term expires Aug. 13.

With the License Commission now under the microscope, and with Murphy allegedly being the city manager-in-waiting, it will be interesting to see how Lynch handles that one.
Subject: Is this bastard part of, The Shaw Family Tree?


Author:
Duplicate Dawg (confused)
[Edit]
Date Posted: 00:26 07/19/09 Sun
ARE WE COUSINS?

Many years ago when I was twenty three,
I married a widow who was pretty as could be.

This widow had a grown-up daughter
Who had pretty hair of red.
My father fell in love with her,
And soon those two were wed.

This made my dad my son-in-law
And it changed my very life.
My daughter was my mother,
For she was my father's wife.

To complicate the matters worse,
Although it brought me some joy,
I soon became the father
Of a bouncing baby boy.

My little baby then became
A brother-in-law to dad.
And then became my uncle,
Though it made me very sad.

For if he was my uncle,
Then that also made him brother
To the widow's grown-up daughter
Who, of course, was my step-mother.

Father's wife then had a son,
Who kept them on the run.
And he became my grandson,
For he was my daughter's son.

My wife is now my mother's mother
And it makes me very blue.
Because, although she is my wife,
She's my grandmother too.

If my wife is my grandmother,
Then I am her grandchild.
And every time I think of it,
It simply drives me wild.

For now I have just become
The strangest case you ever saw.
As the husband of my grandmother,
I am my own grandpa!

(I had to read this three or four times, it's funny, it would make him his own grandpa.)
Subject: Captain Kangaroo says going ahead with Louisburg Square is a "no brainer"


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 08:18 07/18/09 Sat
(published in, Lowell Sun, Letter to the Editor, 7-18-09)

Dracut seniors need, and deserve, more affordable-housing options

Seniors: Do you need an affordable, safe housing unit? Well, get back in line.

Or at least that seems to potentially be the message being sent by the majority of the five Housing Authority Board members, the board elected by the voters to protect your interests. Since 1988 there have been no additional housing units added to Dracut's housing stock, and the waiting list continues to grow. It currently stands at over 200.

Four years ago, the housing subcommittee made a commitment to attempt to forge a plan to add more units. The committee consisted of Selectman Joe DiRocco, Housing Board member Jim Gookin, Housing Authority Executive Director Joe Tully and myself.

An idea emerged from a meeting to attempt to explore the possibility of purchasing 38 units at 1476 Mammoth Road using a funding mechanism never attempted in the past. It outlined a plan using community preservation funds that would account for the town's allowance to use 10 percent of the CPA funds for affordable housing and a small percentage of rents from the units to help pay down the note over the course of the next 20 years.

The plan was met with enthusiasm from every town board we approached, including Community Preservation, Finance Committee, Capital Planning and the Housing Authority, and may I add, was unanimously approved by all. This plan was also embraced by the entire Board of Selectmen, including then-Selectman Ken Cunha, who now is a member of the Housing Authority and seems to have developed negative views on the proposal.

The group next had to bring the theory to Town Meeting and ask for the voters' blessing. It passed with flying colors. The plan has been touted across the commonwealth as a model for other communities to pursue.

After crossing every hurdle we thought was coming our way, we met with experts from the Department of Housing and Community Development. At the suggestion of Housing Authority Chairman Ken Martin, it was unanimously voted by the Housing Board to hire a consultant to try to obtain funds to ensure the building was up to state standards.

The consultant, Mark Slotnick, did an excellent job and, after months and months of work, was able to secure $2.9 million to complete any necessary renovations in the building. This is a grant and does not have to be paid back to the state.

So here we are, after 21 years of not being able to add one single unit of senior housing in Dracut, poised to add 38 units of elderly, affordable housing. It should also be noted that currently there are no plans being offered by anyone on the Housing Authority to secure additional units. The senior member of the board and the newest member, Tom Salem and George Nangle, stand shoulder to shoulder in support of this much-needed project. The other three members, for some reason, seem to have concerns. I, and many others close to the situation, are dumbfounded that at the 11th hour negative vibrations are being felt, and it raises questions about the motivation driving these concerns.

The hour is late, and the clock is ticking. The purchase-and-sale agreement for this property will expire in December and the project will be lost. The project is a no-brainer. The Housing Authority is being handed these 38 units on a silver platter at no cost to the Housing Authority.

The members of the Housing Authority are all good men, and I and many others appeal to their concern for the seniors. Do the right thing and get this done once and for all. Because, without question, if this final approval does not pass it will set back our ability to add units for the next 20 years or more. As earlier stated: This is the right thing to do.

BOB COX
Dracut selectman
Subject: 10 more teachers given their "pink slip"


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:23 07/17/09 Fri
(published in, Lowell Sun, 7-17-09)

Dracut cuts 10 teachers

By Bridget Scrimenti
bscrimenti@lowellsun.com

DRACUT -- Faced with a tight budget and more than $1 million in cuts, the School Department is eliminating 10 teaching positions for the next school year.

Superintendent of Schools W. Spencer Mullin issued 72 layoff notices to teachers a couple weeks ago, and intends to hire 62 back. The teachers who were eliminated have either retired or resigned.

"Any cut that takes a classroom teacher out of contact with students will negatively impact learning," said Mullin. "We're at a point now where our class sizes are very tight and any further cuts will be devastating to the district."

The teaching positions cut include five high school teachers, two teachers at the junior high, and one teaching position each at the Englesby Intermediate School, Greenmont Avenue School, and Campbell Elementary School.

The School Department also cut five other positions, including a technology director, administrative assistant, custodian, groundskeeper, and grant writer.

"We're cut to the bone," Mullin said.

It would take about $679,275 to restore all of the positions, according to documents obtained under a Freedom of Information Act request filed by The Sun.

The School Department is applying for $1.6 million in federal stimulus money, Mullin said. If the money is awarded, about half of it, $800,000, will be used to hire back teaching and administrative positions, according to federal guidelines for the grant.

So far, the School Department has made $1.2 million in cuts, including $679,275 for teaching and administrative positions.

"We're trying not to have a negative impact, but when you lose that many people there will be an impact," Mullin said. "Like everyone else -- we're trying to do more with less."
Replies:
Subject: Capt. Kangaroo continues to publicly piss & bitch about DHA & Louisburg Square


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 08:21 07/15/09 Wed
Capt. Kangaroo continues to publicly bitch about DHA & Louisburg Square

Duplicate Dawg

(Published in, Lowell Sun, 7-15-09. Nickname added for emphasis.)

Dracut boards still squabbling

DRACUT -- Discussion over a senior housing project that plans to add affordable units has become heated, after one selectman questioned recent comments made by Dracut Housing Authority members.

"Seniors should know the potential is there for this project to go south," said Selectman Bob “Captain Kangaroo” Cox during last night's board meeting. "I have to say it certainly smells of being political."

Cox previously said he was upset that Dracut Housing Authority Board member Ken Cuhna would oppose the senior housing project at 1476 Mammoth Road.

Cuhna, a former selectman, said he thinks the project is too expensive, and is worried about future capital maintenance costs.

-- BRIDGET SCRIMENTI
Replies:
Subject: Vicious bedbugs infest Mammoth Rd. senior housing


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:47 07/15/09 Wed
(published in, Lowell Sun, 7-15-09)

Bedbugs biting, seniors not happy

By Bridget Scrimenti
bscrimenti@lowellsun.com

DRACUT -- Simone Manseau calls the situation stressful.

Manseau, 71, is one of about 20 senior housing residents safeguarding their apartments against a bedbug infestation.

Two first-floor senior housing units at 901 Mammoth Road are inundated with the tiny parasites.

To prepare for the exterminator on Friday, Manseau and other residents must cover their linens in plastic and buy either plastic or vinyl mattress covers.

"I don't deserve this," Manseau said, as she looked around her apartment, filled with family photos and other decorations.

Some of the residents have chronic illnesses and are upset that the Dracut Housing Authority isn't helping them prepare their apartments.

"This is an extreme hardship," said Nancy Poirier, who suffers from diabetes.

However, Mary Karabatsos, executive director of the Housing Authority, said she has already contacted the residents' family members, who offered to help them cover their belongings in plastic. The residents who don't have family members nearby have housekeepers who are willing to help them, Karabatsos said.

"I told them to do whatever they possibly could, and we would help them," Karabatsos said. "I know it's difficult, and I told them all that."

Karabatsos said the exterminator is treating the entire building with an organic pesticide as a precaution, while the furniture from the infested units will be treated in a storage bin outside the building. There are 18 units total in the senior housing complex.

"We're treating it very aggressively," Karabatsos said. "We're being preventative just to be on the safe side."

Residents are also concerned that the bedbug problem was discovered on July 8 but wasn't dealt with until yesterday.

Karabatsos, who was away last week, said an exterminator was sent to the units last Friday, and she immediately began making preparations when she returned to work on Monday.

Another concern is money. Residents say they'll have to pay for mattress covers and other expenses, and won't be reimbursed.

Karabatsos said that's an issue that can be dealt with later, adding that her main priority now is dealing with the bedbugs. Residents will have to leave their apartments for about five hours on Friday while the exterminator sprays every unit.

"This morning, I just sat in my apartment and said, 'What a disaster,' " resident Jeanne Brodsky said. "People are stressed out."
Subject: Scumbag Mullin


Author:
Bring Back Espindle
[Edit]
Date Posted: 17:33 07/01/09 Wed
Was watching the school committee meeting on cable the other night and saw a couple things that weren't mentioned in the Lowell Sun coverge of the meeting . When going over the budget for next year two things stand out.First is that Mullin budgeted himself for a 3% pay raise.When question by Bonnie Ellie that she was under the impression that he was going to accept a pay freeze like other town employees, Mullin would only say "My contract calls for me to get a raise".Then when told that his contract calls for only a 2% raise and not a 3% raise , Mullin had no answer , only to say that should be discussed in executive session.Secondly Mullin budget for a new position of Assistant Superintendent at a cost of 95,000 dollars a year.He already has a director of curliculuim for grades 1-6 and 7-112 both making over 90K each. In Tewksbury these jobs are combined and done by the assistant superntendent . Here he wants 3 people to do the job that one does there. With 2 directors, a business manager, dept. heads , refusal to answer calls or meet with parents, this guy doesnt have much to do , never mind need a 95k assistant. On top of that he tries to slide a 3% pay raise by everyone. There is definately a glut of high paid people at the top of the school systemand its only getting bigger. Instead of cutting at the top they cut in the classrooms. They cry poormouth but find money for raises for someone making 140k already and a 95k assistant? why do we need 3 vice principals at the high school? A Dean of Students? Two directors of curlriculum. Mullin obviously doesnt care, only looking out for his wallet.Given the lousey job he is doing , to even ask for a raise, nevermind one for more than entitled to , takes balls. But I guess this is what to expect when you hire the candidate with no experience , just because he was someones buddy. Thanks DJ and Mary Gail.
Replies:
Subject: Former sex offender Goodwin (Ralph W.? or Alfred?) is no longer @ Level 3


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 17:48 06/29/09 Mon
Ralph W. Goodwin

(Published in, Lowell Sun, 6-23-09. DAWG NOTE: The Lowell Sun reported an Alfred Goodwin, 47, of 456 Broadway Road in Dracut while the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry listed a Ralph W. Goodwin, 48, at the exact same address. Which one is it? It’s highly unlikely that these two are brothers in their late-40's, both living at the same street address and both convicted sex offenders. It should be noted that Ralph W. Goodwin is no longer listed on the State Sex Offender Registry website for Level 3 violators. It wouldn’t exactly shock me that the Lowell Sun screwed up and referred to this guy as Alfred, but I don’t know that for sure.)

Dracut sex offender on probation, but with no conditions

By Lisa Redmond
lredmond@lowellsun.com

LOWELL -- When a jury ruled that Alfred Goodwin was no longer a sexually dangerous person earlier this month and released him after nearly 19 years in custody for kidnapping and raping a 7-year-old Lowell boy, a red flag went up for Probation Officer Michael Checkman.

"When he was sentenced in 1990 for kidnapping and raping a 7-year-old, there were no conditions on his 10-year probation,'' Checkman said in Lowell Superior Court this week.

Goodwin was sentenced in 1990 and upon what would have been his release in 2005, he was deemed to be a sexually dangerous person. At a trial earlier this month, despite conflicting testimony from psychologists about his sexual dangerousness, a jury ruled Goodwin, a Level 3 sex offender, is not sexually dangerous and released him from custody.

Although he is released back into the community, Goodwin is still on probation for 10 years based on his original sentence.

Chelmsford resident Laurie Myers, of the victim-rights group Community Voices, said "I'm disappointed that Mr. Goodwin was released from prison without stricter probation conditions. His actions prove he's a danger and the courts must do everything within its power to monitor his behavior during his probation.''

The only condition placed on the 47-year-old Dracut man as part of his original sentence is that he seek mental-health treatment. For some unknown reason, the standard conditions of no contact with the victim and no contact with children under 16 were not there, Checkman said.

Judge Paul Chernoff agreed to prohibit Goodwin, who is listed as living at 456 Broadway Road, from contacting the victim and to have no contact with children under 16, but balked at Checkman's request that Goodwin wear a GPS ankle monitoring bracelet which tracks his location at all times.

Defense attorney Jeannine Mercure, who represents Goodwin, argued that the Probation Department is seeking to impose additional conditions when "there has been a lot of water under the bridge.''

Myers, who attended Goodwin's probation hearing this week, said, "As a citizen, I'm concerned that the judge refused the state's request for GPS monitoring. Given the heinousness of the crimes we should be using every tool available to make sure another child doesn't fall victim to this sex offender.''

Chernoff agreed to a July 8 date to continue the probation hearing.

According to published reports, Goodwin, who lived in Lowell nearly two decades ago, abducted a 7-year-old boy while the boy's father attended a meeting at a Lowell civic club. The boy was playing hide-and-seek with a friend inside the civic club in Lowell on Feb. 3, 1990.

A short time later, the boy's father realized his son had disappeared, and police were called. Police and friends searched for the boy without success.

Goodwin held the boy captive overnight, walking around the city with him, then releasing him the following day, a Sunday afternoon, at a Lowell telephone booth.

Goodwin smuggled the boy into his home through a cellar window. Once inside, Goodwin raped the boy more than once.

At about 3 p.m., the next day, Goodwin smuggled the boy out of his home by hiding him in a cardboard box.

Goodwin then took the boy to a Lowell phone booth, called a taxi for him and left. The cab driver took the boy home.

In September 1990, Goodwin, whom the prosecutor called "a menace,'' was sentenced to serve 10 to 15 years in state prison, followed by 10 years probation, after pleading guilty to three counts of aggravated rape and one charge of kidnapping.

In 1984, the district attorney's office investigated charges that Goodwin had allegedly raped two neighborhood boys, but no charges were brought because one of the victims would have had difficulty on the stand, according to published reports.

Then in 1988, the DA's office again investigated charges that Goodwin had raped two neighborhood girls, but the girls' mother refused to allow them to testify.
Replies:
Subject: Amusing Musings on the English Language


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 22:55 07/12/09 Sun
Let's face it -- English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple.

English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France . Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat.

We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.

And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indices?

Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend, that you comb through annals of history but not a single annal? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?

If teachers taught, why don't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? If you wrote a letter, perhaps you bote your tongue?

Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital?Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell? Park on driveways and drive on parkways?

How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and wise guy are opposites? How can overlook and oversee be opposites, while quite a lot and quite a few are alike? How can the weather be hot as hell one day and cold as hell another.

Have you noticed we talk about certain things only when they are absent? Have you ever seen a horseful carriage or a strapful gown? Met a sung hero or noticed requited love?

Have you ever met some who were combobulated, gruntled, ruly or peccable? And where are all those people who ARE spring chickens or who would ACTUALLY hurt a fly.

You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which an alarm clock goes off by going on.

English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race (which, of course, isn't a race at all). That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible. And why, when I wind up my watch, I start it, but when I wind up this essay, I end it......!
Replies:
Subject: Purchase will bring more affordable local senior housing


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 22:30 06/28/09 Sun
(published in, Lowell Sun, 6-28-09)

By Bridget Scrimenti
bscrimenti@lowellsun.com

DRACUT -- Seniors living on fixed incomes sometimes have to choose between medication and food.

Senior housing units at Louisburg Square on Mammoth Road will hopefully ease that burden.

"Our seniors deserve it," said Selectman Joe DiRocco, who serves on the town's Affordable Housing Partnership Committee. "They work hard all their lives and, at the end, they don't have anything."

In December, the town will purchase an apartment building at 1476 Mammoth Road, with 38 existing senior units. The Dracut Housing Authority will manage the building.

Seniors who live in the apartments will pay 30 percent of their income, which includes deductions for prescriptions and medical bills.

"It's much more feasible for people," said Housing Authority Executive Director Mary Karabatsos. "It makes sense that someone on a fixed income will pay a fixed rent."

The town will buy the property from Gerry Lussier of Draco Homes for $2.7 million, using funds from Dracut's Community Preservation account.

The DHA will then pay the town $70,000 for 20 years, and then purchase the building from the town.

Karabatsos said the architects hired by the Housing Authority are close to sending their final documents for approval from the Department of Housing and Community Development, while construction is expected to start sometime after December.

The DHCD previously awarded $2.9 million to the Housing Authority to pay for renovations to the building.

Improvements will include an updated sprinkler system, new handicapped-accessible units, a new roof, new windows and doors, and bringing the building's elevator up to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Upgrades to the three-story building also include revamping some of the existing units to add new kitchens.

"They're pretty excited about it because they're getting an updated building," Karabatsos said of the residents.

While existing senior tenants will stay in their apartments, there are already about 200 residents on the waiting list for other available units.

"We're constantly trying to find other avenues to get more housing," DiRocco said. "With the economy the way it is, it's tough to survive."

DiRocco said the DHA hopes to develop an acre of property the town repossessed on Lakeview Avenue just before Nashua Road.

For many seniors, the need for affordable housing is just as critical as developing a sense of community.

The units at Louisburg Square are close to the senior center, an integral part of senior life in Dracut.

"The senior center is a really big piece of the culture in Dracut," Karabatsos said. "In most cases, as people retire, they like to go back to the area they grow up in."
Replies:
Subject: Malliaros and O'Loughlin are a embarassment to the town


Author:
ZIPPER HHEADS
[Edit]
Date Posted: 23:37 07/09/09 Thu
Replies:
Subject: Planning Board continues Walgreens proposal tomorrow (Wed., 7-8-09) @ 7 p.m.


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:31 07/07/09 Tue
(published in, Lowell Sun, 7-7-09)

Dracut plans hearing for Walgreens store proposal

By Bridget Scrimenti
bscrimenti@lowellsun.com

DRACUT -- Neighbors have another opportunity to voice their concerns about the proposal to build a Walgreens drugstore on the corner of Lakeview Ave. and Mammoth Road.

Tomorrow, the Planning Board will hold a public hearing at its regularly scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. at Harmony Hall.

The board expects to receive an updated traffic study that would expand the area studied beyond just the abutting streets at the corner of Lakeview and Mammoth, said Planning Board Chairman Phillipe Thibault.

Representatives from Walgreens are expected to present a study about real-estate appraisals before and after the project is completed, if it's approved.

Neighbors have previously expressed concern that the project would bring an increased traffic flow to the area, while drivers would use residential streets as a cut-through when traffic backs up on Lakeview and Mammoth.

While traffic is heavy at the corner of Lakeview and Mammoth, Walgreens plans to put in a state-of-the art traffic light at the intersection and widen the road, as part of about $600,000 in improvements.

The board will also review a survey of mature trees on the Walgreens site, to assess how many trees will be taken down. Mature trees consist of trees that are greater than 8 inches in diameter.

Thibault said he expects the board will hold another public hearing in August.

"We're (planning board) trying to weigh the information to see if the project is a betterment for the community and how it will best serve Dracut, Thibault said.
Replies:
Subject: Top 10 Shawn Ashe, er, I mean, Michael Jackson jokes


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 22:36 06/26/09 Fri
Michael Jackson

According to Web Usage Associates (and Public Notary), the following ten Michael Jackson Jokes are the most popular with Americans.

Q: What's the difference between Michael Jackson and a grocery bag?

A: One is white, made out of plastic, and dangerous for kids to play with and the other you carry your groceries in.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

Q: How can you tell if Michael Jackson has a hot date?

A: There's a big wheel parked outside his house.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

Q: Why does Michael Jackson like twenty eight year olds?

A: Because there are twenty of them.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

Q: Who does Michael Jackson consider a Perfect "10"??

A: Two 5 year olds.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

Q: How does Michael Jackson pick his nose?

A: From a catalogue.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

Q: Why did Michael Jackson place a phone call to Boyz-2-Men??

A: He thought it was a delivery service.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

Q: What has 18 balls and 3 pubic hairs?

A: A Michael Jackson slumber party.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

Q: Did you know they're putting out a Michael Jackson stamp?

A: Fans get to vote for the white or black Michael Jackson.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

Q: What's brown and often found in a baby's diaper?

A: Michael Jackson's hand.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

Prince Michael Jackson, Jr., you know in a few years they'll probably change his name to: The Child Formerly Known as Michael Jackson's Baby.
Replies:
Subject: Rep Garry helps push for tougher State seat-belt laws


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:46 07/07/09 Tue
(published in, Lowell Sun, 7-7-09)

Tragedies re-energize resolve to pass primary seat-belt law in Mass.

By Matt Murphy
mmurphy@lowellsun.com

BOSTON -- Efforts to make "Click It or Ticket" more than just a slogan have shifted into a higher gear after a deadly holiday weekend on Bay State roadways.

After four fatal accidents that left eight dead over the Fourth of July weekend, legislative supporters of a primary seat-belt law in Massachusetts are ramping up efforts to finally toughen the state's seat-belt laws.

The issue over the past decade has divided lawmakers on Beacon Hill with some votes in the House of Representatives actually ending in a rare tie.

Many local representatives, including Sen. Steve Panagiotakos, D-Lowell, Rep. Kevin Murphy, D-Lowell, and Rep. David Nangle, D-Lowell, have been opposed to forcing people to wear seat belts as an issue of government overstepping its authority.

Others, like Rep. Colleen Garry, D-Dracut, Sen. James Eldridge, D-Acton, and Rep. Cory Atkins, D-Concord, say such a law is justified because it will save lives.

The legislation, however, could see some movement this year as lawmakers weigh a raft of bills related to driving safety from a ban on text messaging to tougher oversight of elderly drivers.

"I've supported it in the past and I will in the future," said Rep. Robert Hargraves, a Groton Republican. "It will save lives. I drive a pick-up truck and a convertible, and I'll tell you I don't back the convertible out of the driveway without my seat belt."

Eight motorists were killed over the long holiday weekend in four separate accidents in Quincy, Attleboro, Sudbury and Walpole.

Police said six of the eight victims were not buckled at the time of the crashes.

"Why do we wait to straighten the dangerous curve in the road until someone gets killed?" said Hargraves, who admitted to taking some heat for his position in Republican circles from those who resist government interfering in people's day-to-day lives.

Massachusetts is currently one of 24 states to not have a primary seat-belt law, which would authorize police to pull over and ticket drivers and passengers for not wearing seat belts.

The state's secondary law requires motorists to buckle up, but only allows police to stop a vehicle on the roads if the driver is guilty of another violation.

In the latest survey from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Massachusetts ranked last among states in seat-belt use with a 66.8 percent rate in 2008 compared to 83 percent nationwide.

The state also left $13.6 million in federal highway safety money on the table this year by failing to enact a primary seat-belt law by July 1. Most of that money would have had to go toward seat-belt use education programs.

Sen. Patricia Jehlen, D-Somerville, is hoping this past weekend's tragedies will force her colleagues to reconsider the bill she filed this session.

She might also try to include the primary seat-belt law in a comprehensive piece of legislation being drafted related to impaired driving in response to the high number of crashes involving elderly drivers, according to one Senate source.

"I would consider it. I know that racial profiling has always been something of a concern, but I'd like to see a full debate," said Rep. Jim Arciero, a Westford Democrat and new member of the Legislature who has not been asked to vote on this topic before.

Gov. Deval Patrick said he has heard convincing arguments on both sides of the issue and will wait until the Legislature does its work to weigh in.

Panagiotakos said he considered supporting the legislation during the budget process because he thought it might be a good source of additional revenue from the federal government. After learning that the federal highway money had to be spent on seat-belt use education, he dropped the issue but remains more open to it than in past years.

"I'm probably more open to it, but I still believe it should be your own decision," Panagiotakos said.

Bill Murphy, 78, of Dracut, said he never wore a seat belt until the state's secondary law made him think twice. He said he has no doubt a tougher primary law will not only force more people to buckle up, but also save lives.

"Definitely, it will. I never wore a seat belt. I started wearing one when the secondary law came into effect. I've worn one ever since and no one ever gets in my car without wearing one," Murphy said.
Replies:
Subject: Lowell Sun attempts to resolve its own financial problems via Pet Memoriams


Author:
Duplicate Dawg (Desperate for $)
[Edit]
Date Posted: 13:15 07/05/09 Sun
(posted on, RichardHowe.com )

Local Newspaper Solves Financial Woes

Posted by DickH on 02 Jul 2009 at 08:43 pm | Tagged as: Lowell-2009, Technology

After much effort and experimentation, the local newspaper has finally discovered the key to its long-term financial viability. Mandatory furloughs, elimination of corporate 401K contributions, staff layoffs, declining subscriptions, evaporating advertising revenue and all the other seemingly insurmountable challenges of the past year have been swept away by this incredible example of journalistic innovation.

To what, you wonder, does the local newspaper owe this financial renaissance? Pet Memoriams. For just $25 for a 2×2 piece, or $40 for 2×4, bereaved pet owners throughout the Merrimack Valley are now able to share their grief with the entire newspaper buying community.

And because the crafting of these memorials will be the product of trained, unbiased, professional journalists whose work will be held to the highest standards of ethics and exactitude, this service will be a game-changing financial windfall that will be emulated by other publications around the world.

So congratulations to the Dutton Street brain trust for this remarkable achievement.
Replies:
Subject: Foxworth sentenced to Life in Prison after 1st Degree Murder


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 17:23 06/29/09 Mon
Scott Foxworth

(published in, Lowell Sun, Breaking News, 6-29-09)

Dracut man guilty in murder-for-hire case

By Lisa Redmond
lredmond@lowellsun.com

WOBURN -- After a three-week trial, a Middlesex Superior Court jury found a Dracut man guilty on Monday of first-degree murder and conspiracy in the 2006 murder-for-hire shooting death of Edward Schiller in a Newton parking garage.

Scott Foxworth, 55, will be sentenced Monday afternoon. He will receive a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.

The jury was deliberating for about seven hours between Friday and Monday before reaching its verdict.

Prosecutor Adrienne Lynch had alleged that Foxworth, who had a conviction for second-degree murder, was paid $10,000 by James Brescia, a jilted husband, to kill Schiller, a 39-year-old insurance agent. Schiller was dating Brescia's estranged wife. Brescia wanted Schiller out of the way so that he could reconcile with his wife.

For more on this story read Tuesday's Sun or click on http://www.lowellsun.com .
Replies:
Subject: 1st Annual Ms. Preneur Business Expo and Shopping Experience


Author:
ms. Preneur
[Edit]
Date Posted: 12:13 07/04/09 Sat
Ms. Preneur is pleased to announce the 1st Annual Ms. Preneur Business Expo and Shopping Experience one Saturday in the month of October. (Date to be determined). At this time the event will be held at our own Sherburne Hall contingent on availability. Event will run from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm


The Purpose of Ms. Preneur is to bring local woman owned businesses and residents together to promote economic growth and improve the quality of life in our community. This expo will provide you with an opportunity to network, showcase your goods and or services and meet and enhance your cause-related marketing by participating in an event that benefits the community and empowers women. It will also increase your database and visibility through brand exposure to entrepreneurial women with tremendous consumer needs and purchasing power

The Expo will be showcasing women owned businesses from the surrounding areas, including Pelham, Windham, Derry, Salem NH, Dracut, Tewksbury and Tyngsboro MA. Businesses will include Direct Sales, Home Based Businesses and Services, and women business owners from a wide variety of disciplines. These businesses will offer information, samples, business opportunities and merchandise for sale.

I am also looking into having The National Breast Cancer Foundation, New Hampshire Women's Lobby, Parenting NH Magazine, New Hampshire Women’s Policy Institute, the Clothesline Project and the NH Women's Business Center, among others.


Advertising for this event will be provided by print advertising in local newspapers, flyers, internet email campaign, Ms. Preneur newsletter and word of mouth.

Tables will be free for members of the Ms. Preneur Networking Community or $10.00 for non members.


To gage interest in the Expo I would ask that you email me with your interest in participation at cathy@mspreneur.com . Confirmation will needed by July 31st. Check out our website at www.mspreneur.com

Thank you and remember to support local business!
Replies:
Subject: Lowell RMV to close


Author:
ohgreat
[Edit]
Date Posted: 21:32 07/03/09 Fri
http://www.lowellsun.com/breakingnews/ci_12748943

"For Lowell area motorists, the Wilmington and Lawrence branches will be the closest, while those living in the Nashoba Valley may prefer to drive to the Leominster branch."

Damn. The RMV has been in Lowell at least the 31 years since I got my license.
Subject: fire works / parade ?


Author:
Uncle Sam
[Edit]
Date Posted: 16:55 06/28/09 Sun
Anyone know if fireworks and parade in Dracut for the 4th July
Replies:
Subject: Selectmen bitch they didn't have time to "dress appropriately" for Walgreen's public TV hearing


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:46 06/28/09 Sun
(published in, Lowell Sun, 6-28-09)

IN AN INTENSE and heated discussion, selectmen and Dracut Access Television Board members attempted to clear the air about two incidents.

During a special meeting at the Town Hall lunch room on May 18, selectmen were surprised to see a DATV cameraman show up.

So surprised that DATV board members said Selectmen Chairman George Malliaros slammed the door in the cameraman's face.

During Monday night's selectmen meeting, Malliaros said he did it in a joking manner.

"I just didn't expect a televised public meeting," Malliaros said. "If I was inappropriate, I apologize."

Some selectmen weren't dressed as they would normally be for a regularly scheduled (and televised) meeting, and felt it would have been common courtesy for DATV to tell them they planned on taping the meeting.

"I don't think we have to notify you to dress appropriately for a public meeting -- that's common sense," said DATV board member May Paquette.

DATV board members were also upset about comments made by Selectmen Jim O'Loughlin, who was concerned about DATV being used as a political tool, after a political candidate wanted to pay a cameraman to use DATV equipment to tape a political advocacy show.

"If I insulted anyone, I apologize. If I defamed anyone, I apologize," O'Loughlin said on Monday. "I do not apologize for raising the issue that I had a concern that cable was being used for political issues."

O'Loughlin also questioned how DATV spent their money, after he was told DATV was a "corporation" and he had no right to question it.

DATV board member Mike McNamara said on Monday that O'Loughin's comments attacked the board's reputation.

"The only thing that Mr. O'Loughlin manages to accomplish is to tarnish the reputation and integrity of the entire DATV Board, a board that has given literally hundreds of hours of volunteer service to the community," McNamara said, while reading from a statement.
Replies:
Subject: 16 Dracut teachers received layoff notices; Superintendent Mullin ignores media YET AGAIN


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 11:13 07/02/09 Thu
Spencer Mullin

(published in, Lowell Sun, Briefs, 7-2-09)

DRACUT- The School Department issued 16 layoff notices to teachers, according to School Committee Chairman Matthew Sheehan.

The positions will not be reinstated, while some teachers were planning on retiring at the end of the past school year, Sheehan said.

The Sun filed a Freedom of Information Act request yesterday for documentation about teacher layoffs and the School Department’s budget. The School Department recently received about $400,000 less in Chapter 70 state education aid than what was anticipated, said Town Manager Dennis Piendak.

Superintendent of Schools Spencer Mullin did not return calls for comment.

– Bridget Scrimenti
Replies:
  • SHOCKING -- DHS Parent, 18:42 07/02/09 Thu
Subject: 8th Grade Moving On Ceremony


Author:
Disappointed Mom (Confused?)
[Edit]
Date Posted: 19:08 06/21/09 Sun
Did anyone notice that Dr. Mullin, at the 8th Grade moving on ceremony looked disheveled and dressed inappropriately? He did not sit with the administration and sat under the exit sign in the doorway. He did not address the student body and left early. Could he have been hung over??? At least Mrs. Espindle always addressed the student body, dressed appropriately, and left the kids with a meaningful message. Is this what we can expect from our new superintendent?
Replies:
Subject: Failed Polygraph


Author:
big ears dumbo
[Edit]
Date Posted: 20:28 06/25/09 Thu
I was at the corner kitchen on lakeview and over heard a cop and an older guy. The guy had fake hair and a potleaf tattoed on his hand from listening it appears they knew who failed the lie detector. The old guy got into a red honda truck, and the cops may want to tolk to him.
Replies:
Subject: Nine (9) wicked funny jokes about Jon & Kate Gosselin


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 10:54 06/29/09 Mon
Jon Kate Gosselin

Reality show stars Jon and Kate Gosselin of TLC's "Jon & Kate plus 8" are finally getting a divorce after months of feuding.

There will be a new reality show to cover the divorce proceedings, to be called "Jon & Kate plus 8 Jewish attorneys."

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

Kate Threatens Jon With The Worst STD known to any man --
Child Support!

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

The big question is who will get custody of the kids: Jon, Kate, or Madonna?

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

So many woman these days are being publicized for having multiple births:

Jon and Kate Plus 8

Octomom

The Duggars (18 and Counting) just to name a few;

Ladies let me remind you, the vagina is NOT a clown car.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

...Jon & Kate Gosselin are putting aside their bickering and differences for the sake of their reality TV show...that show has been re-tooled with minor changes and will now be known as "Jon & Kate Plus Hate."

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

A mystery surrounding the whereabouts of South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford was apparently solved late Monday when a Sanford spokesman said he was hiking along the Appalachian Trail. The spokesman said the governor was upset and just wanted to be alone after learning that Jon and Kate were getting a divorce.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

Reality TV stars Jon and Kate Gosselin deny media reports that they have cheated on each other. They are especially angry at Rush Limbaugh who said today that he hopes their marriage fails.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

Divided by 2 attorneys = Ratings Gold. New Gosselin family math.

Pull the plug on these two morons TLC. You still have Amercian Choppers and that show with the Oompa Loompas, Little People, Big World.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

I am not sure if I have cared less about two people in the world. These two pump out 6 kids at one time, alienate the 2 they already had, get a TV show, then proceed to sleep around on each other like rabbits.

On top of that there are living humans who actually spend time talking about these two morons as if their lives are heaven. If they are on Good Morning America one more time I'm flying to NY and slapping someone with a tire iron. He's got a head like an alien and she has that hair style that always makes it look like she's lying flat on her back. Which, apparently she always is.

I can not wait for their 15 minutes of fame to come to an end in a fireball of hatred. Then, they'll be back on Celebrity Rehab or Celebrity Fights within the decade. I'm sure their children will end up completely normal. I'm sure none of them will end up on Sunset Blvd selling themselves for crack. Good luck wackos!
Subject: Which famous celebrity’s death are YOU grieving most & why?


Author:
Nostradamus
[Edit]
Date Posted: 21:21 06/25/09 Thu
1) David Carradine

2) Farrah Fawcett

3) Michael Jackson

4) Ed McMahon

Replies:
Subject: Hundreds of teachers face job loss


Author:
Duplicate Dog
[Edit]
Date Posted: 08:48 06/22/09 Mon
(published in, Lowell Sun, 6-22-09)

By Bridget Scrimenti
bscrimenti@lowellsun.com

While many Greater Lowell school districts have been forced to lay off hundreds of teachers, some say union concessions could have helped save jobs and eased painful budget cuts.

In Dracut, the teacher's union refused to renegotiate its recent three-year contract to include a wage freeze for 2010, which would have saved $541,241, said School Committee Chairman Matthew Sheehan.

"The School Committee gave them raises; now all we're asking is for the teachers to put it off for one year," Sheehan said. "The teachers can save jobs."

The school superintendent's office could not provide numbers on how many teachers were laid off and how many will be hired back.

Union President Joyce Desjardins wrote in an e-mail that the union does not have a comment at this time, and is waiting for "further budget information from the state and federal government."

In Tewksbury, every school employee received a pink slip, but none of them will lose their job.

The Tewksbury School Department plans to roll back the workday, with a reduced 90 percent workload. The employees that agree to be rehired will accept a 10 percent pay cut and shorter workweek.

School Committee Chairman Rick O'Neill said the board is keeping the door open for future negotiations with the union. He wouldn't say whether the board asked the teachers to give up any concessions.

"We're willing to discuss everything and anything, except closing a school or laying off 30 teachers to help pay off the deficiency," O'Neill said.

Other districts including Tyngsboro, Lowell, the Groton-Dunstable School District and North Middlesex Regional School District also had to lay off teachers, while Greater Lowell Technical High School, Billerica, Wilmington, Westford, and Littleton had no layoffs...
Replies:
Subject: What happened to Porky?


Author:
Frogman Henry
[Edit]
Date Posted: 20:41 06/22/09 Mon
I read over on Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum message boards that The Sun has a new Dracut reporter. Bridget-something. What happened to Porky? Who did he piss off? Did it have anythinng to do with teh Bobby Cox story? Could it be that Luv-Me-Brudder's Big Brudder didn't like Widdle Brudder to be shown in a bad light so Shaunessey got exiled?
Replies:
Subject: Selectmen suspend 2 liquor licenses for selling alcohol to minors


Author:
Duplicate Dawg
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:51 06/24/09 Wed
(published in, Lowell Sun, 6-24-09)

By Bridget Scrimenti
bscrimenti@lowellsun.com

DRACUT -- Sending a message of zero tolerance, selectmen voted last night to suspend the licenses of two businesses that sold alcohol to minors.

Both Nason's Quick Mart on Lakeview Avenue and Dracut Center Convenience on Bridge Street sold beer to an underage female during a Dracut police sting operation.

"I'm not looking to put anyone out of business, but I'm looking to send a strong message that they obey the law," said Selectmen John Zimini.

Nason's, which sold the underage female a large can of Bud Light, had a previous violation of selling alcohol to a minor.

Zimini initially wanted to revoke the store's license, but the board voted 4-0 to suspend it for 30 days, mandating that it purchase liquor-liability insurance. Selectman Robert Cox abstained from voting, because he owns a restaurant in town.

The board also voted 4-0 to suspend Dracut Center Convenience's license for 42 days and ordered the owner, Naren Patel, to purchase liquor-liability insurance, after the store sold a can of Miller Lite to the minor, who didn't present identification.

The 42-day suspension includes 30 days for the most recent violation, and 12 days from a past violation, when the store was put on a two-year probation.

In other business, selectmen and Dracut Access Television Board members engaged in a heated and emotional discussion about an incident on May 18, when selectmen were surprised to see a DATV cameraman during a special meeting at the Town Hall lunch room.

The meeting lasted less than 15 minutes, and was for the purpose of accepting a donation from Walgreens for a traffic study, something the board twice rejected.

While selectmen met for the special meeting in the lunchroom, some were not dressed as they would normally be for a regularly scheduled (and televised) meeting.

"I don't think we (DATV) have to notify you (selectmen) to dress appropriately for a public meeting -- that's common sense," said DATV board member May Paquette. "To attack this group (DATV) without any basis for those attacks was frankly unbelievable to all of us."

DATV members said Selectmen Chairman George Malliaros slammed the door in the cameraman's face.

However, Malliaros said he shut the door in a joking manner.

"I just didn't expect a televised public meeting," Malliaros said. "If I was inappropriate, I apologize."

Selectmen also hosted a public hearing about lighting at Veterans Memorial Park. They decided to continue that hearing at their next meeting on July 14, because abutters on Arlington Street were not notified.
Replies:
Subject: How many more deaths will it take before we finally restrict elderly drivers?


Author:
Kopy Kitten
[Edit]
Date Posted: 08:09 06/16/09 Tue

Diya Patel

(published in, Boston Herald, 6-15-09)

Elderly driver charged with vehicular homicide in tot’s death

By Jessica Van Sack and Laurel J. Sweet

The 88-year-old retired secretary who allegedly killed 4-year-old pedestrian Diya Patel has been charged with motor vehicle homicide, acting Stoughton police Chief Tom Murphy tells the Herald.

Ilse R. Horn of Canton, whose driver’s license the Registry of Motor Vehicles today revoked because she is an “immediate threat” to public safety, will be summoned to Stoughton District Court on a date to be determined to be arraigned on additional charges of negligent operation of a motor vehicle, driving to endanger and failure to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

Murphy said Horn has retained an attorney and did not speak with investigators today.

“We understand she’s upset and a bit distraught,” he said.
The petite senior has been stopped for speeding and involved in five surchargeable accidents since 1982, RMV records show.

Family of the preschooler Horn allegedly mowed down in a crosswalk as the little girl was riding her scooter are begging for a crackdown on elderly drivers.

“Cancel their licenses!” cried Govind Patel, clenching his heart and sobbing yesterday as he recalled the sight of his beloved granddaughter being run down during their morning stroll.

“My granddaughter, very, very loved,” said Patel, who lives with his grandchildren in a modest apartment on Bennett Drive in Stoughton. “Very, very loved. Very, very sad.”

Patel’s death marked the worst of four crashes involving elderly drivers this month, prompting a rising call across the state to monitor and retest senior operators.

Diya’s uncle, also named Govind Patel, said drivers should be tested annually after age 60.

Asked whether he agreed, Diya’s father, Sanjay Patel, was too overcome to speak. Earlier, he told reporters no one over age 70 should be allowed to drive.

Meanwhile, three miles away, Horn answered the door of her apartment in the Orchard Cove Continuing Care Retirement Community and said she could not comment on the crash until she heard from authorities.

“I’m refusing to say anything to any paper,” Horn told the Herald. Clad in a mint-green blouse, her white hair neatly cropped, she said, “I have no . . . report.”

Little Diya, who authorities said was 4 years old but family pegged at age 6, was crossing Route 138 with her grandfather, sister and brother when a Toyota Camry struck Diya, tossing her at least 50 feet, police said.

She was more than halfway through through the crosswalk, her grandfather said, recalling how he tried to push the children out of the car’s path.

Diya was airlifted to Tufts Medical Center in Boston, where she did not survive the night.

Sen. Brian A. Joyce (D-Milton) stood at the crash scene yesterday and called for lawmakers to pass his proposal requiring drivers over age 85 take a periodic road test. He also called the proposal “too modest” and suggested the age should be lower. “It’s time to act,” he said. “It’s beyond time to act.”

On June 2, a 93-year-old man drove his car into a Wal-Mart in Danvers, injuring a mother and her 1-year-old baby. The next day, a 73-year-old Middleboro woman lost control of her minivan and plowed into a crowd gathered at a Vietnam War memorial in Plymouth, sending seven bystanders to the hospital.

And on June 5, an 84-year-old man slammed into a Somerset storefront.

As for the little girl in Stoughton, Diya’s family described her as a precocious tot who loved “anything pink” and would dance in front of the television watching her favorite shows.
Replies:
Subject: SnakeBoy DJ article Lowell Sun--the real deal, just plain fun!!


Author:
Phineas J. Whoopey (No pretense)
[Edit]
Date Posted: 14:38 06/22/09 Mon
Did anyone read the 10 questions article in the Lowell Sun on June 12 with Dracut's own SnakeBoy? He dj's regularly all around town and greater Lowell and if you ever want to meet a more hard working and down to earth person in the music industry you'll be hard pressed to find one. He has done a jack and jill party and a surprise birthday party for people I know and both times the parties ran late and not only did he not mind but he gladly played for free. Although we tipped him nicely. It's refreshing to see in these days of doom and gloom someone real and good!!
Replies:
Subject: MATRIMONY


Author:
Duplicate Dog
[Edit]
Date Posted: 22:55 06/22/09 Mon
1. Getting married is very much like going to a continental restaurant with friends. You order what you want, then when you see what the other fellow has, you wish you had ordered what he has.

2. At the cocktail party, one woman said to another, "Aren't you wearing your wedding ring on the wrong finger?" The other replied, "Yes, I am, I married the wrong man."

3. Man is incomplete until he is married. Then he’s really finished.

4. A happy marriage is a matter of give and take; the husband gives and the wife takes.

5. Marriage is an institution in which a man loses his bachelor's degree and the woman gets her master's.

6. A little boy asked his father, "Daddy, how much does it cost to get married?" The father replied, "I don't know, son, I'm still paying for it."

7. Young Son: Is it true, Dad, I heard that in some parts of Africa a man doesn't know his wife until he marries her?

Dad: Well, that happens in most countries, son.

8. Then there was a man who said, "I never knew what real happiness was until I got married; and then, it was too late.

9. When a newly married man looks happy we know why. But when a ten-year married man looks happy - we wonder why.

10. Married life is very frustrating. In the first year of marriage, the man speaks and the woman listens. The second year, the woman speaks and the man listens. The third year, they both speak and the neighbors listen.

11. After a quarrel, a wife said to her husband, "You know, I was a fool when I married you." And the husband replied, "Yes, dear, but I was in love and I didn't notice it."

12. It doesn't matter how often a married man changes his job, he still ends up with the same boss.

13. A man inserted an 'ad' in the classifieds: "Wife wanted". Next day he received a hundred letters. They all said the same thing - "You can have mine."

14. When a man opens the door of his car for his wife, you can be sure of one thing: either the car or his wife is new.

15. A perfect wife is one who helps her husband with the dishes.

16. A woman was telling her friend , "It is I, who made my husband a millionaire." "And what was he before you married him." Asked the friend. The woman replied, "A multi-millionaire".
Subject: Dracut Police


Author:
Dracut Resident
[Edit]
Date Posted: 13:08 06/01/09 Mon
HAs anyone noticed over the last month or so, how many people you are seeing pulled over by Dracut's finest?

They must have created new ticket quotas that they all need to achive everyday.

So with that, everyone needs to pay attention more to their speeds or the fuzz is going to get ya sooner or later..
Replies:

Now More Than Ever

Please help spread the word about, Dracut After Dark to all your friends, relatives, co-workers, and neighbors around town. It's crucial that we have, at least, one media outlet in this community that TELLS IT THE WAY IT REALLY IS. Let the people of Dracut have the opportunity to check out Dracut After Dark for themselves and draw their own conclusions. We’re constantly striving to become our town’s consummate underground network outlet. Thank you so much for your continued support to this message board as we appreciate it very, very, very much. Adios, and hope to see you again real soon.

P.S. Always remember and never forget -- It's all about the ISSUES, stupid.

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LINKS: Please check out these fascinating and informative local websites, which come highly recommended by the management of this forum: Official Town of Dracut website; Dracut Pop Warner football & cheerleading; Dracut's lowest gas prices; Dracut's restaurant directory; NObama Network; How Obama Got Elected; Warren Shaw.com (Deeb's view on Warren Shaw); Dracut School Department; Dracut Assessor Online; Property Deeds; Obituaries; Citizens for Limited Taxation; National Organization for Marriage; Tewksbury Issues; Dracut Street Map; Helpful Dracut websites; Official State Website; Official Federal Government Website; Storm-related Public Closings; Dracut After Dark’s blog; Howie Carr; Charlie Baker for Governor; Scott Brown for U.S. Senate; and Anonymous Proxy Server.

Some of my personal favorites sites include: Manhattan Declaration (A Call of Christian Conscience); Teen Challenge; Youth Storm (local Christian youth ministry); Battle Cry (national Christian teen ministry); Unclaimed Money/Property; Reverse telephone number & address lookup; Curt Schilling's baseball blog; Town Hall; Hot Air; Laura Ingraham; Deval Patrick Watch; Federal Bailout Stimulus; New England Patriot's Fan Club; Boston Red Sox Fan Club; Boston Celtics News; Person Locator; Online World of Wrestling; D-Tension; Singer/D.J. Sharon DiFronzo; New England Stone Masonry; Whatever Happened To?; Washed Up Celebrities; and Dead or Alive?.

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