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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!

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Get More Quotations


Dracut After Dark
Subject: Lone applicant McNamara appointed temp School Committee member for next 2.5 months


Author:
Kopy Kitten
[Edit]
Date Posted: 08:18 02/13/09 Fri
(published in, Lowell Sun, 2-13-09)

McNamara gets Dracut school seat

By Dennis Shaughnessey
dshaughnessey@lowellsun.com

DRACUT -- In a meeting that lasted just nine minutes, former Greenmont Avenue School Principal Michael McNamara was unanimously selected last night to fill the School Committee seat vacated by Mary Gail Martin on Jan. 29.

McNamara, 60, whose name was the only one nominated, will serve in that role until the May 4 election. He has, however, announced that he is a candidate for Martin's unexpired one-year term.

Selectmen and School Committee members made the appointment. Selectman John Zimini and School Committee member Nancy Gagnon did not attend, having said that the seat should be left open because it falls so close to the May 4 election and gives McNamara an unfair advantage in the election.

After being sworn in by Town Clerk Kathleen Graham, McNamara said the appointment does not give him an edge in the election, in which three others have also taken out nomination papers. McNamara, who will officially be listed on the ballot as an incumbent, will face a challenge from Dracut Housing Commissioner Kenneth Martin and newcomers Paul Nutt and Paul Elmstrom.

"I think the voters will look at the candidates on the ballot and listen to what each one has to say and what each one does during the campaign," McNamara said. "They'll listen and watch and make their choice."

In a roll-call vote, School Committee members Mike Miles, Matthew Sheehan and Chairman Ron Mercier, as well as Selectmen George Malliaros, James O'Loughlin, Joe DiRocco and Chairman Robert Cox all supported McNamara's nomination.

"I think we're getting someone with outstanding credentials who will be able to hit the ground running," Miles said after the meeting. "He knows his way around the School Department. There's no learning curve, and I think he'll do a good job."

McNamara, who possesses a Ph.D. in educational leadership, was principal at the Greenmont Avenue School from 1989 to 1999. He then served as principal at the Horace Mann Laboratory School in Salem from 2000 until his retirement in 2007.
Replies:
Subject: WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH PEOPLE THESE DAYS?


Author:
OLD DAYS
[Edit]
Date Posted: 21:07 01/10/09 Sat
Politicians have for the most part lied to get control of something they really never had control of anyways.Morality is not existant in the western world today.Humans argue all points of views wich I find senseless unless they all go to the dictionary of existance.THE BIBLE"I am a believer and will always believe to the end of time.I pray in my car, house ,store,work,and when espeacially when I see all of my family together as one.I truly know that we are here on earth to serve and to look out for the evil ones.The people who are decietful and are not respecting man.Why don't people look back and take a good look at what our GrandFathers and our GrandMothers and see how they respected each other in there own ways.Nothing is perfect but our ancestors were wiser than we will ever be.AMEN.
Replies:
Subject: LIKE FATHER LIKE SON


Author:
Count Dracula
[Edit]
Date Posted: 13:05 02/14/09 Sat
Dennis Williams should see how his infuence on his son has molded him. When you touch somones property either you get sued or your tires slashed. I believe people like the Williams' are so self righteous that they can't possibly imagine that their past actions could result in retaliation. Michael's enemies are probably someone's upset husband or boyfriend. The Williams are the type of people who like to listen to themselves talk and talk and talk. So when something like this happens they look to blame the first thing that comes to mind. "Hey, it was that guy he looked at me wrong...it must be him" or " I heard that guy doesn't like me, he must have done it". Well toughen up not everyone likes you, who cares. Lick your massive ego it wasn't that bad walking home with some couple you wanted to swing with.
Replies:
Subject: Sounds like a lawsuit just waiting to happen for WCAP


Author:
Nostradamus
[Edit]
Date Posted: 23:21 02/01/09 Sun
I realize Warren Shaw has the right, as does any other American, to endorse any political candidate he so chooses. However, if he uses his weekly radio show as a public pulpit to support his friends and screw over his friends’ opponents, I believe Federal Communications Commissions affords those snubbed candidates the right to “equal air time” on that same station – despite the fact that ‘CAP is probably the worst-rated radio operation in Massachusetts.

Ever since Barrack Obama got elected President, word has it that Conservative radio talk show hosts like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Bill O’Reilly, Laura Ingraham, and Michael Savage may lose their jobs under the proposed “Fairness Doctrine”, in order to give equal – AND FAIR – air time to opposing viewpoints on their respective stations.

This past Saturday, it was obvious Mr. Shaw was screwing over incumbent School Committee member Ron Mercier on his radio show in a vain attempt to help his endorsed challenger Paul Nutt look like a viable alternative. Despite the fact that we’ve been hearing now about how Mr. Nutt was planning to run for Dracut School Committee this year YET this gentleman – or anybody else for that matter – have failed to disclose where exactly in DRACUT does Mr. Nutt reside? Specifically, how long has he lived there? Where do this guy’s kids go to school? Last, but by no means least, how many times in the past two years has Mr. Nutt either voted, or attended an Annual Town Meeting, in DRACUT?

So many questions, so few answers about your chosen “boy”, eh Warren?

In the Selectman’s race, Warren is obviously going with incumbent Joe “Narcissus” DiRocco – the guy who’s never met a mirror he didn’t absolutely love. Three years ago, DiRocco outspent most – if not all – contested candidates, blowing about $10,000. BTW, did I mention that DiRocco ran UNCONTESTED three years ago?

Gee, don’t let wasting campaign funds stupidly get in the way of stroking that overblown ego of yours, Joe.

But getting back to the here and now, Warren especially loves DiRocco in this year’s race because Joe strongly lobbied and then voted to have Mr. Shaw’s convicted drug dealer of a son, Mark, appointed to the town’s Agricultural Committee just a couple of months ago. So in that sense alone, Warren OWES DiRocco a gigantic favor in this year’s election.

Local contractor Ted Kosiavelon, who was an unsuccessful selectman candidate last year, is expected to challenge DiRocco for the lone Town Father seat open this year. On his radio show, Warren maintains DiRocco already has this reelection “in the bag”, and the 1-2 times Kosiavelon’s name was brought up, Mr. Shaw would just say he would get killed and he’d be just wasting his time going up against Joe.

Yeah, objectivity was never one of Warren’s strongsuits.

Again, if that’s Warren’s true feelings on both these races, that’s cool. But if he’s going to blab that crap over the airwaves like that, WCAP owners Sam Poulten and Clark Schmidt both owe these snubbed candidates “EQUAL AIR TIME” on their radio station. If not, perhaps a few Federal authorities ought to be contacted for some possible remedy in this situation.

What an excellent opportunity to consult with Congresswoman Niki Tsongas! I noticed that Rep. Tsongas has yet to end the War in Iraq since she’s been elected, so perhaps she’ll have better luck putting the screws to WCAP to do the fair and legal thing in this case.
Replies:
Subject: QUESTION?Does the town of Dracut have any legal obligations on purchasing the Canney Farm?


Author:
ACCOUNTANT
[Edit]
Date Posted: 11:33 02/11/09 Wed
When the people at last town meeting approved that article I do not think they realized that we were only going to use 5 out 13 acres.I surely did not know this.The remaining 8 acres are wet lands.So that means we paid over 250,000 per acre for undeveloped property.Who did the negotiating with this aquisition?The people in Dracut need to know this.I think a lot of people have been fooled by this.If Dracut can legally reneg on this they should.This price is outrageous in these bad times.Undeveloped land is only wotrth 1/4 of this price.I hope we hold these people accountable for recklessly spending our tax dollars.
Replies:
Subject: Zimini defends his stance on recent temp appointments & Mike Miles' comments


Author:
Kopy Kitten
[Edit]
Date Posted: 08:06 02/13/09 Fri
(published in, Lowell Sun, Letter to the Editor, 2-13-09)

Let's keep 'backroom politics' out of appointment

I write this letter with the intent of clarifying my opinion on the issue of appointments to the recent vacancies on the Dracut School Committee and the Greater Lowell Regional School Committee.

Let's make one thing very clear, these two positions were established as elected positions. To that end, I believe that every attempt should be made to allow the voters to fill these vacancies and avoid the pitfalls that come with the backroom politics of special appointments.

At best the appointee on each board will sit in on three, maybe four, meetings before the town election May 4. This is just barely enough time to get acquainted with half of the issues that the Dracut School Committee and/or the Greater Lowell Regional School Committee deal with. This is hardly enough time to be effective.

Now, there has been talk by some that the law is clear that we must appoint and appoint within a specific time period.

The pertinent portion of the law states, "the remaining members (of the school committee) shall give written notice thereof, within one month of said vacancy, to the selectmen, who, with the remaining member or members of such board, shall, after one week's notice, fill such vacancy by roll call vote." Mass General Laws Ch. 41 Sec. 11.

While this could be read to mean that the appointment should be made within seven days of receipt the notice of the vacancy from the school committee, I believe that it also can be read that there needs to be seven days notice given by the Board of Selectmen before we meet to fill the vacancy. With the latter interpretation, there is no timeline for the appointment. I believe that the statute is sufficiently ambiguous to allow us to err on the side of the voters and avoid the pitfalls that come with the backroom politics of special appointments.

There was a quote in Sunday's edition of The Sun attributed to a member of the Dracut School Committee in which he commented on my choice to not attend the special appointment meeting. The quote stated, "I think it is sour grapes because their person doesn't have the votes."

This quote embodies the dangers of backroom politics and gives the impression of dirty politics. Most disheartening of these is that this quote ran in the paper four days before the scheduled meeting and, according to that school committee member, the appointment was already in the bag for someone.

This brand of politics does not help anyone.

JOHN ZIMINI
Dracut selectman
Replies:
Subject: Why doesn't the governor tax the cigarrettes more?It makes more sense.


Author:
Gas Consumer
[Edit]
Date Posted: 16:04 02/10/09 Tue
Replies:
Subject: Daigle responds to a few election-related postings here on DAD


Author:
Roger L. Daigle via Kopy Kitten
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:29 02/11/09 Wed
(Roger L. Daigle is a co-host of the popular local access cable TV show, “Inside Dracut Politics”, which airs several times a week on Channel 8.)

Regarding the upcoming May elections - One individual made the statement that one should have knowledge of the issues before throwing their hat in the ring.

What may be an issue to you , doesn’t necessarily mean its an issue to someone else.

Wouldn’t it be better to say - if an incumbent has been given several years in an elective position and hasn’t proven himself/herself unable to stand up for the rights of the taxpayer, by promoting open government, honesty and integrity; demanding that every employee understand that those who pay the freight have a right to know where and how their hard earned dollars go, give someone else a chance?

That those we elect, insist on doing what is right for the Town and not certain individuals or special interests? Service above self; have the courage to ask the hard questions, the ability to do the work necessary to form educated decisions and not rely on what they are told?

Government is not a game, consequently “self service” on the part of any elected individual should not be tolerated and/or allowed to continue. Certainly don’t keep reelecting anyone with that political mind-set. And certainly consider seriously about voting for anyone who works or has worked in the Public Sector, to represent your interests. The odds of that happening, in cases like that, are our of sight.

Service in public office does not require anything but common sense and an ability to think; understanding your responsibility to work hard and be courageous and have a real love for your community and its people - GO FOR IT!!!

To that individual who consider “old farts” obstructionists: You’re just the kind of person who shouldn’t be considered for any elected or appointed position. Freedom is never free. Everyone, old farts, young farts and even those who can’t fart at all, have a right to demand they be heard. Your inability to accept this, leaves you out of the loop!!

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil!!!

REMEMBER - you’re known by the company you keep - if you can’t be your own man (or woman) don’t run for public office!!
Replies:
Subject: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE SPEND 450,000 FOR THE FEASABILITY STUDY AND THE STATE DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO KICK IN ?IS THAT 450,000 THEN WASTED IF THE STATE CANNOT HELP US OUT BECAUSE OF CUT BACKS?


Author:
MONEY WASTED?
[Edit]
Date Posted: 23:27 02/12/09 Thu
Replies:
Subject: With about two months left before statute of limitations expire, here's a Lie-Detector Update on stolen drug case


Author:
Kopy Kitten
[Edit]
Date Posted: 09:32 02/02/09 Mon
(published in, Lowell Sun, 2-2-09)

Police tested on lost drugs

Search for answers in 2003 Dracut case

By Dennis Shaughnessey
dshaughnessey@lowellsun.com

DRACUT -- With time running out, police have turned to lie-detector tests to find out who was behind the disappearance of $80,000 in marijuana stored as evidence behind the old police station in 2003.

Up to 40 people have taken, or may be called to take, the test. Several told The Sun they are nervous, not because they have something to hide, but because polygraph tests are not perfect.

"It's like in the old movies where they put you in a room with a big black box with a light bulb on it," said Tony Archinski, a lieutenant who retired Dec. 31. "They say it's just an additional tool in the investigative process, but even if it's 90 percent accurate, and that's being generous, who wants to be on the short end of a false positive?"

"How do you do this in good conscience?" said one officer, on condition of anonymity. "There were people on the force at the time who are gone now. How do you conduct an investigation?"

But another said the tests have divided the department.

"We want to get rid of the people in this department who have no integrity," the officer said. "Look around. Look who is running scared. That should tell you something."

The full-scale administrative internal investigation, which includes polygraph tests, is being conducted by the North East Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council's Internal Affairs Division, headed by Tewksbury Police Chief Al Donovan. Donovan declined comment, and would not discuss specifics of the tests, administrators or procedures.

Repeated attempts to reach Dracut Police Chief Kevin Richardson and Deputy Police Chief David Chartrand were unsuccessful.

In 2007, Selectman George Malliaros pushed to require any officer who was on the force when the drugs went missing to submit to the lie-detector test.

State police and the Middlesex District Attorney's Office last year investigated the disappearance of the evidence and did not press criminal charges. Richardson then called for an internal investigation to preserve the "integrity of the department."

George Maschke, a polygraph expert in the Seattle area who has written extensively on polygraph tests, said a polygraph dragnet is "more likely to misdirect the investigation." He points to the investigation into the 2000 disappearance and murder of 16-year-old Molly Bish, of Warren, Mass.

"At least 11 individuals failed polygraphs in that investigation," said Maschke, who writes for a Web site, antipolygraph.org. "There is no raging debate among scientists over its accuracy. There is broad consensus that it's junk science."

A little more than two months remain before the statute of limitations runs out in the Dracut case.
Replies:
Subject: Zimini's recent tirade against Piendak apparently had to do with potential State budget cuts


Author:
Kopy Kitten
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:34 01/18/09 Sun
(published in, Lowell Sun, The Column, 1-18-09)

...CONCERNED about potential budget cuts from the state is Dracut Selectman John Zimini, who last week went off on a cliché-ridden tirade demanding to know why Town Manager Dennis Piendak has not scheduled a meeting to discuss the issue.

"I requested a meeting back in June," Zimini said. "We have a very short window to determine where to make up for shortfalls. The governor will slash and burn the budget. Do you have plans on meeting and could you inform the board?"

Piendak calmly responded that it is up to the board to schedule meetings.

"I'm available anytime," Piendak said. "Let's schedule one right now."

Piendak said he has been discussing the budget with department heads, but the biggest stumbling block is the unknown figure from the state.

Zimini tried to back off.

"I'm not going to go back and forth about this with the manager," he said, "but this is really getting under my craw. We're going to get whacked. Are we going to wait until the last minute when this is laid at our doorstep? ... I want to be proactive before the storm hits."

Piendak has embargoed all vacant positions -- with the exception of a crossing guard who was recently hired. He closely monitors all expenditures and personally approves all purchase orders coming in to Town Hall.

"When the numbers come out from the state, we'll deal with it," he said.
Replies:
Subject: TEDDY K I HOPE YOU DO IT"


Author:
FULL STEAM AHEAD
[Edit]
Date Posted: 21:13 01/18/09 Sun
Replies:
Subject: MediaNews Group, Sun parent company, announces furloughs


Author:
The Lowell Sun
[Edit]
Date Posted: 17:01 02/09/09 Mon
The Lowell Sun
Posted: 02/07/2009 06:35:48 AM EST


The announcement was made by Anthony F. Tierno, senior vice president of operations. He said all furloughs must be completed by March 30.

"Unfortunately, this unprecedented economic downturn has impacted our industry and our business significantly. We don't anticipate this being a short-term challenge, so after careful analysis we made this difficult decision," said Mark O'Neil, president and publisher of MediaOne New England. "Our focus continues to be on managing our cost structure so it is in line with our revenue trends, and to work tirelessly to develop innovative revenue sources capitalizing on our growing suite of products in print, online and via targeted publications."

The furloughs impact all MNG properties nationally, including The Sun of Lowell, the Sentinel and Enterprise of Fitchburg, and Nashoba Publications of Devens.
Replies:
Subject: Town short fall


Author:
Hill billy bob
[Edit]
Date Posted: 18:37 01/21/09 Wed
I hear how citys and town's will be hurting for money.
Back about 100 years ago, when I was younger. [dont know if this was true or not]
One morning I pulled into a convineance store to get a coffee. There was a state trooper in there. When I got to the register he told me he could give me a $250 fine for that. I said for what and he replied for leaving a car running unattened.
I explained that it was not running I forgot the lights.
I pulled into a coffee shop this morning and there were at least 8 cars running unattened.
Thats $2000 dollars in the towns pocket
Replies:
Subject: Popular community guy Jim Roth is now facing child-rape allegations


Author:
Kopy Kitten
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:27 01/13/09 Tue
(published in, Lowell Sun, 1-13-09)

Dracut man faces child-rape charge

By Dennis Shaughnessey
dshaughnessey@lowellsun.com

DRACUT -- A 53-year-old Dracut man faces one count of rape and sexual assault of a child after his arrest in New Hampshire last Wednesday.

James Karl Roth, of 34 Superior Road, was indicted by a grand jury on Nov. 20 and arrested in Concord, N.H., on Dec. 17. He was held on $25,000 cash bail and initially did not waive a rendition hearing, which would have sent him back to Massachusetts immediately, according to Dracut Deputy Police Chief David Chartrand.

Roth, who ran for a seat on the Greater Lowell Technical High School Committee in 1998, losing to Michael McHugh, subsequently waived rendition and was taken into custody by the Dracut police on Wednesday at the Merrimack County Correctional Facility in Boscawen, N.H.

According to Chartrand, the alleged assaults occurred over a three-year period sometime around 2000 and involved a 12-year-old boy.

Roth was formally booked at the Dracut police station Wednesday and arraigned the next day in Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn. He is being held by the Middlesex County Sheriff's Office on $5,000 cash bail.

Roth was a well-known figure in the community. He was active in the American Legion Post 315, which is named after his grandfather, Leo C. Roth.

Friends of Roth declined comment but expressed shock at the allegations.
Replies:
Subject: THE YEAR 2009


Author:
FORTUNE TELLER
[Edit]
Date Posted: 21:04 02/08/09 Sun
If could predict the future,I would say,this year is a year of transition.I think the mind set of all people will change.I think most people will appreciate what they have and what they can hold on to more than ever.I think we have a President that truely cares about all people.This President seems to be very concerned and very focussed on what we need to do to get through these bad times.All the people in the United States need to realize that no one but no one nation is as united as the U.S.A.We all will overcome all of these problems in time.We all need to have patience.Remember all change comes slowly.Look how history has changed all of us.It did not happen over night.Take a good look at what has happened since the early 1900's.Look how much we have done.From auto's,to televisions,airplanes,nuclear,solar,electric,windmills,geo thermo,medicine especially.This year we will all need to work extra hard at realizing and appreciating all that we have.Accept things for now but never be complacient.We will get stronger every year as we always have.It might not be fast but we will go foward.Listen to all people and always have a open mind as that will bring new ideas for all of us.This year will be slow in growth but get ready for the years to come.Every will get sronger as they allways have.Our future is bright and just as the past 100 years have proven all that we have accomplished,just try to imagine the next 100 years?My predictions that things will get better every year as they allways have.We all need to be patience and realize that we have gone through this before and we always and I mean always haved moved forward.We are moving forward in a very small pace.We just need to acknowledge it.There will always be ups and downs forever,we just need to realize thats the way it is.
Replies:
Subject: BPP


Author:
N.O
[Edit]
Date Posted: 18:11 02/08/09 Sun
Is anyone have any info on The Backyard Party Place on Lakeview? How are the staff?
Replies:
Subject: WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES FOR DRACUT IN 2009 AND WHO WILL PUT THEM IN PLACE?


Author:
POPO
[Edit]
Date Posted: 19:20 01/11/09 Sun
Replies:
Subject: DiRocco is a nice man but what has he really done?


Author:
SECECTMANS RACE
[Edit]
Date Posted: 21:09 01/18/09 Sun
Replies:
Subject: McNamara's appointment to temp School Committee seat is "in the bag"; Gagnon urges supporters to donate $$$ to Food Pantry instead of her campaign


Author:
Kopy Kitten
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:41 02/08/09 Sun
(published in, Lowell Sun, The Column, 2-8-09)

EXPECT SEVERAL no-shows on Thursday night when Dracut selectmen meet with the School Committee to appoint a replacement for the seat vacated on Jan. 26 by committee member Mary Gail Martin. Selectman John Zimini and committee member Nancy Gagnon say they won't be there.

Zimini said it doesn't make sense to fill the seat when a town election is scheduled for May 4.

"Whoever we appoint will be there for, what, three or four meetings (at) the most? I think it gives that person an unfair advantage if they choose to run (for the one-year unexpired term)," Zimini said. But state law says selectmen and the remaining members of the School Committee shall appoint a replacement.

"That's a matter of interpretation," said Zimini. "I'm just not going to be there."

Two names that have been repeatedly mentioned as possible replacements are Housing Commissioner Kenneth Martin and former Greenmont School Principal Michael McNamara. Both men have taken out nomination papers for the one-year term. It seems that McNamara has enough votes to be appointed until May, leaving those that have already committed to Martin out in the cold. Could that be the reason for Zimini's motion?

Committee member Mike Miles said he will abide by the law, and questions the motives of those opposed to filling the position.

"I think it's sour grapes because their person doesn't have the votes. The law's the law and it's our responsibility.

Miles, as well as committee member Matthew Sheehan, is behind McNamara, as are Selectmen Robert Cox and Joe DiRocco.

Selectman James O'Loughlin said that although he can't imagine anybody with a more perfect resumé than McNamara applying for the job, he will not commit to any candidate until the night of the vote. Committee Chairman Ron Mercier said he is still not sure who he will support.

Anyone interested in filling the vacancy should send a letter of intent and a brief resume to the town clerk's office before Wednesday.

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

DON'T EXPECT Gagnon, who is running for a third term on the School Committee, to run a full-blown, no-holds-barred campaign. Gagnon told The Column last week that she will not be holding any fundraisers and will probably not be holding any signs.

"How can I ask people for money in this economy?" she asked. "I'd rather see people who wanted to give me anything, donate it to the Dracut Food Pantry. People know me. They know where I stand and they know how I've voted. I'll run on my record."
Replies:
Subject: DID YOU HEAR HOW RON MERCIER TOLD SHAW OFF ON THE RADIO?GOOOD JOB RON IT'S ABOUT TIME SOMEONE PUT SHAW IN HIS PLACE


Author:
LISTENER
[Edit]
Date Posted: 16:15 01/31/09 Sat
I can't believe that WCAP allows Shaw to get involved with Dracut politics.Ronnie Mercier told Warren Shaw off this morning on the show.Ron was correct in saying that they should not be taken pictures of Martins house without asking permission.First of all its rude of Shaw to even say it is ok.The Martins have young children.Can you imagine how frightened they could of been.Shaw used a example of there house that is for sale and the realitors take pictures.First of all the realitors sign a contract and get written permission.The Martins then can tell ther family whats going on.Does Wa rren Shaw have any decency in him at all?Mary called in and did not get to say much because the segment of the show was ending.She did say that She was upset at Shaw.She also defended Ron Mercier.Don't people think WCAP should put a stop to this??????I doooooooo'''''
Replies:
Subject: Panel scheduled to appoint temporary replacement for Mary Gail Martin on Feb. 12th


Author:
Kopy Kitten
[Edit]
Date Posted: 10:31 02/04/09 Wed
(published in, Lowell Sun, 2-4-09)

By Dennis Shaughnessey
dshaughnessey@lowellsun.com

DRACUT -- Selectmen will meet with the four remaining members of the School Committee on Thursday, Feb. 12 to appoint a replacement to fill out the remainder of Mary Gail Martin's term for 2009, which expires on May 4.

Martin, who was elected in 2007, stepped down from the committee on Jan. 26, saying she is moving to Tyngsboro.

The meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the M.G. Parker Library on Arlington Street.

The appointee will serve until the May 4 election. If that person desires to fill out the remaining year of Martin's term, he or she must pull nomination papers, which are available, gather 50 signatures from registered Dracut voters and turn them in by March 16 for their name to appear on the May 4 ballot.

Those who have already taken out nomination papers for the one-year term include Winchester Way resident Paul Elmstrom, Varnum Road resident Paul Nutt and Amesbury Street resident Kenneth Martin. Martin, no relation, who serves on the Dracut Housing Commission, has been mentioned as a possible appointee.

Mary Gail's husband, Brian, serves as a Dracut representative on the Greater Lowell Technical High School Committee.

He also stepped down from that position, but his resignation does not take effect until Feb. 13, after he officially notifies the rest of the committee at the next scheduled meeting on Feb. 12.
Replies:
Subject: Should Mass Sales Tax Extend to NH Purchases?


Author:
Kopy Kitten
[Edit]
Date Posted: 10:38 02/04/09 Wed
(posted on, RichardHowe.com, by DickH, 2-3-09)

Will merchants in New Hampshire soon have to collect the Massachusetts sales tax from residents of the Commonwealth on purchases made north of the border?

That’s the question now before the Supreme Judicial Court in a case involving Town Fair Tire and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Because this tire outfit also does business in Massachusetts, the Mass DOR seems to have had the authority to audit receipts from Town Fair’s New Hampshire stores.

In doing so, DOR found enough purchases by likely Bay State residents to have generated more than $100,000 in Mass sales taxes and assessed the tire company accordingly. The forthcoming decision of the SJC on this case could have major implications for this region.

I understand that NH merchants already collect the Mass sales tax on purchases that are to be delivered into Massachusetts; and that Mass residents are supposed to add taxable-but-untaxed goods to their tax returns, but as a practical matter, the bulk of the items sold in NH to Mass residents escape taxation.

While it’s nice for folks living in Greater Lowell to zip up to the Pheasant Lane Mall to make purchases and thereby avoid the 5% Mass Sales Tax, that dynamic has pretty much devastated the retail business south of the border.

Consider the aforementioned Mall: The stores are in Nashua but the parking lot is in Tyngsborough. If NH merchants were required to collect sales tax on purchases to Mass residents, wouldn’t that level the retail playing field and jump start a rebirth of retail in the border communities?
Replies:
Subject: Bobolas


Author:
Resident
[Edit]
Date Posted: 13:32 12/29/08 Mon
Can anyone tell me what they think about Bobolas? How is there food? How are their prices for the food you receive? How is the wait staff? Is the place crowded?
Replies:
Subject: What money can (and cannot) buy


Author:
Kopy Kitten
[Edit]
Date Posted: 05:28 02/04/09 Wed
A bed but not rest.
A house but not a home.
Luxuries but not contentment.
Medicine but not health.
Amusement but not happiness.
Food but not appetite.

A grave...but not Heaven.
Subject: President Obama


Author:
Is it only me
[Edit]
Date Posted: 08:07 01/18/09 Sun
I believe you vote for the right man/woman for the job.
I guess people will call me prejucice but when Obama was running I didn't vote for him. No not because of his color as he was 1/2 white 1/2 Afro American. I voted for Romney and then went with McCain. I liked Obama also but felt was torn between he and McCain. So Obama did win and here where the race comes into play. Why do we have to continue to hear "New Hope. First Afro American etc etc." Over and over I had to shut the tv off and news radio. Why can't we leave color alone and say 'He;s going to be good for the cuuntry and help fix it" why does race constantly have to be brought in. Then we have His ceremony. How many Afro American actors/singers. You don't hear white saying "A white president has been elected. and when they have their
singers its not "All white" I am happy for Obama but leave color out of it. ISN'T THAT WHAT EQUALITY IS ABOUT?"
No race/color is brought into the picture - we look at the inner person. God help this country if he gets assinated - I fear there will a racial war in this country.
Replies:
Subject: School Committee gives 2.5 percent raises to administrators


Author:
Kopy Kitten
[Edit]
Date Posted: 10:20 02/03/09 Tue
(published in, Lowell Sun, 2-3-09)

By Dennis Shaughnessey
dshaughnessey@lowellsun.com

DRACUT -- One month after approving a teachers' contract amounting to an 8-percent pay increase over three years, the Dracut School Committee this week approved a 2.5 percent pay raise for district administrators.

The one-year raise, which is retroactive to July 1, 2008, passed on a 3-to-1 vote with committee member Nancy Gagnon voting against the deal.

Committeewoman Mary Gail Martin, who later in the evening announced her resignation from the committee, recused herself from the vote. Her sister is the vice principal at the Englesby Intermediate School.

Gagnon also voted against the teachers' contract, which passed on a 4-to-1 vote on Dec. 8. That three-year deal is also retroactive to July 1, 2008 and calls for a 2-percent raise until the 90th day of the school year and a one-percent raise to June 30, 2009. Teachers will receive a 2.5-percent increase in the second and third year of the contract.

The raise comes at a time when Gov. Deval Patrick is threatening severe cuts to local aid.

The Wilmington School Committee last week decided not to back a tentative agreement with the teachers' union, opting instead to go back to the bargaining table.

Talks between the Dracut School Committee and the custodians' union are ongoing.
Subject: ISN'T TIME WE REDUCED THE CPA TAXES THAT WE ALL PAY ?


Author:
RESIDENT
[Edit]
Date Posted: 09:16 01/17/09 Sat
Replies:
Subject: IS ANYONE HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE BUILDING DEPATRMENT?


Author:
MISSY
[Edit]
Date Posted: 17:08 01/29/09 Thu
Replies:
Subject: Lowell Sun continues to crap all over Martins; name potential temporary replacements for School Committee


Author:
Kopy Kitten
[Edit]
Date Posted: 20:00 02/01/09 Sun
(published in, Lowell Sun, The Column, 2-1-09)

FROM THE first turn of the rumor mill, Brian and Mary Gail Martin -- he of the Greater Lowell Technical High School Committee and she of the Dracut School Committee -- denied they were moving from Dracut to Tyngsboro.

Mary Gail Martin scoffed at the time: "Where did you hear that? We're not going anywhere."

Brian Martin's answer remained constant: "It's nobody's business."

The Martins acknowledged nothing until October, when a real-estate sign sprang up in front of their A Street home.

And even then, Brian Martin insisted, "It's nobody's business" (only not in words as polite).

The move leaves two open seats at Greater Lowell Tech and three seats up for play on the Dracut School Committee in the May 4 town election. Dennis "D.J." Deeb, who was ousted from the Dracut School Committee after one term last year, is running for his fifth term at Greater Lowell. In Dracut, Ron Mercier Jr. and Nancy Gagnon are up for re-election. Mary Gail Martin has one year remaining on her term. Brian Martin has two years left on his.

Selectman and the remaining School Committee members will hold a joint meeting to replace the Martins.

Here's where it gets interesting. The name of Housing Commissioner Kenneth Martin (no relation) was bandied about as early as August, with the story going that Martin already had the appointment. Ken Martin said he had no knowledge of the opening and had never been approached. Former Greenmont Avenue School Principal Mike McNamara has been mentioned as a possibility, and he would surely come close to garnering enough votes.
Subject: Mary-Gail Martin resigned from the school comm. at last nite's mtg.


Author:
heard her husband Brian will resighn next from the regional school comm.
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:33 01/27/09 Tue
Replies:
Subject: Mourning the death of our good friend, Common Sense – May he Rest In Peace


Author:
Kopy Kitten
[Edit]
Date Posted: 07:26 02/01/09 Sun
(My parents told me about Mr. Common Sense early in my life and told me I would do well to call on him when making decisions. It seems he was always around in my early years but less and less as time passed by until today I read his obituary. Please join me in a moment of silence in remembrance. For Common Sense had served us all so well for so many generations.)
Obituary

Common Sense

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't always fair, and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place.

Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Aspirin, sun lotion or a sticky plaster to a student; but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar can sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know my Rights, Someone Else is to Blame, and I'm a Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
Subject: THE ROADS IN DRACUT


Author:
Ted K.
[Edit]
Date Posted: 19:49 01/11/09 Sun
Dracut roads are well kept.There are alot of people who like to complain but please look at other towns.The last storm left us with a lot of water.The storm ended late that nite and everything froze.The next morning the plows edge was on everyones driveway.Please understand weather conditions can be crazy in new england.Dracuts roads are the best I have seen in many surrounding towns they are not kept up as good as Dracuts.People think driving a plow is easy.I know personally its not.It's mentally tiring and physically tiring.So when you see the roads clear please realize all the hard work that went into keeping these roads in great shape"
Replies:
Subject: Scientists have now discovered the main root to ALL female problems


Author:
Kopy Kitten
[Edit]
Date Posted: 12:18 01/28/09 Wed
Woman has Man in it;
Mrs. has Mr.
Female has Male in it;
She has He in it;
Madam has Adam in it;

Okay, it all makes sense now...
I never looked at it this way before:

MENtal illness
MENstrual cramps
MENtal breakdown
MENopause
GUYnecologist
AND ..
When we have REAL trouble, it's a HISterectomy.

Ever notice how all of women's problems start with MEN?
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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