richardhowe.com

Now I do admit that I have a facebook “page” that a technology-savy niece created for me unasked - but I rarely if ever post or visit. I know very little about Facebook. Who might use this site? Is it all for and about individuals? Is it strickly personal? What type of communication tool is it? So as a member of the Democratic State Committee my interest was piqued  when the  Massachusetts Democratic Party announced in a recent Newsletter that they have opened a “group” on Facebook. The site has all kinds of information, postings, references, videos and photos. It appears that while little effort is made to keep the MDP blog-site current, the Facebook site is lively, current and active. I suggest that you take a look at the site. For some there are photos of local interest - numbers 11 thru 18 are Lowell-related. They are generally focussed on Niki Tsongas and her campaign events and include the Unity rally sponsored by Greater Lowell Area Democrats, the Bill Clinton event at the Auditorium and a downtown Lowell walking-tour with Governor Patrick. Check out: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2363482082

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Globe “City and Region” columnist Kevin Cullen landed a hit today on local State Representative Colleen Garry of the 36th Middlesex District which includes the communities of Dracut and Tyngsboro. Garry who serves on the House Ways and Means Committee generally flies below the political radar. She is considered to be conservative - she is for heterosexual marriage only, against in-state tuition for the undocumented and against stem cell research. What’s curling Cullen’s non-partisian hair? It seems that Colleen Garry is a whiney “HillBillie” who is pouting over a decided lack of “Barack Obama outreach” to her and other HRC supporters. She’s looking for more than e-mails and wants a more personal contact from the campaign. I guess that Garry’s pique was noted in a Herald article which focused on the recent 5 million-dollar Obama haul at a Boston fundraiser. I’m sure an Obama operative will be in touch with Garry soon! Will she answer?

Cullen aside - Garry and other Hillary supporters are at a political crossroads. Crushed that HRC’s nearly 18 million votes weren’t enough to pull-off a win for the Democratic nomination for President against a less-experienced guy from Illinois and angry that the historic moment for a woman (particularly this woman) becoming President  won’t happen in 2009, they must make a choice. Will they stay home? Will they disrupt the Democratic Convention? Will they pull-out all the stops to bring Obama down? Will they vote for John McCain? Are they PUMA-nistas? Will Hillary Clinton herself be able to bring them into the fold for the November election? Will conversion to Obama-olgy only come with HRC on the ticket as VP? Stay tuned.

On another note - with credentials as a solid Hillary Clinton supporter in the primary I’ve purged the whininess and tucked away the pain. Perhaps it’s age and innate pragmatism - but changing the focus, mentality, philosophy, morality and bureaucracy of the current administration to a new agenda is far too important for the future to hold onto personal angst. I’m on the train - if only in the cheap seats.

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The Boston Globe’s website (www.boston.com) is reporting that Middlesex Register of Probate John Buonomo was arrested by state troopers from the office of District Attorney Gerry Leone.  It is alleged that Buonomo stole money from copier machines located in the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds which is located in the same building as the Registry of Probate.  I just watched the surveillance camera footage released by the DA on the 10 p.m. news and it looks like a pretty strong case although there always could be an innocent explanation.

Whatever the outcome of this matter, the history of that office during the past two decades has been particularly interesting, even by Massachusetts political standards.  Back in the 1980s, Paul Cavanaugh held the position but was made a District Court judge by Governor Dukakis.  In October 1989, Dukakis appointed Tom Larkin of Bedford (who was also a Middlesex County Commissioner) to fill the unexpired term as Register of Probate.  In January 1990, Larkin tried to resign as commissioner but wanted to cast a vote for his successor.  A second commissioner, Ed Kennedy of Lowell, objected, saying that until Larkin resigned there was no vacancy to fill and once he resigned, he would no longer be a commissioner and would therefore be unable to vote on his successor.  The third commissioner, Bill Schmidt of Cambridge, was apparently in agreement with Larkin about the successor commissioner while Kennedy wanted someone else.  In the end, Larkin kept the commissioner’s job although he did not receive pay for it, although he did draw the full salary as Register of Probate.

By all accounts, Larkin was running the Probate Registry efficiently, but he was swept out of office in the 1990 anti-Dukakis, anti-incumbent tidal wave led by William Weld who was elected governor, receiving 1,175,817 votes to John Silber’s 1,099,878.  The Middlesex Register of Probate office was won by Donna Lambert, a file clerk at a private company who had been laid off that summer and who needed a job.  She spent $600 to Larkin’s $30,000.  She received 274,347 votes while Larkin got 226,188.

While Donna Lambert was a very nice person, she did nothing to distinguish herself during her first term in office.  In 1996 when she was up for re-election, a swarm of Democrats sought the chance to face her in the November election.  The candidates included Wanda Milik of Carlisle, Robert Antonelli of Woburn, John Buckley of Medford, Diane Poulos Harpell of Acton, Ronald McDonald of Winchester, Francis Flaherty of Arlington, Marie Howe of Somerville and Joyce Hurley of Framingham.  Antonelli, whose one campaign visit to Lowell resulted in his car being stolen from in front of the Democratic campaign headquarters on Merrimack Street, won the primary and then defeated Lambert handily in the general election.

Antonelli’s tenure as Register of Probate was short-lived.  Within ten months of taking office, the Supreme Judicial Court removed him from office for official misconduct (attempting to influence the outcome of a case before the Probate Court and treating his staff in an unprofessional manner).  Then-governor William Weld named Lee Johnson, an attorney who had run for District Attorney as a Republican, to fill the post.

Although Antonelli had been elected to a six year term in 1996, when a vacancy occurred during the term, the governor appointed a successor to serve until the next state election when the balance of the unexpired term would be on the ballot.  For that reason, the next Register of Probate election in Middlesex County occurred in 2000.  Candidates in the Democratic primary for that office included Buonomo, Dean Bruno of Medford, Newton’s mayor Thomas Concannon, Tara Decristofaro of Medford, former County Commissioner Frank Flaherty of Arlington, Melissa Hurley of Cambridge, Robert Keough of Billerica, Paul Lucero of Woburn and former Lowell police officer Ed McMahon.  Buonomo beat Concannon by 16 votes (McMahon finished fifth).  In the general election, Buonomo received 273,159 to Republican Lee Johnson’s 138,349 and unenrolled Diane Poulos Harpell’s 112,835.  The office appeared on the ballot two years later (in 2002) for a new six year term.  Buonomo was challenged in the Democratic primary by Harpell and McMahon but he handily defeated both of them and did the same in November against Republican John Lambert of Shrewsbury. 

So if John Buonomo was elected to a six year term in 2002, that means the office of Register of Probate is on the ballot again this fall.  Apparently there is no one else is running for the position and the time for gaining access to the ballot by the normal route has already passed.  I suspect a number of people are pulling out the “how to run a sticker campaign” manual right now.

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Over on the Herald’s blog former SUN reporter Hillary Chabot writes about the impending override of Governor Patrick’s budget vetoes. She notes that Ways and Means Chair Senator Steve Panagiotakos is predicting a prudent “fifty-fifty split” with the Governor. Apparently the Republican members expect Pangi  to jump through hoops to explain why this Governor is allowed to keep half of his cuts while a GOP Governor would suffer a full override.

“There has better communication (with Patrick) so there will be less for us to have to override” said Panagiotakos. “I want to make sure that the five members of the minority party remember those days of wine and roses, because they’re gone.”

The Senator will probably end up on GOP mouthpiece Barney Keller’s  hit list or at least as a talking points bullet. Barney and friends have been lobbing charges at Democrats from one end of the Commonwealth to the other. As the legislative session ends the heat is turned up for the coming election. Stay tuned.

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If you are looking  for other campaign volunteer opportunities, there are State Senate and Rep races needing  workers and races for Governor’s Council.

Rep. Jamie Eldridge - 37th Middlesex District - is running for the Democratic nomination in the Middlesex & Worcester District to replace retiring Senator Pam Resor. Eldridge is well-respected for his high-level  5th CD campaign last summer. http://jamie.combsnet.com/

Jim Arciero of Westford and Chelmsford Board of Selectman member Pat Wojtas are running for the Democratic nomination in the 2nd Middlesex District to replace retiring Representative Geoff Hall.  Billerica Representative Bill Green is challenged in the Democratic primary by Selectman Jim O’Donnell. As part of an ongoing effort to turn the First Middlesex Rep District “blue,” Groton Democrat Virginia Wood is challenging Republican incumbent Bob Hargraves. Lawrence has a spirited and heated race in the 6th Essex District as former Acting Mayor and City Councillor Marcos Devers challenges incumbent Rep. Willie Lantigua for the Democratic nomination while the Freshman Rep Methuen’s Linda Dean Campbell is again facing Christopher DiBella in the 15th Essex District primary.

Others in the Greater Lowell /MV delegation - Senators Panagiotakos and Tucker, Representatives Golden, Nangle, Garry, Miceli, Finegold and Tucker have no primary or Republican opposition. But Reps Kevin Murphy (Lowell) and Barbara L’Italien (Andover) and Senator Susan Fargo (Third Middlesex) face either a Republican or Independent in November.

And then there is the race in the 4th Middlesex District to replace Senator Jim Marzilli. The contest in the Democratic primary is between  firefighter union exec Ken Donnelly and Arlington Selectman John Hurd. Billerica is in the 4th District.

In the Governor’s Council - Third District race, longtime incumbent Marilyn Petitto Devaney of Watertown is facing a double-barreled challenge in the primary from fellow Democrats Watertown Fire Department Lieutentant Tom Walsh and Jack Doyle of Waltham. In the Fifth District incumbent Mary Ellen Manning of Peabody faces primary challenger Timothy Houlten.

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As July comes to a close, local political activities continue to ramp-up for more than just the Presidential race. Ashly O’Neill - Merrimack Valley Regional Coordinator for Senator  John Kerry’s reelection campaign - will be discussing organizational plans for the Lowell area at a Wednesday July 30th meeting scheduled for 7pm at the home of DSC member Patti Kirwin Keilty, 60 Stafford Road in Lowell. If you plan to attend - RSVP to pkk60@yahoo.com.

Congresswoman Niki Tsongas is hosting area discussions for women supporters - conversations about issues of concern in the 5th District. They’ll meet for breakfast on August 6th at the Cafe Paradiso in Lowell; for breakfast on August 5th at the Colonial Inn in Concord and for lunch on August 5th at the Cedar Crest in Lawrence. Meanwhile the Tsongas Campaign will host  district-wide supporters at a Tsongas Tsummer Celebration on August 21st from 7-9 pm at Longmeadow Country Club in Lowell - a donation of $20 is suggested. The Tsongas Tscoops and local and NH canvassing activities are ongoing thoughout the summer and fall. For specific information - check out the website at: http://www.nikitsongas.com.

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On October 22, 2008 from 6pm to 9pm there will be a gala event celebrating Community Teamwork Inc.’s 15th Annual Evening with Local Heroes. The gathering at Lenzi’s in Dracut is a staple on the Greater Lowell fall community calendar as nominated heroes are recognized for enriching our lives through their contributions, civic example and community service. You can nominate your hero by contacting organizers at 978-459-0551 Ext. 281 or by picking up a nomination form at CTI, 167 Dutton Street, Lowell. Full information will be on-line soon at www.comteam.org. Stay tuned.

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I am convinced that the same person that has been advising the American Auto industry for the past twenty years is also advising Jim Ogonowski. “Bigger is better! Spend spend spend!”…Ogo just spent $552,000 of other people’s money launching his run for US Senator…well, that launch was about as successful as a North Korean missile.
Who is advising this man? He is a well respected veteran. He deserves better.
According to the Lowell Sun he spent it all. He left just $51.75 in the campaign account. That’s not even enough to fill a GM SUV. But lets look on the bright side of things or at least what Massachusetts Republican Party Spokesman Barney Keller thinks is a bright side…

Conventional wisdom says that Massachusetts is a blue state, so the fact that he was able to raise that amount of money in a short time shows that people believe a Republican can win,” Keller said (Lowell Sun).

You’re not serious are you, Barney? The guy didn’t even make it on the ballot. Maybe if people around him like you Barney, got real the guy would have a chance at getting his political future back on track.
Ogo spent $150,000 on TV ads, mailings etc, $80,000 on political consultants (lowell sun)…
What consulting? You call that consulting?… Jim, let’s take on a well financed incumbent US Senator and then after you lose to him 65% to 35%, we’ll say, look how close you came…and then you can run for president and lose again.
I feel bad for Ogonowski…I ask, who is advising this guy?
By the way I’m wondering…anyone know someone looking to buy a used Hummer, cheap?

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Following a successful meeting in Andover last week, organizing continues for Barack Obama - this week in the Greater Lowell / Merrimack Valley basin area. Local campaign co-ordinator  Alex Buck of Chelmsford has scheduled a meeting to discuss what steps are needed to “help elect Barack Obama the next President of the United States.” 

Lowell Area Organizational Meeting

Wednesday, July 16 at 6:30 PM Life Alive Urban Oasis & Cafe

194 Middle Street 01852  

RSVP at http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/meeting/445cc

Or to Alex Buck aebuck@comcast.net

The Andover meeting included many Hillary Clinton supporters and activists ready to join the Presidential-Co-ordinated campaign. Up and down the Merrimack Valley look for lots of campaign activity - neighbor-to-neighbor talking, phone-calling, door-to-door canvassing, voter registration, voter identification, working events and other visibility opportunities. This area’s closeness to Southern New Hampshire also allows activists many occasions to help with the New Hampshire Jean Shaheen Senate run and both Congressional races. The summer and fall political activity in the Vally which includes local Rep and Senate races as well as those for the national scene will keep the appetites of political junkies well-fed.

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Tuesday evening while commending the city council for enacting a “foreclosed and vacant property” ordinance, I observed that their action was timely since there had been 14 foreclosure auction notices in that morning’s Lowell Sun, a record high in my memory.  I spoke too soon.  In this morning’s Sun there are 19.  Here they are (all are Lowell unless indicated):

1. 761 Princeton Blvd
2. 12 Belmont St
3. 246 Pleasant St
4. 331 Lawrence St
5. 105 Andrews St
6. 70 Bolton St
7. 1461 Pawtucket Blvd Unit 9
8. 309 Pawtucket Blvd Unit 21
9. 311 Stackpole St
10. 13 Pond Rd (Westford)
11. 39 Reagan Rd (Dracut)
12. 38 South Walker St
13. 22 Merrill St
14. 27-29 Townsend Ave
15. 73 Bigelow St
16. 12 East 19th St
17. 314 Cumberland Rd Unit 314
18. 52 Frederick St Unit 20 (Dracut)
19. 109 Tyler Park

Are any of these located near you?  If yes, then the foreclosure crisis now impacts you, for once the auction occurs, most of these buildings sit vacant for many months only to be dumped at way below market price (even in our despressed market).

While this all seems like exceedingly bad news, especially when we’re paying $4.07 per gallon of gas, we don’t have to worry.  According to John McCain’s senior economic advisor, former US Senator Phil Gramm (R., Texas), the US economy couldn’t be better and our only problem is a “mental recession” caused by our transformation into a nation of whiners.  So if you’re complaining about home prices or gas prices or grocery prices, stop right now because, according to the McCain campaign at least, you’re the problem.

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