Independent Review Finds “Systemic Abuse” in Probation Hirings

The Independent Counsel/Ware Report of the Massachusetts Probation Department ordered by the State Supreme Judicial Court has been completed. The findings include: *The Hiring and Promotion Process in the Probation Departmentis Corrupt and Has Disproportionately Favored Politically-Connected Candidates *The Fraud is Systemic and Not Episodic *Commissioner O’Brien and Certain Others…

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Betty White’s Girlhood Dream Realized

We all had dreams of what we want to be when we grew-up. A teacher… a firefighter… a doctor… Well, Betty White of  Life with Elizabeth, Mary Tyler Moore, Golden Girls, Password and Saturday Night Live fame – seven-time emmy winner, iconic Senior Citizen, animal advocate extraordinaire and for some a national treasure…

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Lowell Charter Changes through history

There were some interesting comments on my Tuesday post on City Councilor Patrick Murphy’s successful motion to have the Rules Subcommittee “discuss Charter Changes to increase civic participation.” It might be helpful to review how the city’s charter has changed through the years. Lowell was organized as a town in…

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Coney Island Hot Dogs of Worcester

I spent today in meetings at the Worcester Registry of Deeds but was privileged to have lunch at one of that city’s fine dining establishments – George’s Coney Island Hot Dogs. Coney Island is to Worcester as Elliot’s is to Lowell. If you find yourself in Worcester, check this place…

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Governor Asks Cabinet and Senior Administrators to Reapply

From the Governor’s Daily Update under “Ready to Finsh the Work We Started”: In an effort to maintain a top-notch Administration during his second term, Governor Patrick last week asked his Cabinet secretaries and senior Administration officials to reapply for their positions.  The Governor understands the demands these jobs can…

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