The City Council interviews of the five finalists for the position of Lowell City Manager dominated politics in the city this week. I watched all five interviews and thought the interview process went pretty well. The council was fortunate to schedule only two interviews per day because sitting through nearly…
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John Edward teaches economics at Bentley and UMass Lowell. He’s a frequent contributor of columns on economic issues. Here is his latest: The good news is our government is very good at collecting economic data. The bad news is the headline numbers can be misleading. March 7, 2014 The Fall…
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The following properties in Lowell sold during the past week: March 24, 2014 – Monday 175 Willard St Unit 19 for $39,500. Prior sale 2013 foreclosure 42 18th St for $241,000. Prior sale in 2013 for $145,000 40 Andrews St Unit A for $175,000. Prior sale 2014 foreclosure March 25,…
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March 27, 2014 Kevin Murphy interview Opening Statement: Loves the city. It’s his home. He’s lived here his entire life. I’m the parent of a child who received a world-class education in the Lowell public schools. We have a shared destiny. A city where people can find jobs or start…
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March 27, 2014 Greg Balukonis interview Opening Statement: Lives in Shrewsbury. He’s in the business of city manager. Is not a politician; not in the private sector; not an academic; is in local government. That’s his strength but he knows the job is more than sitting behind the desk and…
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March 26, 2014 George Ramirez opening statement Begins by reminiscing about his time on the council eight years ago. He applied for several reasons. Lowell is special to him. 40 years ago Lowell welcomed him and his family from Columbia. Went to school, married and has lived here ever since.…
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March 26, 2014 Opening Statement: It’s a great honor to be here. When I arrived in Blackstone there was no economic development plan. Created a program of economic development [he’s reading his statement]. Brought in Northeastern University school of engineering to assist in development of downtown. Has extensive experience in…
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The issue of parking in downtown Lowell is getting some attention. It was discussed at last week’s economic development subcommittee and downtown resident Corey Sciuto posted a letter he sent to councilors on the issue on his own blog. This morning I found a lengthy comment from a regular reader…
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Special City Council Meeting – March 25, 2014 Interviews with two candidates for City Manager. The first interviewee, Robert Bruner of Michigan, called the HR Department a short time ago and withdrew from his interview (he may have just received employment in Michigan). The second candidate is present and will…
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This coming Friday at 2:45 pm, Lowell High School has organized a panel discussion on the crisis in Ukraine, Crimea, and the Russian Federation. The program will take place in the Lowell High Little Theater and will last until until 4 pm. The public is invited to attend. Panelists for…
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