Author Archive

Interview of Kevin Murphy

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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Interview of Greg Balukonis

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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George Ramirez interview

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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Interview of Daniel Keyes

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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More on downtown parking

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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Peter Graczykowski interview

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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Week in Review: March 23, 2014

A couple of real estate deals that intersect politics closed on Friday. 22 Olde Canal Drive, the site of the proposed methadone clinic alongside Stedman Street near the Lowell/Chelmsford line was sold for $1,650,000. The buyer was 22 Olde Canal Drive LLC which, according to the Secretary of State’s website…

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