News talk for February 8, 2006
There was a good crowd at Good Times on Sunday for “The Shannon Super Bowl Sunday Breakfast” held this year to establish a scholarship fund in the last senator’s name. A large crowd was on hand to see and be seen, and is reported to have raised a substantial amount of money. It was a good turnout and a pleasant opportunity to see all the political faces in the crowd. Dorothy Shannon was very pleased, but if you didn’t go you can call 781-729-5534 for details on how to help the fund or go online to www.charlieshannon.net
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Well the Democratic Caucuses were held on Saturday and there were basically no fights in the various wards. It looks like Deval Patrick did well, the mood and talk was that Reilly shot himself in the foot one too many times, especially when it came to his disastrous choice for Lt. Governor. The caucuses at Ward 4 went smoothly and everyone was out of there in short time. Interesting new rules at this year’s caucuses though – the people who make the rules can’t have an IQ higher than 80. These people must see the meaning of life when they sit down to design guidelines for a simple political gathering.
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Don’t read too much into Patrick’s strong performance. The democratic caucuses are usually dominated by liberal activists – a sector that clearly is favoring Patrick at this point. When it comes time to vote they may be outnumbered by a Massachusetts crowd that doesn’t always match the level of whacko liberalism we enjoy here in Somerville.
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Mayor Joe recently returned from his short trip to Gaeta, Italy. He looked tired but in good spirits this Sunday at the Shannon Breakfast. While he and his travel companions Janice DeLory and Ward 2 Alderman MaryAnn Heuston were abroad living the good life, things went on as usual in our quiet little city. We hope they stayed abreast of what was happening here by logging on to our website www.thesomervillenews.com, and checking out the scene.
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At the Department of Public Works there had been a Vietnam-era TNT detonator lying around, but recently the explosive device was found to be missing. The cops were called in and some city workers are being interviewed and asked to take a lie detector test. Also a request by the higher ups at the DPW reportedly asked for all computer hard drives to be looked at by the police for suspicious activity. Lie detectors are being used a lot recently here in Somerville, hopefully they’re using more then one machine so there isn’t a long line.
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Speaking of lie detector’s and interrogations, we haven’t heard a word as to where the money missing from the Traffic & Parking Department could be. We’re wondering why the city hasn’t made announcements as to who might have done it or if they have any good leads. There’s all sorts of rumors flying around the city in the various rumor pits and some are kind of nasty, but we hope that the city cracks this case or heads will roll down at the T&P for leaving doors unlocked, cash out and safes open. Has anyone checked to see if the door is locked this evening?
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First there was the mistake in the water department when a lot of citizens got the wrong amount billed to them. Then there was the mistake on the census forms which had a lot of people living in different wards and precincts. Now there are the 1099 forms from the City of Somerville retirement board that have been printed incorrectly with the wrong amounts. Well we don’t need to know who’s going to pay for these mistakes do we? Yes its us the taxpayers. We have a suggestion maybe they should hire a person to edit all mailings with bills attached so they go out correctly the first time to the taxpayers.
It is comprehensible and significant that Boss Hogg means business. There might be a better candidate for that lie detector device than the employees in the Yard.
Remember, the responses should be in a Yes or No response. That corner office could sure employ one, and the three questions, which should be addressed, are, "What did you do to help yourself while Aide to our Friend CS?" "While Aide to VP, did you really claim the 5th amendment 23 times?" “Mr. Commissioner, did you stop by a residence on Warwick Street for an hour?” This resident that was visited by Boss Hogg just so happens to be on the MaxPak Committee selected by the mayor. Hogg brags to everyone, even those he has met for the first time, like me, of his jaunt to the Grand Jury back in the 70s. Yeah, they had nothing on me; I claimed the 5th on every question.
Maybe this is why Mr. Commissioner never writes anything down on paper. Maybe this is why Mr. Commissioner never uses a computer. He keeps a buffer of two or three layers between himself and anything that moves. He keeps everything upstairs in his head. Just strap the man to the chair and ask away. I bet you 50 to 1 he would NEVER volunteer for a lie detector test as his workers are asked to do. Not Koty.
Posted by: City Hall Fly | February 09, 2006 at 07:17 AM
CAMBRIVILLE NEWS
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2006
SPECIAL SPORTS EDITION
XX WINTER OLYMPICS
CAMBRIVILLE 06
Quadruple axels, triple salchows, corked backside 900, McTwists. Anticipation for the opening ceremonies of the 2006 Cambriville Olympic Games grows this weekend.
As you know, Cambriville will be the host city for our own games this weekend and with the prediction of a foot of new snow,the game venues from Prospect Hill to Trum Field, from the not yet completed Dilboy Stadium to the non functioning Veterans Rink, are being prepped as athletes from across Greater Cambriville pour into the city.
The games are not without controversy this year. Captain of the men' figure skating team, DPW Chief Stan Koty, has been suspended after failing the steroid drug test. Koty claims that the side effects from his recent hair coloring tainted the drug test. Koty has appealed the ruling.
Somerville Democaratic Committee Chair, Helen "Doby"Corrigan, has also been suspended due to failing the random drug test. Corrigan, who co-captains the woman's luge team with unsuccessful State Rep. candidate Elizabeth Maroney, also blames the inacuracy of her testing on her weekly silver rinses.
Men's Hockey team captain, Ward Five Alderman Sean O'Donovan, has been barred from participating this year for whacking snowboarding gold hopeful, Ward Six Rebba Gewitz, in the knees with an unknown pipelike object. Officials are also seeking the whereabouts of former Alderman Jack Connolly who was seen driving O'Donovan away after the attack.
And the Cambriville News has learned that due to a costume controversy with Alderman and State Rep. Denise Provost, captain of the pairs figure skating team, perenial candidate Marty Martinez has withdrawn from the competition.
Later Tonight...................
Schedule of Events, Locations and Participating Olympians
A reminder to all event attendees: Parking Meters will be in effect 24/7 until further notice. Additionally, Broadway, Highland Ave. and Somerville Ave will be closed to all traffic.
Posted by: Cambriville News | February 10, 2006 at 05:08 PM
Well, I guess the ex alderman from Ward 6 will still maintain his benefits with his newly appointed position of Municipal Hearing Officer. I have tried to find this position in the FY 06 Budget but was unable to establish it. So the retirement succession still goes on for the Ex Alderman from Ward 6. He will still get all that is due to him from his friends on the Hill.
I can see where E. Moroney was awarded her old position back, which is not a surprise. I just cannot cope with Jack Connelly getting another hack job and still getting paid by the City for what ever a Municipal Hearing Officer does.
Posted by: Hack Job | February 10, 2006 at 05:56 PM