The View From Prospect Hill for the week of June 28
The great fluff fiasco of 2006 brings to mind another recent political dust-up of this year – the great stickball saga.
In February, Rebekah Gewirtz stirred up controversy when she proposed that a sign reading ''NO STICK BALL PLAYING AGAINST HOUSE OR FENCE” be hung in the yard of the Benjamin Brown Elementary School. Gewirtz had received a call from a constituent complaining of home run balls banging against her vinyl siding and rattling the house.
And, thus, with one simple resolution, Gewirtz set off a month-long debate on the subject of stickball, a timeless pastime for urban youth. Ward 5 Alderman Sean O’Donovan, in particular, lobbied for the simple, stripped-down sport to continue in Somerville after a constituent contacted him.
Now, four months later, state Sen. Jarrett T. Barrios has given the scandal sheets another silly subject to scrutinize.
Barrios initially proposed an amendment specifically banning fluff from school lunches in the Commonwealth. After receiving attention from major media outlets as far away as Seattle and criticism from colleagues, Barrios has reportedly abandoned his crusade against fluff in the lunch room.
Why do these pols make it so easy for us to criticize them? Why do they focus on relatively meaningless issues when this city (and state) is quickly losing its population and reputation as a leading community?
Simple. They listen.
Gewirtz and O’Donovan were listening to constituents and Barrios was listening to his son tell him a food made up of 50% sugar was being served as a main course in the school cafeteria.
The pols took some heat but the issues they touted were important to at least one of their constituents, thus, O’Donovan, Gewirtz and Barrios advocated for them.
And you can’t beat that with a stickball bat.
France still has lafuente's number. It was a shocking experience for T. Lafuente and the rest of the Brazilian Soccer Team. Lafuente and team Brazil were a pretournement favorites. It seemed as if Lafuente was working all alone today as Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and cafu' were invisible on the field. It was a shocking exit for Brazil. The party on Sycamore St. ended ubruptly. Rumor has it that the PINT SIZED PLUMBER, JOE FROM ATASCAS, and JOHN L. SULLIVAN were seen walking away from LAFUNETE's house with their heads down, mourning from the loss of BRAZIL!
Posted by: France upsets Lafuente and the Brazilian Community! | July 01, 2006 at 06:01 PM
Once again, as a large favorite, team Lafuentez was a big disappointment to his fans and community. Just like the mayors race, it was Tony's to lose . With all the Brizilians flags waving like the Tony for mayor banners were,they are nothing but another lost in the lost column. Seems Tony is use to this outcome.Lafuentez to the Pint Size Plumber to Sully GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Still looking for their first win | July 01, 2006 at 08:12 PM
Hmm, either the above poster does not know ethnic backgrounds or us just plan stupid. Well it could be both.
First of all, Lafuente is Portuguese and I am sure he nor the others would be hoping that El Brazil would be in the winners circle before his homeland. Secondly, here comes the Bull**** politics from the Skipper and crew. Anything to toss out there with the Lafuente name to stir the pot. You all must be scared as shit on a stick. The one thing you don’t realize is that is your shit on the stick.
C’esta via Ole Portugale….
Posted by: Huh! | July 01, 2006 at 08:31 PM
I thought Tony L. was from Spain.
Posted by: Lafuentez | July 01, 2006 at 09:56 PM
You are all wrong. Tony Lafuentes is from Puerto Rico. His wife, Helena G., is from Brazil.
Posted by: Puerto Rico | July 01, 2006 at 10:31 PM
I'll bet the view of the fireworks in Boston is really nice on that big deck way up on Sycamore Street. I can picture it now... Tony Lafuentez, Joe from Atasca and The Pint Sized Plumber holding hands as they celebrate the birth of our great nation. Then, when the fireworks are over they will sit down to a nice bottle of fine Brazilian vino and think about what rumors and propoganda they can spread throughout the city. These three bald midgets are an absolute disgrace. No wonder Mr. Importante kicked them to the curb.
Posted by: The Three Midgets | July 01, 2006 at 10:49 PM
Mr. Important, The Skipper, His Dis-Honor, Buckley, Beer Sucking Brownie, Nose whipping Bola and not to forget, Yard Foreman Tommy B will all be holding hands along the banks of the Charles in two boats come Tuesday evening. Sucking down the brewskies and chopping on the lips of their counterparts. Well, maybe each others lips.
Write all you want about anyone you can think of who might contest this Administration come next year. Your pulling out only one candidate from a pack of potentially 3 or 4 that may run. You must feel Tony L. is the strongest of those 3 or 4 or you wouldn’t be talking about him so early in the election season. One might fear the competition come this time next year. You have to admit, not only Tony L but anyone of the other 3 will have enough faltering waves to use in the conquest of seeking the front office on the Hill when debate time comes.
Can you imagine, when the question is asked, how many condo conversion units have been granted since July 1, 2005 is asked? This is not counting “New” construction. The answer would be, as of this date, 582. If you wanted to add new construction you would have to add the likes of Temple Street, Hudson Street, Willow/Morrison Ave, Max PAC and Osgood Street. WOW, all these condos and no one to fill them. What a waste of money.
Then when asked about why isn’t Assembly Square Mall bringing in the tax dollars you promised us back in 2004 Mr. Mayor. What do you suppose he would say? Probably something like well just give it time, give it time. We gave it 3 years already Mr. Mayor how much more time does it need? 20-30 years incarcerated at Cedar Junction would be my guess.
I wonder how the State Penal Systems makes room assignments? Would it be first convicted first served? Or depending on the highest amount of profit one makes? It will be fun to find out ~ ~ ~
Posted by: The Candidate for Mayor | July 02, 2006 at 07:50 AM
Looks like frankie has spent another lonely staurday night at home with his friend Jim Beam
Posted by: jimbeam | July 02, 2006 at 09:36 AM
I love the Skipper.
Posted by: The Skipper is the Best | July 02, 2006 at 08:35 PM
Tony is the only one with the brains to lead this city. He is a successful businessman who cares about the future of Somerville. Hopefully he decides to run so he can save us from the mess we are in.
Posted by: Lafuente is a strong candidate | July 02, 2006 at 09:11 PM