Fall River Community

Mayor's Car Accident - An Animated Re-enactment ... Sort of

2009-06-11T13:52:00.009-04:00

Scene 1 - The Car Accident

Scene 2 - The $100 Offer

Scene 3 - Law and Order

Scene 4 - It's Not My Fault, Blame Others

Scene 5 - It's Still Not My Fault

A Picture's Worth

2009-05-31T19:30:00.003-04:00

The Boston Globe reported that a man was arrested at a strip club in Springfield for killing one man and injuring several others. The suspect is accused of shooting five people and stabbing a sixth during a 1:30 a.m. rampage at the strip club, Club 418.

The article continues, adult entertainment venues in Springfield have been the scene of violence before. Earlier this year a fight at Mardi Gras, not far from Club 418, resulted in the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old man.

With the approval by the Fall River Licensing Board regarding Gary Lund's strip club Martinique on Rodman Street, it stirred my curiosity as to the composition of the Springfield neighborhood in which they have their strip clubs.

Here is the link to the neighborhood of Club 418 and the nearby Mardi Gras or you can use the Street View feature of Google to take a virtual drive through the neighborhood.

Club 418:

Mardi Gras:

There's no doubt that strip clubs have negative effects on the surrounding neighborhoods. However, there is no doubt that those negative effects are minimized if the Adult Entertainment District were to be located in the Industrial Park.

The hours that a strip club would be in operation would be when its neighboring businesses are closed. The strip club could be regulated such that its appearance would not make it obvious that the building is a strip club. Finally, if some negative event such as a shooting were to occur, it would not take place across the street from a residential area and on a busy street such as Rodman Street.

The Industrial Park is the responsible choice for Fall River.

Eric Poulin for City Council

2009-05-26T22:40:00.004-04:00

Help! Help! I'm being repressed!

2009-05-15T17:22:00.002-04:00

In addition to being a Monty Python reference,the title explores what it was probably like to be School Committee member Joe Martins earlier today.

According to the Herald News, members of the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education were in the city to meet with members from the School Department to begin work on the city's recovery plan after the scathing DESE report earlier this year.

The problem was that the meeting was invitation only, and School Committee member Joe Martins was not invited, and therefore was denied access to the meeting.

Fortunately, due to the presence of a Herald News reporter, we have this exchange between Joe Martins and Deputy Commissioner Karla Baehr.

In the video, you clearly understand Committeeman Joe Martins say that he does not want to participate in the meeting, but merely wants to observe the meeting. Mr. Martins reasoned that the ability to observe the meeting will be helpful to inform and educate him of the content and issues of the recovery plan that ultimately require School Committee approval.

Deputy Commissioner Karla Baehr countered and stated that if Martins was allowed to observe the meeting, then ALL School Department employees would want to be invited as well.

That comment is just so ridiculous. Obviously you can't have all School Department employees there to observe the development of the Recovery Plan, but why can't the five non-invited School Committee members observe?

There are at least a couple of members on the School Committee that real don't care too much or do much work, which makes it even more shocking when Joe Martins gets denied from attending the meeting with DESE regarding the Recovery Plan.

While I can see that allowing Martins to observe would be unfair to the other four non-invited School Committee members, I can also say that wither they did not know about this meeting or did not care enough about the topic to at least attempt to attend the meeting.

Although unsuccessful in his attempt, Kudos to Joe Martins, and special Kudos to Will Richmond of the Herald News who was able to capture the video of Martins' attempt.

Fall River Dropout Rate Spikes

2009-04-20T01:45:00.010-04:00

A few days ago the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released a new report of the high school dropout rate for the 2007-2008 school year. Statewide, the dropout rate decreased from 3.8% in 2006-07 to 3.4% in 2007-08.

While the numbers slightly decreased statewide, the dropout rate in Fall River spiked to 12.5% in comparison to 9.8% from the previous year. Starting in 2004-05, Fall River has been experiencing a decrease in the dropout rate [2004-05, 11.9%; 2005-06, 11.4%; 2006-07, 9.8%]. Therefore, it is now troubling that the trend has been reversed. The 12.5% dropout rate is the highest percentage of dropouts for the city since 2000-01. Finally, the 12.5% dropout rate, places the Fall River school district with the second highest dropout rate in the state, slightly behind the 12.9% in Lawrence.

By comparing Fall River with the other Gateway Cities, you can see that the other cities have made greater strides with the dropout rate than Fall River. In a short-term comparison of 2006-07 to 2007-08, Fall River's dropout rate increased by 2.7%. Meanwhile, in the other Gateway Cities, only Holyoke had an increase in the dropout rate by 0.3%. That means that 9 of the 11 Gateway Cities had either no change in the dropout rate, or a decrease in the dropout rate.

Also, take a look at Fall River and New Bedford for the 8 year period of analysis. Beginning in 2000-01, Fall River had a dropout rate of 6.9%, while New Bedford had a dropout rate of 7%. From the same starting point, every year New Bedford has been able to achieve a better dropout rate than Fall River.

My questions are:

1. What changes were made in 2007-08 that negatively affected the dropout rate?

As I recall, 2007-08 was the first round of elementary school closings. Then in 2008-09, a dozen elementary schools were closed in conjunction with the opening of 3 new elementary schools, Fonseca, Letourneau, and Viveiros. Even as some have expressed concern that the larger schools and increased class sizes will have an adverse effect on the city's education, this issue is unrelated to the current dropout rate. So, what happened in grades 9-12 to explain this dropout spike?

2. Why hasn't Fall River been as successful as its fellow Gateway Cities in addressing the dropout rate?

I always hear that Fall River's problems stem from the city's demographics. Comparing Fall River with its fellow Gateway Cities neutralizes the demographics argument since all the other Gateway Cities have their own demographic issues.

Look at Brockton's dropout rate of 5.2% for 2007-08. Throughout the 8 year span, the highest dropout rate Brockton experienced was 7%. Looking at the numbers, Fall River would kill to have the success that Brockton has achieved. Yet, I don't see anything in the demographics that explains the differences between Fall River and Brockton.

For several years, the UMass Donahue Institute has studied MCAS Results in comparison to district demography. "It is important to understand that demography is not necessarily destiny and does not determine educational achievement in all cases. There are examples of successful urban schools where disadvantaged students do very well by any measure."

Then in 2006, the UMass Center for Education Policy issued Case Studies on New Bedford and Framingham as two districts that were outperforming their demographics. According to the Standard Times, the study of New Bedford's MCAS performance concluded New Bedford's students are doing better than might be expected of a district with so many poor and non-English-speaking students.

Are New Bedford's demographics so much different than Fall River's demographics?

My point is that always blaming demographics, demographics, demographics, will not solve Fall River's problems. Other cities in Massachusetts have demographics problems too. However, Fall River still lags behind its fellow Gateway Cities. A 2007 study by the MA DOE Office of Educational Accountability and the UMass Donahue Institute further researched the differences between high and low performing urban public schools.

Fall River needs to implement practices and behaviors of the higher performing urban public schools. At minimum, Fall River should at least keep pace with its fellow Gateway Cities.

Welcome to E-Governance

2009-03-27T10:53:00.006-04:00

Yesterday President Barack Obama hosted an online town hall where the public could not only submit questions for the President, but the public could also vote for each others' questions. Whether it is the use of YouTube questions during some of the Presidential debates, or now with internet-generated questions for an online town hall, there is no doubt that President Obama and his team are tech savvy and are using the internet to keep the public informed.

Locally, last week the group Common Cause awarded 117 MA municipalities with an e-Government award. In order to qualify for an e-Government Award, the town or city must post their governing body's agenda and minutes, budget information, general by-laws, and--if applicable--their town meeting warrant and results. According to Common Cause, Fall River's website lacked Agendas and Minutes.

If you watch the City Council meetings on television, sometimes for the sake of efficiency the Council asks the City Clerk to waive readings or sometimes the City Council groups items together and vote multiple items as a single package, rather than individual votes. The problem with this is the public doesn't know what resolution is being voted upon if the City Clerk's reading is waived or if items are voted upon as a group. In contrast, the School Committee usually posts its agenda online prior to its meetings and its a lot easier to follow along at home.

Earlier this week the Herald News published its "Our View: Online advances" which criticized the usefulness of the city's website. The Herald News wrote:

Fall River, like every town, should, at a minimum, have up-to-date meeting schedules for every board, committee and commission, just like what town clerks post and update in town hall. Every town Web site should have the latest minutes of every town board meeting online, as well as the tentative agendas of upcoming meetings.

Fall River should shoot for such an award during the next Sunshine Week, in the process creating a modern Web site that meets residents’ needs and expectations.

I agree 100%. The words "accountability" and "transparency" are often heard in Fall River, but rarely acted upon. The City of Fall River has nearly a year to update its website to meet the benchmarks of Common Cause. The City Council should vote on a resolution expressing the City's commitment to meet those benchmarks for 2010.

Last night, I also came across this website SeeClickFix. SeeClickFix provides tools that increase transparency and communication between residents, governments and organizations. The goal is to make it easier to improve your community.

You may recall that last year the Herald News launched Operation: Pothole where Herald News readers could submit photos of the worst potholes in Fall River. Basically, SeeClickFix is similar. If you see a pothole, you report the pothole, and the Department of Public Works (DPW) fixes the pothole. In this manner, residents can report non-emergency issues and follow to when the issues are resolved.

Taking Operation:Pothole to the next level, newspapers across the country, including the Boston Globe, have established SeeClickFix sites so that readers can mark potholes. Candidates have even begun to include SeeClickFix on their campaign websites. By allowing residents to report non-emergency issues, cities are in a better position to implement the "Broken Windows Theory" which focuses on smaller crimes (graffiti, vandalism) to deter more serious crimes.

Interestingly enough, users in Fall River have already begun to report potholes. The next step is for the Fall River DPW to get on board and join this online reporting tool. A quick search found the following participants:

Newton Public Works Dept.
City of Cambridge Public Works
Somerville Public Works Dept.
Worcester DPW

Using SeeClickFix, if the Fall River DPW were to join, it would receive an email whenever a new pothole was listed. While I understand the poor-timing of discovering this tool when DPW has 20 fewer employees, I still feel the DPW should join to prepare for when these employees return to work.

Five Weeks Later ...

2009-03-17T19:44:00.002-04:00

About five weeks ago the Herald News wrote an article regarding BG Automotive Group that was looking to expand into Massachusetts and was searching for a location for its manufacturing facility. Fall River and New Bedford were potential locations.

A representative from BG Automotive Group stated, "BG is not only committed to green technology, but also to putting people back to work where jobs are most needed." BG will require about 150 employees per shift per facility.

BG Automotive Group is currently evaluating proposals from several states to determine where the first mass-production facility will be located. The company is planning to develop six facilities in the next 24 months for a total production of about 100,000 vehicles by year-end 2010.

Five weeks ago Mayor Correia had not received information about BG Automotive Group and expressed a willingness to meet with the automobile manufacturer.

The Herald News article did not mention the Fall River Office of Economic Development who could assist BG Automotive in finding a location for its manufacturing facility in Fall River.

Has anything happened in five weeks?

According to the Boston Globe, [BG Automotive Group] is on target for a May or June launch, but hasn't figured out where he's going to build the car, which will sell from $16,000 to $18,000. The goal is to construct six $25 million plants, each with a capacity for 15,000 cars per month and a workforce of 400 to 500 people. The Globe reported last month that BG Automotive was looking to open its first plant in Massachusetts, but the company will likely go to whichever state opens its coffers first.

One way or another ...

2009-03-15T11:21:00.006-04:00

One way or another Fall River homeowners are going to pay more.

During the State of the City speech, Mayor Correia declared,

Finally, we must hold the line on property taxes. It was a central point of my platform and has continued to be a priority of my administration. We cannot allow this most regressive of taxes to burden our elderly and working families as they struggle to make ends meet during these difficult economic times where over 7,000 residents are without work today.

However, the Mayor's refusal to raise property taxes to increase revenue and employ public safety personnel is likely to lead to the unintended consequence of raising insurance rates for Fall River homeowners.

According to Fire Chief Paul Ford's comments in the Herald News, on a scale of 1-10, Fall River currently has a rating of 2. In the entire state only 1 city has a rating of 1, and Fall River is among a dozen that has a rating of 2.

In a state with 350+ municipalities, it is a real honor that Fall River receives one of the highest ratings.

The formula for the rating is based on an evaluation of a municipality’s fire department, manpower 50 percent, fire alarm 10 percent and water supplies 40 percent.

So this leads us to the next logical question...

As a homeowner, would you rather pay more because of increased insurance rates OR pay additional taxes to employ public safety personnel that protects life and property?

According to this list from the Boston Globe, Fall River had a residential tax rate of $7.18 per $1,000 of valuation in 2007. According to the Herald News, the residential tax rate was increased to $8.06 per $1,000 of property valuation.

Using the 2007 numbers, a comparison of the residential tax rates of the Gateway Cities ...

Springfield ............. $ 16.04
Pittsfield ................ $ 14.25
Holyoke ................. $ 12.95
Worcester ............. $ 12.10
Fitchburg .............. $ 11.54
Lowell .................... $ 10.61
Haverhill ............... $ 10.32
New Bedford ........ $ 10.31
Brockton ............... $ 9.39
Lawrence .............. $ 9.23
Fall River ........ $ 7.18

Gateway Cities average: $ 11.26, median: $10.61

FY09 Gateway Cities Residential Tax Rates

Springfield ......... $ 17.89 .... (+ 1.85)
Holyoke .............. $ 14.24 .... (+ 1.29)
Pittsfield ............. $ 13.67 .... (- 0.58)
Worcester .......... $ 13.50 .... (+ 1.40)
Fitchburg ........... $ 12.70 .... (+ 1.16)
Lowell ................. $ 11.68 .... (+ 1.07)
Haverhill ............ $ 11.45 .... (+ 1.13)
New Bedford ..... $ 11.45 .... (+ 1.14)
Brockton ............ $ 11.10 .... (+ 1.71)
Lawrence ........... $ 10.70 .... (+ 1.47)
Fall River ...... $ 8.06 .... (+ 0.88)

Avg.: $ 12.40 Median: $ 11.68

If Fall River's residential tax rate was increased, we would still be below the tax rates of our sister Gateway Cities who are also struggling. If the residents of those other cities can pay additional property taxes, then residents of Fall River can and are willing to pay more in taxes if it funds public safety and improves the school system.

In the past Mayor Correia has taken some unpopular stances because he felt that it was in the best interests of the city. Raising the residential tax rate is in the best interest of the city. By not raising property taxes, Mayor Correia is not benefitting those 7,000 unemployed residents that he mentioned during the State of the City speech. While property taxes won't increase, homeowners will pay more because of increased insurance rates. Given those causual connections, let's raise property taxes responsibly, employ public safety personnel, and maintain that prestigious "2" fire prevention rating.

Update: Since this post is focused on property taxes and how some homeowners are having difficulty paying their mortgages, I am adding a link to FinancialStability.gov, where homeowners can see if they are eligible to refinance to a lower interest rate or otherwise modify the mortgage.

Perspective: 1 City Councilor

2009-03-11T17:45:00.002-04:00

Amidst the $2.9 million budget cut and all of the laid off police officers and firefighters, last night City Councilor Leo Pelletier announced his support for the LNG project, citing the $4 million dollars Weaver's Cove would pay the city annually.

Personally, I think people are over-reacting to Leo's support for LNG. The fight against LNG has gone on for so long and by so many elected officials that it cannot be reversed by 1 City Councilor.

Many are claiming that Leo's support for LNG is equivalent to political suicide.

Really?

In 2003, City Councilor Leo Pelletier was also involved in a controversy which caused many to speculate that Leo had committed political suicide.

At that time, Leo proposed a resolution to ask the Great Feast of the Holy Ghost Committee to cancel its celebration due to the SARS outbreak in Toronto. According to the Herald News archives, "I don’t think we should allow them coming down here this year. We don’t have enough information on this disease and where it’s going, and I don’t think we should bring it in to this city in a populated area," said Pelletier.

As you may recall, Leo's proposal did not sit very well with the Portuguese community. However, the resentment did not manifest itself at the ballot box since he was the top vote-getter in 2003, receiving 10,226 votes.

Now we fast forward to Leo and LNG....

Leo has not committed political suicide and his support for LNG will not reinvigorate the pro-LNG supporters. The issue is dying a slow death. There are simply too many Governors, Attorneys General, Mayors, State Reps., U.S. Senators, and Congressmen that oppose the plan.

Leo's call for the support of LNG is nothing more than his call to cancel the Great Feast of the Holy Ghost in 2003.

Consider this excerpt from a column written by Mike Moran...

Then there was the time several years earlier when Councilor Leo Pelletier unilaterally called for the cancellation of the Feast of the Holy Ghost because of a SARS outbreak in Canada. No, he didn’t consult with festival organizers, or anyone else for that matter. Nor did he convince many that his idea was worth pursuing. But he sure got our attention.

And maybe that’s the point. These issues, and the too-little-too-late ideas that often drive them, get the locals riled up in no time. Political figures who offer such proposals do so knowing full well that their idea can’t and won’t be implemented.

Did City Councilor Leo Pelletier commit political suicide?

NO. There are 9 spots on the City Council and you don't fall from # 1 to # 10. I suppose I could predict that Leo may stumble a few spots and drop down to #2, 3, or 4, but I am not going that far.

City Councilor Pelletier was the top vote-getter in 2007, 2005, and 2003 - even after upsetting the Portuguese community in arguably the most Portuguese city in the entire United States. If Leo survived the 2003 SARS incident, he will survive this too.

But one City Councilor is not going to undermine all of the momentum in this fight against LNG.

New Arts Center Buzz of Community

2009-03-06T08:54:00.019-05:00

A new arts center is generating buzz around town... but it is located in Somerville, not Fall River.

According to the Boston Globe today, the Somerville Armory which has been vacant for 30 years has transformed into Arts at the Armory.

Stomping around inside, the cast of the Actors' Shakespeare Project is rehearsing for Arts at the Armory's first theatrical performance: "Coriolanus," Shakespeare's tragic tale of a Roman general who is invincible in battle but whose rage against politics leads him to turn against his own country.

Built in 1903, the Armory was headquarters to the National Guard in the 1970s, when it was shuttered. In 2004 Joseph and Nabil Sater, owners of Central Square's Middle East nightclub, bought it (from the state) for $2.6 million with the vision of bringing it up to code and turning it into a community arts center.

Just want to point out that this building was vacant longer than 64 Durfee St. Also, it has been 5 years since the Somerville Armory was purchased (2004) and its opening (2009). Sometimes it is worth the wait to establish the best use of a building.

Two months ago, amid mixed support and concern from community members, many of whom are worried about amplified noise and parking, Arts at the Armory landed its public entertainment license from Somerville's City Council. Since then, it's been full steam ahead for organizers.

One member of the licensing committee commented that there seems to be "an overwhelming public need for this project" - an opinion that was only confirmed by the loud applause after the license application had officially passed.

During February school vacation, the Armory offered arts courses for children, and it will do so again in April. It also plans to offer adult arts classes, a gallery space, and after-school programming. Inside the cafe, there's a small performance space for book signings, poetry readings, and musicians, says McLaughlin.

The building is now home to the Center for the Arts at the Armory as well as a variety of other organizations, including

Actors' Shakespeare Project - a ensemble theater company dedicated to mounting works of Shakespeare in community venues to help us understand the contemporary times in which we live and teaching young people about Shakespeare in the area's schools.

Hi-N-Dry Recording - an independent record label and recording studio featuring some of Boston's best musical talent; founded by Mark Sandman, the late singer and bassist of Morphine.

the Mark Sandman Music Project - created in memory of Mark Sandman, the late singer and bassist of Morphine to create opportunities for inner city youth to learn and play music together.

the University of the Middle East Project - an independent non-profit and non-governmental organization promoting educational leadership for critical thinking, open inquiry, cross-cultural understanding and regional cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa. UME provides educational exchange opportunities for secondary school teachesr in the U.S. and abroad.

Daniel Ostergren Visual Arts - a visual artist who creates abstract impressionist images with iridescent acrylic paints. He is also involved with digital photography, block printing, pastels, crayons and pencil sketching.

Moving Celebrations,

Forward Web Development,

and Case AVP Photography - a photography studio that offers high-quality, affordable photographic, editing, and printing services.

Here are some of the comments already posted on the Boston Globe artice....

"This is great for Somerville!! You can always find someone who will complain, but I live a block away and everyone I know is thrilled about this!!"

"just took a yoga class at moving celebrations which is downstairs in the armory-amazing studio and amazing class. I am so glad to have this center in our area-it is a beautiful use of the building."

"Somerville, you lucked out getting this - I would think places like Brockton and Taunton and Lynn and Lawrence would LOVE to get a community-building group like this in their neighborhoods."

To learn more about Somerville's Arts at the Armory, visit their website here, and more information here as well.

While Somerville will enjoy its new Arts at the Armory, Fall River can count on more affordable housing. Just think, had the Redevelopment Authority thrown out both bids for 64 Durfee St., we could pitch the idea to the owners of Arts at the Armory to see if they had an interest in the preservation and re-use of a vacant building in Fall River, and transform it into an arts center.

Frank's Fundamentally Flawed Legal Conclusion

2009-02-18T20:38:00.008-05:00

Excerpts from DA Sutter's letter to Mayor Correia...

At two different junctures in a relatively short letter, Attorney McIntosh discussed the legally ambiguous nature of the Durfee High School Education Enrichment Fund as it was constituted in the fall of 2006. In paragraph four she wrote: "It is unclear from these documents whether the Durfee High School Education Enrichment Fund is a private entity." And in the following paragraph she reiterated: "The legal status of the Enrichment Fund is unclear in the documents provided."

The inescapable implication of Attorney McIntosh's letter is that a mechanism or "entity" could be lawfully established for both raising charitable donations to benefit this particular program and for expending the funds so raised which would fall outside the supervisory authority of the School Committee. She wrote: "In many municipalities, independent non-profit entities have been established for the purpose of raising funds for public schools. These entities are distinct from their associated school districts both legally and operationally." She suggested that the Enrichment Fund, in the form it had in October, 2006, had characteristics of both a private entity and a public entity. Her point apparently was that, if the Enrichment Fund was unambiguously a private entity, then the monies raised would not need to be deposited with the City Treasurer and the expenditures made would not need the approval of the School Committee. On the other hand, if the Enrichment Fund was for legal purposes a public entity, then the funds donated would need to be deposited with the City Treasurer and the School Committee would need to approve any expenditures in advance.

DA Sam Sutter's analysis included, "From the outset, the legal status of the Durfee High School Education Enrichment Fund was unclear and ambiguous. It had some characteristics of a private entity which would have made its management fall outside the authority of the School Committee and it had some characteristics of a public entity which would have put it squarely within the School Committee's supervisory authority."

The three attorneys concluded that the Enrichment Fund was ambiguous as to whether it was a private or public entity. As indicated in the previous paragraph, the nature of the entity determines whether the School Committee had supervisory authority.

However, Corporation Counsel Arthur Frank was clear during his testimony that these funds were within the scope of the School Committee and hence, the state laws were violated.

Here were some of the conclusions of Arthur Frank's investigation:

1. The gifts, donations, grants were funds under the control and supervision of the School Committee.

WRONG - IT WAS UNCLEAR AND AMBIGUOUS.

2. By law, the acceptance and expenditure of these educational grants or gifts were solely within the control, authority and supervision of the School Committee.

WRONG - IT WAS UNCLEAR AND AMBIGUOUS.

3. The City Treasurer was and is the sole person with statutory authority to deposit the accepted gifts into a separate account.

WRONG - The City Treasurer would only be involved if the Enrichment Fund was a public entity, but its status was UNCLEAR AND AMBIGUOUS.

4. The process was explained to Superintendent Fischer twice in writing and at least once verbally at a duly called meeting of the School Committee.

WRONG - The explanations in writing (which DA Sutter refers to in his letter) just outlines the responsibilities regarding the Enrichment Fund IF it was determined to be clearly public or clearly private. All letters state that the Enrichment Fund has characteristics of both.

10. THE FAILURE TO BRING DONATIONS TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR ACCEPTANCE AND APPROVAL, AND DEPOSIT THE FUNDS WITH THE CITY TREASURER INTO A SEPERATE ACCOUNT VIOLATED MASS GENERAL LAWS CHAPTER 44, SECTION 53A and MA GENERAL LAWS CHAPTER 71, SECTION 37A.

WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG

Attorney Frank's opinion goes beyond the legal opinions of the other attorneys by asserting the state laws were violated.

In comparison, DA Sutter followed the tone of the previous letters and concluded, "Under these circumstances, we cannot even say for certain that a violation of M.G.L. Chapter 44, section 53A or Chapter 71, section 37A took place. Consequently, it is not necessary to pursue our investigation any further. Accordingly, we consider the matter, from our standpoint, closed.

Wait a second, but Attorney Frank said those state laws WERE VIOLATED !!

As Attorney Philip Beauregard said, whether the state law was violated was the ULTIMATE ISSUE, and this entire fiasco was based upon Corporation Counsel's opinion that the state laws were violated.

Here is a riddle for the Court Jester of the Kangaroo Court....

If Corporation Counsel spends 100 hours on a "comprehensive" investigation and determines that STATE LAW WAS VIOLATED, and then it is determined that STATE LAW WAS NOT VIOLATED, will Corporation Counsel be held accountable?

Mayor Correia Doesn't Know Scope of Own Kangaroo Court Hearing

2009-02-18T12:30:00.008-05:00

The report regarding the Durfee Enrichment Fund was released from DA Sutter's Office yesterday and Mayor Correia was spinning like crazy on WSAR earlier today.

Mayor Correia's main point seemed to be that the report found no criminal wrongdoing, but not that there was no wrongdoing.

The main issue of the hearing you may recall was that Superintendent Fischer failed to comply with the law which requires funds to be under the authority of the City Treasurer.

The MA DOE stated that the Enrichment fund was a hybrid of a private/public entity and was ambiguous. The MA State Ethics Commission reached the same conclusion. Not surprisingly, DA Sutter also reached the same conclusion.

The District Attorney wrote, "From the outset, the legal status of the Durfee High School Education Enrichment Fund was unclear and ambiguous. It had some characteristics of a private entity which would have made its management fall outside the authority of the School Committee and it had some characteristics of a public entity which would have put it squarely within the School Committee's supervisory authority."

"Under these circumstances, we cannot even say for certain that a violation of M.G.L. Chapter 44, section 53A or Chapter 71, section 37A took place."

Here was the scope of the hearings....

"The issue before this Committee, as determined by a majority vote, whether Dr. Fischer failed, neglected, or refused to take the necessary and proper action to ensure that the Fall River School Department complied with the provisions of General Laws 44, section 53A and Chapter 71, section 37A with respect to the acceptance and expenditure of educational grants and/or gifts with respect to the Durfee High School Educational Enrichment Fund. Period. That's all it is."

Therefore, the main point was that the nature of the Enrichment Fund was ambiguous. Interestingly, Attorney Bruce Assad, the attorney for the School Committee, had both the 2006 letter from the MA DOE, and the 2007 letter from the State Ethics Commission and it seems to me that the burden was on his shoulders to fix the legal ambiguities of the Enrichment Fund, and not the Superintendent - who is not an attorney.

Finally, Corporation Counsel Arthur Frank stated that he spent 100 hours working on his report too. Perhaps those 100 hours could have been spent correcting the ambiguities of the Enrichment Fund. In his report Atty. Frank alleged money from the fund was spent “without the consent of the School Committee and with little or no regard to proper procurement practices.”

... with little or no regard to proper procurement practices...

While the MA DOE, Ethics Commission, and DA Sutter determined that the Enrichment Fund was ambiguous, Attorney Frank took a strong position that led to the Kangaroo Court.

So, the final conclusion is that Superintendent Fischer did not violate the law because the nature of the Enrichment Fund was ambiguous. Seems to me it was up to the attorney of the School Committee to advise the Committee of the ambiguities and to take the necessary and proper action to ensure the the Fall River School Department complied with the laws.

What were they thinking?

2009-02-17T12:02:00.003-05:00

Folks,

Check out this interview with WSAR's Barry Richard and City Council President Joe Camara.

Brian Bigelow, Pat Casey, Michael Lund, and Linda Pereira...

What were you thinking when you elected him to be the City Council President?

Revitalizing Older Cities Summit

2009-02-11T16:52:00.003-05:00

Today was Day 1 of the Revitalizing Older Cities Congressional Task Force Summit in Washington DC.

Our nation's older cities and towns have long suffered disinvestment and neglect. Restoring their vitality is crucial to the national economy. It is imperative that the new Congress and new administration recognize and act on this critical need.

The Revitalizing Older Cities Capitol Hill Summit is the first opportunity for activists,community organizers, civic leaders, elected officials, and all concerned citizens to learn about and discuss the vital links between federal policy and the revitalization of their cities and towns. The conference will demonstrate that federal policy can and does impact the prosperity of our nation's historic industrial cities and towns – especially in the Northeast-Midwest region. Summit attendees will explore case studies, exchange ideas, and communicate to Members of Congress the message that the overall health of our nation is measured by the health of our cities.

According to the Standard Times, "Mayor Lang is in Washington, D.C., today for a conference on revitalization of older cities."

Mayor Lang of New Bedford is listed as a Speaker and the registered attendees includes
Matthew A. Morrissey of the New Bedford Economic Development Council.

Although Fall River is an Older Industrial City, it had no representation at this Older City Reviatlization Summit according to the list of registered attendees.

Perhaps in Fall River, we have this "revitalization thing" all figured out...

We listen to WSAR editorials so you don't have to... 64 Durfee St. Edition

2009-01-27T19:27:00.005-05:00

I have done this a few times where I cut the WSAR Editorials into shorter segments and go point by point, but I don't have time tonight. If you'd like you can go the the radio station's website and follow along....

Topic: What to do with that old Durfee Textile building...

Ok, the first 45 seconds contains the usual over-the-top descriptions and some history of the building.

Now, Redevelopment Authority purchased building for $1.. great.

"Durfee Tech is eyed by various public and private agencies for a starring role in the Arts Overlay District that many hope will fuel the fusion of the waterfront area and downtown into a single socio-economic bonanza"

YES!!! He gets it!!

"That marriage may be made in Heaven, but it doesn't seem to be going anywhere here below."

WHAT???

Let's ask ourselves this question:

What have the City of Fall River and the Fall River Office of Economic Development done to promote the Arts Overlay District (AOD) since it has been established?

Any trips to Umass Dartmouth? or RISD to inform the student and faculty, etc. of the AOD?

(Side Note: This iconic poster of President Obama was designed by Shepard Fairey, a RISD alum. The poster was recently purchased by the Smithsonian.

Back to the editorial...

"For too many years Fall River has suffered through the presentation of the results of tedious studies that promise to pull together the waterfront and downtown into a magnet for merchant and shoppers and tourists. So far, the only thing these reports have produced is a serious buckling in the shelves on which they are stored in Government Center and forgotten."

Now there is a point here but I don't think it is the one that Bernie Sullivan intended. His point is that many presentations have been made yet there is never any progress in the implementation of the studies. Well, are the dusty reports to blame? NO.

BLAME THE PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION!!!

Again, what has FROED done to promote the Arts Overlay District?

The editorial continues with some bashing of the City Council... and how they bungled the former police station on Bedford Street. Personally, I don't know what is worse, selling the police station to the wrong buyer and making some money and never developed, or the Redevelopment Authority using eminent domain on waterfront property and costing the city money and then not developing the acquired land for over 20 years.

Then the editorial concludes by promoting the proposal by Peabody Properties because Ken Fiola of the Fall River Office of Economic Development supports Peabody's proposal.

The lesson from the debacle with the old police station on Bedford St. should be that the City of Fall River should be willing to wait for the right project and the right developer. Looking back at the police station, sure we sold it for more $, but the building remains vacant. Alternatively, considering the other buildings that are owned by Anthony Cordeiro, it is highly probable that he would have developed that site already.

Now comes 64 Durfee Street. Peabody Properties is not the right developer, and low-income housing is not the right project. Let Burbank provide more information on their proposal OR throw both bids out and start new. From what I can find, the notice for the Request for Proposals was only advertised in the Herald News.

Wouldn't it have been great to advertise in multiple newspapers? Attract more proposals from more developers?

Here's my economic development advice for the City of Fall River....

DO THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF WHAT KEN FIOLA WANTS TO DO!

Hello Goodbye

2009-01-25T13:58:00.003-05:00

Hello Councilor Cathy Ann Viveiros:

Over 5 years ago, Mayor Edward M. Lambert, Jr. unveiled dramatic renderings of what may become the city’s new arts and cultural center. The old Bristol Community College (BCC) complex on Durfee Street is for sale, and the city is in line to purchase the historic buildings. If successful, the site would be transformed into a multidimensional arts center, complete with artists’ lofts, galleries, studios and performance space.

Yet, once the City of Fall River acquired this property from the state, the idea of an arts center seems to have been forgotten. Recently, the Redevelopment Authority met to review two proposals for developing the former Bradford Durfee Textile School complex.

The "preferred" proposal from Peabody Properties is not the right one for this city to start revitalizing its downtown and waterfront, three city councilors and two professionals adamantly told the Redevelopment Authority.

Councilor Cathy Ann Viveiros called Peabody’s bid “warehousing” of poor people like the city has an abundance of, while others called for site visits at similar projects done by the two bidders.

“I find the Peabody proposal not in the best interests of the city of Fall River,” Viveiros began. “To my mind, the foundation of the Peabody proposal is for a low-income, residential project,” with artist uses “secondary.”

Thanks to the vocal concerns of Peabody's proposal, the decision was postponed over the objections of Redevelopment Authority Chairman John Almeida. “In all likelihood we will take a vote. It’s our job to select what’s best for the city,” said John Almeida, chairman of the Redevelopment Authority.

As for the deficiencies in the second proposal which earned zero points, the advertisement for the Request for Proposals states "The Fall River Redevelopment Authority reserves the right to waive any informalities or irregularitites in the proposals received or to reject any and all proposals, or to accept proposals deemed to be in the best interest of the Authority."

It may be in the best interest of the city to reject both proposals and start anew or alternatively follow the advice of Councilor Viveiros and have the Redevelopment Authority consider Burbank’s bid and obtain more company input as its RFP allows.

Councilor Viveiros' criticisms of the board included accusations that they did not visit project sites by the two bidders geared toward “creative economy” revitalization, interview the bidders, individually rate the bids based on RFP guidelines or hear public input since receiving bids.

Thank you to Councilor Cathy Ann Viveiros and others for voicing their concerns about this project so that the old BCC is developed responsibly.

Goodbye Council President Tom Kozak:

A few posts ago I asked ...

What's the deal with Tom Kozak as City Council President?

I'm all for giving Joe Camara the boot, but is Tom Kozak the right person?

How well do expect Tom Kozak to do as City Council President?

At first, the choice of Tom Kozak as City Council President received plenty of skepticism because there hasnt really been an issue that Kozak has championed during his tenure on the City Council. In other words, there was no proven track record of leadership.

However, in some ways it seemed that it could have been a good choice because of his relative neutrality, Kozak could serve well to placate what appears to be the pro-Correia and anti-Correia factions on the City Council.What is most bizarre is the admission, “I probably had enough a year ago.”

Probably had enough a year ago? A year ago you were just being sworn in to a new term of office. Why not simply resign the Presidency and maintain a seat on the City Council? Why bother seeking the City Council Presidency if you have hade enough?

Bizarre.

It could very well be that Brian Bigelow ends up being the deciding vote on who becomes the new City Council President....

Lets just hope this doesn't lead to the return of Joe Camara as City Council President ...

Something FISH-y

2009-01-19T10:13:00.009-05:00

Inspired by Charlotte...

Would you believe it if someone involved in the bid for the ownership of public property donated money to an elected official who is also the spouse of the person who provides a confidential assessment to the public agency that will determine who will be the winning bidder?

In a few days. the Redevelopment Authority will meet to review two proposals for developing the former Bradford Durfee Textile School complex. Affiliated with the EA Fish companies and partnering with its Dellbrook Construction company, Peabody provided a Dec. 31, 2007 audit report listing $7.4 million in assets.

Peabody Properties, headquartered in Braintree, MA is a privately held corporation that is the fourth generation of a 100-year family tradition owned by Edward A. Fish and incorporated in 1976.

And, Edward A. Fish donated to who?

CAROLE FIOLA!!!

Fiola, Carole	11/24/2008	Edward	Fish	$200.00
Fiola, Carole	4/28/2008	Edward A.	Fish	$200.00
Fiola, Carole	5/1/2007	Edward	Fish	$500.00
Fiola, Carole	4/21/2006	Edward	Fish	$500.00
Fiola, Carole	4/6/2004	Edward	Fish	$500.00
Fiola, Carole	4/6/2004	John	Fish	$250.00
Fiola, Carole	4/9/2003	John	Fish	$500.00
Fiola, Carole	4/9/2003	Edward	Fish	$500.00
Fiola, Carole	3/18/2002	Edward A.	Fish	$500.00
Fiola, Carole	3/18/2002	John	Fish	$500.00

Look at the pattern:

2002 - March.
2003 - April,
2004 - April,
2006 - April,
2007 - May,
2008 - April and NOVEMBER!

Further this appears in the time line when the sale of 64 Durfee St. (old BCC) was open since the Request for Proposals was advertised on November 8, 2008 and November 15, 2008, and proposals were due on December 19, 2008.

Fiola, who said he gave the five-member Redevelopment Authority a confidential tally of both proposals, declined to say if one company had an edge on the other.

New Policy? -- Screennames

2009-01-09T22:13:00.011-05:00

The blogs have been getting a bad rap for quite some time because of the content of the anonymous comments.

While I don't have a problem with anonymous comments, I think that it is still possible for people to post comments anonymously by using "screennames." For example, I am FRC, and other screennames include "Tom Paine," "reality check," and "puck." The introduction of screenames still maintains the ability to comment anonymously since the identity behind the screenname remains unknown.

I am keeping anonymous comments open for about a week for people to comment about this proposed policy change, but my inclination is to require screennames.

On another blog a comment states, "Brad Kilby is an evil politician just like the others. don't be fooled. He is not an honorable man." and "Kilby is a vengeful person. I've seen him go after people in the workplace for a personal vendetta."

Another unrelated anonymous comment from another blog states, "Too bad he [not Kilby] is a drug addict and neglects his daugther if anyone disputes that than they are not objective..."

Other comments ...

Please stop and negative comments and name calling. This is becoming very childish.
The next thing we will hear is that Kilby drowns little pups on the weekends for fun.
Knock if off people.

You are pathetic,this blog is pathetic,and all the shit talking that goes on here is a disgrace to every legit blog out there.Name calling thats what its degenerated to,you must be so proud.

If commenters are willing to use a screename to post on Herald News articles, then it really shouldn't be a burden to create a screenname to post on the blogs.

A few weeks ago, the blogs received a boost from WSAR/O Jornal's Ric Oliveira who, in response to a caller, defended the blogs and later posted on Fall River-tastic "my view is that as someone who monitors news, the blogs whether they are anonymous or not, are super important."

.... If it weren't for anonymous bloggers, Sarah Palin might be Vice President-elect....

If anonymous bloggers played ANY role in the process of defeating McCain/Palin, then I am all for that, but I think we also have to not forget all of the incorrect and hateful information that spread about Barack Obama too.

The point is that the Fall River blogs were started to discuss Fall River ISSUES and events, and to share related thoughts and opinions. We can discuss the stormwater fee, the Durfee Enrichment Fund, the ouster of Superintendent Fischer, and the switch in City Council leadership. For example, there's a recent opinion piece by Mike Moran titled "With the gavel comes the spotlight" regarding the leadership shift of the City Council. The leadership shift is a newsworthy event, and opinions related to the capacity of Kozak and Hague to lead are welcomed. Similarly, opinions regarding whether Joe Camara and Casey deserved to be ousted are also welcomed.

I think the blogs are good as a supplement to the newspaper - a story appears in the Herald News, and then we summarize and offer an opinion on the story, and commenters can react. Or we can talk about stories that the newspaper is not covering. Sometimes news stories have come from the blogs. The blogs also allow for some informal discussion such as "Who should run for Mayor? City Council?" and offer opinions on the platforms of candidates.

As bloggers, it seems that no matter the content of the topic that is posted, that the anonymous comments lead into very weird topics. For example, another blog has a great post about homelessness in Fall River which led to this enlightening comment, "Speaking of Nick Christ, someone on one of these blogs once made a reference that he was a convicted drug dealer."

With 2009 being a local election year, I don't want to be a part of whatever smear campaign is the Fall River equivalent of Barack Hussein Obama is a muslim.

I look forward to seeing new screennames (or less comments) in the near future....

- FRC

President Kozak?

2009-01-05T18:07:00.003-05:00

What's the deal with Tom Kozak as City Council President?

I'm all for giving Joe Camara the boot, but is Tom Kozak the right person?

How well do expect Tom Kozak to do as City Council President?

Oh yeah, and City Councilor Linda Pereira told us bloggers to shut up if we aren't willing to put our names on it. Let me just remind you that Linda Pereira said this on a radio station that broadcasts the thoughts and opinions of anonymous callers all day.

Coordinated Program Reviews

2009-01-05T15:14:00.008-05:00

Earlier today Mayor Correia released a press release titled "Public Schools to be Subject to State Review."

From the press release... "Mayor Robert Correia today announced that the Massachusetts Commissioner of Education has accepted his invitation to conduct a comprehensive, independent review of the Fall River Public Schools."

Now, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education already has a process called the Coordinated Program Review. Guess what?

FALL RIVER WAS ALREADY SCHEDULED FOR 2009!!!

The schedule is set on a 6 year cycle. Fall River had a full review in 2003, a mid-cycle review in 2006, and another full review was scheduled for 2009! Click here for the schedule. Further, you can see here that MA DOE visit was already scheduled for April to review all of the schools.

That means that the MA DOE was coming to Fall River with or without Mayor Correia's invitation. Mayor Correia inviting the MA DOE to Fall River for an already scheduled review is like President Bush inviting Barack Obama to the White House on January 20th.

Back to the press release ....

"Mayor Correia invited the Department to conduct the review in light of the recent departure of Dr. Fischer, significant budget problems, and disappointing results of the District's adequate yearly progress scores."

No. No. No. The Coordinated Program Review was already scheduled !!!!

"During discussions with members of the School Committee last week, the Mayor stated, "The consensus was that this could have positive implications for the school district, especially in light of the district's request of a modification for the utilization of grant funds.""

Yes, the reviews can have positive implications for a school district, that is why the MA DOE does a full review of EVERY school district on a 6-year cycle. But this review was already scheduled, it has nothing to do with the modification of grant funds.

"The independent review team will be comprised of educators with experience in school and district evaluation who will spend the week observing classes, reviewing documents and other written materials, visiting schools, and interviewing administrators, teachers, community representatives and parents."

Hey, lets look at that Coordinated Program Review....

Methods:

Methods used in reviewing programs include:

Review of documentation about the operation of the charter school or district's programs. (Check)
Interviews of administrative, instructional, and support staff across all grade levels. (Check)
Interviews of parent advisory council (PAC) representatives and other interviews as requested by other parents or members of the general public. (Check)

Observation of classrooms and other facilities. The onsite team visits a sample of classrooms and other school facilities used in the delivery of programs and services to determine general levels of compliance with program requirements. (Check)

"For these reasons, this is an opportune time to have an independent, comprehensive review conducted," Mayor Correia added.

NO. IT IS TIME FOR AN INDEPENDENT, COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW BECAUSE IT IS FALL RIVER'S TIME IN THE 6 YEAR CYCLE!!!!

For further reading, here is the 2003 Fall River Coordinated Program Review Report, and the 2006 Fall River Mid-cycle Coordinated Program Review Report.

Vacation Time

2008-12-27T00:25:00.004-05:00

FRC is heading south to warmer climate for awhile to visit family members
in North Carolina and Tennessee.

Hooray for declining gas prices!

Facts Are Stubborn Things . . .

2008-12-18T12:43:00.021-05:00

The following is a point-by-point rebuttal and analysis to Mayor Correia's interview regarding the Cpl. David Miller Green/Paul McGovern Square controversy.

Whose idea was it?

"Yeah, actually Councilor Casey and I were discussing some Council business and the matter came up and Councilor Casey was going to file a resolution to name that McGovern Square. And on the face of it, it sounded good. I said, 'I don't see any problem with that, Pat . . . so Pat did."

In the Herald News, City Councilor Pat Casey says . . . When pressed how the idea to put the McGovern monument there was raised [Casey] said it came from [Mayor] Correia. “He mentioned it to me, and I was all for it,” she said, “because I knew Paul McGovern so well and he helped so many needy families.”

... Seems like Mayor Correia and City Councilor Pat Casey have a disagreement on how all of this even got started.

Plaque to Cpl. David Miller is found

"During the process of cleaning that place up, the McGovern family said that they would pay for everything. (Hec: "Now why wasn't it cleaned up to begin with anyway?") I had no idea why it wasn't cleaned up. There was a huge, in my opinion, ugly sign that said 'Welcome to Fall River.' It was brown, gold, it hadn't been cared for, it hadn't been painted, and huge shrubs around the sign. You really couldn't see much there at all. When they did start to dig it up and clear the Square away, they found under the sign - right, under the sign, you couldn't see it, and under the shrubs, a stone and a plaque which said Miller Garden - that's what it says on it, that's what it says right now."

Now, this clip here has a few issues worth addressing...
First, there is basically an admission that the City of Fall River did not maintain this property adequately. However, while Cpl. David Miller Green certainly looks better now than it has before, there seems to be some misinformation that is being spread by our elected officials. In other words, if we can exaggerate how bad the Cpl. David Miller Green looked before, than people will be thankful for the efforts of the McGovern family to clean it up, and hence maintain their monument on the Cpl. David Miller Green.

So, did it look bad?

(Click to Enlarge)
While the photo on the left is undated, if you click on the image, it should link to Live Search Maps. So in an effort to date this image to the left, I browsed around Fall River to see if I could find any notable construction or demolition that could help date this photo.

You can conduct the search yourself, but let me save you some time. Simply look at the progress of the construction of the Carlton M. Viveiros Elementary School.

Viveiros North, South, East, and West.

Now, Mayor Correia says that the plaque could not be seen under the sign and under the shrubs.

Exhibit B.....

In this 1991 Herald News article, you can clearly see the plaque, the shrubs, and then the large sign. In the photo above, the shrubs don't appear to be overgrown and you can see a small gray object directly in front of the large sign, in front of the non-overgrown shrubs. Let's mark that as Cpl. David Miller Green Exhibit A. Apparently satellites can see the plaque to Cpl. David Miller, but Mayor Correia says that it was not visible, under the sign and shrubs.

Facts are stubborn things!

Ok, so the plaque is "found!" Now, whether the push to name this memorial after Mr. McGovern began with either Mayor Correia or City Councilor Pat Casey, this is where all the errors began to occur. Apparently, no one knew that this green had already been dedicated. But then the plaque was found. This was the time that research should have been done, and upon learning these stubborn facts, withdrawing the offer to the McGovern family.

The plaque demonstrated that the green had been dedicated before, and this should have prompted inquires as to when it was dedicated, etc. But there were no inquiries. This is what occurred... Casey said she didn’t look at or read Cpl. Miller’s memorial. “I don’t know why I didn’t,” she said. During the process of "cleaning that place up," didn't anyone bother to read the plaque?

But that transitions us to the next point. Certainly the 1991 plaque that was dedicated by Mayor Daniel Bogan does refer to "this garden." Mayor Correia emphasizes that the plaque says Miller's Garden. He did it in this interview, and in a previous interview on WSAR. The Mayor's purpose is so that there can be a "compromise" of Cpl. David Miller Green/Garden and the Paul McGovern Square. However, if anyone of our elected officials had an ounce of inquiry, they could have gone back to the original 1946 Order, which not only named the green as the "David Miller Green" and authorized the construction of the green.

The ENTIRE Green is dedicated to Cpl. David Miller.

But of course, facts are stubborn things.

Huge Stone

"... it wasn't touched, it wasn't moved, it was cleaned up, and it was made to look like a garden in that area. And there was a huge stone right after it and that wasn't touched either. So, the McGovern monument part was put on the other side of it."

This is one of those stubborn facts again. Mayor Correia and members of the media don't seem to understand is that it is the boulder itself, that is the original monument to Cpl. David Miller. As this 1974 Herald News article describes, there was a stone marker with the family name carved into at South Main and Shove Streets. St. Patrick's Church was responsible for the stone marker going up in memory of Cpl. Miller . . . sometime in the early 50s.

In the 1970s there was the boulder with the surname "Miller" inscribed. When there was construction scheduled in the area of Cpl. David Miller Green, it prompted members of the Park Board, responsible for the maintenance of the city's greens to ask, "Who was Miller?" The question is largely resolved by the information that is on the plaque that was dedicated in 1991, but the plaque is not the memorial, the boulder is!

The picture to the left is a recent image from the Herald News. Pictured is Mayor Daniel Bogan alongside the plaque that he dedicated in 1991. However, in the background is the boulder that is the original monument to Cpl. David Miller. Right behind the boulder is the monument to Paul McGovern.

Therefore, any argument that states that the two monuments are about 15 feet apart is just false! Not only are the monuments not 15 feet apart, they might not even be 15 inches apart.

Plaque is found . . . no research conducted

". . . and it was again all paid for by the family, which was fine as the city couldn't afford it, the city wasn't going to get involved in that. So, that was the first realization that we had that anything else was there and the instructions were 'don't touch it, clean it up,' and that's what was done."

See, this is precisely where everything went wrong! The City learned of the plaque, and then did nothing. When the City learned of the plaque, it had a duty to research the history of the plaque. However, the Mayor's characterization that the plaque was under shrubs and the sign is just false if you look at the aerial picture above.

No Concern...

"No one knew it was there before that. No one complained before that it was covered by shrubs. No one complained before that it was a sacrilege and an insult to have a Welcome to Fall River sign right on top of it and covering it. Not one person raised a voice of concern or opposition."

Recall the 1991 Herald News article above, plaque... shrubs ... then sign. In this undated, but recent aerial photo, you can see plaque ...shrubs...then sign.

There's nothing to complain about, the Cpl. David Miller Green looks similar in 2006-2008, looks the same as in 1991.

No shrubs covering the plaque.

No sign on top of the plaque.

No need to raise a voice of concern.

In conclusion, the green was constructed for Cpl. David Miller and all of the boys of the south end of the city that served in the armed forces during WWII. The boulder at the center of the green is the original monument to Cpl. Miller. A plaque was also dedicated in 1991. As can be seen, the plaque WAS NOT hidden under shrubs and a sign. Therefore, there was never any need for anyone to ever complain that the property was unkempt. When the plaque was "found," the City did not reconsider its plan to rededicate the Cpl. Miller Green.

The City carried on with its plan to dedicate the site to Paul McGovern. While Mayor Correia was recently in the news for the preservation of Fall River's history when he added a portrait of a former Mayor to the Fall River Room at Government Center, yet the "Press Conference" Mayor did not have a press conference when the Cpl. Miller plaque was "found." Perhaps because the plaque has always been visible, and not under brush and a sign like the Mayor alleges.

The final point is that the entire site was dedicated to Cpl. Miller and all of the boys of the south end of the city that served in the armed forces during WWII. The honor of this dedication that occurred not once, not twice, but three times, should not be diminished or diluted because City officials did not properly handle the "discovery" of the plaque.

As the Veterans Agent has said ... Cpl. Miller’s capture, imprisonment and death without his body being returned to his family, “that is the true, true sacrifice.” The green housing his memorial, DaPonte said, “I would call it sacred.”

... that is why veterans and other citizens oppose the dedication of the Paul McGovern Square and are "in favor of the removal of McGovern’s monument and square from the Miller Green.”

We Shun All Research (WSAR) Editorial

2008-12-17T15:17:00.006-05:00

"It is difficult to see the requisite balance in the local newspaper's coverage of anything Fall River Mayor Robert Correia has done during his tenure ..."

The quote above is from a WSAR editorial from a few weeks ago that accused the Herald News of relentlessly criticizing Mayor Correia. WSAR has released a new editorial regarding the placement of a strip club in the Fall River Industrial Park.

Excerpt:

"Those of us who oppose location of the strip club at the Industrial Park find it difficult to understand why an elected official and our local newspaper continue to push the Park as the ideal location. Well for the newspaper it might be simply that Mayor Correia and WSAR oppose it."

Upon hearing those sentences, I knew the content of my next blog post....

Could I demonstrate that the Herald News had supported the location of a strip club at the Industrial Park prior to the Correia administration?

If the Herald News has supported the location of a strip club at the Industrial Park prior to the Correia administration, then the current opinion by the Herald News is consistent with prior opinions and not merely part of the "endless attack" on Mayor Correia.

Now, my task was made considerably easy by a Herald News commenter "My Opinion" who wrote:

"The most interesting part of Bernie/Bob's rant is when they say the only reason the HN wants the strip club in the business park is because Mayor Correia and WSAR don't want it to go there. Really, ... in the future, do some research to make sure what you say is accurate."

"My Opinion" also refers to a Herald News article from 2002!

Back then, the Herald News offered its opinion "that strip club ought to be located on the Commerce Park end of the city’s Industrial Park."

My own research has discovered a Herald News editorial from March 2008 where the Herald News states,"Strip clubs are going to open in Fall River; there’s simply no stopping them. The best the city can do is control their location. The Industrial Park is the least of several potential evils." Also, October 2008 Herald News editorial, "The Industrial Park seems like the perfect location. If the city has a better idea, let’s hear it." Let me just remind the readers that Mayor Correia introduced two proposals. One of the proposals he said he would not support if the City Council approved it. The other proposal was so great that it was defeated 8-0 by the City Council!

The recent discussion regarding the location of the adult entertainment zone has stated that the adult entertainment cannot locate at Commerce Park because of covenants that prohibit adult entertainment. However, in its reasoning, the Herald News defends its opinion with "Devoid of residents, dominated by a trash heap, industrial in makeup and virtually deserted at night, the Commerce Park is the best Fall River location for a strip club." It is exactly the same reasoning why Fall River residents support the location of the adult entertainment zone in the Industrial Park.

Heck, even Mayor Correia said, in his own words,

"I, myself thought it [the Industrial Park] may be the best location..."

Afterall, it's not like the location of the adult entertainment zone at the Industrial Park is absurd. As the recent Herald News editorial indicated:

"Residents attending Monday’s [Maplewood Senior Center] meeting made clear that while they would prefer no strip clubs in the city, if there has to be a district, the Industrial Park is the best spot. And it wasn’t the first time they made their wishes clear. In an online Herald News poll on Nov. 22, readers were asked to choose among four options. Sixty-one percent of 565 respondents voted for the Industrial Park. Doing nothing came in second, at just 29 percent. While the poll is unscientific, such overwhelming results are significant, particularly when combined with resident testimony at public hearings like Monday’s."

The WSAR Editorial refers to City Councilor Steve Camara's proposal for an adult entertainment district in the Industrial Park as "carrying the water for Paul Viveros."

Honestly, I think there is something more sinister to the proposal by City Councilor Steve Camara. It is clear that most Fall River residents do not want an adult entertainment zone, but if we are required to have such a zone, the Industrial Park is the preference of the residents of Fall River. Perhaps Councilor Camara merely introduced a proposal that would a) protect the city from additional litigation and b) reflected the preferred location of Fall River residents.

Wow, an elected official that is responsive to the desire of the constituents . . . in this city . . . sinister indeed!

Arts Center: Coming Soon?

2008-12-08T15:27:00.005-05:00

Today the Standard Times has an article "Growing chorus heard singing city's praises" which indicates several sources, including the New York Times that have taken notice of the revitalization efforts in New Bedford. The revitalization includes the plans for $10 million, 106-room hotel downtown.

From the NY Times, "New Bedford has embraced a belief that the arts can be used to rebuild its fortunes. In 2007, it authorized hiring a creative economy development officer to coordinate arts programming, financing and development."

Now, the City of Fall River is in a unique position to embrace the arts as the foundation of its revitalization....

.

Back in 2003, Mayor Lambert unveiled the proposal that the old Bristol Community College on Durfee St. could become an arts and cultural center. In that article, Mayor Lambert expressed the hope that the Massachusetts Department of Capital Asset Management (DCAM) would
"sell the building to the city for a small amount of money, perhaps as low as a symbolic $1."

"Lambert said changing the zoning in these areas would allow artists to live and work in the numerous old mills that dot the city.

In addition, Lambert proposes that a zoning ordinance be written creating an 'overlay district' for the arts in downtown Fall River. This zoning would also allow artists to live and work in the same space."

In November 2007, the Redevelopment Authority board accepted transfer of the deed for $1 from the state. At that time, officials anticipated that the buildings would be used for a cultural arts center, including artists’ work spaces and lofts, along with possible office uses. Then in September 2008, the City Council unanimously approved a two-part resolution to accept the five vacant buildings and 1.3-acre parcel at 64 Durfee St. from the state for $1 and transfer the deed to the Redevelopment Authority.

Although the old BCC arts center project began with the Lambert administration, the next piece of the puzzle - the arts overlay district - was supported and enacted under the Correia administration.

"The Planning Board and Mayor Robert Correia recommend that the City Council adopt the proposed arts overlay district ordinance to promote expansion of art and culture in the downtown area and adjacent waterfront."

“The arts overlay district is a critical part of the foundation we’re trying to create for economic development,” the mayor said, “to create an atmosphere and ambiance in Fall River.”

With the city's acquisition of the property for $1, and the enactment of the arts overlay district, the Redevelopment Authority has now released its request for proposals for the purchase and redevelopment of the property. The proposals are due on Decemeber 19th, where they will be opened and pubicly read.

Now, the City of Fall River is in a unique position to embrace the arts as the foundation of its revitalization....

The city has ownership of 64 Durfee St., and its sale of this property will direct the use of this property. The city of Fall River supprted the arts overlay district just a few short months ago. Now, this is an opportunity for Fall River to showcase its commitment to the arts and the revitalization of downtown and the city.

The old BCC has is located right between the waterfront and the downtown and could serve as a catalyst to the revitalization for both. In other words, the city should take a critical interest in the best use of the property. For years the city has advocated that the best use for the old BCC was as an arts center. Also, an edition of the Master Plan is expected to be released very soon. Therefore, the Redevelopment should makes its decision on the proposal based on the Master Plan and the Arts Overlay District.

For the city leaders who have expressed their faith in the revitalization abilities of the arts, it would be a huge disappointment if the old BCC is not redeveloped to an arts center consistent with the arts overlay district.

Now a FRC Editorial . . .

2008-12-03T20:49:00.008-05:00

WSAR released a new editorial today, so I thought I'd share my thoughts . . .

(Quotes from the WSAR Editorial are in italics)

"We think it is fair to say that over the past half century, we have never witnessed such an endless attack on any public official by the Herald News, as the attack it has unleashed on the current Mayor of Fall River, Robert Correia."

OOh! Attacks! Unleashed! Sounds fascinating . . . I wonder if there will be examples of these unfair attacks!

"What is driving the public animus for Mayor Correia by the Editor and the hierarchy of the Herald News?"

Great question! I bet the Editor probably has an axe to grind or something. Did the WSAR editorial just pose a rhetorical question or will the editorial reveal the true motives of the Herald News and its animus for Mayor Correia?

"Mayor Correia is facing extremely difficult economic times from a combination of long-term internal management problems of past elected officials, and outside influences like the struggling global economy affecting every community in this state."

The report of of the state Auditor Joseph DeNucci's office did show that the accounting practices were sub-par and that the municipal audit by Hague & Sahady was delayed by months because the city was not audit-ready. But rather just exposing just the facts of the poor financial practices, Mayor Correia went on the attack.

“We should be embarrassed by what this report says about our ineptitude,” Correia said during a half-hour prepared presentation Wednesday in the council chambers.

Then the report was riddled with errors. First, the auditor's report said that the Housing Authority did not pay $800,000 in Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT). Mayor Lambert produced the cancelled checks. Then, the audit said that the city was behind $46 million in uncollected taxes. Of the $46 million, some of the amount were bills that were owed, but not yet passed due, and therefore not delinquent yet. Also, "Patten said he and Silva surmised the $46 million cited in the audit included at least $25 million in future tax bills not yet due during the period reviewed."

So, shame on you Mayor Lambert for not collecting taxes owed from bills of the future!

"How does a Mayor get criticized for pointing out that the previous administration and the city officials of that administration found it impossible to balance its books for years?"

See above.

"Mayor Correia now faces a global and statewide economic downturn more serious than most of us have ever endured. He will need the support of every city, town and private business to preserve our city and make is prosper."

Oh Bernie, you gave me this one on a silver platter. Let's just use a hypothetical. For example, the city is low on funds and can't support a New Years Eve celebration. Sounds like a good time to reach out to the area businesses so the the residents of Fall River can have a scaled down celebration, rather than no celebration at all. Is that what the Mayor did? NO!

Mayor Correia canceled the event and didn't notify anyone, NOT EVEN A PRESS CONFERENCE!!! In fact, the news of the First Night cancellation was first revealed by one of those pesky, whackjob bloggers. Fortunately, other community leaders have taken on the duties of saving a New Years celebration.

"Yet all the Editor of the newspaper focuses on, through a basis of inaccurate facts and assumptions is style and process rather than the substance of actions needed to address the critical problems facing the city."

First, it would have been nice is this WSAR editorial actually had an example of these inaccurate facts and assumptions. Now let's go into process vs. substance. . . On the renaming of the two new schools, is the substance of that news story whether the honorees were worthy recipients of the designation? The story there is how the Mayor unilaterally desired to change the names of the schools, he went to the School Committee with a bullshit reason that their vote was needed that night so that the plaques would be complete on time, and the School Committee folded immediately.

Perhaps the WSAR Editorial was in response to the OUR VIEW from the Herald News in which the Herald News descibes the hearing of Dr. Fischer as a Kangaroo Court. Now, how does someone come to the conclusion that this is a Kangaroo Court? Well, simply view the video and determine how many of Fischer's attorney's objections are overruled, and compare with the percentage of how many objections by Attorney Assad are sustained.

Now in this article here, "Assad said the format is based on methods used by organizations such as the American Arbitration Association."

REALLY??

American Arbitration Association: A Foundation of Integrity

The AAA makes every effort to ensure the integrity of alternative dispute resolution processes in a number of ways.

Conflicts o f Interest Avoidance
When an arbitrator or mediator is selected from a list of potential neutrals, (s)he is required to disclose the existence of interests or relationships that are likely to affect impartiality or that might reasonably create an appearance that (s)he is biased against one party or favorable to another.

Can anyone really say with a straight face that the Mayor is an impartial Chair of the hearing?

What is really bothersome is the attempt of the WSAR editorial to minimize the importance of process. Process is what protects people's rights. When a person is placed under arrest, the reading of the Miranda rights is process, so that the person knows that there is an adversarial relationship with the government and that they have a constitutional right to remain silent. Whether its the judicial approval of a warrant to determine that there is probable cause to conduct the search, or that the alleged perpetrator of a crime receives notice of the charges against them, it is all about process.

Now, another employee of the radio station was stating that if the Superintendent's hearing is a kangaroo court, it is because the Superintendent requested the hearing to be conducted in an open session. The hearing is not a kangaroo court because it is in open session. The difference between a hearing in open or closed session is that the public and the tv camera is allowed in the open session. Otherwise, everything else should have been pretty much the same. But the hearing is a kangaroo court because of the lack of due process. You know, the small stuff, like that a person is entitled to an impartial arbiter.

My favorite part of the editorial . . .

"If Mayor Correia drove by a burning building, went in and walked out holding a baby in his arms, whose life he saved, this Editor of the Herald News would likely criticize him for calling the Fire Chief to see who should go in first - the Chief or the Mayor."

AHAHAHAHA!! Do the minds behind the WSAR Editorials really believe this? Really? First of all, this hypothetical has its own "inaccurate facts and assumptions." The hypothetical should begin "If Mayor Correia was being driven by a member of his staff, and passed by a burning building . . ." This is just too easy.

Second, as a crazy whackjob blogger, if I saw the Mayor leaving a burning building holding a baby, I would naturally come to the conclusion that the Mayor was a kidnapping arsonist. It's a reasonable conclusion when you think about it. I mean, I would be seeing the Mayor holding a baby with a burning building behind him, and presumably the Mayor would be moving away from the burning building at whatever would be a reasonably fast speed for him. Wouldn't a kidnapping arsonist do the same thing? Think about it. (hmm, maybe I should have photoshopped that...)

"There appears to be a very personal vendetta going on with a one-sided slant to the editorial opinions."

If WSAR is accusing the Herald News of holding a personal vendetta against the Mayor, it should at least name who has the vendetta, and possibly their reasoning or motive behind such vendetta.

How about this for an idea, Bernie. In his first year in office, Mayor Correia has made many errors. The Herald News has pointed out those errors. Could it be that the reason that there are so many editorials by the Herald News that oppose the Mayor, is because the Mayor has made many errors? Where's the endless attack and personal vendetta? If Mayor Correia is the most criticized Mayor in the past half century, could it be that the Mayor may be the cause of that?

This is probably one of the Herald News editorials that WSAR is now complaining about. Remember when the Director of the Community Development Agency suddenly tendered his resignation? “I’ve known him for over 45 years, but I haven’t had any direct interchange with him for the last 40,” Correia said of Laughlin. WHAT?!? He was a coordinator of Correia’s mayoral transition team since November and took over the CDA directorship when the mayor fired the longtime director.

Would you put someone who you did not have "any direct interchange" for 40 years as the Coordinator of your transition team?

But really, how dare the Herald News question the departure of a department head. This was a time where the Herald News was looking for substance. Not how Laughlin left, but why? That's a question about substance. It remains an unanswered question.

"The time has come for the Herald News to let the public know why. If not, the management team of the newspaper needs to have someone else provide the editorial focus on city government because someone has clearly lost their objectivitywhen it comes to Mayor Correia and his administration."

Nope, it's really that the Mayor just fucks up a lot or introduces really stupid proposals. One of the more controversial proposals by the Mayor was the introduction of the stormwater fee. Now, the proposal is that it is fair for people to pay for the cost of cleaning the water based on quantity of impervious surface on their property.

But who is paying the cost for all the stormwater that lands on public property such as streets and sidewalks. I know the schools are charged the stormwater fee for school property, but does the city charge itself for the cost of the stormwater on public streets?

If we are subsidizing the cost of the cleanup of the stormwater that lands on public streets and sidewalks, then that is a public benefit, is it not? Basically, all the property owners (residential and commercial) are paying to clean ALL the water, and not just the water that falls on their property.

Speaking of the stormwater fee, remember how the WSAR editorial mentions that the Mayor will need the support of the local businesses? The Fall River Chamber of Commerce made a reasonable request for a three year phase-in of the stormwater fee. Much like the Kangaroo Court... OBJECTION DENIED!!! No breaks for anyone! Schools gotta pay! Churches gotta pay! Non-profits gotta pay!

Perhaps during the "global and statewide economic downturn more serious than most of us have ever endured" that it is not the right time to increase the pay of the Corporation Counsel. Although the City of Fall River, especially the Fire Department, needs new vehicles, is not the time to request $3.8 million for new vehicles, with an additional $5 million+ request next year?

Is it fair for the Herald News to criticize the Mayor's choice for the Adult Entertainment Zone? The Herald News thinks it should go in the Industrial Park. Even some City Councilors have expressed negative opinions of the Mayor's proposed Adult Entertainment district. But for the Herald News to express its opinion, it is just part of the "endless attacks." While the Herald News and the Mayor disagree on the best location of the Adult Entertainment district, the opinion of the Editor of the Herald news is based on substance - mostly, that the Industrial Park is a buffer to residences and its proximity to Route 24. Reasonable minds can differ on this issue.

"It is difficult to see the requisite balance in the local newspaper's coverage of anything Fall River Mayor Robert Correia has done during his tenure, particularly if it be anything that even remotely appears to question policies of his predecessor Ed Lambert, or the present Fall River Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Nicholas Fischer."

10-20-08 Thumbs up to the planned opening of Fall River’s first Community Learning Center, scheduled for Nov. 1. The program, which will be funded by a $100,000 Community Development Block Grant, was a big part of the campaign of Mayor Robert Correia, who vowed to improve educational attainment in the city.

3-24-08 Thumbs up to Fall River Mayor Robert Correia for finding ways to shave city expenses. Correia examined city-issued cell phone use, determining which phones were not critical and could be cancelled to save money.

10-13-08 Thumbs up to Mayor Robert Correia’s plan to invest $100,000 to battle the rodent problem plaguing Fall River neighborhoods.

5-12-08 Thumbs up to Fall River Mayor Robert Correia for following through with a multi-pronged attack on his commitment to put a bit of spit and shine on Fall River.

4-7-08 Thumbs up to the release of $1.1 million from the $40 million Seaport Bond Bill for construction of a dock at the State Pier. Mayor Robert Correia pushed for the funds, which the city will use to build a 150-foot steel floating dock for passenger ships.

6-2-08 Thumbs up to the Fall River Licensing Board for approving the issuance of 10 new liquor licenses within the designated downtown/waterfront economic development zone. The licenses are part of Mayor Robert Correia’s plan to set up a “restaurant row” throughout the recently created arts overlay district and on Columbia Street.

But there are Herald News editorials that are critical of the Mayor. This one for example is about how the Mayor did not attend a FERC hearing. The City of Fall River has been fighting Hess LNG for years and there is a FERC meeting in Swansea, and the Mayor, nor a member of his staff attends. What perception does that send to the members of FERC?

"Mayor Robert Correia said it was an “oversight” that his office was not represented at the Venus de Milo Wednesday night. Yet, in the same breath, he said he knew all about the hearing but instead chose to attend a special School Committee meeting."

"Correia should have attended — or, at the very least, sent a high-ranking city official in his stead — to stand with the hundreds of residents who turned out and put up a united front against the proposed LNG unloading station in Mount Hope Bay and 4-mile-long pipeline connecting it to Weaver’s Cove, which most view as a significant threat to Fall River’s safety and security. That would have been leadership."

Has the Herald News written many editorials that are not favorable to Mayor Correia? Yes.

The real question is: Are these editorials treating the Mayor unfairly? No.

It's not the fault of the Herald News that Mayor Correia rushed the naming of the new schools, proposed a stupid stormwater "fee," denied the reasonable request of local businesses to have the fee phased-in, canceled the New years celebration, did not attend FERC meeting, instituted policy that everything for the press or media has to be filed through the mayor’s office, didn't invite all 9 City Councilors to a fundraiser, instituted a policy that requests for constituent services by City Councilors must be approved by the Mayor's office, agreed to Watuppa Heights memorandum more than doubling the amount of housing and subjecting the city to "at least $ 4 million," won't allow people to applaud for 3 seconds at citizen input time of School Committee meetings before going gavel-happy, a not-so-stellar grafitti removal machine, and is now conducting this kangaroo court hearing with such reckless disregard to even the most fundamental principles of due process, etc., ETC., ETC.!

Just think about this for a few seconds . . . Not too long ago the Acting City Administrator Alan Silva proposed that the city spend $50,000 to search for his successor. Mr. Silva is a smart and experienced administrator... Bachelor's Degree from Georgetown University, Master's from Harvard, decades of Foreign Service in the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Imagine if we would have spent $50,000 just to hire the guy down the hall!

Mayor Correia has now been in office for roughly 335 days. After his first 100 days in office, the Herald News had a write-up summarizing those 100 days.

The title was "Impressive 100 days"

IMPRESSIVE!!! It wasn't "OK 100 days" or "Not too bad 100 days" - it was IMPRESSIVE.

"After his first 100 days in office, there is no question Correia is fully in charge of this city. "

"It’s all part of Correia’s goal to instill "Pride City Wide," a theme he introduced during his inauguration and has adhered to thus far in his short tenure."

"It’s a start and a perfect way to cap off Correia’s first 100 days and propel him into his next 100."

"Correia is on the right track and on his way to truly restoring the pride in Fall River."

In these 235 days, the Herald News went from having an IMPRESSIVE opinion of the Mayor's tenure to being accused of endless attacks against the Mayor.

In its 100 days piece, the Herald News writes positively that "Correia is fully in charge of this city," which ultimately is what has led to most of the criticism against the Mayor. When the Mayor has a plan, he sticks with it, no audibles, no reconsideration - full steam ahead.

In other words, the Mayor's downfall is precisely that he is fully in charge of this city. It is what in literary terms is called the "tragic flaw." Take for example, President-elect Barack Obama. Not that I expect the Mayor of Fall River to be like the President of the United States, but just follow along. President-elect Obama, he's pretty tight about leaks to the press, he doesn't like that very much.

In a press conference just a few days ago, President-elect Obama said he looks forward to vigorous debate among his advisers. But he added that he will be responsible for setting policy. "I will expect these people to implement this vision."

There is absolutely no evidence that Mayor Correia encourages "vigorous debate" among his staff. It really does come across as governance by intimidation. While Obama is going to operate under the "Team of Rivals" approach, Mayor Correia is more Machiavellian in his approach to governance. While Machiavellian politics is concerned with the acquisition and retention of power, in a democracy there's the additional element that those in power are judged by the what they do with the power they possess.

In the case of Mayor Correia, what have been his accomplishments during his first 11 months in office?

At one point, Mayor Correia was on the right track and on his way to truly restoring the pride in Fall River. But then Mayor Correia got derailed . . .

. . . precisely because Mayor Correia is fully in charge of this city. . .

. . . as for his train wreck, now that's impressive!