A couple weeks ago I was heading out the Mass Pike for a job, and I was passed by a white lexus, with a guy dressed like a lawyer in it, he turned off on the way to Weston. He had a "Connolly for Council" bumper sticker on the back of his car.
I thought, this is why he is going to win. Because he has the money and contacts. Ed Flynn and Matt O'Malley and Felix Arroyo, etc. do not have people from Weston writing $500 checks to help the cause. It is so difficult to overcome the money and connections. Felix should be applauded for doing as well as he has, but it has certainly taken him years to put it together.
And credit to John Connolly for using the resources he has available to him.
Monday, October 31, 2005
"We need to do better"
"We need to do better" is the mantra of polical candidates who have nothing to say, as I've been saying for the last 6 months or so. Of course we can do better, nobody is perfect, so it is like saying you love your mother when you say "we need to do better about ___________"(fill in the blank: housing, education, transparency...)
So, I was talking to Dan from the Courant today who said he had been at a bunch of candidates debates and I asked him if anything interesting had come up, and he said "nothing memorable, but I kept hearing 'we need to do better' and thought of you....
Made me laugh.
Yes we need to do better, the question is HOW are you going to make it better. Haven't heard much about that.
HOW are you going to hire more teachers
HOW are you going to increase PILOT programs (when the mayor hasn't done it)
HOW are you going to pay for more cops
Of course the biggest way is to stop giving the tax and property giveaways to the corporate insiders and friends of the politicians but they won't speak out about that, will they?
Anyone asking if the Forsythe Institute is going to pay rent on the piece of land the city owns but they are using until the legal stuff gets done? That's probably going to be a years worth of free parking in the fenway for 40 cars. Not too shabby....
So, I was talking to Dan from the Courant today who said he had been at a bunch of candidates debates and I asked him if anything interesting had come up, and he said "nothing memorable, but I kept hearing 'we need to do better' and thought of you....
Made me laugh.
Yes we need to do better, the question is HOW are you going to make it better. Haven't heard much about that.
HOW are you going to hire more teachers
HOW are you going to increase PILOT programs (when the mayor hasn't done it)
HOW are you going to pay for more cops
Of course the biggest way is to stop giving the tax and property giveaways to the corporate insiders and friends of the politicians but they won't speak out about that, will they?
Anyone asking if the Forsythe Institute is going to pay rent on the piece of land the city owns but they are using until the legal stuff gets done? That's probably going to be a years worth of free parking in the fenway for 40 cars. Not too shabby....
Friday, October 28, 2005
Funny article about the city council, and their lack of relavance
I saw the Boston Magazine list of 100 most important Bostonians
and saw that none
of the city council members were on it.
Sad state of affairs when people spend 100's of thousand of dollars
to get elected to
an office that has no power. It shows how important
getting real estate deals done
and legal problems solved
for the developers and lawyers of the city.
Gayle Fee and Laura Raposa more important than all the city
councilors?
Unfortuneately, probably true.
http://www.boston.com:80/news/local/articles/2005/10/23/your_city_councilor_can
interesting essay on race...
found this on craigslist, along with my wife!:
http://boston.craigslist.org/about/best/chi/101606873.html
http://boston.craigslist.org/about/best/chi/101606873.html
Thursday, October 27, 2005
I'm still out of town, but wanted to comment
I see Kevin Rothstein and Adam Reilly have started blogs, that's good news. I couldn't have said it better when Kevin talked about the "dance" these candidates do, trying to seem different and independent, while making sure not to disagree with or piss off the mayor. Don't hold your breath for any change or shows of independence with the new person or two on the council.
As the saying goes, if I wasn't laughing I'd be crying.
What I've taken from the headlines of interest:
Menino might run again after this term, for a fifth time...that's a race I would certainly think about getting in on unless someone legitimate and serious ran against him. Would Arroyo take him on? Certainly Tobin, Flaherty, Scappiccio would wait in the wings, I could potentially see John Connolly taking a bold step in that direction, again only if there was a dirth of contestants. Diane Wilkerson is out of the running for good it seems. As the Globe has in their article today, Where is the leadership for this Region? Their just isn't a strong sense of looking towards the future. I don't claim to be some great visionary, there are many, many better people than me to lead this city, unfortuneately they just don't want to get involved.
Maybe if the Red Sox and Theo can't get things worked out he should run for Mayor. He understands money, negotiating, bad deals and Boston. Maybe he'd clean up the BRA.
Speaking of which-$240,000 in severance pay to two employees at the BRA...glad my tax money is going to a good cause. What a surprise....is this called hush money?
With all the talk about Arroyo for Mayor I can't help but think of the night we spent together in Codman Square in Dorchester, talking until about 1 am before sleeping on the linoleum floor. I told him that he was a shoo in, that there was great love and respect for him throughout the city and that we needed him to be even more of a leader, and that he should think about running for mayor. He told me in no uncertain terms, "I will absolutely never run for Mayor, I'm too old, and don't have the interest".
I received phone calls or letters from almost all the other candidates, even Michael Flaherty. No surprise that Sam and Patricia left me off their list, the two least likely to take a strong stand on anything. Although I do applaud Sam's stand on the Biolab. I wonder if he'll take off his labor for menino pin and confront the mayor on that if he get's elected. Someone should also be asking why the City contributed millions of dollars in land through Walsh to get this project done. I can't find mention of it in the press or records anywhere, but I have documents showing it and Flaherty knows about it. Also interesting that Yoon lists one of his supporters as the guy that ran against Yancey last time and is now getting 6 figures from BU to promote the Biolab.
As I predicted, the minorities have now come out of the closet (especially Felix) to support Yoon.
Saw the Globe article about Arroyo where he talks about 25 years ago people just judged people by their color. The same is still true, except now both sides have power so the minorities are playing an "eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" and only supporting minorities whenever possible. I had a woman in training to be a minister at the black ministerial alliance refuse to shake my hand solely because I was white. (long writeup about racism in boston coming) How is that any better. We truly need people to rise above it and really treat people not based on the color of their skin but on the content of their character. Clarence Thomas is the beacon of why this type of thinking is needed. (although I applaud his eminent domain ruling!) There is good in everyone!
Funny to see everyone running to the left now that the primary is over. Kudos to Flynn for being himself and taking a stand (that i disagree with) on marriage.
I was talking with Connolly about how I was trying to decide who to vote for, and I told him I was trying to do the "foxhole test". Which one of these eight would I want to be in a foxhole with...he quickly replied "is the answer none?" John is a pretty smart guy, one person said to me "he is like our own young Bill Clinton" and I think there are a lot of similarities. I told him during the campaign that I thought he was going to win, and that I think he will be Mayor some day. I also asked him not to forget the little people when he gets there.
That was one of the disappointments of the campaign. I saw myself as a citizen politician, not doing this as a career. I went into this hoping to have a robust discussion about the issues and to have a debate to try and make the city better. I hoped to be impressed with and want to work with other members of the body politic. But, John is probably right that the answer is 0, and I'd be worried about being in that foxhole with any of them. Althought Ed Flynn does have that loyalty and honor thing which is real in that irish american tradition, as well as the military code of not letting a buddy down.
I was speaking with Ed one day about a barowner in town, "Mr. X is a good guy", Ed said. I told him I didn't know him, but that he did get a piece of land from the BRA years ago that was supposed to be developed but is still lying vacant not paying any taxes, in another of those great back room deals. Ed said he didn't know anything about it. (Which I'm sure is true, it was given while Ed was working in Washington) Nobody ever knows anything about these things.
I was honored that Steve Murphy asked me for my endorsement. I'm not sure it is worth very much. I told Steve that one of my dilemma's during the campaign was getting to know him. He is a very nice guy, funny, knows what is going on in City, offered me helpful unsolicited advice, and was a gentleman throughout. I told him that I had to keep reminding myself that he is part of the problem not the solution. I asked him to please tell the truth about all the back room deals and cronyism that he (much more than I) knows go on. I told him, that all of those wastes of money were my taxes going down the drain, and I couldn't endorse him unless he would stand against the cronyism, corruption and collusion, my 3 c's.
Unfortuneately, I don't see any of the others except Felix to a degree (who is getting one of my votes, just as in the primary) doing it either which is why Steve is still in the running for one of my votes.
Big thank you to Chuck Turner who told me he voted for me. I really appreciate that, and his hard work on Parcel 3, trying to make sure the community of Roxbury gets some of the benefits of that project.
Althea and I had a great talk. I figured she was oblivious to the rest of us, but she really was attuned to what was going on, noting that she, I, and "the flynn kid" were the only ones talking about the corruption going on down at city hall. We talked about the Senate seat held by Dianne Wilkerson.
Speaking of Dianne. My experience with campaign finance commission is one of very competent, professional people who are there to help and assist in any way possible. For this to go on so long, and be so obvious leaves me with very, very, very little room to believe that she has used the funds properly. Even if it does turn out she used the funds properly, why would she ignore the law for so long, it (again!) sends a very bad message. How can an elected official be so blatant about disregarding the law. Oh, excuse me please see: Cheney, Dick. The silence out there about this is deafening. No white politician will dare to say anything about this for fear of ticking off the "new" Boston. Why don't we forget about skin color and just say that we need answers about this, and that as Democrats (which we all are except Romney) that this makes us all look bad. Race really is the third rail of politics here. Kudos to Steve Murphy for "not apologizing for being white" at a forum in Roxbury. No one can change the color of their skin, it is how one lives their life that counts.
Last summer when I was thinking about running against Menino I tried to meet with all the potential contestants. A mutual friend introduced me to Dianne and we had a good talk at a fundraiser for about 10 minutes. She apologized for having to go but gave me her card, told me I had a bunch of good ideas and asked me to contact her. Over the next year or so, I called, emailed, etc. all with no response. I was speaking to one of her office aids about this during the campaign and he said, "don't worry about it, that's what all politicians do." I corrected him, and said "that's not what I do, and that's why I have promised to have open office hours so if someone does want to talk to me they can get in touch with me." As one city councilor said to me "Diane is all about Diane".
Thanks to the many people who have asked me to keep writing. I feel as if I have one foot in and one foot out. The voters have spoken and the focus should be on the remaining candidates, but if I can offer some insight I'll try and do it. And thanks to John Connolly who told me that the first thing he did on preliminary day was wake up and check my predictions for the race. You made my day, and thanks for appreciating the integrity of my blog.
P.S. If you really are going to take on the police union do something about the paid details. It is contributing to the high cost of living in the city (ironically the reason cops want to end the residency requirement) and according to many people who hire them they frequently don't show up (but you still have to pay them) or they sit and read the paper. Most of the time they do the work, but that just makes the others worse by taking advantage of their brothers. Perhaps use cadets as details, that way they get on the job training, plus costs are lower and the cost of housing won't be so high and police will be more able to live in the city.
Aloha,
kevin
As the saying goes, if I wasn't laughing I'd be crying.
What I've taken from the headlines of interest:
Menino might run again after this term, for a fifth time...that's a race I would certainly think about getting in on unless someone legitimate and serious ran against him. Would Arroyo take him on? Certainly Tobin, Flaherty, Scappiccio would wait in the wings, I could potentially see John Connolly taking a bold step in that direction, again only if there was a dirth of contestants. Diane Wilkerson is out of the running for good it seems. As the Globe has in their article today, Where is the leadership for this Region? Their just isn't a strong sense of looking towards the future. I don't claim to be some great visionary, there are many, many better people than me to lead this city, unfortuneately they just don't want to get involved.
Maybe if the Red Sox and Theo can't get things worked out he should run for Mayor. He understands money, negotiating, bad deals and Boston. Maybe he'd clean up the BRA.
Speaking of which-$240,000 in severance pay to two employees at the BRA...glad my tax money is going to a good cause. What a surprise....is this called hush money?
With all the talk about Arroyo for Mayor I can't help but think of the night we spent together in Codman Square in Dorchester, talking until about 1 am before sleeping on the linoleum floor. I told him that he was a shoo in, that there was great love and respect for him throughout the city and that we needed him to be even more of a leader, and that he should think about running for mayor. He told me in no uncertain terms, "I will absolutely never run for Mayor, I'm too old, and don't have the interest".
I received phone calls or letters from almost all the other candidates, even Michael Flaherty. No surprise that Sam and Patricia left me off their list, the two least likely to take a strong stand on anything. Although I do applaud Sam's stand on the Biolab. I wonder if he'll take off his labor for menino pin and confront the mayor on that if he get's elected. Someone should also be asking why the City contributed millions of dollars in land through Walsh to get this project done. I can't find mention of it in the press or records anywhere, but I have documents showing it and Flaherty knows about it. Also interesting that Yoon lists one of his supporters as the guy that ran against Yancey last time and is now getting 6 figures from BU to promote the Biolab.
As I predicted, the minorities have now come out of the closet (especially Felix) to support Yoon.
Saw the Globe article about Arroyo where he talks about 25 years ago people just judged people by their color. The same is still true, except now both sides have power so the minorities are playing an "eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" and only supporting minorities whenever possible. I had a woman in training to be a minister at the black ministerial alliance refuse to shake my hand solely because I was white. (long writeup about racism in boston coming) How is that any better. We truly need people to rise above it and really treat people not based on the color of their skin but on the content of their character. Clarence Thomas is the beacon of why this type of thinking is needed. (although I applaud his eminent domain ruling!) There is good in everyone!
Funny to see everyone running to the left now that the primary is over. Kudos to Flynn for being himself and taking a stand (that i disagree with) on marriage.
I was talking with Connolly about how I was trying to decide who to vote for, and I told him I was trying to do the "foxhole test". Which one of these eight would I want to be in a foxhole with...he quickly replied "is the answer none?" John is a pretty smart guy, one person said to me "he is like our own young Bill Clinton" and I think there are a lot of similarities. I told him during the campaign that I thought he was going to win, and that I think he will be Mayor some day. I also asked him not to forget the little people when he gets there.
That was one of the disappointments of the campaign. I saw myself as a citizen politician, not doing this as a career. I went into this hoping to have a robust discussion about the issues and to have a debate to try and make the city better. I hoped to be impressed with and want to work with other members of the body politic. But, John is probably right that the answer is 0, and I'd be worried about being in that foxhole with any of them. Althought Ed Flynn does have that loyalty and honor thing which is real in that irish american tradition, as well as the military code of not letting a buddy down.
I was speaking with Ed one day about a barowner in town, "Mr. X is a good guy", Ed said. I told him I didn't know him, but that he did get a piece of land from the BRA years ago that was supposed to be developed but is still lying vacant not paying any taxes, in another of those great back room deals. Ed said he didn't know anything about it. (Which I'm sure is true, it was given while Ed was working in Washington) Nobody ever knows anything about these things.
I was honored that Steve Murphy asked me for my endorsement. I'm not sure it is worth very much. I told Steve that one of my dilemma's during the campaign was getting to know him. He is a very nice guy, funny, knows what is going on in City, offered me helpful unsolicited advice, and was a gentleman throughout. I told him that I had to keep reminding myself that he is part of the problem not the solution. I asked him to please tell the truth about all the back room deals and cronyism that he (much more than I) knows go on. I told him, that all of those wastes of money were my taxes going down the drain, and I couldn't endorse him unless he would stand against the cronyism, corruption and collusion, my 3 c's.
Unfortuneately, I don't see any of the others except Felix to a degree (who is getting one of my votes, just as in the primary) doing it either which is why Steve is still in the running for one of my votes.
Big thank you to Chuck Turner who told me he voted for me. I really appreciate that, and his hard work on Parcel 3, trying to make sure the community of Roxbury gets some of the benefits of that project.
Althea and I had a great talk. I figured she was oblivious to the rest of us, but she really was attuned to what was going on, noting that she, I, and "the flynn kid" were the only ones talking about the corruption going on down at city hall. We talked about the Senate seat held by Dianne Wilkerson.
Speaking of Dianne. My experience with campaign finance commission is one of very competent, professional people who are there to help and assist in any way possible. For this to go on so long, and be so obvious leaves me with very, very, very little room to believe that she has used the funds properly. Even if it does turn out she used the funds properly, why would she ignore the law for so long, it (again!) sends a very bad message. How can an elected official be so blatant about disregarding the law. Oh, excuse me please see: Cheney, Dick. The silence out there about this is deafening. No white politician will dare to say anything about this for fear of ticking off the "new" Boston. Why don't we forget about skin color and just say that we need answers about this, and that as Democrats (which we all are except Romney) that this makes us all look bad. Race really is the third rail of politics here. Kudos to Steve Murphy for "not apologizing for being white" at a forum in Roxbury. No one can change the color of their skin, it is how one lives their life that counts.
Last summer when I was thinking about running against Menino I tried to meet with all the potential contestants. A mutual friend introduced me to Dianne and we had a good talk at a fundraiser for about 10 minutes. She apologized for having to go but gave me her card, told me I had a bunch of good ideas and asked me to contact her. Over the next year or so, I called, emailed, etc. all with no response. I was speaking to one of her office aids about this during the campaign and he said, "don't worry about it, that's what all politicians do." I corrected him, and said "that's not what I do, and that's why I have promised to have open office hours so if someone does want to talk to me they can get in touch with me." As one city councilor said to me "Diane is all about Diane".
Thanks to the many people who have asked me to keep writing. I feel as if I have one foot in and one foot out. The voters have spoken and the focus should be on the remaining candidates, but if I can offer some insight I'll try and do it. And thanks to John Connolly who told me that the first thing he did on preliminary day was wake up and check my predictions for the race. You made my day, and thanks for appreciating the integrity of my blog.
P.S. If you really are going to take on the police union do something about the paid details. It is contributing to the high cost of living in the city (ironically the reason cops want to end the residency requirement) and according to many people who hire them they frequently don't show up (but you still have to pay them) or they sit and read the paper. Most of the time they do the work, but that just makes the others worse by taking advantage of their brothers. Perhaps use cadets as details, that way they get on the job training, plus costs are lower and the cost of housing won't be so high and police will be more able to live in the city.
Aloha,
kevin
how elections are won...
The day before the primary there was a meeting called at the jewish elderly center in Brighton. Flaherty, White and Connolly were called there where Naak (yiddish for Noah) and block voters of russian jews voted en mass for them, about 350 votes.
We (and everyone else) had contacted Naak, in yiddish, but he said he was old and didn't get involved in politics anymore. I knew a blow off when I heard it!
This is what makes politics so fascinating. I'd love to know what goes on in those meetings, what is promised or what deals are made. I spoke to one of the participants of the meeting and they couldn't tell me how they were even invited to the meeting it was a mystery to that person, but they were happy with the 350 votes! (not sure i quite believe that)
Nobody invited me to any meetings to get 350 votes without me even knowing why. I wonder what I was doing wrong???!!!! Maybe I didn't hire the right family members.
At least I hope that participant said "thanks dad!" that night.
We (and everyone else) had contacted Naak, in yiddish, but he said he was old and didn't get involved in politics anymore. I knew a blow off when I heard it!
This is what makes politics so fascinating. I'd love to know what goes on in those meetings, what is promised or what deals are made. I spoke to one of the participants of the meeting and they couldn't tell me how they were even invited to the meeting it was a mystery to that person, but they were happy with the 350 votes! (not sure i quite believe that)
Nobody invited me to any meetings to get 350 votes without me even knowing why. I wonder what I was doing wrong???!!!! Maybe I didn't hire the right family members.
At least I hope that participant said "thanks dad!" that night.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
random notes...
mayor menino " government is cold and callous" BC HIGH breakfast
Patricia Armstrong "teachers need to get more recognition"...
(don't keep supporting all the incumbents, if your friend jumped off the brooklyn bridge would you do it too?)
Billy Bulger ...."altruism"...
( on the morning it is reported he is suing the state for more pension money, as if 160,000 isn't enough already)
Patricia Armstrong "teachers need to get more recognition"...
(don't keep supporting all the incumbents, if your friend jumped off the brooklyn bridge would you do it too?)
Billy Bulger ...."altruism"...
( on the morning it is reported he is suing the state for more pension money, as if 160,000 isn't enough already)
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Where did Patricia White go to school???
I received this email from a constituent about where Patricia White went to school:
There is an article in the Globe today about Ptricia White and what elementary school she went to.
She said she went to the Josiah Quincy Elementary School, it was 1975. she was bused. the students knew who she was and bothered her all the time, because of who her parents were.
I e-mailed the Globe that Patricia White was in the Prince Elementary School in 1975, I was a student there at the same time, I find it interesting that she does not mention the fact that she went to the Prince, as it was the oldest school in Boston, was also required and had all Masters Degree teachers, this was also the year it celebrated its 100th birthday before it was turned into condos, then there was never another elementary school in that area ever again.
Plus, as far as bothering Patricia White, everyone knew who she was, she was in fact popular, no one ever bothered her at the Prince School in 1975.
It will be interesting to see if the Globe responds to me.
There is an article in the Globe today about Ptricia White and what elementary school she went to.
She said she went to the Josiah Quincy Elementary School, it was 1975. she was bused. the students knew who she was and bothered her all the time, because of who her parents were.
I e-mailed the Globe that Patricia White was in the Prince Elementary School in 1975, I was a student there at the same time, I find it interesting that she does not mention the fact that she went to the Prince, as it was the oldest school in Boston, was also required and had all Masters Degree teachers, this was also the year it celebrated its 100th birthday before it was turned into condos, then there was never another elementary school in that area ever again.
Plus, as far as bothering Patricia White, everyone knew who she was, she was in fact popular, no one ever bothered her at the Prince School in 1975.
It will be interesting to see if the Globe responds to me.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Letter to Joan Vennochi
Interesting article Joan, thanks for writing it. However, I believe the Globe and the other major news sources need to look in the mirror. I just ran a campaign for city council at large filled with passion and honesty about what the problems of the city truly are, and who the people responsible are. Ask your City Hall reporters during this time: Madison Park, Andrea Estes, Lisa Wangsness. We had many good conversations about what the real news in the city was and is.
What has the Globe written about? The Globe took a page and half on a Sunday to write about me and never once mentioned my three issues of education, housing and equal access to government. The Globe twice wrote articles about the money I put into my campaign, but didn't cover the Open Meeting Lawsuit hearing at Suffolk Superior Court where the City Council's lawyer argued that the City Council was irrelevant in regards to the BRA and planning and development in the City. The Globe didn't write anything about the $4million dollar land giveaway in the Fenway to the Forsyth Institute, and how they will be allowed to circumvent the zoning laws.
Everyone on the Inside in the city reads my blog, from the Mayor to the councilors, to State Reps, and State Senators. Every political reporter in the city reads my blog to find out what is going on. Lisa told me they were "thinking about" writing a story about it. Don't you think the citizens might be interested in knowing about what every politician in the City has in common? People from State Rep Wallace to Senator Tolman thanked me for what I was doing. It is a sad state of affairs when telling the truth and doing investigative journalism is not seen as a viable option in politics.
BUT, you did run two pictures of me with my baton and wrote two articles about my baton twirling prowess. I'm sure the voters are much more informed now. 15 years ago I used to spend 3 or 4 hours on a Sunday morning reading the Globe cover to cover. Now I read it and am done in less than an hour. I haven't learned to read faster. I believe that people do want information, and intelligent information. We live in an information society and those who can use and process that information will be the winners. I think the reason for newspapers loss of readership, revenue, etc. is because they are dumbing themselves down.
We look to the fourth estate to be an opinion leader, to give us the real news. At least the Herald had a column about the candidates with their pro's and cons and then endorsed four. The Globe didn't even mention any by name on their editorial page, and just lamely told people to vote. Why would people vote if you haven't told them who the candidates are and where they stand??? Where are the people supposed to get the information to know how to vote.
Finally, about the debates. Are the news sources in this city so afraid of the Mayor that they won't sponsor a debate on their own? Sign up for the auditorium at the Boston Public Library (it's free) and have a debate on housing and education and invite the two candidates. If one doesn't show then report about it and give the other all the time. It is easy to sit on the sidelines and comment about stuff, please consider being a leader and sponsoring the debate. An open discourse about the visions for the future is good for us all. You will truly be doing a service to the community then.
Thank you,
Kevin McCrea
Former candidate for city council at large
What has the Globe written about? The Globe took a page and half on a Sunday to write about me and never once mentioned my three issues of education, housing and equal access to government. The Globe twice wrote articles about the money I put into my campaign, but didn't cover the Open Meeting Lawsuit hearing at Suffolk Superior Court where the City Council's lawyer argued that the City Council was irrelevant in regards to the BRA and planning and development in the City. The Globe didn't write anything about the $4million dollar land giveaway in the Fenway to the Forsyth Institute, and how they will be allowed to circumvent the zoning laws.
Everyone on the Inside in the city reads my blog, from the Mayor to the councilors, to State Reps, and State Senators. Every political reporter in the city reads my blog to find out what is going on. Lisa told me they were "thinking about" writing a story about it. Don't you think the citizens might be interested in knowing about what every politician in the City has in common? People from State Rep Wallace to Senator Tolman thanked me for what I was doing. It is a sad state of affairs when telling the truth and doing investigative journalism is not seen as a viable option in politics.
BUT, you did run two pictures of me with my baton and wrote two articles about my baton twirling prowess. I'm sure the voters are much more informed now. 15 years ago I used to spend 3 or 4 hours on a Sunday morning reading the Globe cover to cover. Now I read it and am done in less than an hour. I haven't learned to read faster. I believe that people do want information, and intelligent information. We live in an information society and those who can use and process that information will be the winners. I think the reason for newspapers loss of readership, revenue, etc. is because they are dumbing themselves down.
We look to the fourth estate to be an opinion leader, to give us the real news. At least the Herald had a column about the candidates with their pro's and cons and then endorsed four. The Globe didn't even mention any by name on their editorial page, and just lamely told people to vote. Why would people vote if you haven't told them who the candidates are and where they stand??? Where are the people supposed to get the information to know how to vote.
Finally, about the debates. Are the news sources in this city so afraid of the Mayor that they won't sponsor a debate on their own? Sign up for the auditorium at the Boston Public Library (it's free) and have a debate on housing and education and invite the two candidates. If one doesn't show then report about it and give the other all the time. It is easy to sit on the sidelines and comment about stuff, please consider being a leader and sponsoring the debate. An open discourse about the visions for the future is good for us all. You will truly be doing a service to the community then.
Thank you,
Kevin McCrea
Former candidate for city council at large
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Adding Insult to Injury....
A reporter called my cell phone today and said "...Michael Flaherty.(?)....",
somehow she had my cellphone number down next to his.
Many people today have asked me to continue the blog, any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
My next verbage which I hope to be an essay but what will probably be a diatribe, will be on Racism in Boston, which is a topic that I believe is dividing this city, much more any discourse we are having about it would let on I am even more convinced of that after traveling to the far corners of the 02 zip code zone. I was very gratified and thankful that Chuck Turner voted for me, my work in Roxbury has not gone on deaf ears.
Thanks very much for all the kind calls and emails today, especially from Ed Flynn and Matt O'Malley. Don't cry for me Argentina, though, I'm the one that is married to Clara (watch out for her tri-lingual candidacy) and I had 4 buildings offered to me today, and I was hired for another consulting job as an expert witness.
Interestingly I got a call Monday from Christine Colley from the BRA who told me that my request for the Boston Jobs Policy numbers on a recent south end project would be treated as a Freedom of Information Request. Nice to know that they don't just answer questions when you ask them. You would think they would be proud of the "great" work they are doing, and would send our press releases of their strong commitment to Boston workers.
K
somehow she had my cellphone number down next to his.
Many people today have asked me to continue the blog, any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
My next verbage which I hope to be an essay but what will probably be a diatribe, will be on Racism in Boston, which is a topic that I believe is dividing this city, much more any discourse we are having about it would let on I am even more convinced of that after traveling to the far corners of the 02 zip code zone. I was very gratified and thankful that Chuck Turner voted for me, my work in Roxbury has not gone on deaf ears.
Thanks very much for all the kind calls and emails today, especially from Ed Flynn and Matt O'Malley. Don't cry for me Argentina, though, I'm the one that is married to Clara (watch out for her tri-lingual candidacy) and I had 4 buildings offered to me today, and I was hired for another consulting job as an expert witness.
Interestingly I got a call Monday from Christine Colley from the BRA who told me that my request for the Boston Jobs Policy numbers on a recent south end project would be treated as a Freedom of Information Request. Nice to know that they don't just answer questions when you ask them. You would think they would be proud of the "great" work they are doing, and would send our press releases of their strong commitment to Boston workers.
K
Thanks!
I'd like to thank my supporters and the people that voted for me. I feel disappointed that your hard work didn't yield better results.
I congratulate the 8 finalists who are moving on. They all have been working extremely hard to earn the votes.
Best of luck to the voters who will choose their officials. Please make sure and vote so your voices will be heard!
kevin
I congratulate the 8 finalists who are moving on. They all have been working extremely hard to earn the votes.
Best of luck to the voters who will choose their officials. Please make sure and vote so your voices will be heard!
kevin
Monday, September 26, 2005
Kevin's Top Ten list of Candidate Predictions...
1) Kevin McCrea-Bostonians stand up for truth, honesty, transparency and the American Way!
2) Flaherty-Plenty of money and machine, and he has kept the council in line.
3) Arroyo-near unanimous minority support and widely respected.
4) Murphy-in low turnout, he gets his supporters out.
5) O'Malley-Union support in low turnout pumps him up.
6) Connolly-Money and organization bring him up with a bullet.
7) White-Will the Globe article hurt? Could be as high as #2 if women want one of their own.
8) Flynn-How far will the name carry him?
9) Yoon-Can he attach his name to Arroyo's star?
10) Althea-Could surprise with her core voters.
2) Flaherty-Plenty of money and machine, and he has kept the council in line.
3) Arroyo-near unanimous minority support and widely respected.
4) Murphy-in low turnout, he gets his supporters out.
5) O'Malley-Union support in low turnout pumps him up.
6) Connolly-Money and organization bring him up with a bullet.
7) White-Will the Globe article hurt? Could be as high as #2 if women want one of their own.
8) Flynn-How far will the name carry him?
9) Yoon-Can he attach his name to Arroyo's star?
10) Althea-Could surprise with her core voters.
Live, from Boston, the campaign coverage on BNN tomorrow night!
Kevin -
I was reading back in your campaign blog, and thought I should drop you a line. For the record, I'm the Cablecast Manager here at BNN.
First, it's great to see you keeping a blog of the campaign trail.
We do often suggest people have planted callers when they go on BNNLive programs. Many times, people are afraid to be the first caller on a call-in show, and it breaks the ice a bit to hear another caller or two go first. It also helps the guests, who often have never done live TV or anything like it before, get comfortable with the format and how the exchange works.
In my own personal opinion, sure, it is a little fishy when a caller throws someone a meatball over the plate, but I think most people can tell the difference anyways. Its not a lot different then someone packing in supporters at a public meeting. And if that gets someone who is really riled up about an issue to call in and get some real answers from someone, all the better. If someone calls in and wants to comment or ask a question, we'll put them on. You don't get a lot of forums like that.
It does seems like you overall enjoyed your experiences here on BNN, and I'm glad to hear that. I hope you were able to get a little exposure and your presence out tot he community, or at least enjoy 15 minutes of fame in hearing "hey, didn't I see you on TV last night?"
As an FYI for you as well, we'll be doing live results coverage on BNN tomorrow night from 9pm to 10pm on Comcast Channel 9 (Channel 15 for those with RCN).
Anyhow, good luck with the campaign, and good luck tomorrow!
-TomO
I was reading back in your campaign blog, and thought I should drop you a line. For the record, I'm the Cablecast Manager here at BNN.
First, it's great to see you keeping a blog of the campaign trail.
We do often suggest people have planted callers when they go on BNNLive programs. Many times, people are afraid to be the first caller on a call-in show, and it breaks the ice a bit to hear another caller or two go first. It also helps the guests, who often have never done live TV or anything like it before, get comfortable with the format and how the exchange works.
In my own personal opinion, sure, it is a little fishy when a caller throws someone a meatball over the plate, but I think most people can tell the difference anyways. Its not a lot different then someone packing in supporters at a public meeting. And if that gets someone who is really riled up about an issue to call in and get some real answers from someone, all the better. If someone calls in and wants to comment or ask a question, we'll put them on. You don't get a lot of forums like that.
It does seems like you overall enjoyed your experiences here on BNN, and I'm glad to hear that. I hope you were able to get a little exposure and your presence out tot he community, or at least enjoy 15 minutes of fame in hearing "hey, didn't I see you on TV last night?"
As an FYI for you as well, we'll be doing live results coverage on BNN tomorrow night from 9pm to 10pm on Comcast Channel 9 (Channel 15 for those with RCN).
Anyhow, good luck with the campaign, and good luck tomorrow!
-TomO
Sunday, September 25, 2005
She wore white, and she said yes! The Wedding was a BIG success...
Father John Connolly presided over a beautiful mass/wedding at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. My bride was incredibly gorgeous, and we got a big laugh out of the Father's prayer that other candidates for city council would get to spend more time with their families....very soon!
Tears welled up in her eyes when she saw the surprise awaiting her at the end of the aisle....I had secretly conspired to buy her a new red convertible (thanks to her mom for helping me pick it out!) None of the local papers covered it, but the New York Times did.
Of course, on the day we were married the Red Sox won and the Yankees lost--a good Omen!
Finally, when we got home from the New England Aquarium Reception we had been locked out, and I had to take off my kilt and skinny up the back deck naked to get in through the deck door which was luckily left unlocked! Glad the Herald wasn't there for that!
Thanks to all my family and guests and friends for sharing the wonderful event.
I love you all!
Tears welled up in her eyes when she saw the surprise awaiting her at the end of the aisle....I had secretly conspired to buy her a new red convertible (thanks to her mom for helping me pick it out!) None of the local papers covered it, but the New York Times did.
Of course, on the day we were married the Red Sox won and the Yankees lost--a good Omen!
Finally, when we got home from the New England Aquarium Reception we had been locked out, and I had to take off my kilt and skinny up the back deck naked to get in through the deck door which was luckily left unlocked! Glad the Herald wasn't there for that!
Thanks to all my family and guests and friends for sharing the wonderful event.
I love you all!
Friday, September 23, 2005
Who is Sam Yoon?
He wears a Menino Button on his lapel, then tells an audience he didn't know he had it on his suit, even though his well paid media consultant was with him at the time. Then he says it was a mistake to have it on. (You don't know what political buttons you are wearing? begs credibility!)
He tells me that he won't reintroduce the community stabilization act, then announces before an audience that he will reintroduce the community stabilization act.
Today he sent out a flyer that would seem to indicate that he and Felix Arroyo are running together. But a call to councilor arroyo's office indicated that Felix is endorsing no one, and that they have been getting a bevy of phone calls about it and they say they have nothing to do with Yoon. In the Banner Yoon says that he will be effective where Felix hasn't been.
Jim Spencer is Yoon's paid consultant, he does not work for Arroyo. However that doesn't stop Spencer from sending out cards with Yoon and Arroyo's face on them as if he represents them both. Politics is dirty business!!!
Yoon said the other night he would like to see paid community organizers. Would that be just another arm of Menino's in the city. Another paid guy to keep an eye on the people by BIG BROTHER like the police guy that channel 4 just nabbed yesterday.
Then he said he would institute a progressive tax rate. So I asked him if he had any details of the plan, did it mean taxing million dollar houses more than 200,000 dollar houses? He said "yeah, maybe something like that". I said do you have any details on your website or your literature? He said "no, you know I run my campaign differently from yours" then something about not putting out any details and not wanting to answer questions.
We need independent people who have their own thoughts and ideas, not people who hang onto coattails.
I liked how he took the Sam Ellis article that said he was a nerfball and needed to learn the issues and spliced the opening bit and the closing bit to make it sound good, very clever. Karl Rove would be proud!
Finally, I do give him credit for being a gentleman, we've actually had a couple good laughs about things, he is a funny guy. As I've said to him a few times, just be yourself!
He tells me that he won't reintroduce the community stabilization act, then announces before an audience that he will reintroduce the community stabilization act.
Today he sent out a flyer that would seem to indicate that he and Felix Arroyo are running together. But a call to councilor arroyo's office indicated that Felix is endorsing no one, and that they have been getting a bevy of phone calls about it and they say they have nothing to do with Yoon. In the Banner Yoon says that he will be effective where Felix hasn't been.
Jim Spencer is Yoon's paid consultant, he does not work for Arroyo. However that doesn't stop Spencer from sending out cards with Yoon and Arroyo's face on them as if he represents them both. Politics is dirty business!!!
Yoon said the other night he would like to see paid community organizers. Would that be just another arm of Menino's in the city. Another paid guy to keep an eye on the people by BIG BROTHER like the police guy that channel 4 just nabbed yesterday.
Then he said he would institute a progressive tax rate. So I asked him if he had any details of the plan, did it mean taxing million dollar houses more than 200,000 dollar houses? He said "yeah, maybe something like that". I said do you have any details on your website or your literature? He said "no, you know I run my campaign differently from yours" then something about not putting out any details and not wanting to answer questions.
We need independent people who have their own thoughts and ideas, not people who hang onto coattails.
I liked how he took the Sam Ellis article that said he was a nerfball and needed to learn the issues and spliced the opening bit and the closing bit to make it sound good, very clever. Karl Rove would be proud!
Finally, I do give him credit for being a gentleman, we've actually had a couple good laughs about things, he is a funny guy. As I've said to him a few times, just be yourself!
More Corruption with City Government
Where are our fearless city councilors speaking out about this? I'll bet not one peep from the menino 9 about this waste of our taxpayer dollars. This was on CBS 4 last night.
I'm currently working with one of the major news sources in this city about an ongoing giveaway to some businesses in the city. As soon as we (hopefully) break it, they will change their ways. It shouldn't be like this.
Joe Bergantino, Reporting(CBS4) BOSTON An exclusive I-Team investigation. Your hard earned taxdollars going to waste. Our hidden cameras catch one of Mayor Menino’spolitical operatives tucked away in a high paying job in the BostonPolice Department. I-Team reporter Joe Bergantino has the disturbingresults of a two month investigation.Until recently, Jim Sullivan was one very lucky guy. He’s Mayor TomMenino’s top political operative in Brighton. And he’s been head ofthe Boston Police Department’s Central Supply Division, a city jobthat has paid him $97,000 a year. His responsibilities: to keep track ofall of the Boston Police supplies, as well as seized property andevidence stored at this warehouse in Hyde Park.A demanding job? Well on one particular day Sullivan shows up for workat 11:56 a.m..At 3:09 p.m., our cameras watch Sullivan leaving for the day.Total time on the job: 3 hours, 13 minutes.So what else did Sullivan do that day?At 3:20 p.m. our hidden cameras caught him grocery shopping at RocheBrothers in West Roxbury.By 4:24 p.m., he was back to his apartment in Brighton for the rest ofthe afternoon.An unusual day for Jim Sullivan?No.The I-Team watched Sullivan for several days over several weeks.His routine: Get to work in the afternoon and leave after only a fewhours.Average number of hours worked: about 3 hours a day.On two of the days we trailed Sullivan, he didn’t go to work at all.His time sheet? It says he was at work for eight hours every one ofthose days.Joe Bergantino: “We’d like to talk to you about your work habitssir. We’ve watched you over several days over several weeks, some daysyou worked about three hours, some days you didn’t go to work at all.You indicated on your time sheets that you were there, why did you lieon your time sheets? (No response)“You’re the Mayor’s neighborhood coordinator here, did you getpermission to not go to work? C’mon, answer our questions sir.”Jim Sullivan: “I appreciate the opportunity but any questions have tobe answered through the department.”Joe Bergantino: “Well, you’re the one who didn’t go to work,you’re the one who was working three hours a day.”Jim Sullivan: “Excuse me.”Joe Bergantino: “Does the Mayor know about what you were doing? Didhe? Why won’t you answer that?”Jim Sullivan: “Thanks for the opportunity but I won’t be making anycomment.”Neither is this woman, Sullivan’s secretary, Ann Bisceglia. Shehappens to be the wife of one of Mayor Menino’s closest friends.According to the police department, Bisceglia fills out the time sheetsfor all employees at Central Supply, including Sullivan.She knew when her boss was or wasn’t at work.So how did the Mayor and Police top brass handle this political hotpotato? Classic damage control. After learning we were watching someoneat Central Supply, they quickly figured out who it was. Before we wereable to ask a single question about Jim Sullivan, they suspendedSullivan without pay for five days, demoted him, and took away his citycar. Boston Police claim they just happened to be doing their owninvestigation into Sullivan’s work habits.Joe Bergantino: “So the timing of all that is very, very curious?”Kathleen O’Toole, Boston Police Commissioner: “Well, I assume thatwe have some of the same sources that you have.”We know that’s not true.As for the Mayor.Mayor Tom Menino, City of Boston: “We took action right away because Iexpect everyone to do a full day’s work for a full day’s pay.”The reality is Jim Sullivan had a sweet deal. He is politicallyconnected and collecting a huge salary for showing up part time.How does that happen?Mayor Tom Menino: “I know him, I don’t know him well, but I knowhim.”Joe Bergantino: “Did you have any role in placing him there?”Mayor Tom Menino: “No. I had no role in placing him there.”Joe Bergantino: “Even though he’s your campaign coordinator fromBrighton?”Mayor Tom Menino: “A lot of people work for me and my campaign.”Keep in mind, Jim Sullivan wasn’t fired for what amounts to stealingfrom taxpayers.He’s still on the police payroll, now making $83,000 a year. As forSullivan’s secretary, the wife of one of the Mayor’s best friends, apolice source tells us she won’t be punished for filling outSullivan’s falsified time sheets because she wasn’t the boss. Onebig question here-how many other political operatives are tucked away inno-show jobs in Boston city government and how much are they costing allof us?
I'm currently working with one of the major news sources in this city about an ongoing giveaway to some businesses in the city. As soon as we (hopefully) break it, they will change their ways. It shouldn't be like this.
Joe Bergantino, Reporting(CBS4) BOSTON An exclusive I-Team investigation. Your hard earned taxdollars going to waste. Our hidden cameras catch one of Mayor Menino’spolitical operatives tucked away in a high paying job in the BostonPolice Department. I-Team reporter Joe Bergantino has the disturbingresults of a two month investigation.Until recently, Jim Sullivan was one very lucky guy. He’s Mayor TomMenino’s top political operative in Brighton. And he’s been head ofthe Boston Police Department’s Central Supply Division, a city jobthat has paid him $97,000 a year. His responsibilities: to keep track ofall of the Boston Police supplies, as well as seized property andevidence stored at this warehouse in Hyde Park.A demanding job? Well on one particular day Sullivan shows up for workat 11:56 a.m..At 3:09 p.m., our cameras watch Sullivan leaving for the day.Total time on the job: 3 hours, 13 minutes.So what else did Sullivan do that day?At 3:20 p.m. our hidden cameras caught him grocery shopping at RocheBrothers in West Roxbury.By 4:24 p.m., he was back to his apartment in Brighton for the rest ofthe afternoon.An unusual day for Jim Sullivan?No.The I-Team watched Sullivan for several days over several weeks.His routine: Get to work in the afternoon and leave after only a fewhours.Average number of hours worked: about 3 hours a day.On two of the days we trailed Sullivan, he didn’t go to work at all.His time sheet? It says he was at work for eight hours every one ofthose days.Joe Bergantino: “We’d like to talk to you about your work habitssir. We’ve watched you over several days over several weeks, some daysyou worked about three hours, some days you didn’t go to work at all.You indicated on your time sheets that you were there, why did you lieon your time sheets? (No response)“You’re the Mayor’s neighborhood coordinator here, did you getpermission to not go to work? C’mon, answer our questions sir.”Jim Sullivan: “I appreciate the opportunity but any questions have tobe answered through the department.”Joe Bergantino: “Well, you’re the one who didn’t go to work,you’re the one who was working three hours a day.”Jim Sullivan: “Excuse me.”Joe Bergantino: “Does the Mayor know about what you were doing? Didhe? Why won’t you answer that?”Jim Sullivan: “Thanks for the opportunity but I won’t be making anycomment.”Neither is this woman, Sullivan’s secretary, Ann Bisceglia. Shehappens to be the wife of one of Mayor Menino’s closest friends.According to the police department, Bisceglia fills out the time sheetsfor all employees at Central Supply, including Sullivan.She knew when her boss was or wasn’t at work.So how did the Mayor and Police top brass handle this political hotpotato? Classic damage control. After learning we were watching someoneat Central Supply, they quickly figured out who it was. Before we wereable to ask a single question about Jim Sullivan, they suspendedSullivan without pay for five days, demoted him, and took away his citycar. Boston Police claim they just happened to be doing their owninvestigation into Sullivan’s work habits.Joe Bergantino: “So the timing of all that is very, very curious?”Kathleen O’Toole, Boston Police Commissioner: “Well, I assume thatwe have some of the same sources that you have.”We know that’s not true.As for the Mayor.Mayor Tom Menino, City of Boston: “We took action right away because Iexpect everyone to do a full day’s work for a full day’s pay.”The reality is Jim Sullivan had a sweet deal. He is politicallyconnected and collecting a huge salary for showing up part time.How does that happen?Mayor Tom Menino: “I know him, I don’t know him well, but I knowhim.”Joe Bergantino: “Did you have any role in placing him there?”Mayor Tom Menino: “No. I had no role in placing him there.”Joe Bergantino: “Even though he’s your campaign coordinator fromBrighton?”Mayor Tom Menino: “A lot of people work for me and my campaign.”Keep in mind, Jim Sullivan wasn’t fired for what amounts to stealingfrom taxpayers.He’s still on the police payroll, now making $83,000 a year. As forSullivan’s secretary, the wife of one of the Mayor’s best friends, apolice source tells us she won’t be punished for filling outSullivan’s falsified time sheets because she wasn’t the boss. Onebig question here-how many other political operatives are tucked away inno-show jobs in Boston city government and how much are they costing allof us?
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Last Blog before the wedding....???
Got our first newspaper "endorsement" which is nice to feel. West Roxbury and Roslindale paper said---
Kevin R. McCrea - There is no question about the fact that this candidate is very different from any running in this race. He is a well-accomplished man and his candor is certainly refreshing.
Interesting group the herald endorsed Flaherty, Yoon, Connolly, White. What thread do they all have? All of them refuse to say that meeting in closed door meetings excluding the press and public are bad.
A lot of politicians have been coming up to me and saying great things, an idiosyncratic list to be sure..... Rep. Brian Wallace, Sen. Tolman, Councilor Kelly.
Too bad Patricia White declined my offer for one dance tonight at the Allston-Brighton CDC black tie affair.
I was trying to cause the field to thin out by giving them a collective heart attack. How? By showing up tonight in my tuxedo, complete with McCrea Tartan cumberbund and bowtie. No such luck.
East Boston candidates night by chamber of commerce was good, excellent questions, especially how will "you" compromise to get things done. I mentioned that I'm getting married Saturday I know all about compromise....
Interesting that Michael Flaherty has left every candidates forum early before I get a chance to ask him whether he will stand up and defend his record on the open meeting law. But, he is a very busy man and I'm sure has more important things to do then take public questions. Sort of like the mayor.
Someone from councilor Turner's office thanked me for writing the blog today.
People who read the blog! we know you are out there.....
Shout out to Mayor Menino, Maura Hennigan, councilors arroyo, tobin, consalvo, murphy, the herald, the globe, the reporter, south end news, senator tobin, teachers union patricia armstrong, etc. An open, honest, discussion of the important points of the day are good for all of us. I look forward to discussing these items with the council.
Ok, I've got to go and pick the music for the wedding. I'm leaving the city up to the other candidates for the next couple days.
I'm calling out the Globe, the Herald and the Christian Science Monitor. You can't make fun of the mayor for not debating, and write editorials about how it is wrong. STEP UP TO THE PLATE! Sponsor two debates, one on housing and one on education. Invite the Mayor and invite Maura. If one doesn't show, let the other talk for an hour. We are in a sad state of affairs when our press is afraid of the Mayor as well. You can get the auditorium at the Boston Public Library and have a debate. Do your job to promote the public discourse of ideas.
Sam Adams, John Adams, Ben Franklin, Thomas Payne are not impressed with us, after what they went through to get us the right to discuss ideas in public. Look what greatness came from their open debates about the direction the country should go, from federalism vs. states rights, a standing army vs. militias, the power of the courts, etc.
All we debate now, is the lighting and the podiums at the non-debates. Pitiful. Notice how none of the city councilors or candidates will openly call for debates. We need true independent voices on the council. Disagreeing with the Mayor is not cause for treason, it is a beginning point of a discussion to come up with the best plan.
kevin
Kevin R. McCrea - There is no question about the fact that this candidate is very different from any running in this race. He is a well-accomplished man and his candor is certainly refreshing.
Interesting group the herald endorsed Flaherty, Yoon, Connolly, White. What thread do they all have? All of them refuse to say that meeting in closed door meetings excluding the press and public are bad.
A lot of politicians have been coming up to me and saying great things, an idiosyncratic list to be sure..... Rep. Brian Wallace, Sen. Tolman, Councilor Kelly.
Too bad Patricia White declined my offer for one dance tonight at the Allston-Brighton CDC black tie affair.
I was trying to cause the field to thin out by giving them a collective heart attack. How? By showing up tonight in my tuxedo, complete with McCrea Tartan cumberbund and bowtie. No such luck.
East Boston candidates night by chamber of commerce was good, excellent questions, especially how will "you" compromise to get things done. I mentioned that I'm getting married Saturday I know all about compromise....
Interesting that Michael Flaherty has left every candidates forum early before I get a chance to ask him whether he will stand up and defend his record on the open meeting law. But, he is a very busy man and I'm sure has more important things to do then take public questions. Sort of like the mayor.
Someone from councilor Turner's office thanked me for writing the blog today.
People who read the blog! we know you are out there.....
Shout out to Mayor Menino, Maura Hennigan, councilors arroyo, tobin, consalvo, murphy, the herald, the globe, the reporter, south end news, senator tobin, teachers union patricia armstrong, etc. An open, honest, discussion of the important points of the day are good for all of us. I look forward to discussing these items with the council.
Ok, I've got to go and pick the music for the wedding. I'm leaving the city up to the other candidates for the next couple days.
I'm calling out the Globe, the Herald and the Christian Science Monitor. You can't make fun of the mayor for not debating, and write editorials about how it is wrong. STEP UP TO THE PLATE! Sponsor two debates, one on housing and one on education. Invite the Mayor and invite Maura. If one doesn't show, let the other talk for an hour. We are in a sad state of affairs when our press is afraid of the Mayor as well. You can get the auditorium at the Boston Public Library and have a debate. Do your job to promote the public discourse of ideas.
Sam Adams, John Adams, Ben Franklin, Thomas Payne are not impressed with us, after what they went through to get us the right to discuss ideas in public. Look what greatness came from their open debates about the direction the country should go, from federalism vs. states rights, a standing army vs. militias, the power of the courts, etc.
All we debate now, is the lighting and the podiums at the non-debates. Pitiful. Notice how none of the city councilors or candidates will openly call for debates. We need true independent voices on the council. Disagreeing with the Mayor is not cause for treason, it is a beginning point of a discussion to come up with the best plan.
kevin
The Police know the Truth....
This is an email I received this morning!
Big thanks,
k
Kevin:
A lot of people love what you're doing with the campaign, exposing Menino and Flaherty (and Connolly and White) as the frauds they are. The Globe placed the ball on the tee for you today with its fundraising through developers and lawyers story.
The only other candidate I can see out there challenging the developer fundraising connection is Flynn's kid.
It would be good for both of you to keep hammering away at Flaherty to try to dash his future mayoral hopes for the good of us all.
I would appreciate it if you would not publish my name or identity since I am a BPD officer.
Thanks.
Big thanks,
k
Kevin:
A lot of people love what you're doing with the campaign, exposing Menino and Flaherty (and Connolly and White) as the frauds they are. The Globe placed the ball on the tee for you today with its fundraising through developers and lawyers story.
The only other candidate I can see out there challenging the developer fundraising connection is Flynn's kid.
It would be good for both of you to keep hammering away at Flaherty to try to dash his future mayoral hopes for the good of us all.
I would appreciate it if you would not publish my name or identity since I am a BPD officer.
Thanks.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
McCrea Intern Rap
This is the PG version suitable for all, because we know the sucker MC's on the other campaigns can't take the heat, and aren't fire....
The McCrea Intern Rap
By: Amanda Barros, Jaime Bezek, and Kate Dormeus
Summer at McCrea’s
Ain’t no boring days
We’re knocking on doors
No shoes on McCrea’s floors
Jaime and the girls,
Watch Kevin’s baton twirl.
This job ain’t no game
We’re pushing Kevin’s name
No more backroom deals
More meals on wheels.
Tryin a make a better Boston
No matter what its costin’.
Ask specific questions
Or you’ll quickly get rejected.
Take excellent notes
‘Cause were tryin to get votes
Be polite on the phone,
Or you’ll be sent home
Show people the name
So Kevin grows in fame
In this campaign you can’t buy luck,
So your stance on the issues can’t suck
Kevin doesn’t need to worry about that
His promises are down in white and black
Were going around the city
To places great or gritty,
To tell the citizens hello
And about a candidate they should know
15 candidates…….Who would you choose?
Don’t know? We know a dude
What else on the campaign?
We need to finish this rap game!
What else did we do?
We went to nursing homes too!
We went down to Wingate
And had some three year old cake
It was nice and chewy
And even a little gooey.
Jeff had some real fun
His day ended with a gun!
The BRA is whack
But Mayor Menino got their back
Hey voters pick up the phone
Cause you know you’re home
We’re tryin to make a difference
Won’t you people ever listen?
That’s why you got no house
And an uneducated spouse.
Shout out to Bruneli and Shiloh the dog
Check us out on Kevin’s blog
Kevin likes to play James Brown
Look for him in your town.
So on election day,
Vote Kevin McCrea!
The McCrea Intern Rap
By: Amanda Barros, Jaime Bezek, and Kate Dormeus
Summer at McCrea’s
Ain’t no boring days
We’re knocking on doors
No shoes on McCrea’s floors
Jaime and the girls,
Watch Kevin’s baton twirl.
This job ain’t no game
We’re pushing Kevin’s name
No more backroom deals
More meals on wheels.
Tryin a make a better Boston
No matter what its costin’.
Ask specific questions
Or you’ll quickly get rejected.
Take excellent notes
‘Cause were tryin to get votes
Be polite on the phone,
Or you’ll be sent home
Show people the name
So Kevin grows in fame
In this campaign you can’t buy luck,
So your stance on the issues can’t suck
Kevin doesn’t need to worry about that
His promises are down in white and black
Were going around the city
To places great or gritty,
To tell the citizens hello
And about a candidate they should know
15 candidates…….Who would you choose?
Don’t know? We know a dude
What else on the campaign?
We need to finish this rap game!
What else did we do?
We went to nursing homes too!
We went down to Wingate
And had some three year old cake
It was nice and chewy
And even a little gooey.
Jeff had some real fun
His day ended with a gun!
The BRA is whack
But Mayor Menino got their back
Hey voters pick up the phone
Cause you know you’re home
We’re tryin to make a difference
Won’t you people ever listen?
That’s why you got no house
And an uneducated spouse.
Shout out to Bruneli and Shiloh the dog
Check us out on Kevin’s blog
Kevin likes to play James Brown
Look for him in your town.
So on election day,
Vote Kevin McCrea!
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