Pat Morita, known for his roles as "Arnold" on Happy Days, and Mr. Miyagi in the "Karate Kid" movies , has passed away at 73 in California.
Friday, November 25, 2005
Pat Morita Dies
Pat Morita, known for his roles as "Arnold" on Happy Days, and Mr. Miyagi in the "Karate Kid" movies , has passed away at 73 in California.
Red Sox In 7-Player Deal
The Boston Red Sox completed a 7-player deal with the Florida Marlins late last night, sending 4 minor leaguers to the Fish for righthander Josh Beckett, 3rd baseman Mike Lowell, and reliever Guillermo Mota. Looks like a good deal from here.
Did Liberal Bennington Teacher Cross The Line?
A Mount Anthony teacher is being investigated by the school for giving students a test filled with liberal thinking. Cross the line? He leapt over it. I thought this only occurred on college campuses, but I suppose it all trickles downhill.
Downtown Movies To Return
Cinema North Corp., the parent company of North Adams Cinema 6 , looks like it has reached a tentative deal to relocate to the K-Mart Plaza in the downtown. This will be a great addition to increase the flow of traffic in the heart of the city.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
The Contest
From the brilliant and sometimes pickled mind of our own chbpod, I am announcing the beginning of a contest here on the Blazer Blog. "Name The New North Adams Slogan".
Ok the Top 3 submitted entries, chosen by me, are:
Mass MoCA - The City Formerly Known As North Adams
Our Mayor Can Kick Your Mayors' Ass
The Best Kept Secret In New England
Vote Now!!
Sorry, But This Is Just Not Right
This guy is "nuts." Has he lost his "head?" Was he "petered" out after the stunt ? I guess it proves he's no "Weiner." Ok, I'll stop...
Owens Loses Appeal
Normally there isn't much sports reporting here, but the denial of Terrell Owens appeal to his suspension was upheld yesterday. Finally, one of these crybaby whiner professional athletes is put in his place.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Mechanic Throws 5-gallon Molotov Cocktail
I'm glad he saved the garage, but to throw a burning 5-gallon can of gasoline out into Columbia Street at 6:00pm? He's lucky there wasn't more damage done.
Local Colleges Tackle Drinking On Campus
Williams College has new policies going into effect in January, and MCLA has already taken a tougher stance .
Updates at 12:00pm
Updates today will come around noontime. There isn't much majorly interesting this morning in the papers, I am subbing (math) today, and I have to leave early to drop the minivan off for a pre-trip oil change. See you at lunchtime...
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Restaurant May Go To Court
iberkshires.com picked up on a story concerning the Mountainview restaurant and the ongoing saga of their attempt to have nude dancing.
North Adams City Council Campaign 2007
I've been trying to come up with some unique trinkets to give away during my upcoming City Council campaign in 2007. I believe I have my first.
Darwin Surrenders
A French woman apparently tried to open an airplane emergency exit, in flight, to smoke a cigarette.
Oil Prices Rise On U.S. Snowstorm Warnings
Yep, you read it here first. Oil prices jumped on Monday due to the forecast of - gasp! - snow this winter.
Idiots Line Up For New Xbox 360
I was just down at Wal-Mart, and there were 12 people in line outside waiting for the 12:00pm Tuesday launch of Microsoft's new Xbox 360 . The first bozo had already been in line since 3am this morning, and a source in the electronics department told me that the store only received 10 of the new systems. At nearly $400 each per system, these people need some serious help, and they need to get a life. All were in their late 20's-early 30's. Probably still living in their parents basements, or as Chris Farley would scream, "In a van, down by the river."
Monday, November 21, 2005
The Top 10 Politically inCorrect Words for 2005
The Top Politically inCorrect Words and Phrases for 2005 from the Global Language Monitor:
1. Misguided Criminals for Terrorist: The BBC attempts to strip away all emotion by using what it considers neutral descriptions when describing those who carried out the bombings in the London Tubes. The rub: the professed intent of these misguided criminals was to kill, without warning, as many innocents as possible (which is the common definition for the term, terrorist).
2. Intrinsic Aptitude (or lack thereof) was a suggestion by Lawrence Summers, the president of Harvard, on why women might be underrepresented in engineering and science. He was nearly fired for his speculation.
3. Thought Shower or Word Shower substituting for brainstorm so as not to offend those with brain disorders such as epilepsy.
4. Scum or "la racaille" for French citizens of Moslem and North African descent inhabiting the projects ringing French Cities. France's Interior Minister, Nicolas Sarkozy, used this most Politically inCorrect (and reprehensible) label to describe the young rioters (and by extension all the inhabitants of the Cites).
5. Out of the Mainstream when used to describe the ideology of any political opponent: At one time slavery was in the mainstream, thinking the sun orbited the earth was in the mainstream, having your blood sucked out by leeches was in the mainstream. What's so great about being in the mainstream?
6. Deferred Success as a euphemism for the word fail. The Professional Association of Teachers in the UK considered a proposal to replace any notion of failure with deferred success in order to bolster students self-esteem.
7. Womyn for Women to distance the word from man. This in spite of the fact that the term man in the original Indo-European is gender neutral (as have been its successors for some 5,000 years). (Who was that host of a local cable access years ago that used this, chbpod?)
8. C.E. for A.D.: Is the current year A.D. 2005 or 2005 C.E.? There is a movement to strip A.D. (Latin for Year of our Lord) from the year designation used in the West since the 5th century and replace it with the supposedly more neutral Common Era (though the zero reference year for the beginning of the Common Era remains the year of Christs birth). (Dan Connerton will love this one)
9. "God Rest Ye Merry Persons" for "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen": A Christmas, er, Holiday, carol with 500 years of history is not enough to sway the Anglican Church at Cardiff Cathedral (Wales) from changing the original lyrics.
10. Banning the word Mate: the Department of Parliamentary Services in Canberra
issued a general warning to its security staff banning the use of the word 'mate'
in any dealings they might have with both members of the Parliament and the public.
What next? Banning Down Under so as not to offend those living in the Up Over?
1. Misguided Criminals for Terrorist: The BBC attempts to strip away all emotion by using what it considers neutral descriptions when describing those who carried out the bombings in the London Tubes. The rub: the professed intent of these misguided criminals was to kill, without warning, as many innocents as possible (which is the common definition for the term, terrorist).
2. Intrinsic Aptitude (or lack thereof) was a suggestion by Lawrence Summers, the president of Harvard, on why women might be underrepresented in engineering and science. He was nearly fired for his speculation.
3. Thought Shower or Word Shower substituting for brainstorm so as not to offend those with brain disorders such as epilepsy.
4. Scum or "la racaille" for French citizens of Moslem and North African descent inhabiting the projects ringing French Cities. France's Interior Minister, Nicolas Sarkozy, used this most Politically inCorrect (and reprehensible) label to describe the young rioters (and by extension all the inhabitants of the Cites).
5. Out of the Mainstream when used to describe the ideology of any political opponent: At one time slavery was in the mainstream, thinking the sun orbited the earth was in the mainstream, having your blood sucked out by leeches was in the mainstream. What's so great about being in the mainstream?
6. Deferred Success as a euphemism for the word fail. The Professional Association of Teachers in the UK considered a proposal to replace any notion of failure with deferred success in order to bolster students self-esteem.
7. Womyn for Women to distance the word from man. This in spite of the fact that the term man in the original Indo-European is gender neutral (as have been its successors for some 5,000 years). (Who was that host of a local cable access years ago that used this, chbpod?)
8. C.E. for A.D.: Is the current year A.D. 2005 or 2005 C.E.? There is a movement to strip A.D. (Latin for Year of our Lord) from the year designation used in the West since the 5th century and replace it with the supposedly more neutral Common Era (though the zero reference year for the beginning of the Common Era remains the year of Christs birth). (Dan Connerton will love this one)
9. "God Rest Ye Merry Persons" for "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen": A Christmas, er, Holiday, carol with 500 years of history is not enough to sway the Anglican Church at Cardiff Cathedral (Wales) from changing the original lyrics.
10. Banning the word Mate: the Department of Parliamentary Services in Canberra
issued a general warning to its security staff banning the use of the word 'mate'
in any dealings they might have with both members of the Parliament and the public.
What next? Banning Down Under so as not to offend those living in the Up Over?
Williams Student Named 2005 Rhodes Scholar
Marissa C. M. Doran, a resident of Duxbury, MA, is a senior at Williams College and a history major. Marissa is a Truman Scholar, won an award for community service, is active in theater, music, and politics, and was the first U.S. citizen to participate in a government-sponsored program in the Belgian Parliament. She is also the first Williams undergraduate to co-develop a Williams course. Marissa will do the B.A. in Modern History at Oxford. She is the 38th Rhodes Scholar from Williams. Congratulations! Always nice to see fellow history majors receive recognition.
Most Charitable States Data "In The Red"
The Catalogue for Philanthropy's 2005 index of most charitable states shows that the top 25 states all went for President Bush in 2004, while 9 out of the 10 least charitable were Kerry states.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
College Tour 2005
I'm really excited about our little College Tour 2005 for Seth. We are going to visit Eastern University in St. Davids, PA, Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, PA, Bethany College in Bethany West Virginia, and Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC. While we are out, we are going to spend a couple of days in Myrtle Beach to unwind a bit, so of course a trip to Charleston is on the agenda. Probably Ft. Sumter, Ft. Moultrie, and a trip over to the Hunley will be included. I got Barb to agree to the Civil War part by informing her that the plantation used in "North and South" is on the way there, and being a worshipper of Patrick Swayze, she fell into my trap. On the ride home, a one-day stopover in Gettysburg is on the agenda. I can't go so close and not stop by, can I? We have a room at the Sea Mist Resort in Myrtle Beach. 3 Beds, kitchen, bath, 2 TV's, and balcony, continental breakfast, weight room, pools and an indoor lazy river for $47.00 a night.
Mixed Outlook For Holiday Sales
Personally, I know Barb and I are cutting back this year. Finishing up my degree, a tour of colleges in the Mid-Atlantic-Southern states for Seth November 26 - December 2 and my employment being downsized are going to make it a little less extravagant, but gifts aren't really the reason we celebrate, is it?
Chartock: No Politics in Public Broadcasting
Alan Chartock's column in the Eagle this week chastises the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for mixing politics and public broadcasting. Uh, Mr. Chartock, have you ever listened to your own liberal megaphone, WAMC?
World's 10 Most Fattening Holiday Foods
I expected to see all my holiday favorites here ,but some of this stuff is really unappetizing, if you ask me. My all-time favorite, Apple Pie with Ice Cream, is right up front, though.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
John Mitchell's Column
John's Saturday column in today's Transcript is full of more interesting websites for internet-bored minds. By the way, John, I'm hooked on the Big Ben Banjo Band now, thanks.....
Some Random Thoughts
These are some things that I think about as I reside here in North Adams, and usually forget to write down.
1) Do the people who hang out in front of Dunkin' Donuts ever go home?
2) Is St. Joe's Court some sort of paper-attracting magnet?
3) Do the Whoopie Pies at Molly's contain some sort of addicting sweetener?
4) Why does Wal-Mart have 14 Check-out lines, when they never open more than 4?
5) Speaking of Wal-Mart, is all that stuff really "Sam's Choice?"
6) Did 1st Hartford ever consider leaving the K-mart building as a pigeon conservatory?
7) How many more newspapers can we fit in the Transcript building?
8) Is the stuff oozing out of the vents at Jack's Hot Dogs toxic?
9) Shouldn't the "Family Dollar" be called "Your Tax Dollars?"
10) Do guests at the Porches ever say "Good Morning" to the people headed to the Soup Kitchen?
11) How many of you have looked for that damn bird that chirps in perfect 1-second increments at the corner of Main and Marshall Streets?
Just stuff that boggles me....There's more to come...
Friday, November 18, 2005
Open Meeting Law To Be Toughened?
News media types, newspapers in particular, are looking to toughen the states 47 year old Open Meeting Law . Your Thoughts?
Now You See A Swastika, Now You Don't
A report of a swastika on the Freel Library on the MCLA campus is being investigated by the college. Apparently, no one knows for sure if there was one.
Tremblay The Big Spender
Councilor-Elect Chris Tremblay was the big spender in the recent City Council race here in North Adams. He spent a total of $2,017.19 up to the October 19th reporting period. Another campaign report is due in January to cover the rest of the campaign.
Councilor-Elect Ordered to Remove Sign.
I'm sure I'll catch flak for publishing this story, but City Councilor-Elect Chris Tremblay was ordered by the Northern Berkshire District Court Assistant Clerk Magistrate Dennis D'Archangelo to remove the sign at his "Berkshire's Best" business on Union Street. The hearing was continued until December 15th. There was no discussion about the removal of fines accrued since the episode began last summer, according to Planning Board Chairman Mike Leary. Stay Tuned...
Friday's Schedule
I'll be subbing again tomorrow, so some early morning news, and updates later on. Maybe something of interest will be in the news....Checked the Eagle, no North County news in the online edition...How can we improve the amount of news being reported? Is nothing happening in North County?
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Late Updates Today...
I'm subbing again today (Social Studies), so updates will be a little later than usual. Stop back this afternoon....
Mountainview Hearing Continued
The hearing on a permit to allow nude dancing at the Mountainview Restaurant was continued until December 7th last evening at Clarksburg Town Hall. While I myself am opposed to such a club, the residents of Clarksburg are beginning to act a little unprofessional in their opposition ie: swearing in a public meeting, mocking the owners of the restaurant, and shouting down someone when they try to speak. Must get it from their owner.
Here's the Transcripts version of the events. Are they returning to the reincarnation of Tallulah Falls? Who will guess this reference??
Here's the Transcripts version of the events. Are they returning to the reincarnation of Tallulah Falls? Who will guess this reference??
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Massachusetts House Rejects Death Penalty
The House defeated a plan put forward by Gov. Mitt Romney to restore the death penalty in Massachusetts, in cases of terrorism, serial killing or murdering police officers or other public servants. They were worried innocent people might still be executed. Your thoughts??
Mountainview Owner Goes To The Press
The owner of the Mountainview restaurant has told his side of the nude dancing story to the Berkshire Eagle . Finally, someone else reiterates what I said 3 years ago about the Board. And you chastised me for "not having the Boards' support" during the election. Still wondering?
Here is Mr. Milazzo's letter, in its entirety, from The Transcript .
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Sore Winners, Part 2
I'm really becoming confused as to why a handful of you commenters are taking such joy in my 137 vote loss in last weeks election. Except for 1 of you (that I know of), I am sure none of you had the gonads to run, or even vote for that matter. I thought 981 votes was a pretty good showing for a first city election. The thing that is bugging me the most is that the majority of you choose to remain in the "anonymous commenter" mode. If your going to revel, at least have the guts to put your name down, so people can see who you are.
Sore Winners
Sore winners lack dignity when they showboat, hot-dog, taunt, show-off, gloat, demean, and belittle. They play to the advice of the late Ray Kroc, the man behind McDonald's, who once said, "If a competitor is drowning, you should stick a hose in his mouth." Rather than offering a hand to a fallen opponent, they stand over him; kick him by dancing in celebration, then strut away.
Monday's North Adams Planning Board Meeting
Coverage of the North Adams Planning Board meeting from the Transcript.
The Ghosts of NorthAdamsFree.com
Since the folks at another local blog that shall remain nameless seem to think that the City Council is violating Open Meeting Law with their sub-committee meetings, I am giving you the
link to the actual Open Meeting Law here in Massachusetts. Read through it, and let me know what you find that proves any violations. For lack of a better name, let's call the blog "The New and Unimproved NorthAdamsFree.com"
link to the actual Open Meeting Law here in Massachusetts. Read through it, and let me know what you find that proves any violations. For lack of a better name, let's call the blog "The New and Unimproved NorthAdamsFree.com"
Monday, November 14, 2005
Editorial Tries To Make A Point, But Gets Lost In Liberal Bias.
Today's Transcript editorial does a good job of making the point that when the news reporter becomes the news, it is time to move on. Ruining a perfectly good editorial by showing your liberal slant only serves to make your point less believable. Why couldn't you say "Al Franken," or "Randi Rhodes" or "Janeane Garofalo" instead of Rush Limbaugh? They are as inflammatory, as argumentative as Limbaugh, only they appear on "Air America", the liberal network with one tenth the listening audience. (In a side note, I found it amusing that when you use "Spellcheck" on Janeane Garofalo, Janeane becomes "canine", and Garofalo becomes "gruffly". Hehehehe)
Local News Coverage
Local news coverage has sunk to a level of almost non-existence. WNAW only reads from the wire services after their satellite feed news, with the occasional snippet about something in Central or South Berkshire County. Say what you will about Ted Bassani, but he at least got us some local news on the air, and worked as a reporter should, checking the police logs, and actually getting out and reporting the news, not just reading it. The Berkshire Eagle has almost become useless in North County. Even though there is a "bureau" set up in the Transcript building, you see no news from this area, unless it is something the Transcript reported on 2 days prior. I sent a thank you letter to the editor on the same day top both the Transcript and the Eagle. The Transcript ran it on Saturday, and the Eagle has yet to run it. How are we, as citizens, supposed to get our local news coverage? The Transcript does the best job, of all the local sources. Sometimes, they miss a thing or two, but overall, if you want to see what's going on, you have to wait for the Transcript to come out around 10-10:30 in the morning, or around 11-11:30 online. Other than that, we get rumors and stories on the street on what is happening locally.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Welcome to Sunday
It's been a busy day here. Church, home, Freel Library, home, and now some time for blogging. Not a whole lot of local news to update, and the national news is boring, but I'll find something.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
The First Smart Decision From The WB
Have you ever watched "7th Heaven" ? I cannot believe it lasted 10 seasons. Watching an episode would give anyone diabetes. This show is sappier than Vermont in March. Too bad about "Arrested Development."
Pellet Stove Dealer Has a Cold Streak
The only thing missing from this story on an unreputable stove dealer is the name of the business. We need to warn people of unscrupulous businesses.
The Bible
John Mitchell (Last Visible Blog) begins a three-part series on the Bible. Very interesting reading. Part 2 on Monday, I assume.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Veterans' Day, 2005
The History of Veterans Day
November 11, or what has come to be known as Veterans Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor Armistice Day -- the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislature that was passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.'" As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.
In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
In 1968, the Uniforms Holiday Bill insured three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. Under this bill, Veterans Day was moved to the last Monday of October. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holiday on its original date. The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971.
Finally on September 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. Since then, the Veterans Day holiday has been observed on November 11.
Bassani Let Go By Vox
After a week of "indefinite suspension", Vox Communications has let News Director Ted Bassani go. This story keeps getting weirder.
Starting Too Late In North Adams
This is proof that (some) candidates in North Adams start their political careers too late, and in the wrong office. If the shoe fits, wear it...
Calling All Chubby Folks...
Here's the proof that I am going to be good for something. A Renewable Energy Source for the (m)asses...
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Tense Council Meeting in North Adams
A rather tense City Council meeting in North Adams last night, as Ted Basanni, Mike Deep, and former Council candidate Eric Buddington all spoke (or attemted to speak) during the open forum part of the meeting. Buried at the bottom, is the concern that there were problems with the voting machines Tuesday.
Here's the Transcript's story.
Student Injured; Ticked At College
A story out of the MCLA Beacon today. A student fell 8 feet while adjusting posters, cracked her head open, Public Safety called, alcohol and marijuana found, but all she can do is complain about every step the college has made during the incident.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Attention All Candidates:
Don't forget we all promised Da Snoop that we would pick up our lawn signs right away....mine are all in, except for the ones Steve McConnell put out for me, and two that are attatched to a porch with duct tape on the corner of Ashland and Quincy.How's everyone else doing?
Vanilla Coke & Diet Vanilla Coke Discontinued
Coca-Cola has decided to discontinue Vanilla Coke and Diet Vanilla Coke by the end of the year. Rumor has it that Coke with Lemon (Ever taste Pledge?) is on the way out, also. They are replacing it with Black Cherry and Black Cherry Vanilla, in both regular and Diet brands.
They Can't Be Serious..
Big oil companies today defended their combined $30 BILLION dollar profits in the last quarter. You remember that, right? When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita pushed our gas prices over $3.25 a gallon?
So Naturally, Oil Prices Rise...
Crude oil jumped back over the $60 dollars a barrel price today, amid concerns of not making record profi....er...oil shortages, yeah, that's it, oil shortages this winter.
Incumbents Cruise, Tremblay Edges Etman.
Top Vote Getter Dick AlcombrightHere it is, the story you've all been waiting for. I fought the good fight, but it just wasn't enough.
Blazer Blog Cracks 2,000 Visitors, 5,400 Hits
Back on October 10th, we cracked 1,000 visitors, and 3,000 hits after 5 and a half months. In the last month month, we did 1,000 visitors, and over 2,400 hits. Thank You!
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Well, We Tried
I gave it my best shot, but fell 138 votes short. Snoop, Southview, CJTRem, and anyone else who feels the need, go ahead and yuk it up at my expense. 10th place, 981 votes....There were some problems with the voting machines, but you have to trust the counters....Did Bill Donovans' 651 votes hurt my chances, maybe..but the people have spoken.....
Many Thanks
Although we suffered a loss today, there are many people to thank.
My wife, Barb, and my kids Seth & Emily
Mayor John Barrett
Clark Billings
Dick Alcombright
Bill Donovan
Ron Boucher
Marie Harpin
Al Marden
Mike Bloom
Bob Moulton, Jr.
Gail Cariddi
Bonnie & John Lipa
Paul & Kathy Catelotti
Adolph & Irene Wienart
Richard & MaryBeth Ameen
Janice Poirot
Jim Martin
Frank & Eloise Stevens
Kathy Church
Steve & Pat McConnell
Pam & Sam Crosier
Prof. Sharon Thomas
Helen Luscia
Beckie Grande
Dave & Jen Anderson
Tom DeGray
The Moynahans
Ralph Morgan
Tom, Jackie, Colton & Sam Andrews
Mary Culpo
Mrs. Livio Luchini
Linda Neal
Kathleen Eddy, Berkshire Bank
Jennifer Barbeau
John Mitchell
Greg Roach
Jennifer Huberdeau
WNAW
Inovar Packaging Group
North Adams Transcript
iberkshires.com, Sue Bush
& any and all of you who gave me words of encouragement, All of you who voted for me, and I apologize if I forgot anyone.
God Bless you all!!!
My wife, Barb, and my kids Seth & Emily
Mayor John Barrett
Clark Billings
Dick Alcombright
Bill Donovan
Ron Boucher
Marie Harpin
Al Marden
Mike Bloom
Bob Moulton, Jr.
Gail Cariddi
Bonnie & John Lipa
Paul & Kathy Catelotti
Adolph & Irene Wienart
Richard & MaryBeth Ameen
Janice Poirot
Jim Martin
Frank & Eloise Stevens
Kathy Church
Steve & Pat McConnell
Pam & Sam Crosier
Prof. Sharon Thomas
Helen Luscia
Beckie Grande
Dave & Jen Anderson
Tom DeGray
The Moynahans
Ralph Morgan
Tom, Jackie, Colton & Sam Andrews
Mary Culpo
Mrs. Livio Luchini
Linda Neal
Kathleen Eddy, Berkshire Bank
Jennifer Barbeau
John Mitchell
Greg Roach
Jennifer Huberdeau
WNAW
Inovar Packaging Group
North Adams Transcript
iberkshires.com, Sue Bush
& any and all of you who gave me words of encouragement, All of you who voted for me, and I apologize if I forgot anyone.
God Bless you all!!!
Monday, November 07, 2005
Drury Triumphant
A great story by The Transcripts' Ben Fleming on Saturdays' 23-8 Blue Devil win over Hoosac. Too bad the Eagle decided not to run a story yesterday, and regulated the story to an interior page today. What's up with that, Eagle?
Happy 87th Birthday, Billy Graham
Happy Birthday to Billy Graham, who was born November 7th, 1918. My choices today were Rev. Graham, or well wishes to Christopher Knight (Peter Brady). Easy choice.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Staleness
Since the Blazer Blog has become a 1-3-1 blog (Myself, three for Chris Tremblay, and a Neutral) I want to ask you all some questions. What are you all so afraid of if I get elected? Why is anything I have done both personally and professionally not good enough to be a City Councilor? What makes me so offensive to all of you? Why can't you vote for both of us? These questions perplex me. I have become a bit tired of defending myself to Snoop, Southview, and cjtrem over the last 3 weeks. (The anonymous postings against me I have determined to be related, so I'm not counting them.) It's getting old, folks. I'm running on my past municipal experience, my desire to continue the direction the city has been going in, encourage new business to look at North Adams, and continue to make North Adams an affordable community to live in. I've even turned off the Comment Moderator until after the election, since you all find it so offensive. But the first profane or slanderous comment will be canned.
Drury vs. Hoosac Valley, 2:00pm, Hurricane Field
UPDATE: Drury 23, Hoosac Valley 8. Way to go Blue Devils!!
It's the anual Blue Devils vs Hurricane Classic today in Cheshire. The Blue Devils have a chance to win 2 in a row since the '74-'75 season. Good luck to the Blue Devils, especially Seniors Seth Etman, Steve Bopp, Ryan Brule, Logan O'Neill, Matt Moulton, and Ahren Tatro.
Blog Content
I did want to publically say, if it seems I am concentrating on Chris Tremblays' candidacy, I really am trying to include everyone. But when Chris and I are the only ones debating anything, it's kind of difficult to include anyone else. Maybe we should both be elected....
UPDATE SV, It is hard to have a debate/discussion when one side has sworn off blogging.
UPDATE SV, It is hard to have a debate/discussion when one side has sworn off blogging.
New Format From "Blogspot"
GOING INTO EFFECT 11/09/2005
Blogspot is offering Comment Moderation to its' bloggers, which allows us to moderate comments to screen for possible unprintable comments. The only thing I may edit will be profanity, or if something is extremely libelous. Thanks for reading.
Blogspot is offering Comment Moderation to its' bloggers, which allows us to moderate comments to screen for possible unprintable comments. The only thing I may edit will be profanity, or if something is extremely libelous. Thanks for reading.
Press Release
Since the 4 local media outlets (Transcript, Eagle, WNAW, & iberkshires.com) all refused to print this Press Release, I'm posting it here.
In a statement released today, candidate for North Adams City Council Andrew Etman blasted fellow candidate Christopher Tremblay for his support of revising the city’s tax classification code, and shifting the burden to the residential homeowners.
“North Adams has had a split tax classification since 1981, which has enabled the city to have an average tax bill that is among the lowest 4% in the state” said Etman. “North Adams is an affordable community for families to purchase homes in, and if Mr. Tremblay had his way, the average tax bill would increase by $200 to $300 dollars.”
At the Candidates Forum on October 26th, Mr. Tremblay advocated changing the city’s tax classification code and shifting the obligation to the residential rate to make things “fairer.”
“Unlike the new “ideas” and “proposals” coming from the other candidates, tax classification is a responsibility that the City Council actually has control over and votes on,” said Etman. “ To shift the burden to the residential homeowners is just not right. Remember, Mr. Tremblay said he wouldn't mind paying more residential tax in favor of a lowered commercial rate. Of course he wouldn't. A lowered commercial rate would save him money. His plan will not cost him one dime more in overall taxes!"
“Mr. Tremblay has repeatedly denied that he has a “special interest” he supports. Shifting the tax load to the families of North Adams exposes the fact he has a special interest- taking care of his commercial customers.”
“It’s this simple. North Adams is an affordable city to live in,” said Etman. “Unfortunately, Mr. Tremblay has turned his back on that fact, and the people of North Adams. When I am elected to the City Council November 8th, I will continue to support a classification code that benefits our residential homeowners.”
Tremblay World Affects The Real World
A nice letter from a relative of his, John J. Tremblay ,paints a rosey picture of life in Tremblay World.
Transcript Endorsements.
Todays' Transcript City Council endorsements mirror the Eagles' from Thursday, with the exception of replacing Rob Boucher with Kelly Lee. I say again, a person should not be elected just because the belong to a certain group, ie: the "arts" community.
The Eagles' Candidate Questions
Christopher Marcisz sent an email to each candidate, with two questions to comment on. If I want to comment, it will be in bold face.
On Tuesday, voters will head to the polls with a sizable field of 15 candidates vying for nine spots on the City Council.
The Eagle asked all 15 to write no more than 200 words on the issue of economic development, particularly whether the city has found the right balance between arts and tourism and other forms of development, and on the city's schools. The candidates were free to write on either subject as they saw fit.
The following are their answers, exactly as submitted, with only slight edits to conform to the Eagle's style and length restrictions. The responses appear in the same order in which the candidates will appear on the ballot.
Councilors Michael C. Bloom, Marie Harpin, and Ronald Boucher did not participate.
Richard J. Alcombright
Recognizing MoCA as the catalyst, North Adams has infused the arts and cultural economy into the downtown and housing component, and residents have welcomed the benefits that art brings to the city. It is not balance, but rather diversity within our economy that allows each component of that diversity to grow. Our economy will thrive with a "blend" of big box, small retail, and businesses that will compliment arts and culture, tourism, hospitality, retail, education, industry, and medical, all components of our existing economy. Downtown, a strong retail anchor in the former Kmart, the Mohawk Theater initiative, development of housing, and small business and retail development, would create a wonderful atmosphere for residents, youth, and MCLA students. Downtown will continue to re-emerge over time as the efforts mentioned above come to fruition.
Schools are on track evidenced by the shift in MCAS scores, coordination of curriculum, remediation efforts, after school offerings, and the vigilance and commitment of the school committee, administration, and staff. I think those involved need to stay the course and praise progress while steadfastly continuing to identify, address, and measure areas of concern. Parents need to be involved in the process by being constructively vocal when they recognize problems.
Clark H. Billings
Actually both questions are a bit odd for a City Council candidate since they are both "opinion" questions and not policy questions.
As for balance between arts and tourism on the one hand and other types of development? There appears to be an imbalance right now. However, with development of the Route 8 corridor and the Kmart Plaza greater balance should Related Articles
North Adams polling places
be restored. We need a vibrant mix of traditional and avant-garde.
There is little that the Council can do — especially with the Kmart plaza. On the other hand the gravel bank is City property and sale of such must get Council approval. The Mohawk Theater project needs to be completed and the Council has a role in that.
North Adams Schools: Another "opinion" question. Yes the schools are on the right track. We are making progress on the MCAS and have not cut the school budget in 20 years. We have after school programs, connections to Kidspace at MoCA, band and art — which some area schools do not have. The management of the school system is in the able hands of the School Committee and is looking at various proposals for improvement.
Gailanne M. Cariddi
Development that stimulates job creation whether it is arts related or some other type of economic project is an objective we, as a city, can accomplish. More jobs and improved housing will help create the need for businesses and services to further fill in downtown store fronts. The Mohawk Theater project also has the potential to spur development. The City Council can have a roll by reviewing and approving grant applications, tax increment financing arrangements and other economic programs when they are requested from the administration. Working with existing businesses and attracting new businesses the city will continue to have an encouraging overall economic climate.
As the City Council liaison to the School Committee, I have the opportunity to view the committees work each month. The Superintendent and the committee are committed to improving student learning. The students are the center of their policy decisions. Recently, the school district applied for and was awarded a grant to develop planning strategies to add at least 30 percent to the learning time for students in school. This plan can include student enrichment activities and collaborating with community partners. It is to be submitted to the Department of Education in January. Another step in the right direction.
Alan L. Marden
Economic development is primarily driven by the private sector with a municipality's role to be supportive and provide the appropriate capital improvements (i.e.., water, sewer, roads) and occasionally financial incentives (i.e. TIFs). North Adams has done this and continues to lead the way with leadership on the Mohawk Theater program. North Adams has learned the lesson regarding a diversified economy and the so-called "new economy" of art and tourism is an important part of such diversification. The challenge is to keep the momentum.
The North Adams educational system has shown dramatic and continual improvement. Just wait until the lap top initiative gets fully implemented. Same challenge as above?
Robert R. Moulton Jr.
As far as economic development goes, the balance I think in a perfect world would be a third retail, a third arts, and a third tourism. The city has done its part in making the city attractive and desirable place to live, has built new schools, redone the library, has outstanding public services and erected open space in the city for our youth and adults. North Adams has all the pieces of the puzzle.
Now is the time to work together with developers, landlords, and people with new ideas to put all the pieces together to make our city the best it can be.
In the past few years our schools have come a long way. Superintendent Montepare and his staff have done a great job securing grants for students, teachers, and after-school programs. We also have a very good sports program, not to mention a music program second to none under the direction of Carl Jenkins, also the arts program working with local colleges, museums, and local artists give the students unique opportunity that is often overlooked.
As a City Councilor we mainly look at the budget, but under the direction of the Superintendent and a very dedicated school committee.
Eric Buddington
Diversity is the key to a strong local economy; if we have many types of businesses, our local economy will remain strong even as our national economy changes.
In order to attract and keep new shops, City Hall needs to be much friendlier to our small businesses. The City Council's role in this is to clarify and simplify the laws, so there are fewer arbitrary and personal decisions to be made by the Planning Board. (I would argue that few personal decisions are made by the Planning Board - they make BOARD decisions)
Our schools reflect the health of our community. Education is more than teachers and classes — it's parents who make students feel safe at home and make sure they eat and sleep well. It's adults who show the students how education helps in the real world. It's friends who teach cooperation and competition, and respect intelligence.
This is too important to be left in the hands of the City Council, or even the School Board. The Council and Mayor can help to organize neighborhood events, and ensure transportation to and from after-school activities. Our teachers will work tirelessly to make sure every student gets a balanced education. But our success overall depends on a strong culture and a strong community. Nothing less will do.
The problem here is that there are too many parents who don't care. I see this every time I substitute. It's "too important to be left in the hands of the City Council or even the School Board.'? So you are saying that as councilor, you advocate lessening you job by not being involved in the budget, since the school is half of it?
Andrew Etman
We are getting close to the right balance. What we need to remember is that we need businesses that will pay a decent wage and give benefits to their employees. We need to remember that although art and tourism are a major economic player in the city, this is still North Adams, and there are over 14,000 people who call the city home. The Mohawk Theater restoration could be the catalyst in the revitalization of the downtown, along with a rejuvenated Kmart Plaza.
The schools are on the right track. We have two new buildings, an initiative at Conte to re-wire the computer systems, a good curriculum, and qualified teachers. The MCAS puts too much pressure on the teachers to "teach to the test," but a quality education is being given to our young people.
Richard Harlow
I believe North Adams has the potential to re-create itself as an innovative forward-looking community. I would take an active role in this process and will bring to the job of councilor my enthusiasm, experience in community development, creative vision and dedication to building a brighter future. (Papermaking in the Amazon is not Community Development like it is in North Adams.)
Revitalizing downtown is crucial. I would favor tax breaks for new businesses, a shuttle bus between MCLA and Main Street and the creation of a small downtown park. North Adams also needs a first class web site that will highlight all we have to offer: Mass MoCA, MCLA, the wide array of cultural/arts events, local businesses, restaurants, and the beauty of the Berkshires. (It's a half mile walk to downtown from MCLA. The cost to the city in fuel is greater thanm the benefit.)
Every element that will make North Adams a thriving community needs to be explored. Let's look at how our schools can better prepare our children for good paying jobs. We should study the possibility of producing energy from wind and water. Let's work closely with neighboring towns to create a North Berkshire county web site that would express a regional identity and boost tourism. (So are schools are not preparing our children adequately? Is that what you are saying? They'll only be waitresses?)
When you cast your vote on Tuesday please consider new candidates, new energy, new vision, new hope. (Remind me again. What new ideas, vision, hope, etc. will the council have control over?)
Kelly Lee
Downtown: An emphasis should be put on welcoming small businesses. With Mass MoCA and MCLA anchoring and the Mohawk and Kmart Plaza (with green space) as future anchors, we should encourage small entrepreneurs to fill out the middle with the unique type of shops that represent what is special about North Adams. Historically, arts-oriented communities are business diversified: boutiques, farm markets, the high-tech touch, as well as galleries and such. We're in the right direction, but the welcome sign should be bigger, the welcome mat softer, more inviting. (Yeah, right now there is a big sign saying "STAY AWAY!")
How about students from MCLA and Williams getting excited enough about North Adams to stay and start businesses? Energetic new enterprises by alumni would be a great mix and a strong draw for a needed demographic.
Education and economic vitality are intertwined and interdependent. If we can demonstrate to students that taking advantage of what learning has to offer leads to exciting, profitable things, the future is secure. School would be cool, attitudes adjusted.
Business and school are more exciting, more real, with internships. Interaction from the professional level through college and high school. A city where people not only agree on but actively cooperate on education has an advantage. (MCLA has an active Internship Program in place)
Peter May
North Adams has made gigantic strides forward, in large part due to Mass MoCA. While the arts/tourist mix has seemingly overnight transformed other places the same has not happened here. And, that begs the question, why not? MoCA is not to blame; at 110,000 visitors a year that's missed opportunities for our downtown.
The obstacles we face pre-date MoCA.
Revitalization of the downtown requires answering some basic questions:
Do we have consensus that we even want a downtown: Will we shop there even if it costs a little more? Or, will we run to WalMart and The Mall?
What are we as a city doing that embraces new businesses and entrepreneurs, inviting them into our city? Are we doing everything we can to help them open quickly and succeed?
Could our downtown be made more user-friendly with benches, angled parking, 2 hour meters, a town commons, the trolleys, etc., to encourage tourist/pedestrian traffic?
Are rents in line with the current local economic climate?
You see, old problems need to be solved before we can move on. The answers are there, but a council must ask the right questions and insist on and take action. (So, this administration and Councils dating back 22 years has done nothing, you say?)
Nikolai Rudd
Mass MoCA is North Adams' top draw. MoCA was proposed eighteen years ago, and opened in 1999. On its opening weekend, 10,000 people went through its doors. On average 120,000 people visit MASS MoCA each year, yet we still have trouble getting them two blocks away to our downtown.
Yesterday afternoon, I found myself the only person on Main Street. Clearly we still have things to do to get more foot traffic to our local business owners. We need to connect MCLA students, MoCA, and the North Adams citizens to the downtown in an effort to help local businesses in the face of big chain competition. (I stopped downtown at 10am, 1pm, 6 pm, and 8pm on Thursday, and there were people on the street EVERYTIME)
Laptop and longer school day initiatives are worth considering or expanding. Teaching for the MCAS tests rather than teaching students "How to think" for their future endeavors limits the teacher's ability to help students learn how to process and interpret information in order to formulate their own ideas. While in an arts-rich environment, the arts are nevertheless the first to be cut from school budgets. However, many new jobs utilizing applications like Power Point, Photoshop, Render 3-D and Final Cut Pro have generated a necessity for art related technology. (Sorry, but Sports is usually the first to get the axe)
Christopher J. Tremblay
After the demise of industry and manufacturing in North Adams, city officials said that we learned a lesson and would not put all of our eggs in one basket again. Currently we are focusing solely on arts/tourism to fund our economy. Mass MoCA has been a catalyst to the development of that sector of our economy, however the same catalyst has also taken away from the tax base in North Adams by locating businesses in its compound that could have been located in our downtown and other areas in buildings that do pay commercial taxes. We need to explore new avenues such as incorporating the many wind power projects that will be coming to fruition in the future. (The businesses in MoCA have expanded the tax base through employment and related taxes. How can you belittle MoCA, when you want to lower commercial taxes anyway?)
Our school system is in the process of conforming to the state imposed mandates to education reform. Politics has no part in our school system and unfortunately the state has made it a political issue. Our schools do need to incorporate new technology into it's curriculum so the future of our children can be as bright as possible. The middle school model is being explored in other communities as a idea that has come to pass. Incorporating other districts for purchasing power should also be looked at.
On Tuesday, voters will head to the polls with a sizable field of 15 candidates vying for nine spots on the City Council.
The Eagle asked all 15 to write no more than 200 words on the issue of economic development, particularly whether the city has found the right balance between arts and tourism and other forms of development, and on the city's schools. The candidates were free to write on either subject as they saw fit.
The following are their answers, exactly as submitted, with only slight edits to conform to the Eagle's style and length restrictions. The responses appear in the same order in which the candidates will appear on the ballot.
Councilors Michael C. Bloom, Marie Harpin, and Ronald Boucher did not participate.
Richard J. Alcombright
Recognizing MoCA as the catalyst, North Adams has infused the arts and cultural economy into the downtown and housing component, and residents have welcomed the benefits that art brings to the city. It is not balance, but rather diversity within our economy that allows each component of that diversity to grow. Our economy will thrive with a "blend" of big box, small retail, and businesses that will compliment arts and culture, tourism, hospitality, retail, education, industry, and medical, all components of our existing economy. Downtown, a strong retail anchor in the former Kmart, the Mohawk Theater initiative, development of housing, and small business and retail development, would create a wonderful atmosphere for residents, youth, and MCLA students. Downtown will continue to re-emerge over time as the efforts mentioned above come to fruition.
Schools are on track evidenced by the shift in MCAS scores, coordination of curriculum, remediation efforts, after school offerings, and the vigilance and commitment of the school committee, administration, and staff. I think those involved need to stay the course and praise progress while steadfastly continuing to identify, address, and measure areas of concern. Parents need to be involved in the process by being constructively vocal when they recognize problems.
Clark H. Billings
Actually both questions are a bit odd for a City Council candidate since they are both "opinion" questions and not policy questions.
As for balance between arts and tourism on the one hand and other types of development? There appears to be an imbalance right now. However, with development of the Route 8 corridor and the Kmart Plaza greater balance should Related Articles
North Adams polling places
be restored. We need a vibrant mix of traditional and avant-garde.
There is little that the Council can do — especially with the Kmart plaza. On the other hand the gravel bank is City property and sale of such must get Council approval. The Mohawk Theater project needs to be completed and the Council has a role in that.
North Adams Schools: Another "opinion" question. Yes the schools are on the right track. We are making progress on the MCAS and have not cut the school budget in 20 years. We have after school programs, connections to Kidspace at MoCA, band and art — which some area schools do not have. The management of the school system is in the able hands of the School Committee and is looking at various proposals for improvement.
Gailanne M. Cariddi
Development that stimulates job creation whether it is arts related or some other type of economic project is an objective we, as a city, can accomplish. More jobs and improved housing will help create the need for businesses and services to further fill in downtown store fronts. The Mohawk Theater project also has the potential to spur development. The City Council can have a roll by reviewing and approving grant applications, tax increment financing arrangements and other economic programs when they are requested from the administration. Working with existing businesses and attracting new businesses the city will continue to have an encouraging overall economic climate.
As the City Council liaison to the School Committee, I have the opportunity to view the committees work each month. The Superintendent and the committee are committed to improving student learning. The students are the center of their policy decisions. Recently, the school district applied for and was awarded a grant to develop planning strategies to add at least 30 percent to the learning time for students in school. This plan can include student enrichment activities and collaborating with community partners. It is to be submitted to the Department of Education in January. Another step in the right direction.
Alan L. Marden
Economic development is primarily driven by the private sector with a municipality's role to be supportive and provide the appropriate capital improvements (i.e.., water, sewer, roads) and occasionally financial incentives (i.e. TIFs). North Adams has done this and continues to lead the way with leadership on the Mohawk Theater program. North Adams has learned the lesson regarding a diversified economy and the so-called "new economy" of art and tourism is an important part of such diversification. The challenge is to keep the momentum.
The North Adams educational system has shown dramatic and continual improvement. Just wait until the lap top initiative gets fully implemented. Same challenge as above?
Robert R. Moulton Jr.
As far as economic development goes, the balance I think in a perfect world would be a third retail, a third arts, and a third tourism. The city has done its part in making the city attractive and desirable place to live, has built new schools, redone the library, has outstanding public services and erected open space in the city for our youth and adults. North Adams has all the pieces of the puzzle.
Now is the time to work together with developers, landlords, and people with new ideas to put all the pieces together to make our city the best it can be.
In the past few years our schools have come a long way. Superintendent Montepare and his staff have done a great job securing grants for students, teachers, and after-school programs. We also have a very good sports program, not to mention a music program second to none under the direction of Carl Jenkins, also the arts program working with local colleges, museums, and local artists give the students unique opportunity that is often overlooked.
As a City Councilor we mainly look at the budget, but under the direction of the Superintendent and a very dedicated school committee.
Eric Buddington
Diversity is the key to a strong local economy; if we have many types of businesses, our local economy will remain strong even as our national economy changes.
In order to attract and keep new shops, City Hall needs to be much friendlier to our small businesses. The City Council's role in this is to clarify and simplify the laws, so there are fewer arbitrary and personal decisions to be made by the Planning Board. (I would argue that few personal decisions are made by the Planning Board - they make BOARD decisions)
Our schools reflect the health of our community. Education is more than teachers and classes — it's parents who make students feel safe at home and make sure they eat and sleep well. It's adults who show the students how education helps in the real world. It's friends who teach cooperation and competition, and respect intelligence.
This is too important to be left in the hands of the City Council, or even the School Board. The Council and Mayor can help to organize neighborhood events, and ensure transportation to and from after-school activities. Our teachers will work tirelessly to make sure every student gets a balanced education. But our success overall depends on a strong culture and a strong community. Nothing less will do.
The problem here is that there are too many parents who don't care. I see this every time I substitute. It's "too important to be left in the hands of the City Council or even the School Board.'? So you are saying that as councilor, you advocate lessening you job by not being involved in the budget, since the school is half of it?
Andrew Etman
We are getting close to the right balance. What we need to remember is that we need businesses that will pay a decent wage and give benefits to their employees. We need to remember that although art and tourism are a major economic player in the city, this is still North Adams, and there are over 14,000 people who call the city home. The Mohawk Theater restoration could be the catalyst in the revitalization of the downtown, along with a rejuvenated Kmart Plaza.
The schools are on the right track. We have two new buildings, an initiative at Conte to re-wire the computer systems, a good curriculum, and qualified teachers. The MCAS puts too much pressure on the teachers to "teach to the test," but a quality education is being given to our young people.
Richard Harlow
I believe North Adams has the potential to re-create itself as an innovative forward-looking community. I would take an active role in this process and will bring to the job of councilor my enthusiasm, experience in community development, creative vision and dedication to building a brighter future. (Papermaking in the Amazon is not Community Development like it is in North Adams.)
Revitalizing downtown is crucial. I would favor tax breaks for new businesses, a shuttle bus between MCLA and Main Street and the creation of a small downtown park. North Adams also needs a first class web site that will highlight all we have to offer: Mass MoCA, MCLA, the wide array of cultural/arts events, local businesses, restaurants, and the beauty of the Berkshires. (It's a half mile walk to downtown from MCLA. The cost to the city in fuel is greater thanm the benefit.)
Every element that will make North Adams a thriving community needs to be explored. Let's look at how our schools can better prepare our children for good paying jobs. We should study the possibility of producing energy from wind and water. Let's work closely with neighboring towns to create a North Berkshire county web site that would express a regional identity and boost tourism. (So are schools are not preparing our children adequately? Is that what you are saying? They'll only be waitresses?)
When you cast your vote on Tuesday please consider new candidates, new energy, new vision, new hope. (Remind me again. What new ideas, vision, hope, etc. will the council have control over?)
Kelly Lee
Downtown: An emphasis should be put on welcoming small businesses. With Mass MoCA and MCLA anchoring and the Mohawk and Kmart Plaza (with green space) as future anchors, we should encourage small entrepreneurs to fill out the middle with the unique type of shops that represent what is special about North Adams. Historically, arts-oriented communities are business diversified: boutiques, farm markets, the high-tech touch, as well as galleries and such. We're in the right direction, but the welcome sign should be bigger, the welcome mat softer, more inviting. (Yeah, right now there is a big sign saying "STAY AWAY!")
How about students from MCLA and Williams getting excited enough about North Adams to stay and start businesses? Energetic new enterprises by alumni would be a great mix and a strong draw for a needed demographic.
Education and economic vitality are intertwined and interdependent. If we can demonstrate to students that taking advantage of what learning has to offer leads to exciting, profitable things, the future is secure. School would be cool, attitudes adjusted.
Business and school are more exciting, more real, with internships. Interaction from the professional level through college and high school. A city where people not only agree on but actively cooperate on education has an advantage. (MCLA has an active Internship Program in place)
Peter May
North Adams has made gigantic strides forward, in large part due to Mass MoCA. While the arts/tourist mix has seemingly overnight transformed other places the same has not happened here. And, that begs the question, why not? MoCA is not to blame; at 110,000 visitors a year that's missed opportunities for our downtown.
The obstacles we face pre-date MoCA.
Revitalization of the downtown requires answering some basic questions:
Do we have consensus that we even want a downtown: Will we shop there even if it costs a little more? Or, will we run to WalMart and The Mall?
What are we as a city doing that embraces new businesses and entrepreneurs, inviting them into our city? Are we doing everything we can to help them open quickly and succeed?
Could our downtown be made more user-friendly with benches, angled parking, 2 hour meters, a town commons, the trolleys, etc., to encourage tourist/pedestrian traffic?
Are rents in line with the current local economic climate?
You see, old problems need to be solved before we can move on. The answers are there, but a council must ask the right questions and insist on and take action. (So, this administration and Councils dating back 22 years has done nothing, you say?)
Nikolai Rudd
Mass MoCA is North Adams' top draw. MoCA was proposed eighteen years ago, and opened in 1999. On its opening weekend, 10,000 people went through its doors. On average 120,000 people visit MASS MoCA each year, yet we still have trouble getting them two blocks away to our downtown.
Yesterday afternoon, I found myself the only person on Main Street. Clearly we still have things to do to get more foot traffic to our local business owners. We need to connect MCLA students, MoCA, and the North Adams citizens to the downtown in an effort to help local businesses in the face of big chain competition. (I stopped downtown at 10am, 1pm, 6 pm, and 8pm on Thursday, and there were people on the street EVERYTIME)
Laptop and longer school day initiatives are worth considering or expanding. Teaching for the MCAS tests rather than teaching students "How to think" for their future endeavors limits the teacher's ability to help students learn how to process and interpret information in order to formulate their own ideas. While in an arts-rich environment, the arts are nevertheless the first to be cut from school budgets. However, many new jobs utilizing applications like Power Point, Photoshop, Render 3-D and Final Cut Pro have generated a necessity for art related technology. (Sorry, but Sports is usually the first to get the axe)
Christopher J. Tremblay
After the demise of industry and manufacturing in North Adams, city officials said that we learned a lesson and would not put all of our eggs in one basket again. Currently we are focusing solely on arts/tourism to fund our economy. Mass MoCA has been a catalyst to the development of that sector of our economy, however the same catalyst has also taken away from the tax base in North Adams by locating businesses in its compound that could have been located in our downtown and other areas in buildings that do pay commercial taxes. We need to explore new avenues such as incorporating the many wind power projects that will be coming to fruition in the future. (The businesses in MoCA have expanded the tax base through employment and related taxes. How can you belittle MoCA, when you want to lower commercial taxes anyway?)
Our school system is in the process of conforming to the state imposed mandates to education reform. Politics has no part in our school system and unfortunately the state has made it a political issue. Our schools do need to incorporate new technology into it's curriculum so the future of our children can be as bright as possible. The middle school model is being explored in other communities as a idea that has come to pass. Incorporating other districts for purchasing power should also be looked at.
Barrett Leaves Nothing to Chance
Nice article in todays' Transcript on the Mayor, with some input from his challenger, Walter "I'm Back" Smith.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Mayor John Barrett III
Today's Transcript bio is of Mayor John Barrett III. Following up will be the bio of Walte...um...never mind.
What's My Line?
More Updates Later
Today, I am a math teacher at Drury, so updates will be after 3:00pm. Have a great day, everyone!
Where's Ted?
I was noticing that WNAW has removed Ted Basanni's name completely from their website. It nows states the Bib Niven brings you the news everyday from 5:30-10am. Does this have something to do with yesterdays' Press Conference, where Ted was removed from City Hall for the second time in 3 days? Don't get me wrong, i like Ted, I think he is a good journalist, and we have always gotten along, but what is going on here?
Donovan Endorses Etman
Here it is, the long anticipated endorsement from City Councilor Bill Donovan . Thanks, Bill. I appreciate the endorsement, and when elected, i will work as hard as you did for North Adams.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Our Own "Where's Waldo"
Mayoral candidate Walter Smith Jr. has disappeared from the city radar scene. The Transcript reports that he has not been seen nor heard from at home or work. Hmmmmmmmmm.........
Alleged Altercation Leaves Bassani Suspended
Local radio personality Ted Bassani had an alleged run-in in the Mayor's corner office Tuesday, and has benn suspended pending an internal Vox Communications inquiry.
The Lucky Endorsees
L-R, Down: Alcombright, Billings, Bloom, Boucher, Buddington, Cariddi, Harlow, Harpin, Marden
Eagle City Council Endorsements
The Eagle has endorsed 7 incumbents and 2 challengers for North Adams City Council . I was not expecting an endorsement, so this is no surprise. The only surprise to me was Robert Moulton Jr. not receiving an endorsement. Rick Harlow and Eric Buddington we surprising endorsees, only because the Eagle's reasoning is that Harlow has life experience making paper in the Amazon (not what I would call "community development experience") and Buddington because he is the "green" candidate. Hey, it's their paper. Go for it.
Eagle Endorses Mayor Barrett
The Berkshire Eagle has endorsed Mayor John Barrett III to be re-elected to a 12th term as Mayor of North Adams.
Clarence Thomas Loves Milwaukee!
This article, from the WorldNetDaily , is in response to an editorial by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel in which it claims that Clarence Thomas is not really black because he does not represent the "views of mainstream black America."
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Tremblay Wrong on Tax Issue
City Council candidate Chris Tremblay has publically stated his support for revising the city's tax classification ,which would increase the tax rate residential homeowners would pay.
The Bench Story
iberkshires.com has the bench story here today. Two questions: Was the woman caller on the "Opinion" show a Tremblay relative, and how low can someone go as to use there Grandma for political gain?
Here's the Transcript article from today, and the photo of the $133.00 bench.
What's Next, Flying Turkeys?
I guess the campaign has sunk to the level of publicity stunts instead of talking about real issues that affect the citizens of North Adams. We need leadership in the council chambers that will actively look for answers, and a council that will work for the working families in the city. Buying benches on sale at Wal-Mart and plastering your own advertising on them does not take away from the fact that by supporting a revised tax classification plan, Mr. Tremblay is supporting a plan that would raise the average residential tax bill in North Adams by $200 - $300. Quite costly for some benches. Look through the smoke and mirrors, citizens, and see where the real cost will be felt. Look through the smoke and mirrors citizens, and see what the attention is trying to be diverted away from: Openly defying the Planning Board and the Mayor....again. And Mr. Moulton? How do you as a city councilor allow something like this at your place of business? You know the rules. You followed them at the General Store by going before the Planning Board. What happened? To paraphrase Les Nesmith, "As God as my witness, I thought benches could fly."
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Temporary Store Ruffles Feathers
UPDATE: Reports say that the store was shut down today by officials.
A temporary Toy and Clothing Discount store has opened up in the former Sofco building on State Street. Apparently, this is no different a situation than when the Chuck Homier Tool Sale comes to town, and can't be stopped. Who owns the building? At least they could make the company clean up a little bit, or hang their signs straight.
Bigger Fish To Fry
Word on the street is that someone who owns an Electrical Contracting business, and is a candidate for City Council, placed 2 benches on Main Street (Moulton's Pizzaria and Verizon) and 1 on Eagle Street (Gideon's Eatery) this morning. Is this the BIG campaign issue? A friggen bench? Aren't there more important things to talk about, like tax classification, nude dancing ordinances, city education, and the like? And did the contractor/candidate really have advertising for himself on the benches? 4th Floor, here he comes!
Friday's Transcript Editorial
I'm perfect for the position of City Councilor . I have municipal experience AND I am a new face in North Adams politics. The perfect combination!
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