I guess the issue is worth talking about.. the point of the article seems to be that the police in our town, like many others, work a lot of overtime as a method of increasing their pay. This is no surprise.

If people thought this was unfair, they could push to have the town hire more officers (being below the recommended number of officers is what drives the others having to work overtime), or push for more civilian flagmen put into the detail work.

The chief has asked repeatedly for more officers. Each year we just don’t have the money to hire more. And face it, hiring more does increase the benefits cost as well (health care and future retirement).  Its a balance between costs today for overtime or costs later for benefits. Everyone seems to be choosing to pay overtime.

What about the State Rep Race?

When it comes to the topic of employee benefits for elected officials, the topic came up again yesterday on Saturday Morning Live with Warren Shaw (980 AM on Saturday Mornings from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m.).

Shaw asked a hypothetical question. “Shouldn’t we be asking the same question that we’ve been asking our local officials.. whether they should sacrifice some of their benefits in a tough economy.. to the candidates for State Representative?”

If we are asking the towns to sacrifice.. shouldn’t the people at the state level do the same?

Its an interesting question.. with interesting consequences.

To be held at the Dracut High School, the fair will be open from 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m.

All proceeds are in support of the High School Performing Arts programs.

Conspiracy theorists have started rumors that its a set-up. that Garry will drop out at the last minute and pave the way for Cox to take the Democratic nomination unopposed.
“I hadn’t heard that,’ Cox told The Column. “I hate to say it. That’d be nice, but I don’t think that’s going to happen. I think Colleen’s in it to run. I’d be surprised if that happens.”
Garry also squashed the rumor.
Asked if she plans to leave the race, Garry replied: “No, absolutely not.. I’m not running for re-election. On a personal note, I am disappointed (Bob Cox) chose to run. It’s going to put a lot of our mutual friends in a tough situation.

When speaking to Cox this week, it was obvious to me that he was running on his own initiative and that he knew that Garry was not too pleased about it.

Bob Cox, a current Selectman in town, has the ambition to move into the representative position, and this race in the “Scott Brown era,” seems like the right opportunity for him.

Cox joins School Committee Chair Matt Sheehan– and independent, as well as Republican Town Committee member George Boag and independent George Geist in the race for the position of State Representative.

Special thanks to Signature Sponsor TD Bank , with a donation of $3000.00, and to all the volunteers sponsors and entertainers, as well as all those who made donations of items, services and cash that made this happen.

Not much time tonight, so I’ve just converted one clip tonite of the DHS Acappella Vocal Ensemble doing a Jackson medley..

I’ve been in touch with Brian Bond throughout the day. He was quite upset with the Lowell Sun this morning, and tracked down letters from the manager of his bank, the Lowell Treasurer’s office, and is soon going to contact the Sun. In an email I received from him we read:

This e mail is from David McGurl City of Lowell Treasurer confirming payment of a $970 water bill and a tax bill of $250. This e mail is also in reference to the letter I sent you earlier today from Mercantile Bank. As soon as the City Attorney approves the letter written by Treasurer David McGurl clearing Bond Properties LLC from from owing back Real Estate Taxes.

(the remainder of the email I am not posting to protect Brian’s private information).

A letter from the Tax Department of the City of Lowell shows that Brian Bond actually has a credit account of 94.12. He was mistakenly credited in that report to the Lowell Sun for properties formerly owned by his father, James.  Letter from City of Lowell and Mercantile Bank

A front page article on today’s Lowell Sun has a sidebar listing the top 20 commercial and residential “tax scofflaws.”

The top 20 commercial list includes Bond Properties, LLC, owning 3 properties owing $112,246.

I did some quick research to verify that Bond Properties, LLC was owned by Selectman Candidate Brian Bond, and called him immediately for response.

“Its totally false, a fabrication.. and I’ll be checking with the city right away and call you back.” Brian said.

He went on to say he only owns the one property on 101 to115 Tanner Street (on the corner of 147 Cambridge st).

“I just refinanced that building, just closed on a refinance. The refinance paperwork says the property has a $972 annual tax bill, and its up to date.” he said.

Checking with the Sun, they tell me that the list came from the City of Lowell Treasurer’s office, and that it states clearly above the list that some listed below “may no longer own the property or properties.”

Reviewing the land deeds for Lowell, I also find on the the one property showing transactions on it by Bond Properties, LLC, with the latest tax lien being closer to what Bond said, and which he told me had been cleaned up — was a tenant who didn’y pay a water bill . (this form was one of many documents on the property). A search through http://www.lowelldeeds.com finds these records easily.

A Summer Camp program being sponsored by the Dracut Recreation Department, still has openings for chilren who are currently in grades 1 through 3.

A one week program running from July 12-16 from 9:00 a.m. until noon, its designed to help children learn engineering principles using Lego blocks.

Cost: $160.00 per child

The class is filling up fast. Call the Rec Department for more information (978) 458-4478.

See the flyer here.

I’m told there are still some spaces available, for More Information Call the Dracut Recreation Office at (978) 458-4478.

Summer Basketball Signups will be in May.

We’re looking forward to the kids playing on the new courts being contructed at Dillon-McInespie Park.

Selectman Bob Cox reminded me as well, that Bowdoin was responsible for the funding for the installation of the new tot swings at Veteran’s Park.

Bowdoin had donated the funds last fall, in memory of his mother.

Installation was completed last week, and with the weather so great, I’m sure the park will be busy this week with visitors from all over.

Congratulations to Steve on his win, and thanks from the town.