A very nasty little culture war developed in Westford about three years ago over the issue of Columbus Day. A movement was launched to eradicate memories of the great explorer and discoverer of America, Christopher Columbus. The spin behind the effort was that his discovery almost led to the genocide of the native American population in America and that slavery was ushered into the North American continent. This measure was aggressively opposed and a pause took hold after a town-wide referendum on the question last fall essentially ended in a draw ( the ban Columbus faction won by 7 votes).
Holding Christopher Columbus singularly responsible for these evils is a gross distortion of historical fact. This distortion is one of several political machinations meant to maintain a divide among the American working population. The purpose of the division is to prevent and block the development of a unified front to reform American institutions and to expand economic opportunity for all. Don’t fall for this. Every country in the world has grievances within its populations. The United States, above them all, has made tremendous sacrifices in the search for Justice. No one else comes close.
If you vote Yes on this article you will not dismiss the heritage and suffering of America’s indigenous population. This measure will retain that commemoration, but at the same time it will assert that it is not necessary to condemn other parts of our heritage, as well. You will also serve notice to those who are seeking to divide us that you will not be fooled and that the history of all Americans deserves to be honored.
Town Tries To Make Best Of A Heavy Handed State Law
In 2021, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a bill that imposed zoning requirements on any municipality that was directly served by the MBTA or adjacent to such a community. By virtue of the fact that Littleton is an MBTA stop on the T’s Fitchburg line, Westford came under this edict. Some claim that it violates the Home Rule provisions of the state constitution. It does not. Home Rule expressly states that the state legislature can pass zoning measures, which are binding upon communities, provided such laws apply equally to all communities in the state. The state cannot engage in “spot zoning”. Because of a concern over the skyrocketing price of single-family homes and the lack of an alternative housing inventory, which is impeding state efforts to attract younger workers (ages 25-40), the legislature enacted the MBTA multi-family zoning by law. Originally, this was Governor Charlie Baker’s brain child.
All communities that fall under the state edict are required to identify zones that would permit the development of high density mixed used housing. Density requirements call for development that allows for 15 units per acre. A zone capable of supporting a minimum of 924 such units must also be established. The Westford plan potentially impacts 350 acres within the confines of Littleton and Powers Road, offering a maximum buildout capacity on paper of 5K. However, sewage and drainage limitations would limit buildout to a maximum of 3500 units. Town planner Geoff Morrissette has stated publicly that buildout even to that level is highly unlikely. Expanding the zoning area helps facilitate compliance with the law given the limitations created by the lack of a public sewage system.
From Westford’s perspective, the zoning plan seeks to accomplish several things. It seeks to shore up Westford’s eroding commercial tax base, which is forcing more of the tax burden onto residential tax payers. Multi-use zoning allows commercial units to be imbedded with residential units. Additionally, the Nashoba Valley Ski area is very interested in promoting a year-round program of activities that would hopefully attract residents to these units, while shoring up their own business, which has now expanded from one to two active operational seasons during the year. The plan also seeks to offer increased housing diversity to Westford. The plan calls for 10% of all units to be affordable (80% of the area’s median income) and 80% of the units would be workforce housing (120% of the area’s median income).
The town’s Master Plan Implementation Committee in 2017 recommended the town consider multi-family housing zones for the same reasons that the state seeks to do so, to attract younger workers to the area. Additionally, this zoning plan could conceivably allow for more housing opportunities for senior citizens as well, who might want to downsize but want to remain in the town. As far as voting recommendation is concerned, this is one that readers will have to make on their own. The issue is too close to call. One additional factor for consideration is that if the town refuses to comply with this law it could face legal action from the state. Reference developments in the town of Milton MA.
The Ed Cohen variety show on WCAT recently hosted Select Board members Scott Hazelton and John Cunningham for a discussion about the override. There was some good straight talk about this critical issue.
Override Budget With Stabilization Fund Will Head Town Meeting Agenda
Articles 1 through 4 at Saturday’s town meeting will all pertain to an unprecedented proposition 2 ½ override. Article 1 seeks approval to establishing and fund the override budget. We urge you to vote no. Article 2 seeks to established the override stabilization fund. We urge you to vote no. Article 3seeks to put money in the override stabilization fund. We also urge a no vote on this. If these items fail, a non-override budget must be approved (Article 4). We recommend a Yes vote.
IZON has met with town Moderator Angela Harkness, who advises that she will run a tight ship on Saturday. The meeting will start sharply at 9A. Registration begins at 8A. There will be a limit on the number of people allowed into the town meeting. Occupancy will becapped at 1600 persons. All speakers, except for Town Manager Kris Las, will be limited to 2 minutes to make their points. Las will be given 12 minutes to make the case for the override. Requests for special presentation time from the School Committee in support of the override, and from dissenting members of the FINCOM, in opposition, were all denied by the Moderator. She has also announced that she will not allow any reconsideration votes at this town meeting with one exception, if there is an error in the data that was presented to the voters. Under the rules adopted for the Westford Town Meeting (Town Meeting Time) she has that authority.
The rundown and recommendations on the other articles are as follows: Article 5, is a pro forma item- vote yes. Article 6 seeks supplemental appropriations for FY 2024. This moves money from town accounts that were not drawn down to those, that need to be bolstered- vote yes. Article 7 is an appropriation for the on-going Perchlorate issue- vote yes. Article 8 are the capital appropriations for FY 2024. Follow the FINCOM recommendations on this article. Some of these items may be challenged by the FINCOM – vote no with the FINCOM. Article 9calls for a bond to construct two PFAS treatment plants for 24M. This is being driven by an EPA mandate. No real choice here- vote Yes. Article 10will approve Community Preservation Committee funding for FY25. There is no issue with these expenditures. Article 11 seeks approval for revolving funds. These are fund that involve the town taking in money to support services- vote yes. Article 12 seeks approval to receive and appropriate money received from MGL Chapter 90 (traffic ticket revenue). Vote yes. Article 13 seeks approval to apply money from the Water Enterprise fund, which is not part of the town’s general operating budget, to the post employment benefit fund for the Water Enterprise employees- vote yes. Article 14 seeks approval from the town to expand relief from certain real estate taxes for veterans – vote yes. There are no issues with articles 15 through 17 which authorizes easements and updates the flood plains. Article 18 see below.
Article 19 seeks to establish rules for door-to-door canvassing. It proposes a bylaw that would require door to door solicitors, engaged in commercial business, to register with the police department, pay a fee and undergo a background check. There is a concern about the scope of this bylaw. Will it prohibit people from going door to door for signatures in political campaigns, and would it apply to groups like the Jehovah Witnesses ? This needs to be discussed at town meeting. Article 20proposes a Civil Fingerprinting Bylaw, which would require all Hawkers, Peddlers, Door to Door solicitors, Taxi drivers and Ice Cream Truck vendors to submit their fingerprints for a criminal reference check. Based on results of the check, the police would have the right to deny licenses to people. This is probably a good idea. Vote Yes. Article 21 gives the cemetery commissioners the authority to amend policy and procedures governing the town’s cemeteries. Vote Yes. Article 22 brings the issue of Columbus Day back on the agenda. See article below.
This is a very important town meeting. The results of this meeting will have a significant impact on your tax bill. It is important to attend and most importantly stay until the end, particularly if you were not happy with the referendum, that pushed Columbus Day off the town calendar.
Bodanza Edges Galvin, Lynch Scores Solid Victory Over Top GOP Establishment Figure
The race for the Worcester Middlesex seat on the Massachusetts Republican State Committee was settled early this morning. Attorney Mark Bodanza from Leominster edged out incumbent Dennis Galvin 7774 to 7242. Kathy Lynch scored an impressive victory over former MA GOP Executive Director and US Senate candidate Beth Lindstrom defeating her 8,568 votes to 5,873. The city of Leominster featured prominently in Bodanza’s success providing him with his margin of victory. Lynch consistently garnered more votes than Lindstrom across the entire district registering an impressive political victory. Both Bodanza and Lynch become the first two Republican state committee members to be elected in the new district. Dennis Galvin conceded victory in a phone call to Mark Bodanza this morning. Here are the results by town:
GALVIN SAYS THANKS TO HIS SUPPORTERS Last’s night’s results were disappointing, but its not like we haven’t been here before. Every set back forces a reflection on the commitment and effort that was expended. I have no regrets and though disappointed, I have not lost my heart or my will. I was beaten fairly and squarely in a very tight race. Mr. Bodanza applied a strategy that we anticipated and tried very hard to counter. In the final analysis he had more strength. The only way that political differences can be settled, and the only way that they should be settled is through the ballot box. I fully accept the result. This morning I offered Mr Bodanza my congratulations and my support as he and Kathy Lynch move forward to grapple with how to make the Mass Republican party competitive again. It is in all of our interests that they succeed.
I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to my campaign team and in particular to Colleen Harper, my campaign manager. She is an up and coming political talent, that is sure to make her mark in the future. I would like to thank all the volunteers who drove me around on my door to door campaign, the supporters who made calls and took signs, and everyone who voted for me. I was particularly edified at the result in Westford and Groton. I cannot thank the chairmen and the committees in those town enough. Congratulations to Kathy Lynch on a stunning victory. She has proven herself as an astute political strategist and organizer. Her presence ( Red Kathy Lynch signs) were everywhere in the district. She put together a very dedicated and impressive campaign team.
Lastly, thankyou to IZON nation, you all came out in force. There is more work coming and your willingness to turnout on key issues has made you a force to be reckoned with in the town of Westford. Fate has taken me out of this battle so that I can move to another. I am by no means out of politics. I will continue to defend American ideals and values and will work to ensure that they are incorporated into the fabric of our community.
DEEP AND TREACHEROUS PARTY DIVISIONS BECOME EVIDENT IN MEDIA RIFT
Kuhner And Diehl Face Regulatory Inquiry Over Alleged Smear of Howie Carr
MA GOP Chair Amy Carnevale has now laid to rest once and for all any doubt that Howie Carr is nothing more than a deceptive media profiteer working for the corrupt elements of the Mass Republican Party. She recently filed a complaint with federal regulators over remarks allegedly made by Jeff Kuhner and Geoff Diehl on Kuhner’s WRKO morning radio program, which cast serious aspersions on Carr’s integrity as a journalist. Carnevale’s action has revealed a link between Carr and the corrupt Republican establishment in this state. Carr has been engaged in a long-standing deception posing as a solid Trump Republican, while launching vicious character assassinations against every legitimate conservative member of the Republican state committee. His front operation resembles the character and cynicism of his gangster heroes.
There are striking parallels between the political situation in Massachusetts and that of Norway and the Third Reich during WWII. When Hitler invaded Norway and enslaved the Norwegian people, he found a willing co-oppressor in Norwegian political figure Vikund Quisling. Hitler appointed Quisling as dictator of Norway and used his internal knowledge and contacts to suppress the brave Norwegian resistance. This gave rise to the highly defamatory slur “Quisling” to describe any person, who betrayed a movement they purported to support. There is also a parallel with William Joyce, infamously known as “ Lord Ha Ha” , a British subject, who joined the Nazi Reich as its chief radio propagandist, and who constantly attacked British Prime Minister Winston Churchill for refusing to see the world through the Nazi lense. Churchill was often betrayed as a leader, willing to put Great Britain on the path to suicide, if they resisted Nazi policies. It would appear that Jim Lyons is in pretty good company.
The question to ask in all of this mud slinging is “Qui Bono ? Who benefits”. It should seem clear that Carr’s actions and comments serve the interest of the Quisling faction within the Massachusetts Republican Party. This faction benefits from the oppression exerted by the Progressive Democrats. Liberty and Democracy are under challenge in our nation and most intensely in Massachusetts.
Freedom loving bay-staters must get to know who the Quislings and the Lord Ha Ha’s are, if they are going to successfully resist the insane progressive quest for world domination.
Ending Resistance To Federal Immigration Law And Removal of Incentives Is Called For
In an ironic twist of circumstances, the Mass Republican State Committee met at the Holiday Inn in Dedham MA last evening, surrounded by illegal migrants being housed there on order of Governor Healey, and passed a resolution calling for heightened enforcement of immigration law and ending state incentives for illegal- immigration. This was the last meeting of the committee’s 2020-2024 session.
A resolution sponsored by state committee members Dennis Galvin and Maureen Maloney committed the state committee to full support of House Resolution # 2 in the US Congress, sponsored by House Republicans, which would require the US to complete construction of a border wall, conduct mass deportations, end catch and release, tighten and improve Border Patrol organization, significantly scale back asylum qualifications and toughen E Verify requirements for employers. The resolution also called for the state to end, sanctuary city policies, driver’s licenses to illegal migrants, access to housing and welfare benefits and mandatory sheltering.
In his remarks in support of the resolution, Dennis Galvin said that the nation is far “more vulnerable to internal terrorist attack today than it was on September 11th 2001.” Galvin also laid the blame for the current immigration crisis directly at the feet of President Biden and those in the Federal government, who support his dereliction with regard to border and immigration enforcement.
In a rare show of party unity, the resolution passed by a unanimous vote.
PARTY FINANCES STILL SUPPORT A FAVORED FEW
Fundraising Continues To Lag Behind, Leaving the Party In The Red
The embattled and highly controversial party treasurer Patrick Crowley failed to make an appearance at the last MA State Committee meeting last evening, which closed out the 2020-2024 session, leaving many questions about the disposition of party funds and who is benefitting from them. While not present, Crowley did submit a “Cash Basis Income Statement: for January 2024, which showed the party taking in 121K in receipts and dishing out 130K in expenses. Big Ticket expenses were 9K to Dave Drummond, the party’s fundraising consultant, 5K to Red Curve the party’s compliance consultant and 15.5K for rent, now increased due to the move of party headquarters back to Boston. Other significant expenses included a 5K contribution to the Senator Peter Durant campaign and 11.5K related to events associated with the special election and other party functions. Travel and lodging expenses were also significant at 48K.
There has been on-going controversy surrounding the retention of both Dave Drummond and Red Curve as they were both implicated in an audit report released in 2020 by then state party chair Jim Lyons showing significant financial shortcomings in the handling of the party’s funds. The increase in travel and lodging costs remains a concern and was another area of focus in the Lyon’s audit.
STATE COMMITTEE TO CHANGE AFTER MARCH 5TH PRIMARY
Balance of Power May Shift Toward Conservative, Baker Faction Is Now History
Last night’s meeting of the Mass Republican State Committee represented the close out of the 2020-2024 state committee session. The entire committee will be reorganized following the results of the March 5th primary. The last four years were marked by constant controversy and turmoil as two factions bitterly fought for control of the party. One faction closely aligned with Governor Baker, vehemently fought against reforms sought by former chair Jim Lyons, who wanted to change the focus of the party’s efforts away from the Governor toward legislative seats.
Now that access to patronage and influence has dried up many of the members of the so-called “Baker Faction” are leaving. Among the more outspoken members of that group, who will not be returning are: Treasurer Patrick Crowley, John Miller, Michael Valanzola, Lyndsey Valanzola, Susan Smiley, Patrick Stanton Cross, Nancy Stanton Cross and Matt Sisk. Some long-time conservative reformers, who stood strong during the numerous confrontations with this faction, will also not be returning. They include: Marty Lamb, Jay Barrows, Amanda Orlando, Joyce Kelly, Deb Duggan, Deb Martell, Pat St Aubin and Brendon O’Connell.
Alexander Hamilton reminded the members of the first Constitutional Convention, when they first convened, that the revolutionary emphasis had now shifted away from the pursuit of liberty toward the distribution of power. The contest over this distribution is always vigorous and often ugly. Those members who served in the state committee during the 2020-2024 session got an upfront and very personal lesson in Hamiltonian civics.
BEWARE OF FALSE REPUBLICAN BRANDS
Pirates Attempt To Capitalize Off the GOP Name
State Committeewoman Kathy Lynch raised an issue with Chair Amy Carnevale last evening over the fact that pirate organizations are now attempting to use the Mass GOP brand to promote some candidates for state committee and discredit others. She specifically identified one group called “ Mass GOP Reformers”. Lynch quoted state law to assert that this was unlawful and she called for action against such pirates. This opened a broader discussion on the use of the Republican name and whether the phrase “MA GOP” could be considered pirating the Republican name. The chair was asked to send out a press release that would identify those brands that were mimicking the Mass Republican State Committee. The Chair responded that an internal committee headed by Mark Townsend had been established to address that issue and that this matter would be referred to them.
Westford Republican Town Committee 