Cambridge City Council and You

Why I Decline Campaign Finance Funds and Spending

2010-09-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

The Title Should be:

Not All Gubernatorial candidates debate on Primary Day

By GLEN JOHNSON AP Political Writer
Published: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 11:53 a.m. Last Modified: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 11:53 a.m.

http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20100914/APN/1009140635?Title=Mass-governor-candidates-debate-primary-night

Bay State Future started spending $650,000 this week on an ad criticizing Baker for developing a key Big Dig financing plan while serving as budget chief in the Weld and Cellucci administrations.

Tonight, WBZ Radio Dan Rea is hosting a debate between the three of the four candidates for governor. The three men were invited, the one woman was not. Dr Jill Stein is being excluded, and so far, the folks at WBZ Radio have declined to provide any reason why, nevermind a valid reason.

http://wbz.cbslocal.com/2010/09/14/baker-cahill-patrick-debate-tonight-on-wbz/

Baker, Cahill, Patrick debate tonight on WBZ

Staff
Politics,WBZ News
9/14/2010
9:03 am

Charles Baker, Timothy Cahill, Deval Patrick (AP)

Candidates for Massachusetts governor will be competing today, but only in a debate on WBZ NewsRadio 1030.

Democrat Deval Patrick, Republican Charles Baker and independent candidate Timothy Cahill aren’t facing primary election challenges and will face off in the November second general election.

Tonight’s debate on WBZ’s Nightside with Dan Rea is set to begin just as polls are closing at 8 o’clock.

Jill Stein (WBZ-TV)
Stein allowed into Sept. 21 debate

A consortium of media outlets has decided to allow Green Rainbow candidate Jill Stein to participate in a Sept. 21 televised gubernatorial debate.

Stein’s campaign had received a letter Friday informing her that she hadn’t met the criteria set by The Boston Globe, WCVB-TV, WHDH-TV, WGBH-TV, New England Cable News and WBUR.

That includes having raised at least $100,000 by Oct. 1 and reaching at least 5 percent in an independent poll.

The consortium issued a statement Monday saying its has reviewed Stein’s qualifications and that she’s met all except raising the $100,000. Since Oct. 1 falls after the debate, the consortium agreed to allow her in.

Today we heard that the Media Consortium, The Boston Globe, WCVB-TV, WHDH-TV, WGBH-TV, New England Cable News and WBUR, had agreed to include her in their next debate, only because it came before Oct 1, their deadline for Candidates to have raised $100,000. Now, I must say that I have a problem with this, called conflict of interest. Since the media has a duty to we the people, and they stand to benifit from campaign finance funds, it would seem that they are saying that if a candidate does not purchase campaign advertising with the media they will not be invited to the debates. How very crass.

It should be no surprise to anyone, after the historic vote two years ago, to elect a president, and change we can believe in. Instead, the majority of Americans polled believe we got more of the same, and they also believe there is little difference between Republicans and Democrats. Both Republicans pols and democrat Pols are pushing back this perception, each claiming they hace the solutions to the very real and serious challenges we the people are facing. But do they? Does anyone believe that jobs will be created if Republicans are elected? If democrats can create jobs, what are they waiting for?

http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/do_not_pity_the_democrats_20100913/
Do Not Pity the Democrats

By Chris Hedges

There are no longer any major institutions in American society, including the press, the educational system, the financial sector, labor unions, the arts, religious institutions and our dysfunctional political parties, which can be considered democratic. The intent, design and function of these institutions, controlled by corporate money, are to bolster the hierarchical and anti-democratic power of the corporate state. These institutions, often mouthing liberal values, abet and perpetuate mounting inequality. They operate increasingly in secrecy. They ignore suffering or sacrifice human lives for profit. They control and manipulate all levers of power and mass communication. They have muzzled the voices and concerns of citizens. They use entertainment, celebrity gossip and emotionally laden public-relations lies to seduce us into believing in a Disneyworld fantasy of democracy.

So, here you have it, both Republicans and Democrats are focused on getting elected, or re-elected, and in order to win a job for themselves they are going after campaign contributions big time. The "lobbiests," read front men for the corporations, control the candidate selection process by giving or not giving campaign contributions. Now, in "progressive" MA, the so called media is trying to keep the one truely independent from the system of campaign finance corruption from the debates. You see, Corporate America has the MSM in a stranglehold.

More Violence in Cambridgeport

2010-08-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

Although the police in Cambridge prefer to keep the lid on stories like this, folks here want more transparancy. The issue is how to protect the rights of victims, and still respect the people's right to know.

Will Cambridge suffer when Governor Deval Patrick cuts the budget?

2009-10-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

Massachusetts state revenues are down 243 million dollars for September, while unemployment continues to increase. Economists claim there are signs of recovery, but we do not see those help wanted signs.

How are residents of Cambridge surviving these economic hard times? What effect does it have on local business? Were there warning signs that were ignored? Can the City meet it's obligations? We have already used emergency funds to keep the tax rate artificially low, what revenues can we turn to if the Governor Patrick cuts funds to Cambridge?

These and more questions should be what the City Council asks the City Manager, but will they? Stay tuned....

Climate Change Emergency In Cambridge MA Still Unsolved? Now, How Could That Be?

2009-09-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

Can we stop the DCR's destruction of the Urban Wilds along the Charles River Estuary,on the International North Atlantic Flyway, and protect the wildlife?

Thank you for sending the notice, copied below, to me, I will post it on my blog, asap, at http://votekathy.blogspot.com, and I will have it posted on the Captains Island Preservation and Protection blog, which I co founded with Marinly Wellons. I have beed advocating foreffective, meaningful and sustainable solutions to the Climate Change we are all expierencing, however, here in Cambridge most folks are satisfied with what some call green washing and others call wholly inadequate.

http://cipapa.blogspot.com/

In my opinion, the City still fails to take this isses seriously. Too many folks continue to make this a political bone of contention, and satisfy themselves bad mouthing the other party, the other organization, the other theory, and sign onto not only weak initives but schemes that are worse than the problem they seek to cure.

Some examples I have opposed are building the Urban Ring, ANOTHER highway thru Cambridgeport, Area 4, and East Canmbridge, whicu the so called environmentalists claim will be good for the environment. Another campaign I strongly oppose, and which I campaigned against when I ran for City Council 2 years ago, it bio fuels and ethanol which uses farm land to produce fuel. The City pushed thru a mandate for taxis to use this, its in the pubmps, and will be, if not already, be in heating fuel. This results in the contamination of water, including thew Gulf of Mexico, contributes to the rise in fuel prices, and contributes to the growing world wide food shortages and last years rice riots.

I am an advocate for pasive solutions, such as solar water and energy, with micro solar being locally manufactured and made available to homeowners, as well as joint ventures for/with large concerns, such as Hospitals, Universities, and commertial entities, be they for or free from profit.

One question I have for all of those who join groups, and/or preach "green energy" is why have you turned your backs on the environmental destruction going on right here in Cambridge, on our City Squares, in your very own neighborhoods, and along the Charles River? You want to make changes, and tell the State, Washington DC, Corporations and the world what to do? But you can't speak the truth to your elected City Council, nor oppose the DCR? If we cannot take care of our own back year, if we rubber stamp the destruction here, if we turn our backs at home, who outside Cambridge do yoy expect will take us seriously?

And, yes, I did convert to the energy effecient lightbulbs, the ones laced with Murcury, but, folks, where are the plans to deal with the fall out from recycling these time bombs?

take care, now, and do visit my blogs

Subject: [PSNA] announcement for distribution--in text and attachment
To: psna@portersquare.net
Date: Friday, September 18, 2009, 11:40 PM

==> HOW URGENT IS THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY? <==

· WHAT SHOULD THE CITY DO?
· WHAT SHOULD RESIDENTS DO?

After recognizing the existence of a climate emergency on May 11, 2009, the Cambridge City Council will hear from scientists about why climate is changing, what impacts to expect, and what response is needed at a Special Meeting of the Council at City Hall on September 24th at 5:30 pm.

Speakers will be Dr. Melanie Fitzpatrick of the Union of Concerned Scientists, Dr. Jill Stein of Physicians for Social Responsibility, Dr. Frank Ackerman of the Stockholm Environmental Institute at Tufts University and Dr. John Sterman of MIT Sloan School of Management.

If you want Cambridge to be a leader in responding to the global emergency,
—Come to the hearing on Sept. 24 to let the City Council know, and
—Please forward this notice to friends.

Background:

Ø Last March, more than 2,500 climate experts from 80 countries, assembled for an emergency meeting in Copenhagen to prepare for the UN Climate Change Conference in December, declared that

· "the climate system is already moving beyond patterns of natural variability within which our society and economy have developed and thrived;"

· "the worst-case IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) scenario projections (or even worse) are being realized;"

· "there is a significant risk that many of the trends will accelerate, leading to a risk of abrupt or irreversible climatic shifts;" and

· "there is no excuse for inaction."

Ø In December 2002, the City of Cambridge adopted a Climate Protection Plan with the goal of reducing the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) city-wide 20% below 1990 levels by 2010.

Ø Despite the efforts of City staff and others the City has fallen far short of this goal.

For more information see http://greencambridge.wikispaces.com/Calendar+of+Events
The meeting should appear on Cambridge cable TV channel 8.

Marjorie Decker Spins Her Tales: Fibs, Lies, and Barking At Civil Rights Laws

2009-09-18T14:59:00.000-07:00

Now I hate dogs, now I love dogs....now dogs are a health threat, now dogs are therapudic...woof, woof, watch Majorie Decker spin her tales....

"I bring a dog to visit my father every week, because dogs are very therapudic."

{{Although Marjorie claimes to be confronted unexpectedly by the presence of my (service) dog at this City Council meeting, she is not. In fact, at the previous meeting she requested that I sit on the far side of the public seating section, which I agreed to do, because she wasn't taking her meds due to alergie testing. Then, at this meeting, I went right to the requested and agreed upon seating, thirty feet away from her. Notice how neither she, nor ken reeves tells the public that I had already 'accomodated" her "allergie." When I first filed the MCAD complaint, she claimed she was not alergic to all dogs, just dogs like mine. Huh? Can you believe it? Why didn't Marjorie explain how nicely I agreed to sit on the far side, and in the back, immediately upon her request?}}

In this video, in the second part, Marjorie Decker explaines how she brings a therapy dog to visit her father every week. However, in her reply to my MCAD complaint about her and ken reeves calling the police to try and expel me from a public City Council meeting, Marjorie Decker claims that the very presence of a guide dog poses a direct threat to the health of other people, equivelant to the health threat caused by cigarette smoke.

Pardon me, but if guide dogs are a health threat like cigarette smoke, why does Marjorie Decker bring a dog to visit her father? Wouldn't that pose a direct threat to his health?

Wait a min, in the first half, she claims that she has allergies to dogs. Oh, oh! Marjorie Decker, I think you are pulling someone's tail!

By the way, Ken Reeves, when an individual with a disability, accompianied by a trained service dog, attends a public City Council meeting, it is not an entitlement, it is a civil right. Segregation is NOT a reasonable accomodation.

The DOJ stated then, as now, that the City's "offer" to me of "reasonable accomodation" is neither reasonable, nor appropiate. In fact, it is a violation of law. Segregation, by definition, is discrimination, and is a fundamental basis for civil rights laws.

42 U.S.C. § 12182 : US Code - Section 12182

Chapter 126; Subchapter iii Section 12182

(a) General rule
No individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of
disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services,
facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of any place
of public accommodation by any person who owns, leases (or leases
to), or operates a place of public accommodation.

(b) Construction

(1) General prohibition

(A) Activities

(i) Denial of participation
It shall be discriminatory to subject an individual or
class of individuals on the basis of a disability or
disabilities of such individual or class, directly, or
through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements, to a
denial of the opportunity of the individual or class to
participate in or benefit from the goods, services,
facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of an
entity.

(ii) Participation in unequal benefit
It shall be discriminatory to afford an individual or class
of individuals, on the basis of a disability or disabilities
of such individual or class, directly, or through
contractual, licensing, or other arrangements with the
opportunity to participate in or benefit from a good,
service, facility, privilege, advantage, or accommodation
that is not equal to that afforded to other individuals.

(iii) Separate benefit
It shall be discriminatory to provide an individual or
class of individuals, on the basis of a disability or
disabilities of such individual or class, directly, or
through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements with a
good, service, facility, privilege, advantage, or
accommodation that is different or separate from that
provided to other individuals, unless such action is
necessary to provide the individual or class of individuals
with a good, service, facility, privilege, advantage, or
accommodation, or other opportunity that is as effective as
that provided to others.

(iv) Individual or class of individuals
For purposes of clauses (i) through (iii) of this
subparagraph, the term "individual or class of individuals"
refers to the clients or customers of the covered public
accommodation that enters into the contractual, licensing or
other arrangement.

(B) Integrated settings
Goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and
accommodations shall be afforded to an individual with a
disability in the most integrated setting appropriate to the
needs of the individual.

(C) Opportunity to participate
Notwithstanding the existence of separate or different
programs or activities provided in accordance with this
section, an individual with a disability shall not be denied
the opportunity to participate in such programs or activities
that are not separate or different.

Should The City of Cambridge Continue to Spend Taxpayer's Dollars Trying to Ban Guide Dogs From City Council Meetings?

2009-09-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

Here a a video, where I discuss how "education" as a method to enforce civil rights of people with disabilities who use guide dogs, or service dogs, has failed.

One reason people file law suits is because other people refuse to obey the law, and choose to remain ignorant. here in Cambridge MA there is an actual effort to also ban accurate information about what Civil Rights laws are, and how to obey them.

Considering that in the Montero case, the City had an opportunity, early on, to settle the case, but refused to do so, and now the $$$$$ are up to a reported $4.5 million, should the City continue to refuse to settle the Podgers v City of Cambridge, et al, service dog in City Council case?

This should make howling good copy if it lands in federal court.

By the way, does anyone know of any other City Council in America that has banned Service Dogs? What is the MCAD's position on this? Segregation, by definition, is discrimination. Can Marjorie and Ken really segregate people with disabilities who use guide dogs? When will we ever learn?

Homeless In America? One of the Greatest Social Disasters of the 20th Century.

2009-09-16T16:21:00.000-07:00

The Criminalization of the mentaly Disabled in America

I found this video to be very well done. Please take some time and watch this.

Whenever discussions about "the homeless" in Cambridge arises, one should understand that many individuals are UNABLE to fend for themselves. That is why they are called disabled. Not everyone who is mentally ill is disabled by their condition, but many are. Should we turn our backs on them, like we did in the Dark Ages, or should we work to craft programs to assist them to live as independently as possible, while providing them with the proper level of support needed?

Do you think mentally disabled people are doing their homless thing deliberately? Do you believe mental illness has something to do with "will power" or lazyness? Do you wonder why they don't just cut it out and get a job like everyone else? Perhaps compassion is what we need to understand that there but for God,......

Should the DCR be Permitted to Cut Down the Mature Urban Forrest Along Memorial Drive?

2009-09-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

DCR Plans Destruction Of Hundreds Of Healthy Mature Trees On Memorial Drive, Along The Charles River In Cambridge

Mass State Department of Conservatopn and Recreation is progressing with it's plans to destroy HUNDREDS of healthy mature trees along Memorial Dr in Cambridge MA. Marilyn Wellons of CIPAPA and Friends of the White Geese is not your "ordinary" tree hugger. She has attended most, if not all meetings held by the DCR in their vain attempt to garner public support for their destructive policies. Not only has the DCR failed to get the public support it desired, but thousands have writen, signed petitions, and just plain voiced negative opinions during public testimony at pubmic meetings. Still, the DCR buldozes ahead, I am not exagerating, with the development of this precious riverfront resource.

Here is an exerpt from Marilyn's recent letter to the Cambridge Conservation Commission:

"In addition to protecting water quality, the Wetlands Protection Act, WPA, charges the Commission with protection of all habitat in wetland and associated areas, not simply habitat of rare or endangered species. Please note, then, that this project does not restore habitat critical to the health of our metropolitan area. Rather, it destroys it. Memorial Drive here, now, is indisputably habitat to hawks, small mammals, waterfowl and other birds, including migrants. Its mature trees and woody and herbaceous plants from the river to its northern side provide food and shelter for them. The plants beauty and shade constitute human habitat essential for our physical, mental, and spiritual re-creation. Their photosynthesis sequesters carbon from passing cars and improves the air for all. The trees and smaller plants along the shore and banks also prevent erosion. One, Amorpha fruticosa, is used elsewhere in the United States for the erosion control that is central to water quality here as well. The discussion of this plant at 3.3 Invasive Species is more than disturbing. A. fruticosa holds the bank for free. The DCR will eradicate it. Resprouts from the deep-growing roots that make it so valuable for erosion control will be treated with Rodeo. On its face this plan is contrary to the WPA."

Here is Marilyn's comment...

"The DCR is not content with stewardship of a mature landscape on the Charles. It is hungry for projects to serve its own bureaucratic needs and its design-development constituents. It will devour that landscape to get a project, as here."

Estimates of $6 to $8 millions of taxpayers money will be wasted on this wanton destruction of habitat. It is ironic, considering that the DCR recently cried poor when they abruptly closed 21 of 27 public swimming pools around the state in Mid August, in the midst of a hot humid heat wave. The pools shut down were in Lowell, Lawrence, Everett, Somerville, Brighton, Brocton, Worchester, Springfield, So Hadley, among others.

Here I am, answering questions at the City Council candidates forum

2009-09-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

Here I am, speaking at the candidates forum sponsored by the East Cambridge Planning Team and the League of Women Voters at the Marlowe Hotel September 9, 2009.

I qant to thank Roy Bercaw for this video.

Can We Trust Elected Officials To Know What Clean or Green Energy Is?

2009-09-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

This video speaks for itself. I hope everyone begins to question the non-sustainable, "Green Energy" solutions being advocated by some folks whth a limited, narrow focus, lacking in the wider view of "how does this affect the environment?

Plese note the debate re "clean coal." I would also raise the issue of using farm land do "grow" fuel, which has the nasty, unintended conseqquense of contaminating water, driving up the cost of fuel, and contributing to the world wide food shortage and rice riots. This is why I whole-heartedly oppose bio-fuel economics.

T H I N K

Always ask this question...What makes this green? What is the downside? Who makes money on this scheme?

Is Segregation of the Disabled Different Than Segregation Based on Race or Religion?

2009-09-13T09:05:00.000-07:00

GU Student Sues Popular D.C. Bar After Wheelchair Incident
posted 11:44 pm Wed September 09, 2009 - WASHINGTON from ABC 7 News

http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0909/657848.html

Taylor Price, a Georgetown U student who uses a wheelchair since a spinal cord injury 5 years ago, claims he was discriminated against when he tried to head for the piano to enjoy the music with his friends. The manager at the bar insisted he "sit in the corner" because he presented a "safety hazard" to the bar.

Here in Cambridge, City Councillor Marjori Decker, and Ken Reeves want to ban people with disabilities who are accompianied by service dogs to a seperate room, where they can "watch City Council meetings on TV."

Do folks see this as unlawful segregation, or as a good way to "accomodate people with disabilities? What does Federal Civil Rights laws say about segregation? In fact, opposing segregation as a "solution" is the very basis of Federal Civil Rights law.

Price has filed a law suit, and I have filed a complaint with the MCAD, because we believe we should not be excluded from the full and equal enjoyment of the activities in question. What do you think? Is it segregation to exclude PWDs from some areas where other members of the public are allowed?

How would you feel if we told African Americans that they had to sit in the corner, or watch City Council meetings on TV in a seperate room? Woulkd you see that as segregation? Or perhaps we should have a seperate seating section for Jews? I wonder if Michael Muehe, the City's ADA coordinator would agree that wheelchair users pose a safety hazard, and agree to their segregation?

Why has the current City Council not addressed this issue? Will it end up like the Montero case, costing Cambridge taxpayers millions of dollars? I have "won" probable cause, and prevailed against the City's appeal, yet the City refuses to settle. And what am I aslking? I am not asking for millions of dollars, I am asking for the City to obey the Civil Rights Act of 1990, Public Law 101-336, otherwise known as the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Service dogs should be welcome at all public meetings, especially City Council meetings.

Sgt James Crowley had 8 Previous Citizen Complaints Against Him Including Racial Profiling

2009-08-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

Are the Cambridge police capable of policing their own?

It is a difficult decision for a citizen, especially one who resides within Cambridge and must face these police every day, to actually go forward and file a complaint against a police officer, at the police station. I believe that for every complaint filed, there are a dozen who didn’t file the complaint, either because they did not know they could do so, or due to concerns about retaliation.

Reports that 8 citizen complaints had been filed against Sgt James Crowley were finally released today, weeks after the highly publicized arrest of the disabled Harvard professor at his own home. However, at the time of the arrest and droping of all charges of the Harvard professor, news media swarmed the story, repeating over and over again police assertions that Crowley was an exemplemary cop, who teaches a course on racial profiling, and could therefore never have behaved in an unfair way toward the professor. The MSM demeaned the Harvard professor, further, by repeting the police union's and the police commissioner's praise for both Crowley and for police proceedures. The media stories failed to include the fact that 8 other citizens had filed formal complaints, including two that alledged racial bias, because the police withheld this information.

http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2009/08/20/cambridges_sergeant_crowley_cleared_in_8_citizen_complaints/

How different the national story would have read if this information had been redily available..."Cop with 8 past complaints does it again!"

We learn that the police deemed none of the complaints against crowley to have any merit whatsoever.

What that shows is that the police, believing themselves members of “The Brotherhood,” take care of their own.

It shows is that these 8 complaints were whitewashed.

What it also shows is what I explained twice to Police Commissioner Robert Haas, “If you don’t hold Sgt James Crowley accountable, he will keep on doing it, and eventually he will do it to the wrong person.”

Should The DCR Close Public Pools In Mid August?

2009-08-18T21:23:00.000-07:00

The Department of Conservation and Recreation has closed public pools in cities of Lowell, Brocton, Springfeild, Allston-Brighton, Worchester, Everett, Cambridge, Somerville, Lawrence, and more. The kids and working families that live in these cities have no way to get to lakes and ocean beaches.

This comes in the midst of a heat wave. It was 94 yesterday and 95 today, with high humidity making folks feel miserable and Cities declaring a heat emergency, opening "cooling centers."

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20090819kids_all_hot__bothered_pools_closed_as_temps_soar/

The State of Mass claims they are too poor to keep pools open for "poor" kids.

However, the City of Boston operates 20 public pools, and Mayor Menino is extending the hours the Boston pools will be open until 9pm.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/08/19/city_hits_95_degrees_matches_record/

Two pools that were schedualled to close Monday, in Cambridge, recieved a one week reprieve, when City and State pols worked with the DCR to have the city pay half the funding. This even though the DCR claims it's not money, but that the lifeguards are college students who have left to return to college. The DCR claims that it costs $12,000 weekly to operate each pool.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/cambridge/news/x772306071/Magazine-Beach-pool-closed-after-chlorine-spill

I believe the DCR pools should be opened from Memorial day on weekends until schools close for summer, then daily thru Labour Day. DCR should have plans to open earlier in May and later in September when heat waves come early, like last year, or late as sometimes happens. This year we had plenty of cool rainy days until barely a month ago, and now the pools are being closed in Mid August, in Mid summer, with no place for kids to go.

DCR runs the pools and answers to the Stewardship Council which oversees DCR and all things environmental. RAISE YOUR VOICE AND BE HEARD! SEND AN EMAIL.

Please submit any comments to the Stewardship Council in written form via email c/o Jeff Daley at jeff.daley@state.ma.us or via mail to DCR Stewardship Council, c/o Jeff Daley, 251 Causeway Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114.

Call your State reps and senators. This is not just about where you swim, but serving a public need for those who are in need.

Should Public Servants In Powerful Positions of Responsibility, Like the Transportation Secretary be Allowed to Lie With Impunity?

2009-08-12T20:09:00.000-07:00

Today widespread disatisfaction with Mass Transportation Secretary Aloisi could be heard from Republicans, newspapers, TV and radio news, not to mention talk shows. At issue is the lack of transparancy, to state it mildly, or more frankly, the lies being told by Aloisi about the ouster of the MBTA's General Manager.

The video above shows Aloisi promising to be truthful going forward, but the Boston Globe published emails between Aloisi and Dan Grabauskas that shows it was in fact Aliosi who pushed for the unpopular fare increase, not the Grabauskas. What has folks truely upset, is that even after Grabauskas came out and explained he opposed the fare increase, Aloisi, and Gov Deval Patrick continued to misinform "We The People" claiming, falsly, that Dan Grabauskas was at fault, when in fact it was Aloisi.

Even as more heads roll at the MBTA, major TV news reports that it is not only the Republicans that want Aloisi out, but prominant Democrats as well. Voters calling in to talk radio are now blaming Gov Patrick, because, most of them point out, deval Patrick should have known who Aloisi was, and what a great manager Graubauskis is.
http://www.bradjonesonline.com//admin/documents/repository/275/Aloisi_ResignationLetterToGov_11Aug2009.pdf
In addition many critized the Gov for his slander of Grabauskas, blaming him for the two trolly crashes, that investigation determined to be human error and not mismanagement.

We The people need to consider what level of transparancy we are comfortable with, and how many lies and slanders we can tolerate from our elected officials. For myself, I cannot trust those in leadership positions who lie and blame others, unfairly. We need leaders we can trust, because we are also busy doing our jobs, and when we entrust public officials with the peoples business, we do not expect betrayal.

Meanwhile, the toll inequity law suit against the Turnpike Athority is rolling.
http://blog.tollequitytrust.com/

Should Cambridge MA Swimming Pools Be Open During Summer?

2009-08-12T15:56:00.000-07:00

Should outdoor public swimming pools be open during the summer? Marty raises a good point, and I wonder how much money was spent to open the Magazine Beach pool from late June thru mid August? If any of you have this info, please share it with us all.

As many of you know, I have advocated for keeping our swimming pools open from Memorial Day thru Labour day, with contingency plans to open pools on weekends, earlier, or later, if hot weather dictates the need. I think that from Mem day through the end of the school year, shortened daytime hours, afternoons, and long weekends would suffice.

It seems unfair and unjust for those who live in the Harvard and MIT community, as well as those who have access to expensive private pool memberships can swim on these hot, humid summer days, while the children of our residents, taxpayers, and so called working poor, are to be denied what seems to me to be a basic service for City residents.

Shall we return to opening the fire hydrants? Please.

Will it cost money to open our pools to our children during the summer? You bet it will cost money! What better way to spend taxpayer's dollars, than to ensure a safe, healthy and fun way for children to expend their energy during hot hazy humid summer days?

Should Property Taxes Be Used to Pay for the MBTA?

2009-08-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

The MBTA "assessment" is raised aprox 2.5% yearly, and on Cambridge for 2010 it is $8,302,878 on some 101,000 population, or aprox $82.00 per person. However, the City passes this head tax on to property taxes, resulting in some individuals having to pay 2, 3 even 4 times their "fair share." seniors and people with disabilities are unfairly burdened by this "hidden property tax" to pay for the MBTA. Small business is also burdened, unfairly. And while some will claim it is a small amount of money, I see that those who ust the T to communt to work, and earn a good living, expect the poor, unemployed, seniors, disabled, even babies to pay this "small amount" for them. If it is such a "small amount" let those who work pay for their own transportation.

In what many believe to be bad politics, Gov Deval Patrick, through his appointees, has ousted The MBTA's General Manager, Dan Grabauskas, by paying off his contract in full, basically paying him not to show up for work. For now, the MBTA will have it's attorney to head up one of the largest public transportation systems, and surely one of the most diverse and troubled.

Among other things, the MBTA has it's own "private police force," opperates ferries, high speed rail service, and is working to fulfill agreements to end disacrimination based on disability due to the law suit filed by BCIL.

When Dan first came on to T management, he immediately vistied Towns and Cities, taking spontaneous questions, and listening to, and responding to comments from seniors to bike users. He has been most available and transparent, and fixed things from urine in the elevators to the "Hidden Service Cuts," a secret policy he ended last year, after I documented this "unofficial policy" with photos, bus numbers and times, to demonstarte that busses had been pulled off service routes without either hearings nor public notice.

What most folks do not realize is that the funding of the MBTA was changed, and not for the best, in 2000, with an effort to shift funding of the MBTA to property taxes. This is achieved through MBTA assessments on Cities and Towns, and cambridge pays over 8 million. property taxes now make up some 10% of the MBTA's budget. That is not progressive, it drives up rents, and I wonder just how many of you think property taxes is the right way to fund public transportation? Regressive enough for you?

The MBTA has a huge buget shortfall. How should they raise the funds? have your say..

Attend a public workshop or the public hearing We invite you to attend one of the public workshops to share your comments and discuss your suggestions with MBTA officials. The public hearing will be an opportunity to offer your recorded comments. Comments at all meetings will be considered by MBTA staff and Board of Directors for further action. A court reporter will be present at the public hearing to record comments.American Sign Language services and assistive listening devices available at all public workshops and hearings. All locations are accessible to persons with disabilities.

• Written comments will also be accepted through September 4, 2009 and should be
mailed to MBTA, Ten Park Plaza, Boston,MA 02116, Attention: Fare Proposal Committee.

• You can also submit your comments electronically at the MBTA website www.mbta.com
at fareproposal@mbta.com, and by phone at (617) 222-3200, TTY (617) 222-5146.

The schedule of public meetings, including a series of workshops and concluding with a formal hearing, is as follows:

Monday, August 10
Boston
Gardner Auditorium-State House
24 Beacon Street
4-7: P.M.
Interpreter: Chinese, Spanish
Written Material: Cape Verdean Creole,
Chinese, Haitian Creole, Italian, Spanish

NOTICE: Gov Patrick has cancelled all
the following public meetings....

Tuesday, August 11Revere
Garfield Elementary School
Auditorium
176 Garfield Ave.
5:30-7:30 P.M.
Interpreter: Spanish
Written Material: Khmer, Spanish

Wednesday, August 12
Braintree
Thayer Public Library
798 Washington Street
5:30-7:30 P.M.
Interpreter: Chinese
Written Material: Chinese

Thursday, August 13
Somerville
Somerville High School Auditorium
81 Highland Ave.
5:30-7:30 P.M.
Interpreter: Portuguese
Written Material: Haitian Creole, Portuguese,
Spanish

Monday, August 17
Salem
City Hall Annex, Room 313
120Washington Street, 3rd floor
6:00-8:00 P.M.
Written Material: Spanish

Tuesday, August 18Framingham
Town Hall - Blumer Room
150 Concord Street
6:00-8:00 P.M.
Interpreter: Portuguese
Written Material: Portuguese, Spanish

Wednesday, August 19Worcester
Union Station, Union Hall, 2nd Floor
2Washington Square
6:00-8:00 P.M.
Interpreter: Spanish
Written Material: Spanish

Thursday, August 20
Attleboro
City Hall Council Chambers
77 Park Street
6:00-8:00 P.M.
Written Material: Cape Verdean Creole,
Spanish

Monday, August 24Haverhill
Haverhill Public Library
99Main Street
6:00-8:00 P.M.
Interpreter: Spanish
Written Material: Spanish

Tuesday, August 25
Dorchester
Grove Hall Community Center
51 Geneva Ave.
5:30-7:30 P.M.
Interpreter: Cape Verdean Creole
Written Material: Cape Verdean Creole,
Spanish

Tuesday, August 25Roxbury
Roxbury Community College
Media Arts Center
1234 Columbus Ave.
5:30-7:30 P.M.
Interpreter: Haitian Creole
Written Material: Cape Verdean Creole,
Spanish

Wednesday, August 26Fitchburg
Fitchburg State College
Ellis White Lecture Hall
160 Pearl Street, Hammond Building
6:00-8:00 P.M.
Written Material: Spanish

PUBLIC HEARING
Thursday, August 27
Boston
State Transportation Building
10 Park Plaza
5:30-7:30 P.M.
Interpreter: Chinese, Spanish
Written Material: Cape Verdean Creole,
Chinese, Haitian Creole, Italian, Spanish

Are Mass Police Held to the Same Standards of Justice That "We The People" Are?

2009-08-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

Some people believe race was the problem in Crowley's arrest of Gates. Others see the problem as wider that just race.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/cambridge/news/opinions/letters/x2015101779/Letter-Gates-arrest-shows-white-privilege

In How Do We Build Community? Hope and Healing, I discuss the very issue of inclusion, including race and disability. One of the most amazing things about the Gates Crowley story is the way the MSM has once again glossed ovet the disability of Prof Gates. I am sure that "people" do not believe that disability had anything to do with this, at all. In fact, by brushing this issue aside, we cannot even examine it. Worse, most folks do not even know. Why? Are we afraid of the truth? Mark J is right when he suposes that race may not the be-all behind the "unfortunate" arrest of an innocent disabled black Prof at his home at Harvard in Cambridge.

http://fromtheport.blogspot.com/2008/03/how-do-we-build-community-hope-and.html

Obama's speach on "race" provides us with real insight into what the barrier of attitude is, and how it handicaps us.

The attitude that I see here in Cambridge MA, and throughout MA, is the police are not held to the same standards of human behavior that the "citizenry are held to. Police that commit felonys are "diciplined" but continue to "serve" without the support and trust of "we the people."
Like in Hamilton, Danvers and Cambridge, there is the "hurry up and move on" attitude that only enables police mis behavior. One cannot but wonder if the AG's marraige to a Cambridge Police officer, now retired, "colours" her "perceptions?" I cannot imagine that these same crimes, when committed by ordinary people, would not be prosecuted by Coakley to the fullest extent of the law. Why then does she coddle police who cannot or will not obey the laws we all are supposed to live under? How can we trust police who themselves have no respect for the law?

http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_214234459.html

(Be sure to read the comments, which is where you will see the divid between the view of the people and the view of the AG. And this case is not about race, but that does not mean that in the gates Crowley arrest that race was not a factor. Surely there can be more than one factors when police abuse their power, and then lie about it.)

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/08/05/town_of_hamilton_moves_on_from_police_scandal/

Sweeping things under the rug, often referred to as "moving on" or "putting this behind us" is just another way of avoiding the lessons we need to learn, and changing our attitudes. It is just another way to continue our denial. We are creeping into a police state, and the police more and more behave like an occupying force.

"Under the terms of an agreement brokered through Attorney General Martha Coakley's office, the officers will keep their jobs, but each will have to work 30 days without pay, take an additional 30 days off without pay and pay a $5,000 fine to the town.

Like the officers in Hamilton, the Danvers officers faced criminal prosecution if they did not accept their punishment."http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_216000258.html

I fail to see how minority communities can trust a system that repetedly exonerates police who commit felonies yet continue with one arrest without probable cause after another, with the judge throwing cases out one after the other, but with innocent folks ending up with coris, while the police who lie and commit purgery walk away scott free. I am a membey of the so called white privleges class, but I myself can no longer trust police in the State of Mass, as long as their enabler is enthroned in the office of the AG.

Councillor Marjorie Decker Not On The Ballot For 2009?

2009-08-01T12:21:00.001-07:00

Looks like Marjorie Decker failed to submit enough signatures on her nomination papers in a timely way and she won't be on the Nov 3 ballot for City Council this year. Robert Winters, who runs a great web site about politics in Cambridge, and supporte candidate pages for those who are running for office, a great public service, reported today that Decket missed the cut.

Is it possible that she decided not to run at the last moment, or was it just an oversite on her part? I have not seen this reported in the news, probabally because reporters cannot contact either the Election Commission nor Decker today.

One thing is sure, people who use guide dogs are relieved that Decker may not return to City Council, because she is trying to have guide dogs banned from City Council meetings when she is present, due to her claim that they bother her allergies. Decker does not want to take allergy meds, refusses to change her seat, and sit away from the public section, wan't waer a mask, or use any ventilation equipment. She has also not applied to the City for a reasonable accomodation, based on "disability" acording to employee rules, and the City manager, only, reported that she asked him to ban guide dogs due to her allergies.

I would like to point out, that I had already agreed to relocate my seet to the far side of the public seating area, some 30' away from her, in a very large, well ventilated, public meeting hall. Still, Decker won't be satisfied until people who use guide dogs are segregated to a completely seperate room.

So, if it is true that marjorie is not on the ballot for City Council, and she may not be reelected to City Council, then guide dogs will be howling in celebration!

It is never right to exclude people who are protected from discrimination, based on race, religion, gender, disability, etc. It is always wrong to seek segregation as the first solution to "problems."

Memo to E. Denise Simmons, Mayor of Cambridge re Sgt James Crowley

2009-08-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

From: Kathryn Podgers Subject: Sg Crowley: When does a police officer come to one's home, and NOT show his ID?To: "Mayor Denise Simmons" Cc: "Craig Kelley" , "Ken Reeves" , "David Maher" , "Tim Toomey" , "Mar Decker" , "Henrietta Davis" , lward@cambridgema.gov, "Sam Seidel" , "Robert Healy" , "Rich Rossi" , "Bill Dwyer" , "Kathy Watkins" , "Robert Haas" , "Steven Williams" , "Bethany (AGO) Brown" , "Phyllis (MOD) Mitchell" , "Phyllis (MOD) Mitchell" , "Marilyn Wellons" , "David Harris" , "Jillian Fennimore" , "The Bridge" , "Roy Bercaw" , "pat arcand" , "Dan Rea" , president@harvard.edu, "Martha Walz" , "Neal Alpert" Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2009, 11:26 PM
Hi,

When did it happen that a police officer would come to your home, and NOT show his ID?

Then, when the occupant asks for name and badge #, he still refuses to ID himself, at that point, is the Cambridge Police officer following Department rules? or not?

We in Cambridge finally got a "new" police commissioner to put an end to problems like this, but we still have some officers who believe thay can get away with it. Commissioner Robert Haas has worked hard to set a fine example for the police so they know what the standards are. Sgt James Crowley has repetedly violated these standards, to the shame of the other fine officers, who don't deserve to have their fine efforts smeared by Sgt James Crowley's sociopathic behavior.

I have a good relationship with both Neal Alpert, office of the Mayor, and Police Commissioner Robert Haas.

I am also an Mass Office on Disability, MOD, trained Community Access Monitor. I regularly monitor and document Mass Arch Access Board, State Safety Code violations, and Federal Civil Rights Act of 1990, the ADA, violations, and then bring them to the attention of the City, so the City can correct the violations, voluntarily, so it isn't necessary to file complaints. Unfortunately, there are those in the City of Cambridge that do not wish to comply with the ADA. I have a good relationship with the DPW, Superintendent of Streets and Sidewalks, Bill Dwyer. I am a founding member of Citizens of Feasible Compliance, a group of citizens who believe that the City should follow both State and Federal Law, and voluntarily comply with regulations and standards.

On Nov 6, 2008, Citizens for Feasible Compliance had a meeting with the Police Commissioner Robert Haas, Deputy Superintendent Steven Williams, the police legal advisor, Neal Alpert, myself and other member of Citizens for Feasible Compliance at the office of the Police Commissioner.

One of the items on the agenda was Sgt James Crowley's behavior towards myself.

We discussed his repeted threat to have me arrested, falsly accusing me of creating a disturbance, falsley accusing me of yelling at him, and an assortment of other lies. In fact, it was Sgt James Crowley who would show up at a construction site, and demand I leave, not take photos, get into my face, screaming and yelling, schreeching, like a stereotype of a drill sgt in a "B" movie. When I would show him my ID, and explain what I was doing, and BTW, I was in contact with DPW Bill Dwyer, while they were on the way to check the contractor was complying with state safety code, when I would ID myself, Sgt Crowley would threaten me with false arrest. "I'm gonna call for a patty wagon to come and take you away."

This behavior, interferring with me while I am exercizing my civil rights, and the threat of the use of force, unlawfully, is a Colour of Law Violation.

We explained to Police Commissioner Robert Haas, that if Sgt Crowley was not disiplined, we feared he would continue to threaten others, because we did not believe his threats to me were personal. (there are witnesses)

Based on my observation, there are only a few officers in Cambridge who are problems. Sgt James Crowley is one of them, he is an unstable, cruel, sociopath.

I have always been supportive of the police, and support fully, community policing, and the bike police. However, the idea that there are no rotten apples, and that the police force should cover up for the bad actors, is not only not a good model of policing, but hurts most the reputation of the department, which then will lose the trust and support of the people.

Also, do not believe the outrageous literally fabulous story that is the police report. The arresting officer, not following rules, brushing aside civil rights laws, writes a self serving prolie report filled with lies.Please, use your common sense!

The City of Cambridge has ongoing problems complying with Federal Civil Rights Laws, as well as State Law, and the Mass state constitution, they do NOT need a rogue police officer holding them back as they seek to improve their image and move forward.

After 20 years on the force, Sgt Crowley should know that

1. When a neighbor calls that they see someone entering or B&E a neighbors house, that is NOT probabal cause to go into the house. We have had the Police Commissioner testimony In City Council on this issue.

2. When you approach a house, based on such a report, and without any evidence of a breakin, and without the occupant's call to the police, the police officer should knock, and show his ID. Clearly, Sgt Crowley didn't do that. Why not?

3. If you can reverse the colour issue for a moment, a Black Man, dressed in a Police Uniform, but alone, without another officer, knocks on the door of a white man, and demands the white man open the door, and show him ID, but refuses to ID himself. What would you do if you were the white man? Is there anyone that believes colour is not a part of this? because we do not need more denial, we need to move beyond denial.

You would't ask the man to show his Police ID? With name and badge #? Prof Gates did what any of us would do, and Sgt Crowley took issue with it, refusing to ID himself, and who knows what else Sgt Crowley said. he obviously FAILED to take control of the situation, instead he inflamed the issues. He became personally "insulted" and retaliated against an innocent man, who had committed no crime whatsoever.

4. In my opinion, the only mistake Prof Gates made was opening the door so the police officer could get in, before the Sgt IDed himself. I believe that Gates should have called Harvard police immediately.

However, the issue here is that Sgt Crowley seems to believe that he can order around ordinary citizens and threaten them with arrest, as though we were all homeless. Prof Gates, myself, and my friends and neighbors do not believe we live in a police state. We do believe that we should have police who can conduct themselves in a professional way, that does not bring shame on our City, the Department and themselves.

I will be following this up, I will testify In City Council next Monday evening, and I will make a Youtube Video on this.

In this instance Prof Gates in not the bad guy, who played the race card, but an innocent mman who had committed no crime. He was abused by this individual officer, and the City of Cambridge needs to take action, not just use words, to hold this officer accountable..

And, Oh, BTW, the City of Cambridge does NOT have a functioning police review board, could that be part of the problem, with rogue police con fident that internal complaints will whitewash their "mistakes?"

This afternoon, at 4pm, the Cambridge Police were still refusing to ID the arresting police officer. I was told they will not ID him, until they finish their investigation into who was responsible for the leak of the police report. It seems that the Cambridge Police continue to take care of themselves, instead of serving the public.

The Cambridge police should immediately release the police report, be transparent, abd understand that they are governed by the people of Cambridge, not the people are goverend by the police.

take care, folks,

Kathy Podgers
Pearl St
Cambridge, MA 02139
kathypodgers@yahoo.com
http://fromtheport.blogspot.com

Sgt James Crowley Should Apologise to Prof Henry Gates Jr.

2009-07-26T19:06:00.000-07:00

Hi, here is a transcript of the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9964bHrXtA

Sgt James Crowley should apologise to Prof Henry Gates Jr.

"Sgt James Crowley, Prof Gates has asked you for an apology. Will you apologise?"
"There won't be any apology. I asked him if he will step outside, and he said "No, I will not.""

Prof Gates: "When I went to the door, he, (Sgt James Crowley,) demanded that I step outside.

Now the reason that is important, and important for all your viewers to understand,
is that you are protected without a warrent in your own home. As soon as I would have
stepped on that front porch, he could have been arrested on suspicion of B&E
and after all he was responding to a 911 call, I found out later that it had been reported that two black men with backpacks had broken into my house.

So I had to rewrite this narrative in his head, I had to identify myself, as not one of the perpetrators, but as the owner, the occupant of the house."

Look at this man, Henry Gates Jr, distinguished professor at Harvard University:

Unarmed

58 years old

5' 7" tall

150lbs

Father of two daughters, alone in his own home.
Notice the attire, polo shirt, slacks with a belt walks with a cane

Now look at Sgt James Crowley:

this ARMRD officer shows up to Prof Gates door ALONE

and FIRST demands for Gates to "STEP OUTSIDE".

He tells little Henry Gates Jr to "Step Outside."

Is that the "appropiate" police response for this circumstance?

REALLY?

You don't tell an unarmed little old man who uses a cane to
"Step Outside" the first time you see him inside of a house.

That's not "serving and protecting," that's HARASSING.

You say, "Hello sir, I just recieved a call of a break in taking place.
Might I ask if you are the resident of this home?
Can you provide any identification? Thank you"

Then you wait OUTSIDE!

You do NOT enter the house ALONE without a warrent or being invited in.

Prof Gates shows his ID card(s)
You say, "Thank you for the inconvenience."

AND YOU LEAVE

IF YOU FELT ENDANGERED BY Prof Gates (LOL)
or uncertain about the situation (in the afternoon)

WHY DID YOU ENTER HIS HOME ALONE?

AND NOT WAIT FOR BACKUP?

You DO NOT WHINE over Prof Gates exercizing his
FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN HIS OWN HOUSE

OLD PEOPLE SAY RUDE THINGS ALL OF THE TIME
It doesn't mean you arrest Old People for saying things you find "strange."
WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT OUR FREEDOMS IN AMERICA?

It is your job to serve and protect.
NOT punish people for exercizing their freedom of speech.
...nor intimidate & harass people when you arrive on a scene.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH??

SERVE AND PROTECT???

When have black cops done that to an old white man?
Would that bother you?

If these are police "standards" then
police standards have to improve.

Prof Gates was scared, Ron Paul could have been scared,
if harassed by black cops in his own home.
When you are scared, you might say things to stiffen your spine.

A HOME IS A MAN"S CASTLE

If this can happen to Skip Gates, what happens to average black men?
How are their rights protected?

This is about progress: progressing from the past
into a new dawn of racial equality.

To get there requires everyone to envision themselves
or their race in the place of another, or
UTILIZE THE GOLDEN RULE

Sgt Jim Crowley, YOU OWE PROF GATES AN APOLOGY

It's not that hard.

Public Comment at City Council Meetings

2008-07-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

Here is a summary, by Marilyn Wellons, of last evening's hearing held by the City of Cambridge's Ordinance Committee to review the Council's rules on public comment:

Vice Mayor Murphy and Councillor Maher were co-chairs.

Mayor Simmons began by explaining her Policy Order about public comment that precipitated the hearing. It's useful to review policies like these from time to time.

Councillor Toomey and others, notably Councillors Murphy and Maher, were very keen on a meeting's efficiency, on the theory that working people need to get home in good time, having had their say at a predictable hour, rather than as the topics come up on the agenda.Councillor Toomey: the status quo works much better than its predecessors. The [tv-viewing] public at home wants to see a well-run Council meeting.

Councillor Maher: predictability and efficiency are paramount. People should be able to speak in a reasonable amount of time. Lots happens in the Council's committee meetings and this is an opportune, alternative time for public comment.

Mayor Simmons agreed.

Several praised Mayor Simmons for running the meetings well. [Councillor Reeves was not in attendance.]

Councillor Davis was, like Nixon, concerned with the people who don't show up and don't speak (silent majority?). She wants people to feel welcome, and longer public comment will further deter those who don't already come. They don't want to spend hours at a Council meeting.

Councillor Kelley says the status quo sort of works. Meetings should start on time at 5:30 or they should change the start time to when Councillors can be there. He wants people to be able to comment on items not on the Council or Manager's agenda. Councillors should make themselves available outside of meetings, read all e-mails, but that's very hard. Consequently public comment at Council meetings is important.

Vice Mayor Murphy and others wonder if giving people a choice of speaking at the beginning of the meeting or at another point after the Manager's Agenda would be useful.

Beyond the people who are always saying "something's rotten in Denmark," there are people with expertise about trash collection or building codes, for example, who have useful things to say.

At 3-4 hearings a year, reviewing departments--Public Works was his example--there could be "valuable exchange of information."

In public comment, Bill Cunningham, speaking personally, noted the history of shrinking public comment at Council meetings. TV broadcast pushes people to compact their comments. Earlier rules allowed the public "real participation," to speak to items as they came up. Current rules separate public comment from the Council's business and put it together with cultural presentations, for a kind of "circus" before the Council gets down to work.

Elie Yarden noted the effort it takes for many people to come to meetings. For example, there was an air quality alert yesterday, but he decided to come to the hearing anyway. He reminded the Council of groups of neighbors in public comment who educated the Council about issues like the Polaroid site. I was glad to hear the Mayor's explanation of her Order, hoped public comment would be expanded. I had thought the move was to restrict it further, given shrinking public involvement and the Council's move to delegate contentious items to the appointed boards since 1980. Councillors compete for the job, are paid a nice salary, have paid assistants, fine offices, and they give the impression listening to the public at Council meetings interferes with business. Real democracy can mean messy meetings with public comment that takes time.

Steve Kaiser criticized speakers who hadn't done their homework, didn't know what they were talking about.

Mayor Simmons liked that. It's difficult to listen to speakers who aren't organized, she said, but then "we do that ourselves."

Robert Winters seconded Kaiser's criticism. He thought segregating public comment was an unintended consequence of the 1999 rule change. It would be useful to allow the public to speak to an agenda item when it comes up.

Councillor Seidel said he found public comment the most interesting part of the meetings. Bless his heart, he said not everyone needs to be an expert. Alone among the Councillors, he said he appreciates it if people come with something on their mind, that they take the time to come. [Mind you, this is his first term.]

Councillor Seidel liked the possibility of public comment after the Manager's agenda. He thinks that's a "natural place" for it and it would be helpful for "us to have a break in the meeting" at that point. "People here tonight should know we listen."

After the meeting broke up and I'd already left the chamber, I remembered Councillor Seidel's amazing comments. I went back in to thank him. He was alone at his desk, the others were schmoozing. I thanked him, said he was the only one who said such things, important things--which he then reaffirmed.

Please feel free to comment on this blog...

Seniors and trucks compete for space on Street across from City Hall!

2008-06-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

Seniors forced into street with cars, trucks and busses. This is another example of the City of Cambridge's "Open Pit Policy." Please note there are NO barrels to seperate pedestrians from moving traffic nor from stumbeling into that trench.

When the sidewalk is obstructed by construction like this, is a permit required? Should not care be provided to protect the pedestrians that are forced into the street? June 20, 4:29pm.

Cambridge Police Permit Bicycles to Run Red Light

2008-06-30T09:55:00.001-07:00

Photo above shows a bike and a car stopped at red light when another bike comes along and fails to stop, running the light. The police officers take no action. The bike rider can clearly be seen looking up Inman street to see if there is oncoming traffic that needs to be avoided. The police did pull over a car for a traffic violation, but none of the bikes that ran the red light.

The photo shows the other police officer observing the traffic at the intersection. He sees the bike running the red light but takes no action. He informed me that only bike officers ticket bike riders. I then called the desk and was informed that the police were assigned to Mass Ave and Inman to enforce traffic laws, but not to enforce them on bikes, only cars. He told me they were assigned to do cars, not bikes.
(Photos taken June 20, 2008, at 5:23pm and 5:26pm.)

So, what message does this send bike riders? You can run the red light right in front of Cambridge Police officers, who will give you a nod?

Where do you park your bicycle?

2008-03-31T13:24:00.000-07:00

The photo above shows a bike parked on top of a huge snow pile, and chained to a MBTA bus stop sign. One of the most overlooked needs in Cambridge is bicycle parking. In City Council, tonight, is the City Manager's response, agenda item # 8 http://www.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/cmLetter.cfm?item_id=11810 to a March 3, 2008 policy order, http://www.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/policyOrder.cfm?DetermineBackTo=Yes&item_id=21065 , requesting info re bike parking.

One modifcation we are requesting is to ban bicycle parking by chaining biles to dedicated handicapped parking signs. PWDs need to have room to manouver to get wheelchairs, walkers, or canes into the trunks of their cars, or into the back seats.

Another concern we have is the City's attention to providing bike parking in downtown locations, but not in neighborhoods. We need to provide handy, convenient and safe bike park areas in neighborhoods.

Therefore, I recommend that the City Manager's agenda item #8 be referred to the Transportation Committee to examine possible modifications.

Where do you park your bike?

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2008-03-31T13:23:00.003-07:00

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2008-03-31T13:23:00.001-07:00

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2008-03-31T13:22:00.004-07:00

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2008-03-31T13:22:00.003-07:00

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2008-03-31T13:22:00.001-07:00

MAAB holds hearings re City of Cambridge sidewalks at Erie St, Pearl at Decatur St, Green at Hancock St.

2008-01-03T14:32:00.000-08:00

I filed several complaints against the City of Cambridge for repairing, reconstructing, sidewalks in violation of both State Safety Code and the ADA. The City replied by assigning an attorney to defend the indefensible. Spending our hard earned tax dollars to fix the sidewalks wrong. The City tried to deny the Access Board had jurisdiction.

The photo above and the two below are snapshots of the site visit the Access Board conducted in the face of the City's stonewalling. Please see state law on this...

Chapter 30A: Section 11B. Studies of state boards, commissions and authorities; notice to city or town affected
Section 11B. All state boards and commissions and the governing boards or bodies of all such authorities which conduct a study affecting or relating to the use of an area of a city or town shall notify the mayor or city manager, if any, of the city and the presiding officer of the city council, or the chairman of the board of selectmen of the town, of the study and shall invite their participation therein. No determination shall be made and no results of the study shall be released to the public until such notification has been given with a reasonable opportunity to participate in it.

http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/30a-11b.htm

Click on the photos to enlarge so you can see the site report.

The hearings will be held at the Mass Arch Access Board

One Ashburton Place, Boston MA

21st Floor...use the high rise elevator, second bank of elevators

One Ashburton Place is on top of Beacon Hill, around the block from the state house...take red line to park, walk up Park st, take right, then left along the side of the State House, then take a right at end of the block, and right across the street is One Ashburton Place.

Erie St at 3pm-3:30pm

Pearl at Decatur St at 3:30pm-4pm

Green at Hancock St at 4pm-4:30pm

Hope to see you there.

Quick fix crosswalk disapears during snow storm

2008-01-03T13:57:00.000-08:00

The photo above shows the city of cambridg's quick fix of the Intersection of Pearl and Decatur street running up to the public hearing schedualled by the Mass Arch Access Board for the complaint I filed. The City has covered over the original crosswalk markings and added new markings, masking serious compliance issues.

The photos above and below, taken December 23rd, 10 days after the snow storm and 3 weeks after the fake crosswalk fix was executed. It shows that the sidewalk markings are already disapearing.

The photo above, Dec 27th, and the one below, Dec 31st, show more wearing away of the phony crosswalk, and of course, folks have no idea what to do with the heavy street snow the City plowed into the curb ramps that the abutters had previously shoveled. These photos were taken after the major snow removal opperation on Pearl St.

Your tax dollars are paying for this useless and unlawful work.

Should We Oppose The Use Of Ethanol As Fuel?

2008-01-03T13:43:00.000-08:00

Hybrid Taxicab Hearing – The Cambridge License Commission will hold a public hearing on a proposal to establish a Cambridge hybrid taxicab program to be called “Cambridge Clean Air Cabs.” The hearing will be held on Tuesday, January 8, 6:00 pm, in the Basement Conference Room of the Lombardi Building at 831 Massachusetts Avenue. The proposals includes a commitment by Whole Foods Market to provide grant funds for $15,000 in 2007 and $15,000 in 2008 for grants of $5,000 per taxicab medallion to owners who convert to a hybrid vehicle and a hybrid taxicab medallion auction, the proceeds of which will be used to provide grants of $10,000 per medallion for conversions to hybrid vehicles. The License Commission is responsible for the issuance of hackney licenses in the city.

Should we oppose the use of ethanol as fuel when we mandate Hybrid Taxis? There has been quite a bit of research on this issue. Please do a google search for ethanol unintended consequences, and check it out.

Here are a couple I found of interest...
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0727/p09s02-coop.html
http://www.uschambermagazine.com/content/070717.htm
http://www.niemanwatchdog.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=ask_this.view&askthisid=291

Opposition To City's Motion for Reconsideration Submitted

2008-01-03T13:13:00.000-08:00

Cambridge Mayor Ken Reeves and City Councillor Decker want to ban dogs, all dogs, including guide dogs for the blind, from public meetings In City Council because, they claim, the presence of a guide dog is a direct threat to the health of Councillor Decker, and is equivilent to the health threat of the presence of cigarrette smoke.

This issue has been previously reported on my blog, http://fromtheport.blogspot.com/.

http://fromtheport.blogspot.com/2007/02/will-city-of-cambridge-move-city.html

On Oct 16th, 2006, I agreed to change my seat because Councillor Decker had stoped taking her meds due to allergy testing the following morning. On Oct 30, 2006, when I arrived for the city Council meeting I went immediately to the agreed on seating. 45 min into the meeting, Councillor Decker interrupted the meeting, and, without calling for a recess, told me I had to leave the meeting or she would have me removed. The reason? She was not taking her allergy meds due to testing the following morning.

The Chair, who is Mayor Reeves, blamed me for interrupting the meeting. Please note, I do not have the power to call for a recess myself. He called for the police to have me removed. Then Councillor Decker then returned to her seat and called for a recess, which Mayor Reeves granted.

In the interest of time, please see wnat transpired in the story at From The Port. briefly, I filed a disability discrimination complaint with Mass Commission Against Discrimination, MCAD, after it was reccomended to me to do so by an important and well respected leader in Cambridge. The City responded with a Position Statement, and I had to write a Rebuttal. I submitted my rebuttal in spring 2006, it is 60 pages and an additional dozens od documents in exibit as evidence.

The photo above is my rebuttal.

In Oct 2007 the Commission issued a finding of Probable Cause and set a date for a settlement. If the parties can settle, then a hearing can be avoided. However, the City responded with a Motion For Reconsideration of the probable Cause Finding, early November. I have just submitted my Opposition on Jan 2, 2008.

At issue is wether or not the presence of guide dogs, service dogs, can be considered a direct threat equivilent to cigarrette smoke.

So, what do you all think? This is not being decided by legislation, public opinion nor a vote by City Council. It is an action by tw0 people, mayor ken reeves and Councillor Decker, who believe that the presence of service dogs in a public meeting is dangerous to the health of people. It is somewhat frustrating that the same councillor does not see leaf blowers as a health threat.

We await now, for the decision of the Commission on this motion. I will keep you updated as best I can.

City of Cambridge's ADA Self-evaluation given reprieve In City Council Monday night!

2007-12-19T11:06:00.000-08:00

The City of Cambridge was required to conduct a Self-evaluation by the Department of Justice, as spelled out in Public Law 101-336, the Civil Rights Act of 1990, otherwise known as the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Section 35.105 Self-evaluation.
(a) A public entity shall, within one year of the effective date of this part, evaluate its current services, policies, and practices, and the effects thereof, that do not or may not meet the requirements of this part and, to the extent modifications of any such services, policies, and practices is required, the public entity shall proceed to make the necessary modifications.
(b) A public entity shall provide an opportunity to interested persons, including individuals with disabilities or organizations representing individuals with disabilities, to participate in the self-evaluation process by submitting comments.
(c) A public entity that employes 50 or more persons shall, for at least three years following completion of the self-evaluation, maintain on file and make available for public inspection:
(1) A list of the interested persons consulted
(2) A description of the areas examined and any problems identified; and
93) A description of any modifications made.
(d) If a public entity has already complied with the self-evaluation requirement of a regulation implementing section 504 of the Rehabilition Act of 1973, then the requirements of this section shall apply only to those policies and practices that were not included in the previous self-evaluation.

EFFECTIVE DATES

Requirement
1. Designate a Responsible Employee as ADA Coordinator 1/26/92
2. Provide Notice 1/26/92
3. Establish Grieveance Proceedure 1/26/92
4. Conduct Self-Evaluation completed by 1/26/93
5. Develop Transition Plan completed by 7/26/92
6. Complete Structural Changes completed by 1/26/95

INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF COMPLIANCE PROCEEDURES

Three-Phase Process

Phase I: Planning for compliance
Phase II: Conducting the self-evaluation
Phase III: Implementing modifications

The three phases are not chronologically distinct. Phases II and III, in particular, overlap extensively. Discriminatory policies, practices, and procedures identified in the self-evaluation should be modified as soon as possible, even before the self-evaluation is completed.

On Monday evening the City Council, on a voice vote, referred the City Manager's report back to City Council, re requesting that the City's ADA Self-evaluation be placed on the City's web site, to next year's City Council and placed the matter on unfinished business.

Thanks to everyone who is helping with this.

Senior Computer Lab closed most of the day

2007-12-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

The Computer Lab at the Senior Center in Cambridge, MA. has two rows of computers, making a total of ten. We have three printers.

This photo was taken at 1:12pm, after several folks came in to the lab, only to be disapointed because it was closed. IE, not staffed. The pool room ajacent to the computer lab is open, however, as staff need not monitor the pool tables.

The hours of the city of Cambridge's Senior center computer lab are quite limited. Currently they are Mon: 9am-12 and 3pm-5; Tues: 1-3pm; Wed; 1-4:15pm; Thurs: 9-11:15am; Fri: 1-3pm; and Sat 9:30 -11:15am. Actually, they are sometimes cut short, because, in most cases it is volunteers who staff the computer lab. Sometimes the lab time will be cancelled without notice, whit seniors who arrive, expecting to be able to check their email, without access. Total schedualled hours this week = 16 1/4 hrs!!!

The Sr Center is closed Friday afternoons, which we used to have access to the computers from 1-4;30pm. There are schedualed computer classes on some mornings: this week for 1 1/2 hrs on Wed and informally on Friday morning.

The computer lab at the Sr center is a great resorce and provides acces to the web, email, education, keep in touch with family across the country, and world wide, access to City Council meetings, and other city services and programs, information, entertainment, photography, etc. We have 10 computers, which are usb capable, and 3 printers, one blk and wt, and two colour. This is truely a wonderful recorce, but....

What a shame that it goes to waste most of the time. Out of a possible 48+ hours, the lab is available less than 1/3rd the time. I have many times observed seniors come to the center expecting to be able to use the computers, only to discover the schedual on the black board, showing when the lab is open. Most folks are surprised, and have expressed frustration. But seniors don't want to complain, they don't want to be a burdon.

Perhaps the city could solve two "problems" with one program? Why not employ youths part time one afternoon per week each, to keep the lab open, and provide quality employment for students with computer skills? why not seek a private partnership to "fund" this worthy effort? gee, how much could it cost? Lets see, @10 per hour, from 2pm-5pm, that is 3 hours, 5 days a week, that would be, oh my, $150.

Would providing the necessary resorces to staff the Senior Center lab fully, so seniors can access the computers even as folks who play pool have access to the pool tables be such a burdon to the City of Cambridge? Are we that poor?

Is Cambridge Really the Most Walkable City??

2007-10-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

The Cambridge Chronicle has a story on their web site, see link below, reporting about the "survey" done by the AARP. However, as yopu can see in my comments, it is not the survey done by the AARP that is relevant, but the survey done by the Mass Architectural Access Board that counts. The City of Cambridge has been maintaining or sidewalks in violation of Mass State Safety Code for years, and we have been paying for this faulty work.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/cambridge/homepage/x1633042978

Here is the comment I left on the Chronicle's blog...

The City of Cambridge has been ignoring both the Mass State Safety Code and the Federal Standards mandated by the Americane With Disabilities Act of 1990 for years now. Even after
I, and others, complained to the City in writing, and in testimony at various hearings, the City continued to reconstruct and maintain the sidewalks in violation of regulations and standards.

Many folks fell and suffered serious injuries during this period of trying to get the City to repair and maintain the sidewalks legally. The City, even with injured folks coming to City Council meetings to testify, continued to defy all laws governing how sidewalks should be reconstructed or maintained. Therefore, last year, March 2006, I began filing a series of Mass Safety Board complaints with the MAAB. In order to review such complaints, the MAAB must determing jurisdiction. To do that they request information from the City, namely, the date and permitting records for the most recent alterations of the sidewalk complained about. When a City allows a sidewalk to be dug up, and concrete or bricks removed, and a new surface to be installed, a permit should be issued. These records, when they are kept by the City of Cambridge, are kept by date and not be location, making it exceedingly hard to "find."

However, it seems that the City of Cambridge never issued permits for the illegally repaired sidewalks, because, as was explained to me, "We paid for it out of the minor repair budget." I was told that because they used the minor repair budget, the alterations didn't trigger compliance with safety board regulations. However, the City is wrong. It is the extent of the work performed, and not the budget that was used to pay the contractor that is at issue. After all, why would the Taxpayers want to pay millions of dollars to fix our sidewalks, and do the work wrong, so pedestrians safety was still a problem?

In spite of the City's failure to issue or "find" permitting information, I was able to supply the Safety Board with enough factual information, including photos, so the Board was able to determing jurisdiction in half the complaints I filed. The City continued avoid the issue, and finally the Safety Board came to Cambridge and surveyed the sidewalks in question. Result? Many outstanding violations. Although the AAPD may be wellmeaning, they may lack the expertise, and the knowledge of safety standards, and access standards required by both State and Federal Law, therefore, it is not the AAPD survey that is important, but the survey conducted by the MAAB that is relavent.

The MAAB ordered the City of Cambridge to fix the bad sidewalks by december 1, 2006, and provide photos, or a plan to prove the violations were corrected, or impossible to correct. To date, the City has not complied with the MAAB's orders. I will update folks on this issue on my blog, at http://fromtheport.blogspot.com, or my All About City Council blog at http://votekathy.blogspot.com.

Leaf Blowers, Noise and Fumes

2007-10-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

This is the City's landscape maintainance company, with a truck spewing black fumes into the air. This was taken at Dana Park on a hot day, when folks who like to save energy were keeping their windows open to get a breath of fresh air instead of using the air conditioner. As you can see, the puff of black smoke got bigger and bigger and the breeze blew it right into the open windows of the homes of folks who lived across from the park. This is a "high tech" application of mulch, which is blown out through hugh tubes onto the base of the trees in the park. The black fumes are from the engine.

I oppose leaf blowers for the same reason. Although both this truck and the leaf blowers make a huge racket, it is the fumes, dust and debris, containing small particles, including virus, bacteria and fungus that I really am concerned about. let me ask you this, would you use a leaf blower in your living room?

Katie and Friends

2007-10-13T08:43:00.001-07:00

My, what big ears you have, Katie!

No matter how hot it is, these pooches love going out to the Dog Park in Cambridge.

Sweet, sweet sweeties...

2007-10-13T08:36:00.000-07:00

Cambridge Dogs are just beautiful!!

Take Me Out To The Dog Park!!

2007-10-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of dogs living it up in the Fort Washington Dog Park in Cambridge MA. below please find my answers to questions posed by The Cambridge Dog owner's group.

CAMBRIDGE DOG OWNERS’ GROUP
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES
OCTOBER 2007

Candidate’s Name:
Kathy Podgers

Area of City in which you reside:
Cambridgeport

Have you served on Cambridge City Council before? If yes, for how many years have you served (including this one)?

Although I have never served on Cambridge City Council before, I have attended City Council meetings regularly for the past six years or so. I have also attended committee meetings, testified at hearings, provided written testimony, complete with accurate information, and attended various board and commission meetings. I understand how the current City Council works, and that is one reason that I am running for City Council.

Question 1:
What do you see as the most important issues facing Cambridge right now?

Unfortunately, there are many important issues facing Cambridge that have not been addressed or resolved in previous years by the Current City Council. They include, but are not limited to, Transparency and Truth in City Government, the proper balance of the Built Up Environment with the Natural Environment, Effective Community Policing, Quality of Life Issues, such as Dog Parks and Snow Clearance, Housing, Budget Management and Taxes, and Transportation and Traffic, such as the impending decision about the Urban Ring, among others.

If you were elected, how would you begin to address the above-mentioned issues? Briefly describe using measurable goals and objectives.

The City Council is responsible for Policy Making in the City, and the City Manager charged with implementing the Policies set by the City Council. Currently the Council adopts goals every two years, and the City Manager forwards these to the Departments where, if they do write measurable objectives, I have never seen them.

I would, if elected, recommend a plan where Council sets goals, and sends a Policy Order to the City manager, requesting he have the pertinent department/s write measurable objectives to meet the goals that are set. Then, periodically, the Council can send the Manager a Policy Order requesting a progress report. This will result in better management and oversight, and result in issues and concerns actually being resolved in a timely way.

Question 2:

Would you support the creation of “dedicated dog parks” (safe, fenced parks created for families with dogs to recreate with one another and their pets) in Cambridge?

Yes, I support Dog Parks.

If YES, please list measurable goals and objectives you, as a city councilor, would pursue If NO, please state why not.

I would set goals by working with others, all the stake holders, such as providing a Dog Park within walking distance in each major neighborhood in the City. Then I would write a policy order requesting the City Manager to have the relevant Departments to write measurable objectives, including but not limited to, a time line, obtaining the space, developing a budget, and including community input, etc, with a provision that these objectives be reported back In City Council, and with periodic progress reports to City Council.

Question 3:

Would you support the creation of “shared use parks” for families with dogs (allowing dog owners to engage recreationally with one another and their pets during specified hours in specified parks and athletic fields) in Cambridge?

Yes, I support shared use parks. This must be managed wisely to avoid complaints and unintended consequences.

If YES, please list measurable goals and objectives you, as a city councilor, would pursue If NO, please state why not.

Please see above…I do not believe in setting goals by one person or group, but goal setting, to work properly, must be done in such a way that the community as a whole is agreeable. The City Manager is by law responsible for implementing policy, and he should have his departments write the measurable objectives. This should be reported back In City Council, and if there are concerns, then referred to Committee for resolution, or returned back to the City Manager for more work. The City Council should not just vote to accept and place on file, the Manager’s reports, especially when they are not responsive to the Policy Order.

Question 4:

Do you typically spend time in Cambridge parks, playgrounds or athletic fields?

Yes, I enjoy the outdoors, and spend much of my time there.

If YES, please list the parks you visit, an approximate number of times you visit in the average week, and the general activity/ies in which you engage
(e.g., watching soccer games, reading, picnicking)

NAME OF PARK/FIELD/ PLAYGROUND
HOW OFTEN FREQUENTED?
GENERAL ACTIVITY

Dana Park
daily
Walking dog, photography, socializing

Pacific St Dog Park
5x weekly
Enjoying my dog running free, socializing

Magazine Beach
2x weekly
Photography, enjoying natural environment, viewing wildlife

Question 5:

Have you visited Pacific Street Park, Cambridge’s first dedicated dog park? Fort Washington? Fresh Pond or the Danehy Park dog run?

Yes, I used to go to Fort Washington, but after the death of the little dog who and the fencing issues, I now go to Pacific St Park. I have been to Fresh Pond several times.

Question 6:

Are you or a member of your household responsible for the care of a pet?
I own and care for my Service Animal, a Siberian Husky, which by law is not a pet. Service Animals, which include guide dogs, need to run and socialize as much as pets.

Question 7:

Is there anything else you would like Cambridge dog owners to know?

I have always supported Dog Parks, and the integration of dogs in society. I have never equivocated on this issue. Dogs are an essential aspect for human health. Please see the link on my campaign blog to Delta Society, which has a wealth of information on the value of dogs in society. In addition, we must realize that dogs are dumb, that is they are unable to speak for themselves, and we should, therefore, speak up for them and their welfare.

Kathy Podgers
148 Pearl Street, 02139

vote.kathy@yahoo.com

After you shovel the snow

2007-10-02T11:56:00.000-07:00

After ypou shovel the snow from the sidewalk in front of your house, and, if you live on a corner, from the sidewalk along the side of your house, and from the curb ramp, so your neighbors, who are disabled can access the sidewalk from the crosswalk, and folks who use baby strollers can get by, and seniors using walkers, and folks whpo are blind with canes...

The City comes by and plows a snow poop into the curb ramp you cleared the day before.

Safety Code Violations?

2007-10-01T10:53:00.001-07:00

The State of Mass has regulations that include what is called in the law as 521 CMR 3.10, which requires that wgen the construction of a street or sidewalk blocks the walkway, that an accessible route be provided, and that appropiate signs and other protective devises by used.

We often see the City of Cambrridge comply with this regulation in Harvard Sq, especially during the current construction projects. A sign will be set up stating Pedestrians ----> and there will be a temporary curb ramp set in place so strollers and wheelchairs and others can negitiate the curb. Cones and even tape is put in place to seperate pedestrians from traffic. This remains in place even when the workers leave for lunch, or for the day.

These photos were taken this summer on Pearl Street, where no accessible route was ever setup, and where a gaping open pit was left overnight for folks to trip into when crossing the street. This is a safety hazard, and the City should make sure that the regulations are followed in our neighborhood streets and not just in Harvard Sq.

Red Sox Clinch! Here's My Pitch...

2007-09-30T12:22:00.000-07:00

Podgers NOT the Dodgers!!

On this day, September 30, in 1926, Robin Roberts was born. Among other thing he played in the 1950 World Series, and had 6 consecutive 20 game seasons. He was never a dodger!

On this day, September 30, 1932, Johnny Podres was born. He appeared in two World Series, and played for the Brooklyn Dodgers and the LA Dodgers.

On This Day, September 30, 1947, the World Series came to TV. The Brooklyn Dodgers were beaten by the NY Yankees, 5-3.

Today I am launching my new campaign pitch, using a slogan given to me by my neighbor who was concerned folks couldn't rember my name...Podgers not the Dodgers! What does this slgan mean? It means that the Dodgers in City Council, nice people, our friends and neighbors, but who have been dodging serious issues for all too long, can and should be beaten in the race for City Council.

So, folks, now you can rember my name, and of course cheer me on, even as you cheer on our Red Sox, the underdogs for all too long.

Public Safety: Sidewalks in the City of Cambridge

2007-09-29T09:20:00.000-07:00

Below please find my comment as published on the Ragged Edge, an online magazine. Since I have been advocating for safe sidewalks in Cambridge, and even though I have provided a wealth of information to all the current City Councillors, as well as DPW and the City's Disabilities Commission, and the Cambridge Commission for Persons With Disabilities, I have had nothing by harrassment from the City.

Please refer to the comment within the main story, Dying in the Streets, that I was responding to, from another citizen who tried to insure safe passage for folks in his town...

Yet a Meadville PA man who sued his city over the lack of curb cuts was reportedly harrassed by fellow citizens, who evidently did not approve of his taking the city to court.

I have tried to shed light on this serious Public Safety issue, but in response to a question, Mayor, what is your response to what Ms Podgers just presented?" during the Candidates Forum held at the Graham and Parks school, the current Mayor of our City referred to me as "Darkness."

The sad fact remains that it is the residents and taxpayers of this City who are in darkness because our City Councillors fail to tell you what is really going on. They do not want you to know, and I suspect that is because they do not want you to be involved. They do want you to know all the wonderful things they are doing, however, and they often take credit for things that have either not been done, or that someone else has done.

The best way dis-include the public is to fail to provide the pertinant information. After all, if the public does not know about it, they won't complain.

Please do refer to the rather lenghty article, and find my comment, near the end, and please also leave your own comments below. (you can leave anonymous comments)

Although I have filed these complaints, I prefer to work from within. I am effective working from within, and can get the best results from bringing folks together to find effective and sustainable solutions.

From the Ragged Edge....

I am not "no one" anymore! {{No one had filed a complaint about the lack of curb cuts along Bensen's street, said police. Starkloff called that response 'a poor excuse."}}

On March 9th, I filed a complaint agains't the City of Cambridge MA with the Mass Architectural Access Board. The City has sidewalks, city services, that are in a continous state of disrepair due to the City's Sidewalk Inspection and Minor Repair program. This Program inspects for vertical displacement only. And makes repairs when vertical displacement is 1 1/2", which makes this program, itself, non compliant! In addition, the City's curb ramp measurement assessment does NOT include landings or level landings!

The City of Cambridge has over 3900 curb ramps, and claims that only 109 continue to be "in bad condition" and non compliant!

I kid you not, that is what is claimed by the most recent report In City Council re the progress of the City's compliance with the ADA!

What has been going on is the City will repave or repair, or even rebuild the curb ramp or sidewalk, and do it wrong! They fix it wrong. So after thousands of dollars in repairs, improvements, etc, the curb ramp remains non compliant and the sidewalk inaccessable! Thousands of folks are forced into the streets in the city of Cambridge everyday!!

I filed this complaint using one intersection as "an example" both to protect the taxpayer and to make sure that as we repave our streets and sidewalks, access is provided. Ooops, that is the law, isn't it?

The two main problems of this intersection are the recently repaved sidewalks and curb ramps are inaccessable due to the extreem cross slope, in some places 7%; and there are no landings on the curb ramps, you come up and run into a wall or fence, and the cross slopes are to steep to allow safe turning. These curb ramps do not line up with the sidewalks.

The complaint is Docket number C06 017, and you can certainly let folks at the MAAB know how you feel about this. Write to...

The Commonwealth of Mass
Department of Public Safety
Architectural Access BoardOne Ashburton Place,
Room 1310
Boston MA, 02108-1618
Fax 617 727 0665
Posted by: Kathy Podgers March 26, 2006 11:16 PM

http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/departments/closerlook/000619.html

Violent Crime On the Increase in Cambridge?

2007-09-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

We welcome the new Police commissioner Robert Haas to Cambridge, and his arrival comes none to soon. The photo above shows the Commissioner in Sullivan Chambers last August 29th, and we were all back for public input for the Crime Task Force last Tuesday evening.

The photo above shows police searching for baliatic evidence, and they found plenty, at a shooting that took place right across from my home. The bullet casings were found on the street and sidewalk, strewn along the whole block. Most residents feel this shooting is drug related, and this kind of "disturbance" is being seen all too frequently throughout Cambridge.

The photo above shows that the crime scene was expanded as the police found more evidence. Neighbors were justifiably frightened and I observed several neighbors fleeing the scene of the shooting by running up the street. In North Cambridge, in a Friday evening meeting with the Police Commissioner, folks expressed dismay at what they felt was an increase in violent crime.

The photo above shows bullet holes in a home on Pleasant Street from another recent shooting. Today there are reports that Govenor Patrick met with his anti-crime task force behind closed doors for two hours with dozens of police chiefs, lawmakers and prosecutors to discuss crime trends in the state and what can be done to address the problem, the meeting was held at the Massasoit Conference Center. While many communities reported a drop in violent crime, communities reporting increases in violent crime included Arlington, Woburn, Everett, Revere and Cambridge. This was reported today in the Brocton Enterprise on line.

We must all work together to understand this challenge, and find effective solutions. Last year I circulated a petition writen by my neighbor, asking for more bike police, and now we have that. But more needs to be done. Please stay tuned to read more of my ideas on how to reverse this unwelcome trend.

Sidewalks in Cambridge

2007-09-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

Hi folks, I am working on finding a scanner so I can upload the site reports and other documents issued by the MAAB in response to my complaints about the unsafe coondition of the sidewalks in Cambridge, AFTER the City repaired/reconstructed them. Please come back, I hope to have them up by wed evening at the latest.

In the meantime you can get a copy of my comunication to the City Council, with the site reports and documents, it's in last Monday's agenda by requesting a copy from the City Clerk as these comuncation items are not yet provided on line.

To see the istem on the agenda go to the City of Cambridge web site and click on City Council at the top of the page. Then, on the right, see the date, September 24, and click. This should bring you to the agenda. Scroll down to communications and click to see what communications were recieved into the City Council agenda. The documents should be available in city Hall in the City Clerks office.

Should Cambridge City Council post communications on line?

2007-09-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

Folks can submit letters and other documents to the City Clerk to be included in the agenda for the next upcoming City Council meeting by dating and signing the document and addressing it to the City Council. The deadline for submitting this to be included in the upcoming City Council Meeting is 5pm usually the Thursday before the Monday meeting.

I and others often submit documents and letters of importance to the residents and taxpayers. For example, last week I submitted information about the safety of the City's sidewalks and their failure to repair them as ordered by the MAAB.

Please see exerpt from City Council agenda ....

Communications received from Kathy Podgers, regarding repairing and bringing sidewalks/walkways/curb ramps into compliance as ordered by the MAAB.
Additional Attachments are available at the City Clerk's Office.

http://www.cambridgema.gov/cityclerk/Communications.cfm

If the City does not place these communications on line the only way you can view the information is to pick up a copy of the agenda between Friday and Monday's meetings, ot to go to the office of the City Clerk and request a copy.

So, what do you think? Is this information you wish you could view on line?

Will Cambridge City Council allow folks to speak??

2007-09-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

In City Council last monday evening the City Council considered a policy order from Craig Kelley that would expand the items on the agenda that folks who come to City Council meetings on Monday night would be allowed to speak on.

Currently, and as a result of a rules change, folks are allowed to speak on only those items that the Council will vote on. It means one cannot speak about items on the Consent Communications nor the Awaiting Report items.

In the past folks could send a letter to City Council to be placed in the Agenda, and then appear In City Council and speak to the letter they submitted. This practice has been curtailed, so many folks find they are unable to petition their government because the topic or issue they wish to address is not on the action agenda.

What action did the Council take on Monday? The Council voted to refer this proposal to the Rules Committee. I will update this post later when we are notified of the final result, and if they have a hearing about this.

So, in while we are waiting for the final decision, what do you think? Should members of the public, and taxpayers, be allowed to come to City Council meetings and speak about those things that concern them and other residents of the City? Please leave your comments or questions below.

I'm on the Ballot for City Council!!

2007-09-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

Wow! I am on the Ballot for City Council!

Thanks to all of you who signed my nomination papers!Please leave any comments or questions you have for me right here. You can even leave anonymous questions and I will check back to answer them.