Concerns over Lowell Housing Authority buildings with gas
While working for Lowell Housing Authority as a plumber it was tough not noticing the deteriorating gas pipes especially in the old housing buildings in North Common. The piping is so badly deteriorating and buried in 100-year-old concrete and steel lathe walls going into all the apartments. It is only when someone smells gas that anything is done to look into it. I have contacted my supervisor, his supervisor, Executive Director, Fire Department and State inspectional services to no account.
Not only is the piping extremely dangerous but the policies behind working on the gas piping is just as dangerous. Unskilled and unlicensed mechanics are removing gas appliances in these apartments and leaving uncapped gas lines open for weeks.
This is, in my opinion, extremely dangerous to the health of the residents. Deadly gas explosions are a very real possibility that can be prevented. I am told that the Lowell Housing Authority has an agreement with the city inspectional service that allows this to happen. I no longer work for the Lowell Housing Authority most likely due to constantly trying to bring up this and other important safety issues.
It is my opinion that the Lowell Housing Authority is not responsible enough to allow people and families to reside at any location that has gas in its jurisdiction. I would be happy to further elaborate on this and many other concerns involving the Lowell Housing Authority.
Jeff Denaro
Auburn, NH
Endorsement of Eric Ryder for Select Board
I am writing this endorsement of Eric Ryder for the Tewksbury Select Board. Eric has been a Tewksbury resident for 23 years. He and his wife, Serina, are raising three boys (Blake, Andrew, and Grayson) here in Tewksbury. Eric will use his talents to make sure Tewksbury will always be the same town that they chose to raise their family.
Eric has actively volunteered his time and efforts in youth sports to coach Tewksbury kids to play basketball, baseball, and football. He has also served as a Planning Board member and an Elementary School Building Committee member.
Eric’s main job skill is managing municipal finance and budgeting. He started out at age 18 working for the DPW in Lowell. He has worked his way up the ladder to where he is familiar with all aspects of running a DPW. He is currently the DPW Director in Hudson, MA. He manages a $16 million annual budget. He also manages a $46 million capital project budget. He knows how to dissect a budget, what questions to ask and how to identify potential opportunities for saving. He has continued to improve his job skills in areas that will benefit local government.
Tewksbury needs a person with his experience on the Select Board to control spending so that we, the taxpayers, the elderly, and veterans can afford to stay in Tewksbury. Please vote for Eric Ryder for the Tewksbury Select Board.
Joan Unger & Jim Harmon
Tewksbury, MA
Senate must expand the CTC now
How long must families wait? It’s been nearly two months since the House has passed a bipartisan expansion of the Child Tax Credit and sent it to the Senate. Estimates are that this bill will benefit 16 million children in families with low incomes, including 5.8 million kids under the age of six.
You would think that in an election year, Congress would be eager to pass a tax cut for families (and small businesses). But a few senators are blocking it for political gain. Families should not have to wait months for Congress to pass something that is both popular and necessary.
It is time for senators to show us their hands. If the bill passes, families win. If it fails, senators can explain to voters why they chose to keep children in poverty.
When the Senate returns to Washington after Easter, I urge our senators to demand an immediate vote and then vote YES on the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act.
Tammy King
Gardner, MA
Local union endorses Jomarie Buckley for Select Board
WHEREAS Jomarie Buckley has demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of her fellow citizens through countless hours of volunteer work, through her devotion to children and families as an attorney for the Commonwealth, and through her dedication to the rights of working people in her community;
NOW THEREFORE SEIU/NAGE Local 282 hereby endorses the candidacy of Jomarie Buckley for Select Board of the Town of Tewksbury and respectfully urges and invites all Tewksbury voters to stand together and support Attorney Buckley by voting for her on April 6, 2024.
Christopher N. Cook
President, SEIU-NAGE Local 282
Jomarie Buckley will ‘help move Tewksbury forward’
We are writing in strong support of Jomarie Buckley for Select Board. We are excited that Jomarie Buckley has stepped-up to help Tewksbury become more balanced and more sharply focused.
Jomarie knows what Tewksbury needs in order to maintain its strengths and what choices need to be made to avoid major issues down the road.
We have been friends with Jomarie for years. Her work on the Wilmington Board of Selectman speaks for itself. Not to mention that Jomarie is an attorney for the Department of Children and Families. Given her life experiences, she is uniquely positioned to strategically move Tewksbury forward. Most important, to us, is Jomarie’s work ethic; alway laboring tirelessly for what she believes in. She is the leadership Tewksbury needs. There is simply no better choice. So please join us in voting Jomarie Buckley for Select Board on
Saturday, April 6th!
Anne Marie & Rick Stronach
Tewksbury, MA
