Will Brownsberger — State Senator, Democrat, 2d Suffolk and Middlesex District

I want to thank everyone who took the time to comment on this issue before the vote. I read all of the comments. I did vote for the bill. The House did strengthen the bill on the floor in one important respect. We gave the financial overseer the power to trigger a financial control board at any time.

Although it is true that Lawrence is a relatively poor city, Lawrence’s financial crisis largely reflects relatively recent municipal management decisions, some fairly attributable to the recently ousted Mayor. And that is grounds for believing that the crisis may be easier to resolve than some fear.

The Lawrence Bill allows the city to fund its deficit by borrowing from Wall Street, not the Commonwealth. Some confusion on this. A reasonable bill, but there is much work to be done in the City which has about 80K population in a six square mile area.

This seems like a reasonable first step to aide Lawrence toward fiscal stability. I favor you voting yes. George Kenrick

I have some experience with Lawrence. In the early 90′s, I helped create and run the annual Bread and Roses Festival, which celebrates Lawrence’s labor history. A few years ago, I taught in Lawrence for a year. Several points. Lawrence is an immigrant and mill city with a tough history. Historically, its low-wage mill jobs [...]

I’m also in support of the bill – but I think it should be made contingent upon the newly-elected mayor resigning his State Legislative seat.  There are still many, many people of out work (my one year anniversary is this month), and even a paid, representative position would help someone else struggling with unemployment. -Tim [...]

Hi, Will. I am in full favor of supporting the bill. I worked in Lawrence for eight years and have a strong attachment to the place. I agree that unusually feckless government is not the problem. Lawrence has struggled hard since the bust of the mill town days and deserves a chance to pull itself [...]

These are extraordinary times and a troubled community  like Lawrence can not be allowed to slip through the cracks. To do so would levy a heavier debt for society in the long run.  Its municipal problems have huge consequences adding to the social problems for its residents. If this bill is a stop-gap that will buy [...]

Hi Will, Thx for your request for comment. Having spent 6 years in public office locally, I believe this bill is unlikely to be in our best interests as a Commonwealth.  Since  town and city govt’s are essentially at an impasse with organized labor, most notably teacher unions, the bill only postpones the inevitable.  As [...]

Tomorrow, I will be asked to vote on a proposal to assist the City of Lawrence. As of now, I am planning to vote for the bill, but I am still listening — it is a close call. Your thoughts are appreciated.