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 …
Lawrence Bail-out bill support
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 …
In favor of support for Lawrence
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 …
Municipal Health Costs and Teachers’ Unions
I am responding to some comments I have seen here and also thinking about today’s Globe editorial on this topic. As a teacher and committed union member I think the recent spate of comments about teacher unions are WAY off as a generalization. I do not dispute that some unions are stubborn about health costs …
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Lawrence Bill
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 …
Opposed to Lawrence support bill
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 …