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Today, Margaret and I joined Governor Patrick’s rally to build momentum around his Municipal Partnership Act (MPA). If supported by legislators, MPA will provide options to help cities reduce costs and gain funds. As activists for better schools who have seen how funding services on the backs of property owners does not work, we had to be there. We were joined at the State House by our own Mayor Bill Martin and hundreds of people from organizations such as the Mass. Assoc. of School Committees, Stand for Children, the Suburban Coalition, and the Mass. Public Health Assoc. (For a complete list of endorsements, see here.) 

 Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone, president of the Mass. Mayors’ Assoc., spoke at the rally, sending this message to legislators: “If you can’t provide more local aid, than give us the tools to shape our own fiscal destiny.” With that, he nailed the gist of the Act: providing options for cities to save money and raise revenue—beyond property taxes. MPA would eliminate a 92-year-old law that gives tax breaks to telecommunications companies, and make them pay their share just like any other business. Despite being the only state that has this tax exemption for phone companies, we have some of the highest rates in the country. Governor Patrick noted in his speech today that from 2003-2005 while property taxes rose all over the state, the phone companies’ tax bills went down by 46% and yet, the costs to consumers went up by 30%. (This change alone would bring about $800K to Lowell.) In addition, MPA allows for cities to adopt an optional sales tax of up to 2% on restaurant meals and 1% on hotel bills. For what amounts to a $1 charge on a $50 meal, it would bring about $2 million to Lowell. Our total meals tax rate of 7% would be the same or lower than more »

So, I was out doing errands and an angry Republican saw my Deval Patrick bumper sticker, “How do you like him now?” he asked, and not waiting for my answer, “Everyone I talk to says he should be impeached.” “Well,” I began, but was cut off by several more questions, “Are you a teacher, oh, you live in Lowell, who are you supporting in the Fifth?” “Well,” I managed to get in, “I’m waiting for the debate on July 18^th which is sponsored…”  “You’re a democrat obviously. I’m supporting Ogonowski.”  Obviously.  “So, Deval Patrick, have you ever heard him speak?” “Yes, in fact, I was just down at the State House for a rally for the Municipal Partnership Act.”  When he asked what that was I explained that one of the pieces to it would give local cities and towns the option to add up to a 2% hotel and meals tax….and he was off, “Just raise ‘em all, just tax everything, because we have to take care of the poor people and the illegal immigrants and…” “Well,” I said, “I think this would be more fair than…” But, he wasn’t listening and then he started in on Marty Meehan (can’t stand him) as I got in my car to drive away. “Have a good day,” we said half-heartedly to each other as we parted.  This, my friends, is what we are up against with the Municipal Partnership Act.  The word ‘tax’ is so demonized that it cannot be mentioned without the word ‘cut’ after it.  Even democrats are resisting the act and angry Republicans who don’t know the first detail about it are resisting it on principle, because if it’s a tax, it must be bad.  

On Friday, the Globe reported a plan by Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis (our very own former chief) to institute an anonymous text messaging system to get tips on crime from residents—particularly young people familiar with this modern form of communication. On Saturday, the Herald ran an editorial “Crime-fighting now made EZ” where it reported that Hill, Holliday, a leading ad firm, was developing a free publicity campaign promoting the program. Great for Boston, huh? Good for them. (Maybe you’re sensing a bit of envy here. Well, it’s true; I’m envious.) As a member of the City Manager’s Gang Advisory Board, I can tell you some of the discussion at our June meeting centered on Lowell’s crime prevention hotline and its language, staffing, and other limitations due to lack of funding. For instance, are you aware we have a crime stoppers hotline? Do you know the number (978-459-tips) or that you can receive cash awards for information leading to an arrest? Did you know the information can be provided to police anonymously—and you still get the cash? Unfortunately, our hotline is not staffed 24/7 by multi-linguists who speak the diverse languages prevalent in our gateway city (not even close). Yet, we know residents in neighborhoods, witnesses, bystanders, and even victims can make a huge impact on police ability to capture criminals and prevent crime, but these same people are often afraid, unwilling, or unaware how to help. The fact is, like most complicated issues such as gangs, it takes a community to impact change—that means all of us, eyes open, and willing to make the call. It also means someone is at the other end to receive it. 

Special kudos to Gregg Croteau, executive director of the United Teen Equality Center (UTEC) and a member of the City Manager’s Gang Advisory Board. Gregg travelled to Washington this month to speak before Congress as part of the Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on the Gang Abatement and Prevention Act 2007.  To view the  hearing and his testimony on C-span, click here. (Gregg is about two-thirds in.)