Expanding on the other day's entry about the City of Lawrence's financial situation and the newly elected Mayor's refusal to relinquish his State Representative seat, this Uxbridge constituent voiced his concerns to Senator Moore, and was thereafter reassured by the Senator's response.  Read the exchange below:

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From: An Uxbridge Constituent
To: Senator Moore

Dear Senator Moore:

I am solidly against the City of Lawrence being bailed out by the State for simply being guilty of mismanagement. Obviously there must be some political connection between Governor Patrick Duval [sic] and the City of Lawrence to suggest that a sum not to exceed $35,000,000.00 to bail out Lawrence from what I can best determine is a simple mismanagement of funds.

So I believe that this type of action is unfair to all of the cities and towns in your district that are doing their very best to be fiscally responsible.

So I am requesting that you seriously consider not supporting this bill.

Respectfully yours,

An Uxbridge Constituent

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From: Senator Moore
To: Uxbridge Constituent

Dear Uxbridge Constituent:

Thank you for contacting me with regard to House Bill No. 4421. The current serious financial condition of the city is a combination of poor financial management compounded by the economic recession. I have spoken with Senator Sue Tucker who represents the city of Lawrence. She informed me that the bill is not a "bail out" of the city of Lawrence. It authorizes the city to borrow against future local aid payments, a practice that other communities have been authorized to do when their financial condition has warranted such extraordinary action. Governor Deval Patrick filed the legislation at the request of the Department of Revenue. I don't know of any unusual political connection behind the request. In fact, the Governor urged the new Mayor of Lawrence to resign from his current position as a State Representative to eliminate one of the concerns that has been raised with regard to his dual office holding which, though legal, gives the appearance of a conflict of interest. It is possible that an amendment will be offered to prohibit a city official from simultaneously holding a legislative seat. Nevertheless, the legislation provides for an independent overseer of the city's finances paid for out of the loan, so that no state funds are involved beyond those to which the city is entitled in local aid payments. If the city fails to get its act together in one year, the bill provides for the appointment of a fiscal control board to oversee city finances just as was done in the case of Springfield and Chelsea in earlier years. I am continuing to research the facts behind the legislation to make sure that this is not special treatment for this particular community, and I would prefer that the mayor relinquish his dual role. I will certainly keep your views in mind as this legislation is considered.

Senator Richard T. Moore

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From: Uxbridge Constituent
To: Senator Moore

Senator:

Thank you indeed for your rapid and thorough response.

I certainly have always respected your dedication and work ethic and this type of thorough response is certainly proof of that.

An Uxbridge Constituent