Jim Milinazzo

Experience + Integrity + Action = Leadership

Left in Lowell 2009 City Council Candidate Video Questionnaire

 

• SECTION 1: CANDIDATE INTRODUCTION AND PROFILE – 90 seconds
  1. Introduce yourself and your campaign (opening statement).
  • life long resident of the city of Lowell: Wife Anabel, daughter Julie, live in Belvidere
  • running for my 4th term on the council
  • great deal of both public/private experience-overview resume
  • Community activities-LDFC/Lowell Plan/LGH/MCCI/CTI
  • Dedication, experience, and integrity: Now, More than Ever.
  2. How many sources of news and information do you use per day? Please state them all. (“trying to stay anonymous”).
  • A number of sources including TV News, the Lowell Sun, Boston Globe, WBZ radio, MSN, Boston Business Journal, the internet; including the blogs
  

• 3. Which City Councilor, current or past, do you most respect and admire? You may not answer “Paul Tsongas.” (“joe from lowell”)
  * I truly respect anyone that puts there name on the ballot: win or lose; But I would have to say that I most respect and admire Eileen Donahue.  As most of the viewing audience knows, Eileen is not from Lowell yet she decided to get involved the community.  She was a consecutive 2 terms Mayor and, in my opinion really raised the level of public service in Lowell.  Also enjoyed working with Bob Maguire and Brendan Fleming
  

•  SECTION 2 - HAMILTON CANAL/JAM – 1 minute
  1. Give us your assessment of the progress of the revitalization of the Hamilton Canal area?  Do you agree with the Administration’s approach and policies to date?
  * In these economic times, I think the progress has been remarkable.  The Hamilton Canal Project is another example of what can happen when people work together.  The state delegation led by Sen. Panagiotakos along with Reps Golden, Nangle and Murphy has delivered the new Courthouse.  The majority of the city council took a difficult, but in my opinion the correct vote to build the Early Garage.  The city is ahead of schedule with the build-out of the commercial space.  Trinity Financial is moving ahead with Phase 1 of their project.  The public improvements are underway thanks to the efforts of Rep Niki Tsongas.  I do agree with the Administration’s approach and policies to date.  As Chairman of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDSC), I have seen first hand the excellent work done by the Planning office and others involved in a project that will change the face of Downtown.  Open process; charettes, informational meetings.
  

• 2. What is your view of the Lowell Transitional Living center going forward in respect to the urban renewal of the Hamilton Canal district? (“trying to say anonymous”)
  * In my opinion, The Lowell Transitional Living center is all about proper management.  The residents should not be hanging around out in front of the building; we need to provide the support services in order to get the clients back on their feet.  The city manager and the city council have initiated a plan to rid homelessness in 10 years.  I know the Chairman of the Board of the Center, Dr. Pasenan and the new Director have been able to make some real progress.
  

• SECTION 3 – GENERAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT- 90 seconds
  1. What policies would you support to attract major businesses and jobs to Lowell? For example, TIFs, DPD expansion, etc.? (“right in lowell”)
  • As Chairman of the EDSC, I have consistently supported the good work of the DPD.  I also serve as President of the LDFC and I am a Board member of the Lowell Plan.  We have a number of financing tools from TIFS to 108 loans, to historic Tax credits; all needed to bring about sound economic development projects. Public Work Funds infrastructure improvements.
  

  2.  What is your evaluation of the impact of the City’s “Cultural Economy”?

• *I think it has been terrific; LZ Nunn, the Lowell Plan, the arts community have really had a positive impact on the economy of our city.  Look at what has gone on over at the Western Ave studios; a good barometer. 
  

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  3. How would you change or improve the City’s marketing efforts (Auditorium; Lelacheur/Spinners; Convention and Visitors’ Bureau; restaurants; festivals; etc.)
  

• The citiy’s marketing efforts have reaped positive results even in a down economy.  Again its working together to promote the city as a good place to live, work, and play.  The city has recently unveiled a new marketing plan which has received very high marks. There’s a Lot to Like About Lowell: alive/unique/inspiring.  A stronger UML presence in the downtown will take our marketing efforts in a whole new direction. potential purchase of Tsongas Arena.
  

• 4. Do you support a City meal tax (0.75%); if not, which expense line items in the FY 2010 Budget will you support eliminating to balance out the $500,000 loss in estimated revenue?
  • Before, I make a final decision on the City meal tax I want to meet with the city manager and the Finance Subcommittee to get current numbers.  However, I am inclined to vote No.  I think there may be others ways to work through the budget crisis.  I have the utmost respect for our city workers, but it might be time to think about more furlough days.  The 3 furlough days taken in FY09 saved the city $600,000.  Other communities are now looking at 10-12 furlough days.  As much as I hate to burden, our city workers, I think it is imperative to explore all options before raising the meal tax.
  

• 
  SECTION 4 - POLICY ISSUES – 1 minute
  1. Does the city have an effective capital replacement and purchasing plan? Should capital expenditures be viewed and accounted for as a separate budget or part of the whole, including salaries and services? (“trying to stay anonymous”)
  • In these difficult budget times and the fact the city has very little cash reserves; I would say we do not have an effective capital replacement and purchasing plan.  Just look at what has been going on at the Reilly School; the roof, the heating system, windows all needed immediate attention.  The city manager, the CFO, and the Comm. of Public Works; T. J. McCarthy are putting plans in place to deal with needed capital improvements; CSO/Waste Water Plant.
  • However, I would keep capital expenditures in line within the current budget process.
   
  2. Would you support a plan to begin appointing representatives to the regulatory boards that reflect Lowell’s diverse population? How would you do so?
  • Yes I would.  I would have the city manager reach out to the various non-profit groups that represent our diverse population.  In the past few years, we have been getting much more interest from our minority residents to serve on boards and commissions.  I do feel we could do a better job.
  

• 
  SECTION 5 - NEIGHBORHOOD ISSUES – 2 minutes
  1. What are your specific ideas for improving neighborhoods? What areas of the city do you feel may be neglected? (contributions from “right in lowell” and the editors) 
  • First of all, Lowell has very active neighborhood groups throughout the city.  I think through the neighborhood subcommittee and the DPD we work effectively to deal with the issues.  The City manager’s neighborhood initiative program which is now working in centralville is a comprehensive approach to deal with the issues.
  • Parts of the Acre, Lower Highlands, and the Bridge Street corridor.
  2. How do you feel about fossil fuel power plants being constructed or expanded in the city?  (“kim”)
  • Fossil fuels, coal, oil and natural gas, are a non-renewable source of energy. Formed from plants and animals that lived up to 300 million years ago, fossil fuels are found in deposits beneath the earth. The fuels are burned to release the chemical energy that is stored within this resource. Energy is essential to modern society as we know it. Over 85% of our energy demands are met by the combustion of fossil fuels.
  • I would also work closely with UML to ensure that these plants are feasible from an environmental point of view.  L’Energia has had some issues in the Ayer section of the city; want to make sure that does not happen again.
  • Lowell has made some strides in becoming a Green Community. Dr. David Turcotte from UML has been working with Architect Jay Mason and others to ensure Lowell moves in this direction.
  

• 3.  Explain your understanding of the Broken Windows theory and your position on implementing local government actions based upon it? (“trying to say anonymous”)
  • My understanding of the Broken Windows theory is that if an abandoned building is allowed to decay, other properties will soon follow, crime will increase, and the overall neighborhood will decline.  The city works hard to make sure buildings are secure and we recently passed an ordinance giving the city the ability to fine property owners and lien the properties in question, this was done to combat the rise in foreclosures.
   
  4. Is the City doing enough to make sure that landlords that own abandoned or condemned buildings are held accountable for the negative impact to the neighborhood’s quality of life? If not, what would you propose?
  • I think we could be doing more; I think buildings are allowed to sit abandoned or condemned for too long.  Years ago we had a neighborhood strike force that would move quickly to deal with abandoned properties.  I think we need to revisit those efforts.
  

• 
  SECTION 6 – PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES – 90 seconds
  1. Give us your take on how ambulance service and other emergency medical services are provided in and/or by the city. Which agency should have oversight over EMS delivery: health, fire, police or other? Why? How do you view the city manager’s current handling of ambulance contract? (“trying to say anonymous”)
  • It is my understanding that this issue falls within the purview of the city manager.  According to the FY10 budget, the manager has included a $150,000 fee from the ambulance service provider.  I am confident the manager is working closely with the city solicitor to make sure we are working within proper procurement regulations.  I believe the Fire Department should oversee the EMS services.
   
  2. What is your understanding of, and view on, affirmative action hiring policies in the city? (“trying to say anonymous”)
  * I understand that the city has an affirmative action policy in place; as you know the use of public funds requires equal access to all.  I believe that both our HR and Procurement Departments adhere to current policy.
  3. What is your understanding of the fire station closing policy in the city and what would you propose to solve the problem of rotating closures? What should the basis be for setting and monitoring response standards? (“trying to stay anonymous”)
  • As Chairman of the Public Safety committee I am very concerned about the issue of fire station closing especially in a city divided by the Merrimack River.  However, I have a great deal of confidence in Chief Pitta and his deputies to make sure public safety is utmost in decisions to close fire stations.
  

• SECTION 7 - GOVERNANCE ISSUES – 2 ½ Minutes
  1. Does the city of Lowell effectively use technology in government operations and for distribution of information? If not, how could it be improved? (“trying to stay anonymous”)
  • I think we do a very good job effectively using technology in government operations to distribute information.  The city places most pertinent information on the city’s web site.  In addition, for those that do not have internet access, we have newsletters and other publications to keep the public informed.  The city manager is on a local radio station every Wednesday morning; in addition the City Council and School Committee meetings are replayed a number of times a week.
  

• 2. Give us your assessment of the current City Manager? Will you support him and will you vote to extend his contract? Do you support a contract for the city manager position in general? (contributions from “right in lowell” and the editors)
  • I give City Manger Lynch very high marks.  Being City Manager in Lowell is a tough job.  Manager Lynch understands public finance issue as well as anyone I have ever come in contact with.  He has also brought some structure to the overall management framework with city government.  We still have changes to be made, but I know the manager has goals/objectives which will improve the various city functions.
  

• 3. What do you feel is the role of the City Council in managing the city and the City Manager? What limits do you believe there are?
  • Under the Plan E form of government, the manger, auditor, and the city clerk work for the city council.  In my opinion, members of the council should only interact with those individuals.  However, almost each and every Tuesday night we hear some members of the council say I spoke to this department head about this issue.  In my opinion, that is clearly not our role.
  

• 4. If elected, will you support re-instating funding for the position of Assistant to the City Manager?
  • Yes- I still cannot believe that the city manager with a $300mm budget does not have an assistant.  I have already seen a negative impact on the administrations ability to provide adequate service to our residents.  Turnaround times have been impacted.  I still believe that the vote taken by a majority of the council was in violation of Chapter 107 Section 43.
  

• 5. Do you support the idea of expanding the city council to include the school department, or switching to an appointed school committee, and abandoning the elected school committee altogether? (contributions from “right in lowell” and the editors)
  • No I do not support expanding the city council to include the school department or switching to an appointed school committee.  Under full disclosure, let me state that my wife is a Lowell School teacher.
  

• 6. Do you support Choice Voting for Lowell? If not, why? (“Victoria”)
  • No I do not support Choice Voting for Lowell.  I congratulate the efforts of the organizers to get the necessary signatures to put the question on the ballot.  I understand the reasons behind the initiative; especially the issue of under representation within some our neighborhoods and ethnic groups.  My main objection is that my vote ends up not truly being my vote.  For example, if one of my candidates has already received enough votes to win, then my vote for that candidate will not be counted and could be used to support another candidate; a candidate I might not support.  That is my issue.