Hopefully this is the start of a very long and painful road for some....if only the AG could spend some time looking into all the real estate and financial doings of this school. Tis to bad that some think they a bigger than the whole.....Ascendo tuum Mr Kinnon.

Mystic Valley is a Public Charter School........Why shouldn't Mr. Kinnon be allowed to vote on something that involves both the city and the charter school......The mayor is the Chair of the school commitee....should he recuse himself when an issue arises between the city and the school department.....I should think not .

Why would you put the city yards in a overly congested area like the Boston Steel site anyway. They could stay right where they are or look at already vacant lots in the city. (not McFadden either) If he did vote against the city yards going to the Boston Steel site (which they run a very clean business and at night it's dead quiet) is there a chance he had the abutting neighbors (besides the school) on Cross St., Faulkner St., and the new condos right across the street best interest in mind? Would JRM come with the package as they are allowed to park their trucks down at the city yards now. If I lived anywhere near the Boston Steel Company (a thriving tax paying company) I would let the city yards move there "over my dead body" Find a way for them to stay just where they are!!!!

I have to agree with the mayor. I find the charter school to be very shady and a city counclior should not be able to hold that position and be the chairman of a charter school in the same city they supposedly serve. How many friends and family members have jobs there? How about the AG look into that and the so called lottery too.

I find the charter school to be far from shady. It's the best thing that Malden has for Christ sakes =)

Do a Google search on some of it's staff and then tell me how wonderful they are. Swearing isn't going to make your point more powerful.

People this to me looks like dollars and cents. The mayor is looking to pay double for a property that doesnt belong there in the first place. What about the area its in? A commercial are with no homeowners. Who wants to live next to a city yard with trucks in and out all day long. Additionally does it make sense to move a tax paying business for a city yard that does not pay taxes. The mayor has his own agenda and I have personal knowledge of him trying to move out local business and bring in his own developers. So much for the businesses that have been here for 50 years!

Maybe the mayor needs to put money in to Police on the street to stop the shootings and firefighters instead spending all his time on taking down city hall, moving the city yard, and the ball park! Stop campaigning Mr Mayor you won....Now address the REAL Issues!!!!

Any luck with the Google search little boys? Say hello and thanks for the scratch tickets to your part time councilor.

Janet still not sure why you are trying to bash the school. The fact is its one of the top schools in the state. If that bothers you and you dont want your child to have a top notch education thats fine. The issue is the city is in need of funds as it is. The state annouced cuts in local aid again, cost are rising on all expenses and we are fighting about spending more money on a CITY YARD? Janet please take your head out of the dark space its in and understand if you ran your personal finances like this it wouldnt take long to take you down. Now more than ever we need to be laser focused on spending monney where its NEEDED i.e Police, FIre, School....Again not a facility to have our trash and trucks park.

I'm not bashing the school, just some of it's self titled elite. The school is shady and everyome knows it.

I have to chuckle. A long held Christmas wish might be coming true.
Please Santa. Let the drama and the meltdown at city hall continue. I'll be good. Really!!
I'm smiling so hard, I have to go to the loo and dump. I cN'T DEAL. I can't stop laughing. The kids think I've lost it tonight!! I can'tr even talk, I'm laughing so much.

My eyes are tearing up now. You guys just keep arguing.... Thank you!!

I agree that the city yards shouldnt go there...I also think that it was a mistake to put a school their either. A nice spot for commercial enterprise replaced by a tax exempt business, seems strange to me. I also hate driving by there during dismissal when cars are parked on ROUTE 60 during congestion picking up kids. As for Mr. Kinnon crossing lines between city role and charter board, wasn't he Fire Commish when the former Mayor, tricky Dick, (who had kids at the Charter too) sold the Maplewood Fire Station to Mystic? That advice from him to sell has ultimately caused a delay in Emergency Response to that area...waiting for help from the Revere line or from Malden Square.

I hope they both go down!

Yeah I think I got my point across, thanks Marc & go hide under a rock is right!!!!

I didn't like how the Emerson School deal went down.. Yes I know the site is in a state of disrepair, but selling it to a tax exempt institution leaves me skeptical.
Essentially we take the money up-front but lose the long term tax base that site would've generated had it been turned into loft style condos.
That location is to close to the MBTA and an abundance of off-street parking that units probably would be selling in the 300's.
I thought not enough went into the process. It seemed the Charter had the inside track from the get go.

I have one question to all of you. When the city sold the maplewood school to the charter school and in that sale it included the fire house then the charter school turned around and rented the fire house to the city where was Neil Kinnon?.... He was on the board for the charter school and a city councilor... How come the city didn't just the fire house by eminent domain???

Please respond

Christenson said he "didn't think much" of the charge, saying his administration did not engage in any real estate negotiation.
NOTICE OF MEETING (City Council Meeting Posting for 10.23.2013 meeting)
Please Post

TO: All Councillors
FROM: Sheila L. Fermano, Clerk of Committees
DATE: October 18, 2012
RE: Council Committee Meetings – Tuesday, October 23, 2012

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – 5:30 P.M. – COUNCIL CHAMBER
The Mayor has requested Executive Session for the purpose of discussing real estate negotiations.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – 7:00 P.M. = ROLL CALL
Immediately following the Pledge of Allegiance, the Council will observe a moment of silence in remembrance of U.S. servicemen and women lost overseas and in support of those still fighting there.

The Committee of the Whole will meet with the City Solicitor and Human Resources Director to establish policies and procedures for hiring a Treasurer.

So if Mayor Christensons :"Administration did not engage in any real estate negotiation" as he states then the City Council which posted a docket which stated "The Mayor has requested Executive Session for teh purpose of discussing real estate negotiations" and then did indeed go into executive session must have done it for some other purpose which would have violated the open meeting law which is being denied. So which was it?

I also hear the reason why the city wants to move the city yard...and the reason is the the rottmans furniture building owner want to make a trade with the city his land and building for the city yard on commercial street.. Maybe this is the reason for the move...

Justin the fire station in Maplewood along with the school was sold in June of 2003. I did not become a City Councillor until June of 2007. Just to set the record straight. The city council of 2003 voted unanimously to strike the deal as it brought in $2.4 million dollars which the city used to save many jobs for a couple years.

Neil, since we have your attention, please explain to the citizens of Ward 6 why it is we are without a fire station. As chair of the school you allowed the building to fall into neglect to the point it was condemned by the Board of Health and other officials who inspect buildings here. You have since replaced the roof and are involved in repairs and renovations right now. As Ward Councilor and now chair of the Safety Committee you have done nothing to remedy the situation since 2007. I believe you have been in office during the course of lease renewals. When will you do something about this situation?

I find it very disingenuous of you to attack Mayor Gary for his calling for Executive Session on a particular topic when you, of all people, are the king of the blanket "Executive Session" at every single board meeting at the charter school and make it almost impossible for people to get the minutes of any of those meetings. I don't know of anyone who has ever seen them outside of the board. If so, please tell us how to obtain them.

RELEASE THE PIT BULLS!!!

This is great we will have to warm up the popcorn for this show....Maybe the former Mayor can be called in to mediate this familial spat between his former lackeys on the city council. Now now Gary & Neil time to play nice and kiss and makeup for the good of the city...right guys cuz it's about what's best for Malden??? No??

How about the Hostess Bakery Outlet building when that site goes to auction due to the bankruptcy ?
It's a little bit more in an industrial area than Boston Steele. It wouldn't take much to retro-fit that facility . The price tag would also be far less than the Boston Steel site as well.

It sounds like the city may go over the "fiscal cliff". Tomorrow is 12-21-12, the end is near.

My 5 Cents
As a resident of Ward 6 , and a small businessman who chooses to use Malden businesses whenever possible and employs from "within" as often as possible, I have left several messages over the last few years at our esteemed councilman's residence seeking advice on issues pertainant to my business with no response whatsoever. On the other hand, the Mayor has been consistently responsive and available to me as a citizen, and businessman, since BEFORE his election and proved his efficacy and commitment to Malden over and again. Though I'm not familiar with the specifics of this disagreement, in my opinion Ward 6 would be better off with a new councilman.

Hit the road Kinnon, and don't come back. You have level Maplewood Sq to nothing in my opinon. You failed to make repairs and now they have no fire department. The house on Salem/Laurel would have had far less damage and so would the house onI believe Orchard St. You have put those residents at greater risk. You have the most disgusting attitude toward residents and honestly people have wanted you gone for years.

I agree David S he never responds. He is not my Ward Councilor however I have tried several time to speak with him. He has no value in Malden, but he sure thinks people value him. Do the right thing Kinnon, step down and let someone more deserving take over for you. Someone who will care and listen. All you have ever cared about is your precious MVRCS and what fame you can get from it.

Mike because when was the last time other than I believe last election someone ran against him? You can stick up for him if you so choose, but I am also entitled to my opinon. Kinnon, is a joke and should consider leaving office. Maplewood Sq is the same and that is sad. In 5 years nothing has been done to it to make it better or more appealing. They also lost the fire department which is much needed there. Walk the streets of Maplewood and it is dingy like I have said before. No eye appeal, nothing about it make you want to come there expect the wonderful Italian Rest.

Address the parking issues because in the morning and after school parking and traffic is a nightmate with the MVRCS. How did a fire truck ever fit down Jacob St or Laurel St anyways with the parking situation? Spruce Maplewood up a bit, clean it up make it look nice and it might attract more store business.

Pettiness aside. I am very concerned about this comment “...Convenient when someone is opposing his plan to spend almost two times the going rate per acre, to purchase a property which is not big enough, to replace the four acre current City Yard and plop it into two of the most densely populated neighborhoods in Malden.”

Would the Malden Patch be willing to do some research about the going rate per acre? My concern is as a taxpayer and I don't want my taxes to go to sweetheart deals if this allegation proves to be true.

I know Mr. Kinnon is not the most popular person in Malden. He has been described as having a bombastic personality and rubs alot of people the wrong way. I don't want to judge based on image. I am concerned with the facts. I think the public would greatly appreciate some research on the Patch's part. I for one am tired of local newspapers posting public relations campaigns.

Neil is under the impression he can operate without sanction because he does not receive any money for being on the charter school board. He personally may not receive money yet those around him sure do. His sister-in-law did not have a Masters in Ed yet was made head of the SPED dept. and is given an extra bonus for being the secretary of the swim team (!). His brother is Maintenance Director at the school yet has no background in it and now manages a $15mil+ real estate portfolio? Marty Gately was hired as PR Director after stepping down as Council President and getting his law license suspended: http://www.mass.gov/obcbbo/bd07-102.htm Then there is Chris Finn who was hired initially as the Business Manager without any business degree or experience. After about 6-7 years the Board authorized spending $2500+ on him taking a course in Procurement. Isn't that something an experienced Business Manager already knew? Shortly after they hired a Business Manager with experience and Chris is now Lower School principal.

How about the Roosevelt Park deal? And the Emerson School deal with Neil sitting on the Building Properties committee? The original Maplewood School and fire station purchase certainly was helped by our former Mayor who Neil was his Campaign Manager. Howard had never run for office before and beat an incumbent. How grateful do you think he was? Don't you think he had something to do with making Neil's dream of a school come true? There is plenty that stinks here.

Well stated AnnieOMalden. There is a lot that stinks when Neil, is involved. This is not to say I agree with everything Mr. Christenson, has done either.

Perhaps if people/government put as much energy and interest into all the public schools these arguments would be moot. Instead we have a private school paid for with my taxes with a multitude of duplication of services and facilities.

Before the comments come about being a disgruntled parent, my kids are grown and gone, but I PAID for their private school education.

Malden City Councilor / Mystic Valley Regional Charter School Chairman / Malden Public Safety Committee Chairman Kinnon,

While you're setting the record straight here can you please explain to the citizens of Malden once and for all your involvement in the Maplewood Fire Station and the adjacent school deal? Were you the Malden Fire Department Commissioner and Chairman of the Mystic Valley Regional Charter School at the time of the deal? If so how is that not conflict of interest? Mr. Kinnon, these questions seem to be brought up any time there is something in the news about the MVRCS or an article that mentions both you and the Malden Fire Department. We would appreciate the real story from you.

monkey: The reason Neil created the charter school is so he could run it the way he sees fit without having any scrutiny. For those who think the DOE tells him what to do, dream on! They told him for years to put term limits on the board. His answer? Every 2-3 years they vote each other back on! He will tell you "education is my hobby". Not his background or training but a "hobby". He has eliminated every professional who locks horn with him or refuses to follow along with this "kult" he has created. Anyone who is on staff and leaves the school has signed a contract which does not allow them to speak about the school for 5 years and they are not allowed to apply for any school in the district. Make no mistake, he created a private school for those who drink his koolaid. Fort the record: I sipped but did not gulp.

Sorry, I had to remove a comment that was potentially libelous.

To Mr. Ryan's comments " I have heard the charter school selects students who are more intelligent - better students", the charter school isn't a college. It's soooooo refreshing to see another 'intelligent' comment from another 'informed' poster on this thread. Good grief!

I've learned that the law allows the Chairman to call for an Executive Session if a public hearing would be detrimental to negotiations. You can drive a DPW truck through that loophole. From what I understand, Councilor Kinnon does recuse himself from issues involving MVCS. BTW, the Boston Steel site doesn't not have enough room to garage the vehicles.

(｡◕‿◕｡)

To Mike G regarding 'no one running against him' I agree completely.

Marie made an excellent point. Clearly Mr. Kinnon, you don't know the difference between 'discuss' and actively 'engaging'. And to think, Mr. Kinnon, you're in education? No diploma for you, sir!

Chris - Thanks. Your efforts will be greatly appreciated. I look forward to seeing the details.

IIIIIII got mee orville's gettin ready to pop. This is going to be a gooodun

There must be a decent resident of ward 6 to beat this man.I mean in the election of course.

Someone needs to step up and run him out. I would run against him, but I am not in Ward 6 so it's not possible. AnnieOMalden, you run against him as it seems you have passion and seem to be well informed. Seems to me you know more than most about him and his sticky ways. Surely someone has to be willing.

I'm in ward 6 and I can't run, unless I quit my day job. And that isn't happening. Being a state employee binds me within conflict of interest and ethics laws. In other words, I might end up breaking the law, just by running.
Once again, I am ready to support anyone with the intestines to make a serious run. Been down this road before. Not content to sit on the sidelines. Happy to assist anyone who wishes help.

Here are some links from the State Ethics Commission. The AG will make the final call from a legal point of view.

http://www.mass.gov/ethics/laws-and-regulations-/conflict-of-interest-information/info-section-23/section-23.html
http://www.mass.gov/ethics/laws-and-regulations-/conflict-of-interest-information/holding-a-2nd-public-position/section-20.html
http://www.mass.gov/ethics/laws-and-regulations-/conflict-of-interest-information/info-nepotism/section-19.html

Chris, I have some questions for the article that you are working on:
1. Does the City own or lease the existing site of the DPW facilities?
2. If leased, what are the terms & expiration date?
3. If owned, what is the appraised fair market value, not the City assessed value.
4. What is the size of the current DPW facilies including the grounds versus the proposed Eastern Ave site?
5. What is the appriaised fair market value of the Eastern Ave Site. Who is the legal owner of the Boston Steel site?
I was told back in July that the DPW was going to be moving to Eastern Ave. Sounds to me like this has been in the works for some time. For the record, I don't think Neil's personality should be on trial here. Personally I find him arrogant, but that should not be an excuse to move away from the topic at hand. By doing so, we could be deceiving ourselves. Thank you.

Hey here's an idea let's start simple. Clean the streets, put more cops on patrol to curb the violence have a full time gun buy back program, park all unused police vehicles at our schools public and private/charter to deter any act of violance that may arise, force section 8 landlords to take care of their properties, give malden residents preference to any program offered in OUR city before other cities have the option or heavily tax people that utilize our system and then drive home to Winchester...lol ohhh yeah one more thing get rid of the pay as you throw or provide a viable product to throw our trash away so it dosent end up on the streets like it is now because the bags break. If I was running this city I wouldn't be able to sleep at night. And I don't know Neil kinnon but reading all this, he should be missing a few sheep too. Good luck suckers!

Based on an article from another paper, the main purpose for changing DPW's location seems to be more revenue that additional development of the River's Edge project would bring to the city. As someone, maybe Mr. Kinnon mentioned, , the Faulkner area is too densed, too many people live in the area to take the risk of having rats, vermins, and other infestations to deal with. Residents' health and well being should come before money.

Excerpts and Link:

"The sole respondent to the DPW RFP is the Boston Steele Company at 490 Eastern Ave. While financial details of that discussion have not been released, Christenson said the central location of the site is highly desirable, adding the city would like to see the currently DPW yard redeveloped as part of the ongoing River’s Edge construction in that area. He estimated commercial or mixed-use construction of that parcel would add $500,000 to $600,000 of annual tax revenue for the city."

Read more: Malden City Hall relocation debate grows contentious - Malden, Massachusetts - Malden Observer http://www.wickedlocal.com/malden/news/x1781246376/Malden-City-Hall-relocation-debate-grows-contentious#ixzz2Ff8PvUfO

I have never met Mr Kinnon just seen him on the TV but I dont see why everyone does not like him. He Looks like a nice guy. What has he done wrong? Nothing different than any other polition has done. If he is so bad why is he still in office? Someone must vote for him.

People do like him. He does have supporters. They will never abandon him. Just because they are not as vocal, does not mean they do not exist.

The perception about Neil Kinnon does not seem to be very positive . His brother, sister in law etc are employed with the school he manages which may just be coincidence and not nepotism, really. He also doesn't seem to be transparent about the deals has done or will do for the school which is concerning. I recall this guy mentioning that .02% of the household (i.e. less than 3 household) had complaints about JRM not cleaning up after trash pickup; which is another blatant lie and a failed attempt to paint a rosy picture of the company the city signed a 20 year deal with.

On his defense he does win the election fairly, so there must be a lot of people voting for him or he has enough connections to make sure he stays elected. Maybe he is a good guy but certainly present himself as a shady character and a real douche bag by copy pasting a letter addressed to the councilors from the mayor in a public forum like the patch.

lol Unpleasant

I find it funny your laughing as well, I would classify it as unintelligent banter. Its ok to laugh as long as you have a better solution. you stated nothing. How about you read it again and let it absorb into your brain before you open your mouth. A FULL TIME buy back program, so you create a civilian/ law enforcement relationship. I'm not talking about people that are going to commit extreme acts of violence with registered weapons. I'm talking about the young kids walking around this city freely blasting off handguns on our streets because they have nothing better to do. Those kids have those gun because they are worth something and are traded on our streets for money and drugs. . If you can not offer a commodity of higher value in exchange for those weapons, stray bullets are going to be flying around. Im sure if you ask anyone that has lost a family member or has been injured for life from a stray bullet. Im sure they would agree. Still laughing? ..... Served biatch

Hey just as an aside. What if he is right about the cost of Boston Steel being a rip off? What if he is right on the figures he is saying about leasing a City Hall being a bad deal? You know he stood up first to fight those trash bags before everyone or is everyones memory that off? He also predicted right on that the numbers the trash taxers were saying it would raise were way off and the city would get way less? No for some he is in your face but gee I been watching a long time and nobody seems to ever really challenge him on the numbers. What if he is right?

One other thing about relocating the dump to the middle of the city. Have you people lost your mind?? You can say whatever you want about the charter school ethics and Neil Kinnon. But MVRCS has turned an eye sore into a respectable property that resembles growth and innovation. Even know its another tin can aluminum vanilla box building with no character, at least its clean and fresh. Now you want to put a dump next to it. On the busiest and largest street in the middle our city ? Its just dumb.

One more thing, HitchIdiot....what does a gun buy-back program have to do with the present issue at hand with Neil Kinnon riding both sides of the fence? Do you have ADD?

I can think of a number of reasons he is still in office. Crime is down in his WArd since he came in. Talk to anyone in the know and they will tell you that. He got that High Rock development stopped and city purchased that land. Got money for the Hanover Street Flooding issue, got millions to fix South Broadway Park its starting this year from what I understand. Believe it or not I think most people like that Charter School. They sure flock their to get their kids in if those lottery stories are correct. Trafton Park got the only dog park in the City. Well as you know I live near the new complex and it is beautiful and its made my neighborhood a better place to live. Where do you live Paulie? You want the City Dump next to your house?

Please post a statement of a solution or just go spend your time on something constructive. You sound so very unintelligent with your one line hate statements. I am far from an idoit as you can tell by my views. But there is one hitch you can kiss my - signing out.

圣诞快乐假日的上帝保佑你们平安和爱。进入你的生活，找到自己的方式！

Crime is down in the ward because Neil personally patrols the street, vigilante style in his car. Remember those days? Those were some wild news stories. Wonder if he still does .
But Really, I'll have to ignore the crime hot spot charts, city and state charts that show crime is static in Malden and ward 6, to believe that crime is down. Assaults are up slightly across the city. That's why the mayor initiated the public safety meetings. Let's pretend things are better in ward 6 and not the rest of Malden. And we can ignore that Neil finished the High Rock project started by his predecessor and is taking 100% of the credit and giving none to the dead lady. I'm sure others can go on.

Definition of POLITICS
a : the art or science of government
b : the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy
c : the art or science concerned with winning and holding control over a government
Source: Merriam-Webster

Influencing, controling, winning. This all just sounds like normal politicking to me. The difference is we've turned it into the Jerry Springer Show.

No, I believe it is Neil Kinnon himself who is turning this city into the Jerry Springer Show. It's not like I make this stuff up about him just to comment here. He is actually doing what he is portrayed as doing. He is the one causing shame and disgrace onto the school and this city with his antics. As long as he can continue to get away with his schemes he will continue doing them. I have been watching his show for almost 15 years and have forgotten more than I've ever posted on any blogs. Just as I think he's reached a new level, he outdoes that one. This is just the latest smudge for him in my book. lol

Wasn't the new trafton park done under councilwoman Faye as well, minus the fence for the dogs? The upgraded square, lights, and crosswalks were all Steve finn right? What has mr kinnon done other than buy property for mvrcs? If I remember correctly, they own houses on Jacob St, Salem St, and the school/fire house on laurel. Pretty soon there won't be residents left to vote for him if the school keeps buying it all up. Malden has 6572 students of which only 986 spots can go to mvrcs. Mvrcs has 1469 students....I find it hard to imagine that they have filled the Malden quota and less than 500 students are being shipped in. There is just too much impact for such a small number to be reality. Also curious to find that mvrcs is way off on the minority scale with 67% of population white.....way below low income scale, sped scale, esl rates. I bring these up because many who are off topic keep touting the great work of the charter school.....easier to educate kids who are rich, speak English, and have no special needs. Mass doese stats are easy to find online. Pull up school then selected populations tab, compared to city students it's night and day.

Citizens Bank robbed in Ward 6 a week or two ago and today Citizens Bank robbed in Malden Square.
Yeah, crime is down alright... NOT.

Maybe Mr Royds...we could just call you a cab instead :)

So, is the trash tax what we are using to cover the lost tax base? Is that why Kinnon is pushing so hard for the parking sticker tax? Hmmm...starting to make sense why it's taking so long to eliminate the bag.

Paulie your back. So where do you live as I asked? You want the DPW yard in your neighborhood? I don't want it near mine. And Hitch you a lawyer now? Mr Kinnon doesn't work for the Charter School he is Board member. So what is his interest except for poor slobs like me who don't want a dump near our houses? And he is the Ward Six Councilor speaking for citizens not getting dumped on and ripped off just like he did against those trash bags. And as I said before what if he is right about Boston Steel being a rip off at $4.3 million. Anybody an expert on RE out there that can say.

We pay because the MVRCS uses Trafton Park and for a short time they wrre using the Baseball Field down by Lincoln Jr High (no longer there) but they used that park. Our streets are flooded with teacher parking and parent parking. Salem St, Jacob St, Dodge St and Stanton St as well as Laurel St are so dangerous at drop off and pick up times. Kinnon's son I believe just won a scholarship as well at the MVRCS. I agree the school is decent and no majior problems because God forbid a child with learning disabilities attends or a non speaking English student.

They keep only the students that will make the school look top notch. Kinnon, hires unqualified people witn no background exp to work there because they are his family or friends. You teach you should have a degree, you work anywhere in the school you should have qualifications to meet you job. Crime in Maplewood is also still there, but Kinnon will make sure not everything leaks out. Kinnon, is horrible lets get him out.

Oh yes and Kinnon, would you sell your house and move to Faulkner St, Bryant St or close to the dump? Bet now so why would anyone else want toooooo?

Folks, if we have anyone to be mad at for lost tax revenue, it ought to be ourselves, since we claim a residential exemption, which is a gigantic 30% this year.

Chris, can you please put my comments in the correct order? Thank you!

My sincerest apologies Chris. My comments did post in the order that I wanted them to. When I was posting, it didn't appear that way.

Thank you for all that you do Chris.

Over the last couple of day I read everyone's comments and see there anger with the city and Neil.. I would like to propose that everyone that has made a comment or comments should show up at the next city council meeting and make there point heard..if not speaking then at least being there will get the attention of the council to really look at the city and know that it's citizen aren't happy..if we don't make our point heard(vocal or silent) then all we can do is blame our selfs for not trying. So in conclusion of my comment we can sit here and complain about this stuff on here and also on Facebook but that's all we will be doing is just complaining.... People also sound like they care when they just type a comment lets get out there and be productive not just complainers hiding behind our computers.. Thank you everyone who will read this and I hope to see you at the next meeting. Justin ward 6

If people want a circus, I might start showing up at council meetings again. Things get a little tense if I show up, usually cause I show up only when things go south and nearly all the city councilors know my face.
Went to many council chamber meetings last year to affect change. Many other residents did NOT join me, some did. I got roundly criticized for trying to take on City Hall and council issues by myself. Got some minor changes affected in some of the billing procedures to residents of the city, but not much else.
If we can get past the prevalent apathy, maybe just maybe something can happen to start turning things around.
I took my shot. Carol and some others had tried. Too few of us trying. Too many others just complaining that no one is doing anything.

I agree totally I've been asking Neil to put a speed bump or have the traffic supervisor take patrol on the corner of Beachview ave and olive ave where people think they need to do a 100 mph to get up the hill and down the hill also.. Someone is going to get seriously injured by way if car accident, run over, or there going to hit something.. Like they have in the past just ask the Dpw about hitting to fences in the last 3 years cause of the snow... But hey we can still try.....

I support Gary, in case that wasn't clear. I've said it in the past on here and I'll repeat it, that I don't always understand or agree with everything Gary does, but he is the mayor and I do like him. He's a nice guy and he has been extremely kind and responsive to me and my family. I make it a point not to try and bother him too much, now that he is mayor. My wife and I smile every time we see him show up at an event anywhere in town. You can't make up a good feeling like that. That's why he's the mayor.
If this isn't just talk and anything ever develops from these accusations in city hall, I support the mayor.

I heard that gang members where involved in a house / pipe bomb thrown at a house in the maplewod area yesterday. Any truth to that.

jirky: Didn't Neil tell you? We don't have gang members anymore in Maplewood. Certainly nothing like pipe bombs either. Crime is down here in Ward 6 thanks to our Kaped Krusader! LOL NOT!!!

Wired, you would think that kind of story would have made the patch site. Does anyone else know about this. Columbia street area ?

Just wondering....for the most holiest day of the year. Can't you give it a rest and get back to spending time with your loved ones?

Not everyone is a believer in the dogma of the Catholic Church

Wow, that's so edgy.

Just sayin Brian.... Just sayin

Actually I don't think there are any holidays sacrosanct enough to silence us from legitimate criticism of government behavior. However, the investigating officers found this to be a firework of some kind, and unless we have compelling evidence to the contrary, I don't really see an incentive for the department to otherwise lie.

Hey Mike G she was touting like a bitter old lady. Over a hundred comments ago. Why don't all of you complainers do something (legal)...... run against the power to be, go to Council meetings, do a picket. PS- Pardon my English if I made a mistake. Do you correct everybody or just the few select?

Thank you for the idea - maybe I should picket for people to clean up after their dog because I'm tired of seeing it out my driveway, out my front door, out my back door, around the corner, wet in the rain, steaming and fly covered in summer, and now of course hidden under the snow - complaining to the "owner" cost me years of untold grief and complaining to ALL officials got me nowhere

Cleaning the streets was mentioned above, my streets are filthy with dog feces; another post states that the "complainers" should take legal action, run for office or picket to get what they want - that's what it has to do with it...maybe I should've jumped into the fray here regarding officials who can't get along? It's no wonder I can't get a clean street, the powers that be are much too busy filing formal complaints.

any other questions?

He is unfortunately telling the truth. You don't have to try to belittle him.