4 Responses to Rep. Linda Campbell Starts Strong

1. Bob LeBlanc says:

   April 26, 2008 at 3:01 pm

   I noticed the article in the Herald commenting that Rep L’Italien has requested $121 million in the House budget for her district which includes Pleasant Valley in Methuen. I checked the Legislative website and found this to be true….but that Rep Campbell requested only about $1,300,000 and was suprised…and she did not co-sponsor an amendment requesting $10,000,000 in additional money to support taxpayer relief for water/sewer bills….Rep Campbell works hand in glove with you Mr Mayor and with Sen Badour…do you know why more was not requested by Rep Campbell for Methuen? Is there a reason why it appears that her primary focus is the Senior Center, the YMCA program for the Arlington neighborhood , the COPS program for the Arlington Neighborhood and more money for the Arlington Neighborhood social service programs? Rep L’Italien tops her by 121-1..that’s in MILLIONS Mr Mayor!

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2. Bill Manzi says:

   April 27, 2008 at 8:03 am

   Well are you saying that she should not work closely with the Mayor and Senator? And should you not disclose in making a post that you are part of the campaign team of her opponent in the Democratic primary? As part of her opponents campaign team you ought to know the following: 1) She also works closely with Rep. Barbara L’Italien. That close relationship manifests itself in several ways, including making separate budget requests so as to extend the amount that can be requested. I was at a Statehouse meeting three weeks ago with Rep. Campbell, Rep L’Italien, and Senator Baddour on the High School issue, the Rte 93 Rotary, and budget issues. Determinations were made as to what our city would request, and what the correct legislative stategy would be. Linda Dean Campbell has worked hard, and made a difference on issues that matter to Methuen’s people, like the High School. 2)What matters is what is brought home, not what is requested. Campbell, in her first term, has brought home some of the most significant projects in Methuen’s history, including the new Arlington Neighborhood Community Center. 3) I am shocked, and shall do a posting on this, that her opponents campaign now criticizes her for standing up for seniors in Methuen. Shame on you for suggesting that our Rep has done to much for seniors, and that she should be “focused” elsewhere. Since you represent her opponents campaign I assume he will not “focus” as much on the senior center if elected. I am sure that is a message that seniors in Methuen will want to hear.

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3. Bob LeBlanc says:

   April 27, 2008 at 12:48 pm

   My Friend,

   I am so pleased that you provided some clarity to my question. I understand now that you went to the State House and collaborated with Sen Baddour and Reps Campbell and L’Italien on what amendments would be submitted to the House Budget proposal.You should be commended on your active participation in that process.All public officials should work tirelessly together for a Better Methuen.

   Certainly, I am pleased that Rep Campbell agreed with your requests for the $1.3 million in funding for our Senior Center, the YMCA and the Arlington Neighborhood, including funds for the Police Department which will make up the budget shortfall and keep patrol officers on the streets in every neighborhood.

   The more state money flowing into Methuen the better in my opinion.

   As you know, I hold in the highest regard the work that Linda Soucy and her neighbors have dedicated to the huge and continued improvement to the Arlington Neighborhood. MAN Inc is a prime example of people in positive action and has earned the respect and admiration of all citizens.

   We need even more money for our seniors for relief from high taxes and high water charges.

   Given the fact that an additional $1,000,000 has to be cut from police, fire,DPW and other budgets and given to the school department, I was just suprised that Rep Campbell did not ask for more.

   I do take exception to the tone and spin which your entry gives. It’s is a distortion of my original question. I know how closely you and the delegation work and was a bit suprised that more money was not requested for Methuen, not that the $1.3 milllion was requested. Of all the money requested by Rep L’Italien very little was for Methuen, but she was not at all shy about fighting for more money for her district. I like that kind of moxy!

   Be well my friend and please resist the urge to lash out when it is not necessary.I know the pressure of the job you have and I respect the loyalty you show to elected collegues.

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4. Bill Manzi says:

   April 27, 2008 at 2:48 pm

   Bob,
   Thank you for the clarification. While it is true that a Mayors job may have some stress at times my response was not based on stress. It is simply based on what is true. As you know I believe in free and open debate, and you have seen some postings on this blog that criticize me severely. What I have said is that I will respond “vigorously” when something is said that is not true or leaves a false impression. Your intent in making that post was to imply that Rep. Campbell was not being effective in seeking additional monies for Methuen. If the tone of my response was offensive then I apologize, but I believe she is doing a very effective job for our City. As you know from personal experience it is a better situation for Methuen when the Mayor and the Rep get along. I simply did not want her to be unfairly criticized for working together with Senator Baddour and the whole Merrimack Valley delegation. Her record warrants re-election.

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