"Big Gus" up for sale

Oh blah, blah, blah ... now we find out that the Newburyport Trolley is up for sale, after just one summer of operation. Apparently this guy Michael Vetrano is making a living off being a police officer in Everett, resigning and going off for a year to do something else, then being hired back as a police officer by his buddy, Mayor Carlo DeMaria.

Not to mention he got $10,000-$12,000 in economic development money from the city ...

I think he's perfect for Pepperell

So he couldn't file an appeal with FEMA on behalf of 1,400 homeowners - or for that matter take New Ventures to court on behalf of other homeowners - but give him one big development company, and ...

The city filed an appeal of the preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps on behalf of New England Development on Monday, the last day possible to fight the imposition of new flood maps that will impact hundreds of properties in the city.

Mayor John Moak had said earlier this year that the city would not appeal the new maps, which will take effect June 1. However, the mayor said yesterday the city is the only party that can file an appeal and did so this week on behalf of the development company.

Read the whole story in the Daily News, here.

It's a done deal

I forgot to mention that Mayor Moak told me today that he signed the contract in Pepperell and he's outta here as soon as he's outta the corner office. As in, inauguration day he leaves the ceremony for work in Pepperell.

I thought it uncouth to ask him how much dough he'll be making (especially since we were standing in the hallway at City Hall), but it's not too uncouth to call Pepperell tomorrow, I guess, and ask.

Type this word - grogitudinous

Soon I'm going to have to turn on that awful word verification thing because I keep getting spam comments. Usually I simply reject them, but tonight I accidentally published four of them.

Oddly enough, three of them were on old posts from way back. They were mostly about anal fissures and other stuff that is better left unrevealed.

You guys aren't actually interested in anal fissures, are you?

Sorry for not posting more but I've been way too busy to do anything but work and collapse and oh yeah, offend people I'm very fond of.

I haven't slept a wink

I'm so tired I can hardly even walk without feeling as if I'm going to topple over.

That's all - except for I fixed the Parker Street parking story on NBPT Biz so now the beginning makes sense.

This isn't as easy as it looks ... but it's getting better.

This just in ....

The Wreaths Across America convoy comprised of 50+ vehicles (motorcycles, cars, tractor trailers, fire trucks and police cars) will be coming through Newburyport on Monday December 7 this year.

This year marks our 18^th trip from Harrington, Maine to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

The convoy should be coming through around 9:50-10am provided we're on schedule. We have a scheduled stop at Patton Park in Hamilton MA around 10:30am.

We will be traveling on Route 95 to Route 113 along High Street to Route 1Anand a big turnout of your townspeople would be welcomed.

If you have any questions or would like to tell us about what your town may be planning, please call us at (207) 483-2039 and ask for Major Merritt. Or you can email .

Let's all get in the Christmas spirit!

Turn out and show your support for all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we all enjoy.

To learn more about us visit .

Hope to see you along the way!

Thanks,
Morrill Worcester
Wreaths Across America Founder

Launch and charter

I would be remiss if I did not point out that the Charter Commission is holding its very first public hearing the same night as the hard launch of NBPT Biz, Dec. 16. There is only a 1/2-hour overlap, so people can pop in to Comina and then pop out again and over to City Hall.

Here's some more info I got from Sheila Mullins, the commision's clerk:

On 12/16, the Charter Commission is holding its first public hearing at 7 p.m. at the City Hall auditorium. This is the opportunity for you to let the commission know what you want them (& me) know about what you have found works, doesn't work, want, don't want, etc. as the Charter Commission moves forward to creating a legally compliant charter for Newburyport. The commission wants very much to hear what you have to say, so please, come. If you cannot attend, please, write to the Charter Commission PO Box 550 Newburyport, OR drop a letter off to the City Clerk's office on or before 12/16. Thanks & we look forward to seeing & hearing from you! Sheila

Message from Newburyport Business

For my faithful readers who care to do so, please take note:

Join us for our launch party! Wednesday December 16th from 5:30-7:30pm at Comina, 55 Pleasant Street. Free drinks and snacks!

I admit it - I'm competitive

At least Ed Cameron didn't beat me to this one ... and he could have, seeing as how he's on the senior center building committee ...

The City of Newburyport is starting negotiations to buy four or more of the buildings in the stalled condominium project on the Merrimack River at the Towle Building for use as the city's senior center. City officials described the negotiations for the long-awaited senior center as "preliminary."

What a cumbersome first paragraph? Who wrote that? ... OH. lol

Also, it would be much better if I could access my own website ... well, our own website ...

Ed Cameron scoops us all

Boy, that Ed. Thinks he's a blogger or something ...

Our Mayor, John Moak, was offered the job of town administrator in Pepperell, MA. I snatched this from Ed's blog!

Pepperell picks Newburyport mayor for administrator post

By Don Eriksson, Correspondent

Updated: 12/01/2009 07:01:45 AM EST

PEPPERELL -- Selectmen have unanimously voted to offer the job of town administrator to Newburyport Mayor John Moak. They plan to enter closed-door negotiations with Moak later this week.

Last night's vote considered both Moak and Jason Hoch, former administrator for the New Hampshire towns of Littleton and Plaistow.

Both men were at the top of a pool of candidates developed by a Search Committee. They were interviewed last week, after negotiations with Shirley Town Administrator Kyle Keady collapsed earlier this fall.

According to private comments from several Search Committee members, Pepperell would be well-served by either candidate.

Administrative Assistant Peggy Mazola has been acting as interim administrator while continuing to perform her duties as administrative assistant.

Selectmen Joseph Hallisey, Patrick McNabb and Joseph Sergi complimented Police Chief Alan Davis for conducting extensive background checks on both candidates, which were received yesterdays.

"For myself, it comes down to John (Moak) as a better fit for Pepperell," Hallisey said. "Both are extremely qualified. (Moak's) experience in Newburyport fits Pepperell issues -- a school was closed and revitalizing Town Hall."

McNabb lauded the qualifications of both candidates, saying "It boils down to who is best for Pepperell right now. Based on experience and positive feedback from the Newburyport City Council (regarding) strong fiscal budgeting and (having) a lot of drive ... (Moak) is someone who could step in right now."