"House approves $35m loan to help Lawrence stay solvent; GOP lawmakers say Democrats squelched debate" by Michael Levenson, Globe Staff | March 4, 2010
The Massachusetts House approved a $35 million rescue plan yesterday to save the struggling city of Lawrence from financial collapse.
Supporters said the bill - which passed, 101 to 56, after several hours of bitter debate - will prevent one of the state’s poorest cities from running out of money this spring, threatening its critical police, fire, and municipal services.
“This is the soul of the Democratic Party, to help people who need help,’’ said Representative Angelo M. Scaccia, a Democrat from Hyde Park.
Who, banks?
Related: Hyde Park’s squeaky wheels get results
Yeah, some people are listened to around here, right.
The bill, which authorizes Lawrence to borrow up to $35 million under state supervision, must also be approved by the Senate, which has not set a timetable for debate on the measure....
Oh, so you can't have it yet?
Democrats who control the chamber crushed the amendment by overriding it with one of their own, a procedural maneuver that drew howls of protest from Republicans, who accused Democrats of unfairly squelching debate....
Well, this is Massachusetts!
Related: Tough Love For Lawrence
Patrick Loves Lawrence
Lawrence in the Limelight
Put that spotlight on them again!
"Superintendent in Lawrence indicted; Embezzlement, fraud alleged" by Peter Schworm and Steven Rosenberg, Globe Staff | March 10, 2010
LAWRENCE - School Superintendent Wilfredo Laboy was indicted yesterday on eight counts of fraud and embezzlement alleging that he had school employees complete a variety of personal errands, including providing electrical work at his home in Methuen, hauling away his trash and dumping it on school property, and picking up his grandchildren from school.
Hey, that's what "public service" is for, right?
Laboy, who has been the center of controversy during his decade at the helm of the city’s struggling school system, had workers fix his home computer, meet contractors at his house during school hours, and drive his adult son to his job at a pizza shop, authorities said....
Yeah, NOW you KNOW WHY!
What a self-serving PoS!!!!!!!!!!
The scope of the charges, which culminated a lengthy probe into alleged wrongdoing in the troubled school district, reveals a persistent and particularly brazen abuse of power for personal gain over the past six years, all at taxpayers’ expense, prosecutors said....
That is what "PUBLIC SERVICE" means in Massachusetts!!!
Laboy is also charged with possessing alcoholic beverages on school grounds.
The charges, handed down as legislators voted to allow the city to borrow up to $35 million to repair its finances, deliver another embarrassing blow for a scandal-plagued city reeling from the economic downturn. Mayor William Lantigua recently resigned his seat in the Legislature under heavy pressure from critics who seized on his dual positions as a symbol of greed and political hubris.
“It’s a sad day, because it’s another black eye,’’ said Frank Moran, president of the City Council. “But it’s a good day, in a sense, because the people of Lawrence and the voters of the state can see that the untouchables are actually touchable. Nobody thought six months ago that something could happen to the superintendent.’’
**********
Laboy has been on paid administrative leave since June, when police raided his office and confiscated computer equipment from his home, but has continued to receive about $4,000 a week while accumulating vacation time and retirement benefits, the mayor’s office said.
Stealing right down to the very last second, huh?
Lantigua and other School Committee members, who had feared legal repercussions if they fired Laboy during the criminal probe, said they support his speedy removal.
“The people of the great city of Lawrence, the parents, the teachers, administrators, and, most importantly, the children of our school system have waited too long for this scandal to come to an end,’’ Lantigua said. “I, as mayor and chairman, will not allow any more time to be wasted in setting forth the future leadership of our school district.’’
Firing Laboy requires the vote of five of seven board members. Laboy could appeal his termination.
Neither Laboy nor his lawyer, Scott Gleason, returned calls seeking comment. A knock on Laboy’s front door went unanswered.
Wow, they went right to his house, huh?
Laboy is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow in Salem Superior Court.
The charges infuriated many city leaders and residents, who said Laboy had betrayed public confidence....
Prosecutors charged three other defendants in connection with the investigation, which began when School Committee member Sammy Reyes notified state officials that Laboy and others illegally used a School Department press to print campaign materials for six political candidates who were seen as allies of Laboy.
What ARROGANCE!
I'm beginning to think Massachusetts would be better off with no government at all. All they do is LOOT CITIZENS to FEATHER THEIR OWN NESTS!!!
Laboy’s former special assistant, Mark Rivera, faces seven counts of larceny over $250. Rivera resigned under pressure last spring after police discovered he had used school computers to conduct unauthorized background checks on more than 400 people, a scandal that locals dubbed “Snoopgate.’’
Must have had nothing else to do, huh?
Related: State School Snoopers
Office can get pretty boring.
Prosecutors said Rivera directed graphic designers at the school system to produce campaign literature for several School Committee members, mayoral candidate Israel Reyes, and Lantigua.
The double-dipping mayor who just got elected?
Rivera also allegedly had graphic designers provide fliers, brochures, invitations, and other documents for the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, which Laboy formerly led as president.
Lantigua said he was not a target of the investigation. Not all the candidates knew printing was being done on their behalf, investigators said.
Authorities said the investigation will continue, and Lantigua said the investigation may expand.
“There is a possibility of other people being indicted,’’ he said. “I was told it was not a sure thing, but the possibility of other people being indicted is there.’’
**************
Israel Reyes, the brother of Sammy Reyes, faces two counts of larceny over $250 that allege he ordered school employees to produce campaign literature for him and for state Representative Barry Finegold.
Brother turned on brother?
Laboy’s son, Wilfredo Laboy II, was also indicted on a perjury charge that he allegedly lied to the grand jury.
Like father like son.
He will also be arraigned tomorrow.
Since becoming superintendent in 2000, Laboy has been the subject of frequent controversy. A native of Puerto Rico who moved to New York City as a young boy, he failed a required English proficiency test three times. He billed the district for running boards on his sport utility vehicle, saying his wife was having a hard time getting in and out of the vehicle in heels.
And it took you TEN YEARS to get rid of this self-serving shit, huh?
Just one of MANY REASONS why THIS STATE SUCKS!!!!
He was involved in a scuffle with a female School Committee member in his office.
For many in Lawrence, yesterday’s charges confirmed that the system needs sweeping and immediate change.
“If it’s true, then he should pay for what he did,’’ said Joseph Darling. “I don’t think it’s right because the city’s almost bankrupt.’’Almost?
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Related: Teachers Teach Students How to Conform
Are they serious?
No wonder our kids are bunch of f***ed-up brats and bullies.
Look who they are learning from?
"School Committee to vote on Laboy; Panel to consider initiating firing process tonight" by Brian R. Ballou, Globe Staff | March 11, 2010
The Lawrence School Committee is expected to vote tonight on whether to begin the process to fire embattled Superintendent Wilfredo Laboy, the same day that Laboy faces arraignment on fraud and embezzlement charges that could result in jail time....
Laboy would not be fired immediately. The board would convene a meeting later this month to finalize any action it takes, and Laboy would have the right to an appeal.
Scott Gleason, the attorney for Laboy, did not return a call yesterday seeking comment. The superintendent has been on paid administrative leave since last June, but continues to receive about $4,000 a month and to accrue vacation time and retirement benefits.
“These are very serious charges,’’ Reyes said. “How can we keep this guy here any longer? I’m just confident that these allegations will stand. I know one person who will testify that they saw him drinking alcohol in his office, and had to call a safety officer to make sure he got home. I know workers who did printing for him using the school’s printer and workers who went to his house and did cleaning.’’
Laboy is also charged with possessing alcoholic beverages on school grounds.
Martina Cruz, another board member, said she would vote to fire Laboy.
“I believe now is the time for us to do what needs to be done, to let him go,’’ she said. “So many people are asking us what are we waiting for. The residents don’t trust us anymore, but we’re here to do what’s best for the students.’’Yeah, sure.
I can't imagine why they are not trusted, can you?
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"Lawrence board moves to fire school chief" by Brian R. Ballou and Travis Andersen, Globe Staff | March 12, 2010
SALEM — The Lawrence School Committee voted to begin the dismissal process against Wilfredo Laboy last night, after the embattled superintendent pleaded not guilty earlier in the day to embezzlement and fraud charges.
Laboy is now suspended without pay and has 10 days to request a dismissal hearing. If he appeals, he could call witnesses and have his lawyer present during a hearing before the committee, which voted unanimously to inform him of its action. A school board attorney could also present witnesses.
Laboy and his attorney, Scott Gleason, could not be reached for comment on the vote last night. After Laboy’s arraignment in Essex Superior Court in Salem, Gleason said that charges should not have been filed against his client....
And you WONDER WHY the TOWN is BANKRUPT?
Yeah, but it is about the kids!!
Laboy was silent and stoic yesterday morning during his arraignment and offered no comment as he strode out of court. He was charged with eight counts of embezzlement and fraud, which each carry 10-year sentences, and a single count of alcohol possession on school grounds, which carries a maximum 30-day jail sentence. Gleason entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
Prosecutors allege that Laboy had school workers fix his home computer, provide electrical work at his house, pick up his grandchildren from school, drive his adult son to his job at a pizza shop, and haul away his trash within a six-year period beginning in early 2004.
During a press conference after the arraignment, Essex District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett said: “This is a case of political corruption . . . a very serious breach of the public trust. There’s no question that if the defendants are found guilty of these allegations, their actions will have cost the taxpayers of Lawrence, and indeed taxpayers across Massachusetts, substantial sums of money. And, most importantly, this has distracted from the School Department’s mission.’’
And here the U.S. is LECTURING OTHERS about corruption in government!!!
Police Chief John Romero said Laboy’s troubles have cast a “dark cloud’’ over the city, as it deals with a serious financial shortfall....
Gleason said he expects his client to be cleared of all charges. He said the alcohol charge came as a result of a gift, a bottle containing an alcoholic beverage, given to Laboy. Gleason said Laboy is “very upset.’’
Awwwwww!
The poor lying looter is upset, awwww.
Problem solved.
“This is very troubling,’’ he said. “He’s a man who gave great commitment to the city of Lawrence and produced great results, extraordinary results, that is demonstrated by history, that anybody can look at and see.’’
For who? His political friends and himself?
Laboy has been a center of controversy since becoming superintendent about a decade ago. He billed the district for running boards on his sport utility vehicle, saying his wife was having a hard time getting in and out of the vehicle in heels. He was also involved in a scuffle with a female School Committee member.
Laboy’s son, Wilfredo Laboy III, was arraigned yesterday on a charge of perjury in allegedly lying to a grand jury in the case. He pleaded not guilty.
Two other men, Israel Reyes, a former mayoral candidate, and Mark Rivera, Laboy’s former special assistant, were arraigned on larceny charges in connection with the case. They both pleaded not guilty....
You know, great results.
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Also see: The Latin Looter of Lawrence
The Pilfering Pastor of Lawrence
The Invisible Man of Lawrence
Looks like a lot of looters in Lawrence.
No wonder they have no money.
Updates:
"Lawmakers OK bond issue for Lawrence
The Senate has enacted a bill intended to provide help to the city of Lawrence. The bill, which passed 31-4, would allow Lawrence to seek an additional $35 million in bonds to balance its budget.
That is not going to work.
See: Municipal Bond Milking
Yeah, it is ALL FOR YOU, citizens!
Senate minority leader Richard R. Tisei argued that the bill should require a control board, rather than simply a state overseer. But Senator Susan Tucker said: “There are safeguards; there are controls. This is exactly the right thing to do at the right time for the city of Lawrence.’’ The bill now heads to the desk of Governor Deval Patrick.
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"Sick Infant Found At Lawrence Teen Drinking Party
Lawrence police say they found an infant with a feeding tube when they broke up an underage drinking and drug party this weekend.
Yeah, Lawrence is a big party!
Related: European Vacation: Back Home Again
Memory Hole: Shit-Faced Students in Foxborough
Seems to happen a lot around here.
Officers were called to an apartment on East Haverhill Street Friday night where several teens were allegedly drinking and using marijuana and cocaine. As they searched the home, police found a two-year-old boy crying in a cold bedroom. He suffers from kidney failure and has a feeding tube in his stomach.
Chief John Romero told WBZ the child's mother, 25-year-old Jennifer Goguen, was not home initially, but she arrived after the police. She was arrested for child endangerment and giving alcohol to the teens. Goguen told police her brother, 17-year-old Jacob Ramos, was supposed to be watching her son while she was out. Ramos was also arrested. The boy was released to an aunt. 13 teens were charged with illegal possession of alcohol.
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