Website: http://www.natfortune.org/

From left: State Overseer Bob Nunes, Councilor Dan Rivera, and Councilor Roger Twomey answer questions at the 6/14/10 Budget Forum at Lawrence CommunityWorks.

As many of you already know Lawrence Mayor William Lantigua has presented the proposed FY 2011 municipal budget to the City Council on June 1st.  Due to the city’s $24 million dollar defecit this budget includes many cuts and reductions of services and positions in the city.

This budget is very important for the city and it’s residents and it is important doe us to know what is going on.

Here is a list of upcoming budget events:

Thursday, June 17th, 2010 – 6:30 pm Mt Vernon Neighborhood  City Budget Public Forum- Frost School – 33 Hamlet St. Lawrence

Monday, June 21st, 2010   – 6:30 pm Tower Hill Neighborhood City Budget Public Forum - Our Lady of Good Council School’s Judson Hall; 128 Ames St., Lawrence.

Thursday, June 24th, 2010 – 7:00 pm Public Hearing on the City Budget - Lawrence City Hall; 200 Common St. 

Before you go check out the Lawrence City Budget here Fiscal Year 2011 Budget and Mayor Lantigua’s budget presentation Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Presentation .

Also, to find a lot of good Lawrence information, Lawrence budget documents, and Lawrence union contracts visit http://citybudget2011.blogspot.com/ !

Recently there has been a lot of conversation in and around our fair city of Lawrence.  Many of us have struggled to find clear answers as to,”What is going on?” 

Here is a clip from the PBS show Greater Boston, hosted by Emily Rooney.  It features interviews with Mayor Lantigua, Representative Torissi and Senator Tucker.  The clip addresses many of the conversations that have been happening in and around our city about the deficit borrowing bill.  Check it out!

• Allows the city to borrow into deficit to balance its fiscal year 2010 and 2011 budgets, thus allowing it to generate a steady cash flow, and to meet payroll and other commitments.
• Increases state oversight of city finances by providing for a state designated fiscal overseer working cooperatively with the new mayor and city council.  The overseer will report directly to the Secretary of Administration and Finance.
• Requires the overseer to assess the ability of City government to manage the City’s fiscal challenges and develop a three year financial plan.
• Requires the City to act to move to GIC or a regional health purchasing group if it will save the city money.
• Requires the City to consolidate municipal and school business functions.
• Provides that, if the City is not able to balance its fiscal year 2011 budget before January 31, 2011, the overseer shall report this, as well as the underlying reasons, to the Secretary of Administration and Finance.  At any time after January 31, 2011, if the state overseer shall report this in writing to the Secretary, and the Secretary may appoint a finance control board with extensive powers.

Follow this link to read the complete text of the bill.  An Act PROVIDING FOR THE FINANCIAL STABILITY OF THE CITY OF LAWRENCE

Also more information can be found by contacting the following State and City Officials. 

Governor Deval Patrick 617.725.4005, 888.870.7770

State Senator Susan Tucker (617) 722-1612, Susan.Tucker@state.ma.usState

State Representative Barry Finegold 617-722-2263 Rep.BarryFinegold@hou.state.ma.us

State Representative William Lantigua 617-722-2810, Rep.WilliamLantigua@hou.state.ma.us

State Representative David Torissi 617-722-2013, 978-682-5644 Rep.DavidTorrisi@hou.state.ma.us

Mayor William Lantigua 978-620-3010

Anyone who has been paying attention to the 2009 Election Season in Lawrence knows that this has been an interesting, exciting, and historic year.  From a record breaking 10 mayoral candidates to the first elected Latino mayor this election has demanded a lot of attention throughout the city, state, and yes…country. 

Although this election has not been about the Yes We Will Campaign, we cannot  minimize the role that we have played throughout the year and the impact that we have had on the process.  YWW has worked diligently since November of 2008 to create a political environment where those who live in Lawrence are respected, empowered, and included in the political process and decision making.  This will not happen overnight and nor can we expect one person nor administration to bring this change alone.   YWW and all those individuals who collectively make up the campaign, has and will continue to commit to improving the political process in the City of Lawrence.  Join us!

All of our hard work has paid off during the Preliminary Elections on Tuesday September 22nd.  The City of Lawrence saw a voter turnout of 31%!  During this election season we have seen a big increase in participation and awareness of the issues and the candidates. However, the work is really just beginning!  So here are the Preliminary Election Results:

Mayoral Race (Top two will continue to November Election):

1. William Lantigua – 2,272 votes

2. David Abdoo – 2,156 votes

3. Marcos Devers – 1,537 votes

4. Patrick Blanchette – 1,390 votes

5. Julia Silverio – 1,380 votes

6. Israel Reyes – 712 votes

7. Pedro Payano – 376 votes

8. Daniel Cotnoir – 299 votes

9. Nilka Alvarez-Rodriguez – 275 votes

10. Nunzio DiMarca – 167 votes