I have a passion for local government!

Submitted by Judy Meredith on Fri, 01/23/2009 - 4:57pm
Melrose Mayor Robert J. Dolan is poised to be elected president of the Massachusetts Mayors' Association at the group's annual meeting Jan. 24. The association's nominating committee voted Dec. 10 to recommend him for the unpaid position.

The leadership post would give Dolan, 37, the chance to serve as a key voice on issues related to the financial crisis. It is a task Dolan looks forward to tackling, even in what promises to be a tumultuous year.

"I have a passion for local government," said Dolan, who is about to enter his eighth year as mayor. "I think local government affects people in the most direct way, and the most personal way."

He believes there is a chance to make a difference next year.

"The one good thing, if there's any, about a real recession is that it's the only time that real change can happen," he said. "People often become comfortable when the money is there. And this might be an opportunity to make some fundamental changes that benefit taxpayers."
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Local Aids cuts announced at MMA meeting

Submitted by Judy Meredith on Sat, 01/24/2009 - 4:26pm.
And according to the Saturday's Globe ....some Mayors got scolded for making faces
.,.... there was palpable tension in the Hynes Convention Center as Patrick announced his budget-cutting moves. At one point, the governor had a frosty exchange with Worcester Mayor Konstantina B. Lukes, after she appeared to smirk while the governor answered her question. "Before you make a face, mayor, let me finish my answer, all right?" Patrick snapped. Once he finished his response, he glanced over at her again and said, "Is that clear? OK. Now you can make your face.",