This man is a south side hero. On the evening of June 22nd, Bill Lynch stood up at the Community Preservation Commission (CPC) / Community Preservation Act (CPA) Community Forum to ask that the CPC holds off on awarding any CPA funds until the CPC is representative of the makeup of the demographic makeup of Framingham. All taxpayers have paid into the CPA, and there is over $1,500,000 available to spend. Should we be letting those who do not represent the demographic makeup of the city – decide how to spend our money?
The CPC has always been a group of white men and women… not very representative of the community. But it has gotten worse, and even more lopsided.
Recently two of the three women resigned citing misogyny.
When the warnings were sent to the old white guy Mayor – Charlie Sisitsky – he further perpetuated the misogyny and failed to even acknowledge the issue….
He assigned an on-staff old white guy to try to move the CPC forward.
The Mayor, nor anyone on his staff, ever contacted either female member on their concerns, which could have stopped the resignations. Instead Mayor Sisitsky, and his team worked to meet with perpetrators of the misogyny, essentially saying that fairness and equality – is less important than getting things done. Getting things done right – seems to not be the modus operandi of this administration.
After the two women resigned – the CPC marched ahead without them. Because we uncovered evidence that the mayor set up secret meetings with the misogynistic members – FU stepped in. While our efforts only went after one of the old white men – our effort yielded results.
Under FU pressure – we were able to force Doug Stephen to resign from the CPC – as he was serving in violation of the rules…. but it was okay for a long time, because the Mayor, his old friend, said so.
Currently there are 6 members of the CPC. Five are old white men from the north side. One is an old white woman from the south side. The city council is tasked with filling two of the three open seats. The Parks and Recreation Commission will also have to nominate one of their members to sit on the CPC. Unfortunately with terms ending – there is a very limited pool to pick from.
What will the CPC look like in the weeks ahead?
Will Charlie continue to fail the women of the city, the non-white residents of the city, those under retirement age, or the residents of the south side. There are more people unrepresented on the CPC than who are represented… They paid into the pot too.
I really do not care about the make up on the committee, I care that the very best people for the job are on it.
Steve J – I totally agree with you. I’m tired of all this diversity, equity, inclusion BS. Let’s pick the most qualified person/people regardless of their skin color or agenda or whatever.
Most on the southside that lack representation don’t care . They don’t!
now just reading Boston Globe this morning great hire from Marlborough new public information person, funny in these difficult times why are we hiring ANOTHER Public Info position, the city won’t come to the table with our Unions, Park & Rec, DPW but is willing to hand out $80,000 for this? Just want to thank our great Janet (selfie) Lembruno for her input on this hire she went above and beyond to get Ryan hired. It’s called duplication of services DPW already has a jewel of a employee that does this same job, in that little trailer beyond the old prison. George, John, little Mike asleep at the switch on this I guess. Please guys get up to speed these hires are not needed we need laborers guys who do the hard work cut the ball fields, pick your trash, clean your sewer. We are still waiting on Jet Truck repairs Wiz from Wayland part with some money upgrade the labor force then they wouldn’t leave. Oldguy is out for now but will stay in touch with my former Union brothers.