Correia's "personal" donation

"I am pleased to join with Ms. Cloutier and Mr. Donovan by personally making a donation and by making available the city trolley" Mayor Correia SouthCoast Today 12/31/08

So the trolley wasn't there. Also, Correia's campaign finance report came out last week and SHOCKINGLY, his "personal" donation was from his campaign funds and not really a check from his "personal" account.

12/8/2008
CD Recreation 72 Bank Street Fall River, MA 02720
Donation- Great Night
$500.00

(Although made out to CD Rec, the donation was to 2008 New Year's Eve in the Neighborhood/Back to Main Street Event - processing the money though CD Rec allowed use of their non profit status for tax purposes)

New Year 2009

Someone dropped the ball yesterday at city hall and for once the Mayor was no where in sight. Mayor Correia's presence was felt, however, when revelers in the single digit temperatures tried to get into to city hall to await the 2009 ball drop beginning at 10:30pm and listen to the DJ, who was announced on the city website press release, and were welcomed by locked doors. (**Also a distinct lack of trolley at the festivities despite Correia's committment to provide trolley service between the evening's venues).

Despite his anticipated arrival and listing on the service program, Correia was also noticeably absent from the annual New Year's Eve ecumenical service offered by the First Baptist Church and attended by many, including the Bishop of the Diocese of Fall River.

Congrats to the local community activists who joined together to organize this event. This was tangible evidence of the power of the people. Most impressive was the fact that this event was organized in a matter of weeks and at a minimal budget. Thank you to all those who participated. You are the ones that make Fall River great. Despite Correia getting his name on "Back to Main Street: New Year's Eve in the Neighborhood" press releases his participation and pledged contributions to the event were lacking.

And finally.....Correia said he was cancelling First Night because of the hungry and homeless in Fall River. Did the hungry and homeless ever get the $30,000 that is usually used for First Night?

You're a Mean One, Mr. Mayor

Mayor Correia Cancels New Year's Eve First Night Celebration



Confirmed with the Mayor's staff this week, there will be no annual First Night Celebration in Fall River. For over ten years, First Night Fall River has offered residents a fun, safe, family friendly way to ring in the New Year. Notable events included fireworks, circus acts, ice skating, dancing, and an annual wedding. This event drew in masses of people from Fall River and nearby communities. It was an event for which Fall River could be proud: and isn't that what the Mayor claims to want? Pride. Merely sticking the word "pride" on city stationary, press releases, and pins does not accomplish anything because actions speak louder than "pride city wide" accessories.

Some of my thoughts on why this historically great event was cancelled:
-Bob spent all of the city's event money on his "Tribute to John Philip Sousa" (sadly it turns out that John Philip Sousa was not the campaign contributor that Bob thought he was paying back)
-Bob heard I was going to try to rig the first night couples contest so he would have to marry a gay couple
-Bob hates hearing the laughter of children

ANY OTHER REASONS?