Victor Davila

Fenton Urges Preservation of Our Lady of Hope Church

2009-09-23T01:10:00.006-04:00

SPRINGFIELD—Ward 2 City Council candidate Michael Fenton has called for the Our Lady of Hope Church on Armory Street to be declared a historic district in light of the Springfield Roman Catholic Diocese’s recent decision to close the parish.
“I grew up at that church and its closing deeply affects me on a personal level.” Fenton hopes the diocese will reconsider. Failing that Fenton says, “I hope that this beautiful and historic building, which has been an anchor of the community for so long, remains preserved regardless of what future purpose it might have.”
Fenton believes Our Lady of Hope will continue to have a presence in Ward 2 for many years to come. The Church could be converted to community space for events like local art or theater. “There are a number of reuses for such a building that we should begin considering now and by working with the Historic Commission and the Diocese of Springfield today we can be sure that Our Lady of Hope will, in some way, be with us tomorrow.”

Taxachusettss is Baaaaaack !!!!

2009-03-03T03:48:00.011-05:00

Well, it seems that Massachusetts is well in its way to live up to its nickname of Taxachusettss.
Governor Patrick has come up with the brilliant idea of raising the gas tax from 23.5 to 23.69 a .19 cents increase. Cigarette tax was already increased, the Governor wants to tax certain beverages and will increase an array of state fees. With this shaky economy and with consumers being more cautions on their spending habits, this is a terrible time to even think of raising any kind of taxes. Unfortunately, Beacon Hill thinks that the only way to gain state revenues is to tax its residents. Taxing the people in this shaky economy will result in an even more fragile private sector. As people give their hard earn money to the government, they will have less to spend. Employers will lose revenues and they will be forced to give lay offs to its employees. What effect will this gas tax have in Springfield? Well, in simple words: DEVASTATING. As it is Springfield has the HIGHEST business tax rate-- a brilliant move from the Springfield City Council. The housing market has taken a steep decline, and jobs are just not coming to Springfield. Private businesses will lose revenues and might give layoffs to its employees. As we have seen in recent months, some non-profit and private corporations have already given out layoffs. Increasing the gas tax will only hurt Springfield's trouble economy.

The Governor has often say that we can not expect to have roads for free. I find this insulting. We pay excise tax, gas tax, that help with the state's road infrastructure, Mr, Governor we already pay for the roads !!. So the question remains of where do we come up with the needed revenue to close the state budget shortfall? REDUCE GOVERNMENT WASTE !! REDUCE NON-EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS, TIE IN THE LEGISLATORS AND THE GOVERNOR'S SALARIES TO THE STATE'S ECONOMY. The state legislature recently received a salary increase. Many courageous and conscientious legislators did not accept the salary increase because of the state of the economy. Other greedily accepted the pay increase. I believe that the legislature should do the right thing and not allow legislator's salary increase when there is a known budget shortfall as it was known and warned by Governor Patrick.

And the story goes on, you work hard for your money only to give it to the state government. You pay state income tax, gas tax, excise tax, cigarette tax (if you smoke), property tax, food tax, alcohol tax, capital tax, tax, tax.............

My compliments to the Republican Newspaper

2009-01-04T22:47:00.005-05:00

The Republican newspaper recently lashed out sharp criticism in an Editorial against Rep. Swan and Coakley-Rivera for their legislative fiasco and for their petty political threat to hold hostage a bill filed by the Governor designed to extend the state loan repayment obligation, a move that could save $7 million dollars a year to the city.

The Republican portrays Rep. Swan as "a man who operates with total disrespect for the people he was elected to represent". Words that ring true after Swan's arrogance and care free attitude towards his tax obligations to the City of Springfield. His controversial trip to Liberia has become a slap in the face to residents of his district. The people of Liberia deserve appropriate help, but Swan's primary responsibility is to his district not to the people of Liberia. To add to the insult Swan is quoted in the Boston Herald in response to his trip to Liberia, "Whoever wants to say I’m un-American or un-patriotic can go to hell.”

The Republican portrays State Rep. Coakley-Rivera as "impulsive and often rashly unpredictable " Unfortunately, Coakley -Rivera has placed her own political aspirations, including a possible run for Mayor, before the interest of the residents of Springfield.

The actions of these two Reps. are indeed a true disservice to the residents of Springfield.

I believe that the time has come to replace these legislators with capable individuals.

My compliments to the Republican Newspaper for serving as an important tool in the stabilization of Springfield.

Latino Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Parrandon Navideno

2009-01-04T01:03:00.007-05:00

Yesterday the Latino Chamber of Commerce celebrated its annual community holiday party. There were at least 500 people in attendance. An array of politicians paraded the event, shaking hands and working the crowd. A typical Puerto Rican menu of Arroz con Gandules, ( Rice and Lentils), Pernil (Pork), and Pasteles ( Plantain Patties) was provided by Sabor de Quisqueya Restaurant located at 326 St. James Ave. Springfield, MA.

As I worked the room, I was reminded of all the wonderful Latino talent that there is in Springfield, talent that sometimes is not appreciated or overlooked. The Latino Chamber of Commerce has been doing great efforts in advancing Latino own businesses in the City of Springfield. In fact Latinos are experiencing the fastest business growth in the region. With this shaky economy and uncertain financial future we must ensure that all of our businesses are able to survive. Springfield will be better off with a mix cultural business sector. This will provide a vibrant solid economy for Springfield and the region. City Hall has made some effort in assisting the Hispanic community in starting and maintaining Latino businesses. But we can not expect government to do everything for us. This efforts must be match with private investment to ensure a better, more solid Latino business sector. I wonder where are some of the big companies, like Walmart, Stop and Shop, Best Buy, etc. that enjoy the Latino business but are absent in this effort to improve the Latino business sector.

Dancing the night away....

The Three King brought gifts to the children

The Future

The clock is ticking....

2008-12-19T03:52:00.003-05:00

I am shocked that State Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera and Ben Swan are holding up a bill that will extend the state loan repayment to 15 years. This extension, as reported by the Republican will save the residents of Springfield 7 Million dollars a year. God knows that in this shaky financial times Springfield needs all the help it can get. I find State Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera and Ben Swan actions irresponsible. Political differences are fair game, but to use this critical issue, one that will have serious ramifications to the residents of Springfield as a political football is a true disservice to the residents of Springfield. Cheryl Coakely-Rivera is accusing the Mayor of wasteful spending by hiring city employees and consultants. Ben Swan is blaming the Mayor for the recent contract termination with the Springfield Towing Alliance. While the bickering and accusations are exchanged, the time is clicking for Springfield to repay the state loan....

I foresee, that if Springfield is forced to repay the loan next year as originally stipulated, and with the expected local aid reduction looming over our heads, Mayor Sarno will have no choice but to engage in a series of lay offs. This will be catastrophic to the residents of Springfield.

State Rep. Rivera-Coakely and Swan will be directly responsible for every job lost.

Good Laugh ....

2008-10-27T04:06:00.004-04:00

I have been extremely busy in the past few weeks. I got this joke in my e-mail that I like to share with you....

BARACK OBAMA: The chicken crossed the road because it was time for a> change! The chicken wanted change!

JOHN MC CAIN: My friends, that chicken crossed the road because he> recognized the need to engage in cooperation and dialogue with all the> chickens on the other side of the road...ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

SARAH PALIN: BECAUSE, PRAISE JESUS, I WAS GONNA SHOOT HIS SORRY LIBERAL ASS FOR BLOCKING MY VIEW OF RUSSIA !

HILLARY CLINTON: When I was First Lady, I personally helped that> little chicken to cross the road. This experience makes me uniquely qualified to ensure right from Day One that every chicken in this> country gets the chance it deserves to cross the road. But then, this> really isn't about me.

GEORGE W. BUSH: We don't really care why the chicken crossed the road.> We just want to know if the chicken is on our side of the road, or> not. The chicken is either against us, or for us. There is no middle> ground here.

DICK CHENEY: Where's my gun?

COLIN POWELL: Now to the left of the screen, you can clearly see the> satellite image of the chicken crossing the road.

BILL CLINTON: I did not cross the road with that chicken. What is your definition of crossing?

AL GORE: I invented the chicken.

JOHN KERRY: Although I voted to let the chicken cross the road, I am> now against it! It was the wrong road to cross, and I was misled about the chicken's intentions. I am not for it now, and will remain against it.

AL SHARPTON: Why are all the chickens white? We need some black chickens.

DR. PHIL: The problem we have here is that this chicken won't realize> that he must first deal with the problem on this side of the road before it goes after the problem on the other side of the road. What we need to do is help him realize how stupid he's acting by not taking> on his current problems before adding new problems.

OPRAH: Well, I understand that the chicken is having problems, which> is why he wants to cross this road so bad. So instead of having the> chicken learn from his mistakes and take falls, which is a part of life, I'm going to give this chicken a car so that he can just drive> across the road and not live his life like the rest of the chickens.

ANDERSON COOPER, CNN: We have reason to believe there is a chicken,> but we have not yet been allowed to have access to the other side of the road

NANCY GRACE: That chicken crossed the road because he's guilty! You can see it in his eyes and the way he walks.

PAT BUCHANAN: To steal the job of a decent, hardworking American.

ERNEST HEMINGWAY: To die in the rain, alone

GRANDPA: In my day we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Somebody told us the chicken crossed the road, and that was good enough.

BARBARA WALTERS: Isn't that interesting? In a few moments, we will be listening to the chicken tell, for the first time, the heart warming> story of how it experienced a serious case of molting, and went on to accomplish its lifelong dream of crossing the road.

ARISTOTLE: It is the nature of chickens to cross the road.

ALBERT EINSTEIN: Did the chicken really cross the road, or did the> road move beneath the chicken?

COLONEL SANDERS: Did I miss one?

Virgin Mary Apparation in Springfield, Ma

2008-10-02T03:31:00.009-04:00

Silhouette of the Virgin Mary

I went down to the Mercy Hospital tonight to see the reported apparition of the Virgin Mary in an office window. Unfortunately, I went down during the night time and was unable to see an image. Apparently, the best view is during the day time. The image you see below was taken during the day by a news camera man that was kind enough to show it to those congregating to see the apparition. As you can see, there is a silhouette of a woman in the window. As I gathered the story, a man had a dream the night before where he was told that he would see an apparition the next day. The next morning the man went down to the Mercy hospital to see his wife, who was hospitalized. As the man got out of the car he noticed a silhouette in the window. He ran to the guard house and dragged the security guard out of the guard house to confirm what he was seeing. The guard was equally as surprised and the news spread rapidly. Apparently the image can be seen only from the outside. The office where the window is located is empty and no one has access to this office. According to the security officers, the first day there were approximately 300 people who gathered to see the apparition. Tonight there were approximately 100 people gathered at the parking lot at Mercy Hospital and several news channels. As I was standing in front of the window I thought of a passage of the bible, " blessed are those that believe without seeing for their is the kingdom of heaven" It was moving to see people praying the rosary and there was an aura of respect and humility in the air.

I can not help to notice that the reported apparition happened on September 30, at 300 Stafford St and that were 300 people gathered to see the apparition on the first day. Is there any significance? I do not know, and I will not pretend to know, but I do know that number 3 is consider the number of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. At a Hospital whose name is Mercy. My interpretation, Massachusetts come to the Mercy of God..........

What a perfect time for God to make a statement in Massachusetts. The state is not only in a serious financial situation, but it is also morally decadent. I know that there are those that will laugh and doubt. If they laugh at Christ and ultimately crucified Him, imagine what they will do to you and I.

Virgin Mary's Hands

Night time view of window

The faithful gathering

You need to take care of Me

2008-08-09T20:15:00.004-04:00

Recently, an individual that I was talking to, protested at the quality of the food served in the local Hampden County of Corrections. What really ticked me of about his comments was the entitlement tone of voice in which this individual made his demands. "We need better food in jail !!!". My reply to him, " if you do not like the food in jail, don't go to jail !!!". Before I get call insensitive or inhumane, I realize that people in jail have real needs and need all the help that society can provide to them to help them reintegrate into society as productive members of society. The problem is that, in my opinion, the system suggests or even removes the personal responsibility from individuals. Statement like "drug use is a victimless crime", or "you fell through the cracks", encourages people to walk away from their personal responsibility. I firmly believe that government can be a positive influence in people's lives, an influence, an instrument of good, an instrument, not the solution.

If we make jail too comfortable, we in turn are removing the element of determent that jail provides. Unfortunately, as we all know, there are people that are institutionalized. Why should my tax money be used to support people that choose a life of crime? Personal responsibility holds truth regardless of ethnicity or social class.

Here in Springfield, we have a crime niche that needs to pack up and go. Of course, we have the professional scavengers, lurking in the shadows to jump at the first opportunity to drain government. Then we have the undesirables. People that thrive committing quality of life crimes. Drugs, brake ins, loud speakers, public intoxication and the list goes on. Sorry, do not expect me to advocate for better food when these people negatively impact the quality of life of the city.

COWARDS ! ! !

2008-07-23T04:38:00.005-04:00

Massachusetts Senate Floor

Recently the Massachusetts Senate in a a cowardly voice vote voted to strike from the book the 1913 law. This law was used by former Gov.Mitt Romney from keeping the our State of Massachusetts from becoming the Las Vegas for gay "marriage" Opponents claim that the law, which was drafted at the beginning of the last century, was drafted as a bigoted legislation. Of course there is no evidence to this claim, yet it keeps popping up on the papers. The leftist liberals also wants us to believe, in fact to feel guilty, of potential economic 'fruits' that the eradication of 1913 will have for the state. The 1913 law was upheld as constitutional by the Massachusetts Supreme Court in 2006.

The bill now goes to the House of Representatives where it promises to be a fierce battle. I am particularly interested on how the Springfield delegation is going to vote on this issue. We have seen our stellar representatives Ben Swan and Cheryl Coakley Rivera continuously denying the people the opportunity to be heard on State issues. As evident in their vote against the referendum question to allow the people to decide in the definition of marriage. As I have said before, this is our government and we the voters have the ultimate say !!! The people must be allow to vote on such an important social issue. The attempt to eradicate the 1913 is just another attempt by a reckless house of representatives into silencing the people from being heard.

You can't have your money !!!

2008-07-09T03:10:00.005-04:00

Suppose that I have access to your personal checking and saving accounts. Now say, that I use half of your money for things that I think are necessary. I now save the other half. Now you come up to me and ask me " Can I have my money back?", and I reply NO !!

Sounds incredible doesn't it? Well, this is exactly what the Governor and the Legislature is doing with you tax money.

There is approximately $450 Million Dollars in the "Rainy Day fund" in Beacon Hill. The Republicans wanted to funnel that money to Cities and Towns to help alleviate the high cost of living that we are experiencing. The proposal was killed twice. The first proposal was to have a one time grant infusion to cities and towns. Imagine what Springfield could have done with the nearly $21,795,215 dollars that the city would have received as a one time grant infusion. At the very least, more roads could have been paved. The second proposal was in direct property tax relief. Click here to see how much your City/Town would have received. Gov. Patrick heavily campaigned on Property Tax relief as a center stage issue during his gubernatorial campaign. Now that he has a real chance to keep his pledge he back paddles in a big hurry. And the intrepid House of Representative has joined the Governor in refusing to give you your money back. Click here to see how the State Representative voted. Of Course our fearless Springfield State Representative delegation joined Gov. Patrick in refusing to give you your money back.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel. The group 450 Million has finished a signature drive through the state to place on the ballot a non-binding question on the November elections.
The referendum question reads.

"Shall the representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of legislation distributing $450 million from the "rainy day stabilization" fund, originally due to the cities and towns of the Commonwealth, for residential property tax relief."

Let us hope that after the question passes, as I expect that it will. The House of Representatives actually listens to the people and do as the people want and deserve, their money back !!!

Good, Now you look like an American

2008-07-04T20:15:00.006-04:00

Picture from Flickr.com

Recently at work one of my co-workers was talking to a young man from Vietnam. My coworker was at awe with the young man's square sandals. The young man went on to explain that the sandals were a new fashion in Vietnam and that they could be bought in NYC. My co-worker complemented the young man on his shirt, loose denim jeans, his close cut haircut and his good English and went on to say, " Good, now you look like an American"

The young man and myself looked at my co-worker with a puzzle look in our faces. This comment lingered in my mind for the next few days. What does an American look like? Blond hair, blue eyes? Dark skin? Brown skin? No accent? A heavy accent? I am still trying to figure it out.

Comments like this reminds me that we as a nation, we still have a long way to treat each other with kindness and respect and that Doctor Martin Luther King's dream of not being judge by the color of your skin, but as an individual, is still not achieved.

I particularly could care two hoots as to who does not like me. I treat others as I like to be treated. I do not live my life thinking, "Oh my God I am a Minority "!! ( God do I hate that word !!) I see people as what they are, God's precious creation.

I leave you with this passage from the declaration of independence.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,..."

Have a happy fourth of July.

Ferrera a great disappointment

2008-06-26T02:14:00.005-04:00

Springfield City Councilor Jimmy Ferrera has surely annoyed several people in the city with his arrogant refusal to schedule a hearing on the ethics proposal submitted by City Councilors Pat Markey and Bruce Stebbings. The Republican has not been shy in stating its annoyance with Ferrara on its editorial pages. Fellow Blogger Bill Dusty of the Springfield Intruder had a commical, yet critical post on Ferrera's arrogance.

I simply do not understand why Councilor Ferrera refuses to schedule a hearing on the Ethic proposal. As I have mentioned before, government must be transparent. After all, it is our government, not Ferrera's government. If Ferrera does not understand this simple concept, then he has no business in city government.

The ethics proposal submitted by Markey and Stebbings is a sensible and good thought out plan in an effort to regain the trust of the people of Springfield. I am sure that Ferrera and the councilors that voted against the proposal are hoping that the voters will forget about this issue.

Well, I want a good and transparent government. Springfield can not afford another financial crisis.

I will not forget.

Obama after the Latino Vote

2008-06-19T20:08:00.002-04:00

Presidential Candidate Barack Obama

Barack Obama after securing the Democratic Nomination is now after the Latino vote. Sen.Obama received 35% of the Latino vote during the primaries. Sen. Clinton received 63% of the Latino vote. Clearly, Sen. Obama has a long road ahead of him to convince Latinos that he is the best candidate for the Presidency of the United States.

Sen. Obama has a Spanish website, www.barackObama.com/Espanol. Sen. Obama is touting the endorsement of Globe and Academy Award Puerto Rican actor Benecio del Toro. To win the Latino vote Sen. Obama has to to better than putting up a Spanish website and tout the endorsement of an actor.

During a CNN interview, Arturo Vargas, of the National Association of Elected and Appointed Latinos stated, " There was not a real opportunity for Sen. Obama to introduce himself to the Latino community" What? Sen. Obama has been campaigning for over a year and in all that time he did not get real opportunity to introduce himself to the Latino Community?

Among Sen. Obama's political platform, the issue of immigration promises to be carefully monitor by the Latino community. Sen. Obama supports President's Bush plan, "Comprehensive immigration Bill" to secure the southern border with Mexico and for the opportunity for some illegal immigrants to update their immigration status.
Sen. Obama stated on a May rally, " I like to express my commitment to immigration reform and to do everything I can to bring order and compassion to a broken immigration system"
However, Sen. Obama has the real problem that his Republican opponent Sen. McCain is well liked among the Latino community. Sen. McCain was among the chief architect and early supporter of President Bush's Comprehensive Immigration Bill.

If Sen. Obama really wants to be President, he should really find the time and the "real opportunity" to introduce himself to the Latino community.

I am Baffled

2008-06-12T03:24:00.004-04:00

I am baffle with State Rep. Cheryl Coakely-Rivera recent statements regarding Gov. Patrick's bill to extend the $52 Million state loan. The Governor is proposing extending the state loan payback period from 5 years to 12 years. The bill also proposes the creation of a chief Administrator, a Financial Officer, a Director of Internal Audit and placing a binding referendum question on the ballot for the people of Springfield to decide if the want to extend the Mayor's term from 2 years to 4 years. Rivera-Coakely opposes placing the binding referendum question on the ballot, accusing the Mayor of muscling in on the bill.

Coakely Rivera has shown a tendency of not allowing the people to have a say in their government. As it was the case when she voted against placing a referendum question on the ballot regarding the definition of marriage.

Springfield desperately need a clear and transparent government. To achieve this, government must also listen to the people. Why doesn't Cheryl Coakely -Rivera like the people to have a say in their government?

How will the Trash Saga Play Out?

2008-06-03T02:55:00.004-04:00

Mayor Domenic Sarno recently took the unusual step of responding to a councilors letter of inquiry through a public release. Councilor Rosamarie Mazza-Moriarty send the mayor a letter asking specifics questions regarding the Mayor's proposed plan to implement a Pay as you Throw (PAYT) trash collection program.

Mayor Sarno actively and aggressively campaigned for Mayor using the elimination of the current $90 trash fee as one of his major platform issues. Now that he is the mayor, he realizes that the elimination of the trash fee will be fiscally hurtful to the city. As the Mayor stated on his press release, "However, five months in office have afforded me a much clearer and comprehensive understanding of the city’s fragile financial state. At this time, it is impossible for the City to absorb the cost of waste collection and disposal while responsibly addressing our top priority of public safety." Is Mayor Sarno admitting that he did not have a clear picture of the City's Financial stability while campaigning for Mayor?

To Mayor Sarno's credit, it appears that the new system will create the same revenue as the $90 trash fee currently in place. But let us not forget that the reason that we are in this trash mess, the reason that we, the common person is paying for trash collection, is in part to the irresponsible financial practices of past administrations which were plagued with corruption. Former Mayor Charlie Ryan, brought the city back on its feet. Former Mayor Ryan made unpopular decisions and stood his ground. It appears that Mayor Sarno is now borrowing the same stance as former Mayor Ryan. At the end, it could be argue that former Mayor Ryan's strong stance on the $90 trash fee contributed to his defeat. Is Mayor Sarno heading in the same path? Is Mayor Sarno, playing a political game announcing this controversial plan so early in his term in the hope that the people will forget come election day?

The people will decide.

Franco Announces Bid To Governor's Council

2008-05-25T00:58:00.008-04:00

Mike Franco

Mike Franco has announced his candidacy for Governor's Council, 8th District. Th District includes 93 cities and towns in Western Massachusetts. The Governor’s Council main domain is the appointment of judges to the bench. The 8th District includes 93 cities and towns in all four counties in Western Massachusetts. According to Franco’s press release, a discussion on the judiciary, particularly the re-certification of judges by the people....every four years" will be the main theme of his campaign. According to Franco’s platform, judges will continue to be appointed by the Governor with the approval of the Governor’s Council, and every term thereafter judges will be up for review before the voters in their respective counties based on predetermined set of performance criteria.

I can tell you that as a citizen of Massachusetts in particular a citizen of Springfield, I am tired of seeing judges allowing criminals to walk away with nothing more than a slap in the wrist. Drug dealers, often are back in the same spot whitin hours, dealing drugs again after they are arrested. Potential violent offenders are free on bail. Look at the recent tragedy in Springfield of Mario Hornsby. A promising young man with a bright future was gun down in his own neighborhood. The defendant, a self admitted gang member, was out on bail on a previous charge.

Judges actions on the bench have real consequences on society. I believe that they should be held accountable for their actions as well.

Read my previous titled "Who Should Judge Thee?" relating to this matter.

I did it !!!

2008-05-21T02:51:00.006-04:00

State Representative Donald Humanson,R-Westfield and Victor G. Davila

This past Saturday,May 17th, 2008 was a very special day for me. It was my birthday and my graduation from Westfield State College . I graduated with a double Bachelor Degree in Arts in Political Science and Economics. My experience at Westfield State College helped to reinforce my beliefs and opened my eyes to other issues, mainly the importance of having a transparent and clear government and the need for fiscal responsibility. Westfield State College is an educational institution that Western Massachusetts must be proud of. In fact it is a gem of knowledge in Western Massachusetts. There were approximately 1,100 graduates and a total of 5,000 people attended the graduation ceremonies. The guest speaker was Mike Scully, writer and producer of the television show "The Simpsons". Mike Scully is a native of West Springfield and a 1974 West Springfield High School Graduate. He was a comical speaker and with his sense of humor gave a compelling message to the graduates. Mike Scully received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Fine Arts for his work on the television industry.

Mike Scully's message of perseverance and of never giving up resonated with me. I have to admit that I achieved the Economics degree with great effort and perseverance and with help from my tutor Ryan Sabis, to him I am eternally grateful. I am also grateful to Professor Wagner for his words of encouragement, his advice and his confidence in me. Professors Sarnykar and Kingsley were also encouraging and of great help. I would not forgive myself if I do not acknowledge Carmen Diaz. Carmen is the Secretary for the Economics Department. Carmen was ever helpful and cheered me on when I felt down. Gracias Carmen !!!

As I sat on my seat I was proud to see other Hispanics graduating. I only wish that there were more Hispanics graduating from College, but until we successfully curve the high drop out rate among the Hispanic students this will be very difficult to achieve. To this task we can not fail, the stakes are too high.

God willing, I will begin a Master of Business Administration program in the fall.

After the graduation ceremonies, my wife had a surprise graduation party. I was glad to share this moment with my friends. And now I share it with you through my blog.

Victor G. Davila and Professor Wagner

My Tutor Ryan Sabins and Victor G. Davila

How the Four Amigos are spending your money.

2008-05-07T17:21:00.012-04:00

From left to Right (top) Cheryl Rivera-Coakely, Benjamin Swan, Sean Curran, Angelo Puppolo

The above Four Amigos in their infinite wisdom voted in favor of increasing $250,000 in funding to the Mass. Commission on Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Youth. The Mass. Commission on Gay and Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Youth budget now reaches $750,000. For this upcoming fiscal year Massachusetts is facing a $1 Billion shortfall. Yet, these four Springfield State Representatives are willing to give hard core homosexual activist a hefty budget to use in their quest to force their views on to others. Yes, I say force their views, as the money is primarily use in the school system to indoctrinate your children that homosexuality is natural and that it must celebrated.

The leaders of this commission are a woman that dresses as a man and has sideburns, and a man who cross dresses. Apparently, these people see as their next frontier the societal acceptance of Transgenderism. The commission sets up Homosexual clubs in high schools and middle schools and are notorious in intimidating school officials who balk at their activities. To give you a feel of the power that this commission has, Boston Firefighters, even if they disagreed with the commission's views, were forced to march in the Boston yearly " Gay Pride Parade "

So what are we do next, lay down and let them roll over our values? No way in Hell !!!

The 2009 budget now goes to the Senate and Ways Committee, where it will take up to two weeks to work on it. This Committee can add or change budget items.

To show your displeasure, you can contact Senate and Ways Mean Chairman, Sen. Steven Panagiotakos. Write the number down or the e-mail and contact Sen. Steven Panagiotakos now that you are thinking about it. Your children well being is at stake here. After all, Do you want to the state telling your children that it is okay for them to be homosexuals?

McCain Courting Hispanic Vote

2008-05-06T00:54:00.010-04:00

John McCain

Presidential Republican candidate John McCain is actively courting the Hispanic vote. In an effort to reach Hispanics, Sen. McCain has launched a Spanish website. His soon to be predecessor, President Bush received 44% of the Hispanic vote in 2004.

McCain has stated that he believes that the tenor of the immigration debate has hurt the way Hispanics view the Republican party. McCain goes on saying " I believe the majority of Hispanics share our views that the border must be secure,...often, Hispanics are the first ones to lose their jobs to illegal immigration", " But they also wants us to have an attitude that this are God's children and they must be taken care of " McCain will attend a July National Council for La Raza, the largest national Hispanic civil rights organization which seeks to improve opportunities to Hispanics.

Click here to see Sen McCain plan on immigration and Border security.

McCain who as a Senator represents a border state believes that he will do well among Hispanics " I know the people, I know the patriotism, I know the loyalty, I know the respect for life, respect for family, everything about the Hispanics is tailor made to the Republican party"

To this point of Hispanics being tailor to the Republican party I would like to address with Massachusetts Republicans. The Mass GOP has simply done a very poor job in reaching Massachusetts Hispanics. In effect the GOP has scratch them out of the political equation. Hispanics are naturally conservative and hard workers, with a deep emphasis on family and church. In the competitive labor market you see Walmart adding Hispanic products to their shelves. Sears and Lowes have Spanish in stores signs. So, what seems to be the latency of response in the Mass GOP in reaching the Hispanic vote?

Simply put, If the GOP does not tap into the Hispanic vote, it will continue to lose seat in the House and in local seats.

Massachusetts GOP wake up and smell the coffee !!!

Why didn't Mayor Sarno Shut it down?

2008-04-30T02:06:00.006-04:00

Fresco's restaurant on East Columbus Ave was the scene of an early morning shooting in the Downtown area. Apparently, this restaurant has been functioning as a night club despite not having an entertainment license. Apparently, the restaurant had petition for an entertainment license but Mayor Sarno denied the permit based on past police records complaints. There is a Liquor License Commission hearing on the matter on May 15.

I agree with the Mayor that the City can not allow "a magnet that is attracting violence " and that the "wrath of the city " will come upon any business operating illegally. All of this sounds good and sounds tough on crime. But I have one question. If the Mayor denied a past request from the restaurants for an entertainment license based on past police complaints and there is not a permit to operate as a restaurant, Why didn't the Mayor shut down Fresco's operations?

I was recently in Downtown, the darkness of the place really bothered me. It gave me the feeling that I had to be careful. We have heard many people recently talking about downtown being safe and suggesting that the unsafe label portrayed upon downtown is a perception issue. Well incidents like this makes their case pretty hard to digest.

Are you ready to gamble with your child's safety?

2008-04-23T13:07:00.006-04:00

In a recent article by the republican reporter Mike Plaisance reports that AWAKE has on its pay roll a sex offender. Mr. Desi O. Jackson is listed as a level three sex offender with the State. This means that he is classified in a level with high probabilities to re-offend. Mr. Jackson was convicted of statutory rape, drug possession and assault and battery. AWAKE has been praised by local politicians, community activist and local police for their efforts in curbing youth violence in the city. Awake has recently held several press conferences focusing on youth violence and reportedly does extensive outreach in an effort to deter youth violence. Awake according to the paper, has also been recipient of $358,000 in public funding. State Representative Cheryl Coakely -Rivera was instrumental in securing funding for AWAKE.

AWAKE recently participated in a Putnam Vocational High School event where the sex offender was allowed in the school by principal Kevin L. McCaskill.

Apparently, Awake has such a good reputation that Putnam Principal Kevin L. McCaskill, who is also a member of AWAKE board of directors, has made it public that even thought he knew that AWAKE had a sex offender on its payroll, he felt comfortable allowing the sex offender into the building and suggested that he would allow the sex offender back in the building in the future.

Apparently, AWAKE also has some trouble brewing with the Attorney General for failure to properly disclose their status as a non-profit organization, failure to provide articles of organization, names of directors and information about potential conflicts of interest

I have a big problem with this situation.

First of all, I expect that Principal Kevin L. McCaskill as administrator for the school follow the policies set forth by the school department. Not to follow the policies, in my opinion undermines the principal's authority. How is Mr. McCaskill going to address personnel issues, if he himself does not follow the rules?

As for AWAKE, I am deeply concern that the good work that has been done could be damage by this fiery controversy. AWAKE has not been exactly forth coming about their issues and their troubles with the Attorney General only adds to the shroud of skepticism that has descended upon them.

As for Mr. Desi O. Jackson. Only he knows if he has truly resign to violence, drugs and sexual assault. I can tell you that as a parent, I am not prepare to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Allowing Mr. Jackson or any other sex offender on to school property will be gambling with the students safety. Are you prepare to take that gamble? I am not. My child's safety is too precious to gamble with.

3 School chiefs ??

2008-04-19T19:48:00.008-04:00

In a recent Masslive article, State Senator Stephen Buniconti, D-Springfield proposed the hiring of three School Superintendents instead of one. The Springfield Control Board, dissatisfied with the progress of the current Superintendent authorized a national search to replace him. Apparently, Sen. Buniconti wants the Financial Control Board to hire three superintendents to have a specific geographical area and rotate chairmanship.

I do appreciate when people bring ideas to the table. But to be quite honest with you, I am very surprise that Sen. Buniconti even thought of this. First of all, School Committee member, Kenneth Shea, is absolutely correct with his statement that " you need consistency of policy and consistency of direction" Having three superintendents will do exactly the opposite, each one will be pulling for his own ideas and sense of direction.

I believe that we need a school Superintendent that is committed to the city for the long run. We need an individual that understands the challenges and strenghts of an urban school district.

I do not believe the size of the district is so big that it is unmanageable.

Sen. Buniconti's district is quite large and has quite several thousand people in it. Following Sen. Buniconti's logic, we could argue that we need two senators for his district. I am sure that Senator Buniconti will aggressively and promptly disagree.

What ever happened to Abstinence?

2008-04-11T01:20:00.002-04:00

In a recent Republican article, Latinas in WMass had an increase in teen births. According to the Mass Alliance on Teen Pregnancy, the Latina teen pregnancy rate rose to 65% in 2006, up from 48% in 1996. Dr. Sarah P. Perez-McAdoo, co-founder of the Youth Empowerment network, advocated for more direct state intervention to deal with youth reproductive health. Specifically, Dr. Perez-McAdoo called for community support and State intervention for sex education and access to contraception for sexually active teens.

Indeed, it pains me to see that the Latinas had the highest birth rates in the State. These teens will now face a difficult future and will likely become a burden to the tax payers. Of course, that we as a society have to help them move forward, but I am not sure that providing them with contraceptives will be the answer. This business of providing contraceptive has, at its roots, the flaw assumption that abstinence is impossible and that it is antiquated. This article reminded me a sex education class that I observed in a local non-profit organization. After the speakers finished talking about the different types of contraceptives and admitting that they are not 100% guarantee to avoid a pregnancy, a member of the class asked about abstinence. The speaker's response? "Abstinence does not work. It is too difficult."

Education starts at home. We do not need the government telling our children that it is okay to have sex. That is the message that free contraceptives will send to the children. If a person does not understand why he or she is having sexual relations, they should not be engaging in them.

As a tax payer, I do not like the idea of my tax money going towards condoms and any type of contraceptives so that they can have sex on my hard earned money.

The Company you keep, says who you are.

2008-04-08T19:48:00.015-04:00

Angelo Puppolo and Barney Frank (pictured above)

It appears that Puppolo, apparently panicking from the potential to have a solid challenger, decided to accept fundraiser help from openly gay Congressman Barney Frank.

Among some of the controversial legislation that Barney frank has introduced is a recent bill to legalize marijuana.

Barney frank will be joining Puppolo to a series of campaign events over the weekend, including a meet and greet and a breakfast to "honor" Puppolo.

Puppolo has a lot of explaining to do as to why he switched his vote on the marriage referendum question, after actively campaigning in favor of it during his first election to the State Representative seat. This reversing by Puppolo on the marriage referendum, in my opinion, begs this question. On what other issues will Puppolo be willing to reverse himself on?

East Longmeadow Selectman Race Intense

2008-04-03T14:27:00.004-04:00

Cutler Admonishing Driscoll

The upcoming election for Selectman in East Longmeadow promises to be a show down.

Local resident Ron Cutler is challenging incumbent Jack Villamaino, a former aide to Former Senator Brian Lees, who stepped down from the Senate after stabbing the people on the marriage petition. Villamaino has earned high praises from local town liberals; an endorsement that in my opinion brings into question Villamainos leadership and principles. Apparently, there has been a real effort in East Longmeadow to damage Cutler's good name and reputation, spreading lies and half truths. Cutler has made a campaign theme the need for transparent government and sound fiscal policies, issues that seem to have touch a nerve with current Selectman Driscoll. The picture above shows Cutler admonishing Driscoll for his muddy and dirty campaign tactics.

To have the courage to admonish a public official in public shows Cutler's strong character and leadership. I encourage the East Longmeadow residents to vote for government transparency and sound fiscal policy, not to do so, will put the Town of East Longmeadow into a questionable path.

On a lighter moment

2008-04-02T01:05:00.004-04:00

It seems that Hillary Clinton has been in a very good mood, even having some of her own jokes aimed at Barrack Obama. Hillary challenged Obama to a Bowling contest. If this were to come true, it will be a sight to see. I can already see it. The argument over the dimension of the bowling ball to be use, the dimension of the pins, what kind of shoes to use, who goes first.
Hillary might even try to count the pins that she did not knock over. Okay, enough at my attempt to be funny. A co-worker send me this funny joke.

Enjoy it.

The Pope and Hillary Rodham Clinton are on the same stage in front of a huge crowd. 'Her Majesty' and His Holiness, however, have seen it all before, so to make it a little more interesting, the senator says to the Pope, "Did you know that with just one little wave of my hand, I can make every Democrat in the crowd go wild?" He doubts it, so she shows him. Sure enough, the wave elicits rapture and cheering from every democrat in the crowd. Gradually, the cheering subsides
The Pope, not wanting to be out done by such a level of arrogance, considers what he could do. "That was impressive. But did you know that with just one little wave of MY hand I can make EVERY person in the crowd go crazy with joy? This joy will not be a momentary display like that of your subjects, but will go deep into their hearts, and they will forever speak of this day and rejoice."
The senator seriously doubts this, and says so. "One little wave of your hand and all people will rejoice forever? Show me."
So the Pope slapped her.

Howell to challenge Puppolo in the 12th Hampden

2008-03-31T11:11:00.004-04:00

Rich Howell from Wilbraham has announced his intentions to challenge incumbent Angelo Puppolo in the 12th Hampden District. Puppolo betrayed the trust of the people after he voted in favor to kill a referendum that would have allowed the people vote on the marriage referendum. Puppolo had strongly campaign to allow the people to vote on the marriage referendum, then switched his vote. After the vote, Puppolo has been peppered with money from interest groups seeking to limit the people's right to vote on the referendum.

I definitely want to vote on this important issue. Allowing the legislators to continue this reckless political game of defining marriage is very dangerous to society. The referendum must be place in front of the people to decide.

Below is the press release Howell's campaign send me.

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WILBRAHAM - The Committee to Elect Richard J. Howell, R-Wilbraham, recently announced intentions to run for state Representative, 12th Hampden District, which includes all of Wilbraham and significant parts of Springfield and East Longmeadow.

Howell will challenge incumbent Rep. Angelo Puppolo, D-Springfield. The race will culminate with the 2008 Presidential election to take place this November.

According to Howell, his committee has collected more than half the signatures required to date. He also met with key advisors to discuss strategy, and volunteers have started the signature-gathering phase of the campaign.

And as a long-time Republican, Howell subscribes to sound fiscal policy and limited government first and foremost. Further, the campaign will focus on family issues, government of the people and not the bureaucracy and public safety.

"The incumbent deceived this constituency," Howell said. "He knew that the majority of the district wanted the opportunity to vote on marriage issue. But he chose to serve the power elite instead.

"In so doing, he compromised the integrity of public office,” he said.

During the campaign, Howell will also discuss the issue of the "right to keep and bear arms."

Changing the Definition of Marriage, Unbelievable !!!

2008-03-24T11:46:00.007-04:00

State Rep. Ben Swan

State Representative Ben Swan recently voted to have the definition of marriage change to a neutral definition. Unfortunately, this is not a big surprise as Swan voted for same sex marriage and denied the people's petition for a referendum on the definition of marriage. Now, Swan wants to ram his definition of marriage on all of us. Swan recently joined other Legislators in supporting House Bill H1710. The House Bill was stopped dead on its track after the people flooded the legislature with calls, e-mails and faxes, expressing their opposition.

As it stands now, the definition of marriage in Massachusetts's is an union between a man and a woman. Gay marriage is legal through the shameful Goodridge Supreme Judicial Court decision.

Mr. Swan has a lot of explaining to do.

Mr. Swan, why do you refuse to let the people vote on a public referendum about marriage, yet you insist in changing the definition of marriage?

Who Shall Judge Thee?

2008-03-18T02:06:00.002-04:00

According to the Republican, Judges in the state are going to be evaluated on their performance.

Some of the dimension to be covered in this evaluation include, the judge's knowledge of the law, temperament on the bench, treatment of citizens, witnesses, jurors and attorneys, and timeliness on issuing opinions. The State Legislature mandated this evaluation in the 1990's and the result are confidential. The results are given to the judges being evaluated and to the respective Chief Justices. The first evaluation was done in 2004.

All of this sounds wonderful, finally accountability on Public Officials. However, I have several questions involving this process.

First, if the evaluation process was mandated by the State Legislature in the 1990's, why did it take four years to actually conduct the evaluation? Is this me, or does this sound like Government bureaucracy dragging their feet?

Second, Where are the average citizens included in this process? We need input from the average citizen

Third, Why are the results confidential??

Now, before I hear about the Judge's right to personnel file privacy, let me remind you that Judges go into public service willingly, and therefore, their privacy is to an extend reduce. During the appointment process we need to hear any potential conflict of private nature that may influence the judge or any issue with regards to character. Often times these issues cross into privacy issues. Finally, I am the employer of the judge, I pay his salary with my taxes, and so you too are the Judge's employer and pay his salary with your taxes, so Why can't we hear the results?

Making the results public will not, in my opinion intimidate the judges into issuing an opinion according to the public view, after all, judges are appointed and can only be removed by the Governor only in cases of bad behavior. "Shall hold their office during good behavior...the Governor may remove them upon the address of both houses of the legislature...) Massachusetts Constitution Article XCVIII ( 98) , Article 1

Tosado Succesfully introduces Resolution

2008-03-07T15:30:00.006-05:00

Roberto Clemente
Picture by Stephen G A from flickr.com

Springfield City Councilor Jose Tosado successfully introduced a resolution to the Springfield City Council to retired baseball number 21 from the baseball league. Springfield now joins other communities throughout the US in the effort to retire Clemente's #21 from the baseball league. The famous number 21 was worn by Puerto Rican native Roberto Clemente. Roberto Clemente a native from Carolina, Puerto Rico, played professional baseball for eighteen season (1955-1972) from the Pittsburgh Pirates, until his untimely death on a plane crash carrying supplies destined to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. Tosado stated, " I am Honor to participate in the effort to retire #21, as a way to pay tribute to this great Puerto Rican and a great Human Being"

As a kid I played baseball in Puerto Rico. I was the catcher. It was a beautiful time in my life. I remember the talks and the special, almost sacred, aura that just the name Roberto Clemente brought to the game and to the field. We all wanted to be like him. I am honor to see this effort to retire Roberto Clemente's #21 from the baseball league. It is a tribute fit to a great star and above all to a great humanitarian, as Roberto Clemente possessed qualities that transcended nationalities.

Roberto Clemente Record Book

Elected to the Baseball hall of fame, only the second player whom the mandatory 5 year period was waived, the other was Lou Gehrig.

Collected 3,000 hits

Lifetime batting avg. of 317

1966 Most Valuable Player

1971 World Series Most Valuable Player

Best defensive right fielder of all times, winning 12 Gold Globe Awards.

Roberto Clemente the Humanitarian

During spring training, refused to accept the indignity of " Jim Crow " segregation in the South, refusing food from restaurants that served "whites only".

Contributed financial support to Afro-American community in Pittsburgh.

After being named most Valuable player in 1971, insisted in speaking his native language(Spanish) first, an act that infused a new sense of pride in the Hispanic community in the US.

Died on a plane crash on December 31, 1971 on its way to Nicaragua to bring needed supplies to earthquake victims, his body was never recovered.

Roberto Clemente drawing and Clemente on Front Cover of Baseball Digest

Pictures by Stephen G A from Flickr.com

Where is State Rep. Cheryl Coakley Rivera?

2008-02-25T12:16:00.007-05:00

After learning of the recent closing of Luvas and Rein's Deli in downtown Springfield, my first reaction was, well it was the power of the market force, there was simply no demand for the product they were offering. However, as I drove through downtown recently on a weekday in the middle of the afternoon, I was suddenly confused? Is this Springfield downtown? The Cultural hub of Western Massachusetts? There was virtually little to no pedestrian foot traffic, and the car traffic seemed to be in a rush to get out of the area. Sure, there is probably a couple of factors that might have contributed to these two good restaurants demised, but I am sure that the lack of foot traffic did not help. We need foot traffic for the downtown business, in fact for any local business to succeed.

The Western part of the city, from Forest Park to the North End is in a business staleness that is very worrisome. There is real crime issues in the Forest Park neighborhoods, the South End in plague by drugs and prostitution and in the North End, well to say it simply, no one wants to stop. State Rep. Coakley Rivera has been silent, almost absent in these past year or so. This is a dangerous situation for the City and the neighborhoods. We need a State Rep. to actively work and promote the area, not to be feature in the local paper planting a tree every so often. Grandstanding, does not translate into Economic Development. State Rep. Cheryl Coakley Rivera has been in office for about 10 years, I wonder how much more effective, if ever, she can possibly be? Oh, by the way I can see the campaign slogan now," give me one more term and I will show you how much more effective I can be ". Luvas and Reins Deli did not have the luxury to ask for more time.

I am in Complete Dismay

2008-02-22T02:27:00.003-05:00

It seems that School Committee members, Mr. Shea, Mr. Ashe, Mr. Rodgers and Mr. Collins would like us to believe that the school committee authority surpasses that of the control board. In a recent article by The Republican, these four gentleman would like us to believe that their symbolic vote extending Dr. Burke's three year contract is valid. Now I ask you this question. If the Control Board intended to extend Dr. Burke's Contract, why did the Control Board authorized a national search? Obviously the Control Board as many parents through out the city, were not fully satisfied with Dr. Burke's performance. I am extremely agitated to see that Dr. Burke has been openly and care free applying to other superintendent pistons elsewhere. This seems the actions of a person who is ready to leap out of the City at a moments notice. As a parent and as a citizen of Springfield, I want people who are willing to invest their time and future here with us in Springfield. In the private sector this behavior will not be tolerated, so why are we the residents of Springfield expected to tolerate it?
As for these four gentlemen, this kind of back door politics are exactly the ones that we the residents of Springfield do not need or will no longer tolerate.

I wrote a letter to the Editor of The Republican expressing the above opinions.
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Letter to the Editor:

I am completely in dismay to see the complete and total disregard to the process of law that School Committee members, Mr.Shea, Mr. Ashe, Mr. Rodgers and Mr. Collins have demonstrated by claiming that their symbolic vote to extend Dr. Burke's contract as valid. These gentlemen would like us to believe that the Control Board, did not rescind their symbolic vote. The control board, in essence, did not extend Dr. Burke's contract by authorizing a national search for a new superintendent. This kind of back door politics are exactly the ones that we, the citizens of Springfield, do not need and will no longer tolerate.

Victor Davila Springfield, Ma

El Comandante won't Accept Nomination

2008-02-20T13:12:00.004-05:00

" My elemental duty is not to cling to positions, much less to stand on the way of younger persons, but rather to contribute my own experiences and ideas"

President Fidel Castro in a resignation letter to the Cuban people, Feb. 19, 2008

After battling health ailments Cuban President Fidel Castro in an open letter to the Cuban people stated that he " will not seek nor accept nomination of President of the State Council and its Commander in Chief" Fidel Castro has become a polarizing world wide figure, and is often the focus of inspiration to younger people. Castro, developed a one party system and a socialist economic model after gaining power in 1959. In that year his group of guerrilla fighters overthrew the corrupt dictatorship government of President Fulgencio Batista. The Batista government had made Cuba America's backyard play ground. During the Batista government the richer got richer and the poorer got poorer. U.S. mob families dominated the casino industry. The U.S. began an embargo against Cuba in 1961 after Castro nationalized many U.S. corporations in Cuba. The embargo is still in effect today, despite world protest to the U.S. over the embargo. It is expected that the National State Council elects a new president this weekend.

There were scenes of joy among many Cuban exiles in Florida after learning of the resignation of Fidel Castro, and presidential contenders continue their tough stand on the conditions for U.S. assistance to Cuba, The Democratization of Cuba. While the US presidential contenders keeps up the tough rhetoric on Cuba, The US continues to trade with China, a communist country with possibly the worst Human Rights record in the modern world. In fact, China is the fastest growing US exports, outpacing exports to the rest of the world. It has often being rationalized that an open trade policy with China will help to open up the country to Western models of government and increase compliance with Human Rights. If this is the case, then, Why doesn't the US lift the embargo and begin immediate trade relations with Cuba? As former Springfield City Councilor candidate Clodo Concepcion, A Cuban Native and retire US military, stated in a WHYN interview, " This is an opportunity for the US. The US should put aside its pride and begin open trade with Cuba"

As for Fidel, may he have peace and quiet in his retirement days. My Friends, This is history in the making.

Gov. Patrick Top Aide Arrested

2008-02-10T02:52:00.001-05:00

According to the Boston Herald, Carl Stanley McGee, a top aide in Gov. Patrick administration has been arrested in Florida for sexually assaulting a 15 year old boy in a steam room at the Gulf Coast Resort. Carl Stanley McGee is Assistant Secretary for Policy and Planning under Gov. Patrick's administration. Carl Stanley McGee was instrumental in the efforts to defeat overturn same sex marriage in Massachusetts and and is currently the point person in the efforts to bring casinos to Massachusetts. Carl Stanley McGee has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. According to Florida police reports, McGee is charged with masturbating and performing oral sex on the teenager.

I am deeply concern with the constant scandals that seem to develop under Gov. Patrick administration. First, the luxury drapes in the corner office, upgrading the official Governor's vehicle to a luxury model, the seventy first fund, a special fund created by the Democratic Party to help streamline donations to the Governor's campaign committee, leaving the State to stump for Sen. Barrack Obama and God knows what else there is or is yet to come.

All of this on his first year in the Corner Office. As for Carl Stanley McGee, well, the Governor should immediately terminate his employment. As a top aide, Carl Stanley McGee works at the pleasure of the Governor. It will be interesting to see what the Governor does.

Viva Hillary

2008-02-07T04:02:00.001-05:00

Hillary Clinton received 50% of the Democratic vote in Springfield and Barrack Obama received 47% of the Democratic vote in Springfield. The Hispanic vote, went to Hillary Clinton and the Afro-American vote went to Barrack Obama. As many political analyst have noted, the Democratic race has become an issue of race and gender. I find this unfortunate as I believe that we should vote for the person that you believe to be most qualified for the job. No, this doesn't mean that I will vote on the Democrat side !!!

I can't help to point out the stereotype that Hispanic males face in the U.S. We are often referred to as "Machistas", Chauvinist, etc.. yet, Hispanics including Hispanic males voted for Hillary. In the Hispanic culture family roles are traditionally well defined, We know what to expect from each other. I also argue, that in the US, including Massachusetts, conservatism is not dead.

Here is your check back...What??

2008-01-31T02:06:00.003-05:00

Photo by Victor Davila

I recently received my vehicle excise tax bill. As many other people in the city, I didn't have the full amount to send in right away. So, what did I do? No, I didn't pull a State Rep. Ben Swan move and pretended that I didn't have a civic responsibility to pay my taxes !! I send the city a partial payment. A couple of days later, I received the check back with an explanation that the city could not credit partial payments. What!! I send the City money and they wouldn't take my money?? I put this annoyance in the back burner and a few weeks later I called the agency in charge of tax collection for the City of Springfield, Deputy Tax Collectors based in Milford, Ma. After, a series of questions to the clerks, I got a snotty, Who are you, are you a reporter? I promptly answered, no, I am a tax payer inquiring why the City of Springfield is not taking my money. After being placed on hold for a few minutes(which seemed to be forever ) the clerk came back with a miraculous new attitude. The clerk emphasized to me several times that the reason the city couldn't take my money, was because it was the law. Oh, boy what an explanation!! I reminded the clerk that just because it is the law, it is not necessarily a good law, or that it makes sense. I posed this question to the clerk. Would you rather a million dollars today or a year from now. The clerks answer? That's right, the clerk answered, I rather have a million dollars now. AHHH, exactly my point. Money has time value. A million dollars today is not a million dollars a year from now. Interest rates, inflation, consumer confidence are among some factor that affect money flow.This law doesn't make any sense to me. The City of Springfield could be using partial payments to swell the city's revenue and help to improve or expand city services. In the meantime, I will have to send in the whole amount. Really, I will.

Adios Rudy

2008-01-30T01:03:00.001-05:00

Photo by Laura Victoria Burke

Mayor Rudy Giuliani, America's Mayor, came in third place during Florida's GOP primary elections. Giuliani capture roughly 15% of the Floridian vote. Maverick Senator John McCain won the primary race with approximately 36% of the vote and Mitt Romney capture roughly 31% of the vote. According to media outlets Giuliani is set to quit the race and throw his support behind Sen. McCain. The Hispanic vote in the Florida elections proved to be a highly sought price. All candidates appeared in the Spanish station of Univison claiming to be the right candidate for the job. Among the Florida Hispanic community, Sen. McCain captured roughly 50% of the Cuban vote and 51% the Non-Cuban Hispanic vote. So, what does this say about the Hispanic vote? For one thing, it says that not all Hispanic think alike. Second, that Hispanics continue to be socially conservative. One of the paramount issues among the older exile Cuban community is US-Cuban relations. Advocating for nearly complete isolation for Cuba and any other tool necessary to bring down Fidel Castro's government. According to an univision article, Cuba is not the front and center issue among second and third Cuban generation. The Cuban community has had a long and arduous road in front of them and need to be admire as the pinnacle of the American Dream. I am positive that Giuliani's liberal social views send him packing in Florida. The severe distrust among the Hispanic community with the Democrats should awaken the Republicans to pay more attention tot eh Hispanic vote.

Hillary Clinton Stumps in Springfield

2008-01-28T15:40:00.002-05:00

Hillary Clinton made a campaign stop in Springfield at the Springfield College Blake arena. Hillary addressed the crowd of approximately 3,000 people. There were several hundred people outside that were not able to get into the arena. There were people complaining of waiting outside for hours just to be turned away at the last minute. Several people suggested that the event should of been held at the Mass mutual center. Hillary made the theme of health care, ending the war in Iraq and rebuilding the middle class the center of her campaign message. Pretty safe topics in this Democratic Bastion state. However, as Hillary was blowing her own horn in Springfield, Sen Edward Kennedy, D-Mass was in Washington endorsing Barack Obama for President. After the event, I went to school to find many people discussing Hillary's visit to Springfield. The consensus was that Massachusetts had suddenly become a battle ground state for its 6 delegates. Of course, Hillary's visit to Springfield comes as no surprise. Her visit was probably for strategic reasons. No only is the State up for grabs, but there are the neighboring states of Connecticut and Maine. I would not be surprise at all if Obama makes a visit to Springfield or Massachusetts's to, at the very least, keep up the pressure on Hillary. Actually, Obama has been doing well in fundraising in Western Massachusetts with approximately $3 million Dollars raised and has tapped the endorsement of Gov. Patrick. As I stood in line, I saw a procession of local officials parading their way to pay homage to Hillary. They all were shining and in an excellent mood. Stay tune as we will examine the Hispanic impact on Presidential elections.

Gov. Patrick names Latina to Commonwealth Service Board.

2008-01-28T01:19:00.001-05:00

Gov. Patrick has named Waleska Lugo de Jesus to oversee the Commonwealth Service Board. Mrs. Lugo is membership director at the Springfield YMCA. The Commonwealth Service Board is a pilot program under the Massachusetts Service Alliance charged to create programs to encourage volunteerism. The pilot program has a price tag of about 3 Million dollars. I am proud to see that a Latino woman has been taped to join this board. I am also concern with the high price tag that this program bears. Volunteers will get stipends and help with health benefits. But wait a minute if you get something in return, that is not volunteering.!!! Do not get me wrong, volunteering is an important civic duty. Volunteering creates a sense of community and a sense of pride that all communities could benefit from. But I do not believe that throwing money into it might be the right answer.If this program proves to be successful, ways to reign in the price tag need to be explore.

Sarno stand up to The Republican

2008-01-25T02:09:00.001-05:00

I have been meaning to post this before but believe me that I have been having a heck of a week. I won't bore you with the details but I will tell you that I locked myself out of the house and locked myself out of the car both in the same day !!! Oh sure, like you have not locked yourself out before !!! Any ways, lets get to business.

Mayor Sarno has shown that he can not be easily intimidated. The Republican recently ran an Editorial piece asking Mayor Sarno to exclude himself from the selection process for a new Police Commissioner in the city. Sarno made no secret of his support for now Acting Commissioner Fitchet during his Mayoral Campaign. The people elected Sarno and by inference approved his vision and leadership for the City. So, this begs the question, Why is The Republican running this story? I can speculate all I want but the reality is that only The Republican knows its true motives. The media is a powerful and necessary tool in maintaining a stable democracy and helps to air improper and questionable activities in government, in fact I refer to the media as the "fourth branch of government". Make no mistake about it ,the media has a powerful effect. but they do not get to set the agenda nor decide who gets elected. I applaud Mayor Sarno's courage in stating his displease with the editorial ran by The Republican.

Who ever gets chosen as the New Police Commissioner needs to be keenly aware of the idiosyncrasy of the city. In particular needs to properly establish a working relationship with the "minority" communities: (God do I hate that word "minority" this implies that I am less than, I am equal to any other person)

Read Sarno's letter below:

I am compelled to respond to The Republican's Jan. 18 editorial, "Commissioner search not over yet, is it?" calling on me to recuse myself from the selection process for the next police commissioner because I stated my support for Acting Commissioner William J. Fitchet before the process even began. The editorial also put into question my integrity and ethics in participating in this process. What is clear to me is that the newspaper is either out of touch with the needs of our community or is unaware that the mayoral campaign ended in November. I have stated in my announcement for mayor and in my inaugural address that a Sarno administration will serve the city and its citizens with the highest level of integrity and ethics. That is a commitment I made to our citizens and will be maintained by my actions. In my opinion, crime is the number one problem facing our city. The campaign debate and political rhetoric must end. The time for leadership and governing must begin. I believe it was a mistake in the first place to select Edward A. Flynn, an outsider to Springfield, over Acting Commissioner Fitchet, who is a Springfield native. After 19 months since selecting the last commissioner, it made no sense to me to undertake a new prolonged selection process. The Republican editorial accurately points out Fitchet's 34 years of dedicated service; experience in police work; and his knowledge of our community. We need stable leadership in place to win this war on crime. Even former Mayor Charles V. Ryan voted against undertaking a new selection process because he knew the right man for the job was Fitchet. Unfortunately, the Finance Control Board, on a 3-2 vote, decided to undertake a new selection process. I would also like to point out that in other cities, the history of control boards is such that their responsibility is limited to the management and oversight of municipal finances. It is unprecedented that a control board, like the one in place in Springfield, be empowered with control of the hiring of personnel. Even the Springfield Finance Control Board's own ordinance of August 2005 provided that "the mayor alone has the authority to appoint the police commissioner." Fitchet was the right man before Flynn and is still the right man to lead the Springfield Police Department. That is not a question of my integrity or ethics. It is simply a fact based on experience and leadership ability.

Mayor DOMENIC J. SARNO, Springfield

Council Meeting on the Merryl Lynch Issue

2008-01-16T01:43:00.001-05:00

On Monday, I attended the City Council meeting to speak and hear the Council on the Merryl Lynch Issue. Read my comments to the council below. The meeting started with Council President Bud Wiliams reminding Councilor Ferrara and the rest of the councilors to speak withing the parameters of the resolution introduced by Councilor Ferrara, as the Law Department felt that any comments outside of this parameter could be used in court. Council president Williams reminded the Council that the Merryl Lynch issue is under review by the Attorney General, The IRS and at the Federal Level. There will be a Control Board meeting this Thursday, with all the appropriate city officials on this issue at 11am at City Hall. After introducing the resolution, which called for $50,000 to be allocated to an independent Investigator to inform the Council on the specifics and the facts of this issue, several councilors felt that it will be best for the council to wait for the results of the investigation being conducted by Attorney General and the State and Federal Offices. Councilor Rooke reminded the Council that keeping the Council in the dark as it was being done was an insult to the Council Board and called, if the resolution failed, to have a three member committee appointed by the council. The Council took no action on Rookes proposal. Councilor Moriarty motioned to have the resolution send to committee, " in case we need it at a later time." Both the motion to send the resolution to Committee and the resolution itself were defeated. Read below to see how each Councilor voted.

It worries me that the City Council, as they claim, is being kept in the dark. After all, I believe that the City Council has a Fiduciary obligation to the people. I do not like the idea of having to spend money on an independent investigator, but the stakes are too high not to appoint one. I endorse the concept of an independent investigator for these reasons. How can the city loose 13 Million Dollars and no one noticed? I know hat any prudent investors keeps an eye on his investment. Who was watching this investment? Furthermore, Why is the City investing 13 Millions, when that money or some of it could have been used to retain or improve city services? As this issue moves forward, there are more questions than answers.

How each Councilor Voted;

On the Motion to send resolution to Committee // On the Resolution

Rooke - Yes / Rooke - Yes

Moriarty - Yes / Moriarty - No

Tosado - No / Tosado - No

Ferrara - Yes / Ferrara - Yes

Foley - No / Foley - No

Markey - No / Markey - No

Williams - No / Williams - No

Walsh - No / Walsh - No

Stebbings - Absent / Stebbings - Absent

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My Comments to the Council.

Good Evening ladies and Gentleman.

My name is Victor Davila from the Forest Park Section of the City.
I am extremely concern with the city’s loss of 13 Million Dollars invested in Merryll Lynch. According to the paper yesterday, The city began losing money back in August of last year. Honestly, I would like an explanation of how it is possible that the city loses 13 Million Dollars and no one noticed !!!
City Officials seem to be tight lip about this issue. I strongly urge this council to use every tool legally available to you to inquire how we lost this money.
This unfortunate event proves to be a good catalyst to bring a desperate new and efficient communication among city departments.
With events like this we can rest assure that the control board will not be leaving any time soon.

Thank you.

The Merryl Lynch Investment FIASCO

2008-01-11T03:53:00.000-05:00

I do not know about you, but I am getting ready my chopping block. We have heard through the news the claim that Springfield's 14 Million investment with Merrill Lynch dwindled to 1.2 Million after being invested in the volatile sub-prime market. Now, City Councilors are heroically calling for a full accounting of the investment dealings. Merrill Lynch claims that Springfield officials reviewed and approved the investments. If this is true in fact, some heads ought to roll. How in he world, for lack of more proper descriptive words, can this happen? If this is true, which will inevitably come to the light, the elected officials, if any ,that were involved ought to spare the citizenry, and resign their elected positions. Hello, we are just starting to recover from an almost bankrupt city government and they make this awful decision on our behalf? Furthermore, this case proves that there has to be better communications between city agencies and elected officials. After all, elected officials are entrusted to ready the ship and chart a steady course for the city. I will be keeping my eye on this FIASCO. !!!!

Tution Break for Illegal Immigrants

2008-01-10T20:58:00.001-05:00

In an address to education and business leaders, Gov. Patrick unveiled details to unilaterally implement measures that would afford illegal immigrants in state tuition. Apparently, Gov. Patrick wants to join other states that have similar measures. There is debate of whether this measure will result in an revenue increase or revenue loss to the state. According to some estimate the state could lose $15 Million in order to provide the tuition cut. However, The Massachusetts Tax Payer foundation claims that there will be a $2.5 Million increase in revenue. This issue promises to be a hot button issue among the leaders of the house. The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition has been actively lobbying the leaders on this issue.

During my dinner break, I asked some of mt co-workers how they felt about the issue. The conversation quickly turned to ideology lines.
"Why not, they live here they should be able to pay the same in state tuition", others said ; "They need to be here legally before they can benefit from our services, besides it will be rewarding illegal behavior, they are here illegally", were many of the comments exchanged.

It bothers me that immigrants, often times for economic reasons, are forced to leave their homes and venture amidst dangerous circumstances to an unfamiliar land to them. Most of the undocumented immigrants that I have met are decent hard working people, often times working for peanuts and a good number of them pay taxes !!! As long as there is corruption and social injustice in Latin Countries and Third World Countries, immigrants will continue to flock to other lands, particularly the U.S. On the other hand I fully understand that we need to ensure the well being, on all aspects, of our residents first. On this, I look at the analogy of a mother. A mother makes sure that the children are taken care of first before caring for others. If the State really wants to face the rise of undocumented immigrants in the state, they would go after the employers that knowingly hire undocumented workers. This is a necessity, particularly in the current circumstances where terrorism is always a breath away. However, in this case the undocumented immigrant will be paying for a service, for an Education. True, even if they complete their education they can not work, due to their illegal Immigrant status. But at least, they have a good education to take to their homeland in case they are deported. Let us be realistic, it is impossible to remove all undocumented immigrants. An educated person, regardless of their immigration status, is an asset to society.

Sarno Sworn in as Mayor

2008-01-07T21:09:00.000-05:00

Well, It is official. Domenic Sarno is now our 54th Mayor. Sarno surprised a lot of people by pulling a campaign victory over incumbent Mayor Charles V. Ryan. Mayor Ryan showed a lot of statesmanship by attending Sarno's inauguration. Sarno's priority points include,

1. Public Safety - -Will seek to add 50 new police officers to the Police Department.
-Implement the latest in police technology.
-Install strong and effective leadership in the Police Department.

2. Education - -Install Strong and effective leadership in the School Department.
-Increase parental involvement.
-Bring accountability to the School Department,

3. Economy and Jobs - Capitalize in the Union Station project and the Crane Property in Indian Orchard.
- expand the Tax base through economic development.

4. City Services - - Eliminate the Trash fee.
- Modernize city government.

5. Environment - - Designate a municipal office to manage the city's environmental initiatives.
- reduce energy consumption.

Sarno admitted that he has developed an ambitious agenda. The city can definitely improve on these five dimensions. I am concern however, with Sarno's insistence of transferring the review Board's Coordinator duties to new chief of Staff Dennis Jordan. I am sure that Mrs. Jordan is a capable individual, but this injects politics into a process that is suppose to be neutral. What do you think? Take a quick moment and cast your opinion on my Blogg poll to the lower left.
Sarno does bring a new level of energy to the city. As blogger Tom Devine noted; " He can not be allowed to fail. Springfield can not afford a failed mayoralty at this point. "
Let us give Mayor Sarno an honest shot at running the city. If he screws up, then we elect some one else. To read Sarno's inaugural speech click here.

Feliz Dia de Reyes

2008-01-06T23:49:00.000-05:00

Victor Davila dressed as Gaspar (one of the Three Kings )

As a child I rember all the excitement and the anticipation of the Tres Reyes Magos ( Three Kings ). Gaspar, Melchor, and Baltasar are their names. I left them, as is tradition, milk and cookies and for the Camels we left out hay. The next morning all the presents were laid out for us. How wonderful it was. On the Three King feast day. there are many celebrations, friends and family come to visit and there is good food to enjoy. Keeping with the effort to maintain our Hispanic culture, and to promote the library system,the Friends of the Libray, of which I am a board member, sponsored the Three Kings at the Brightwood library. A total of 81 people came in to the library to see the Three Kings. What really surprised me was ha there were not only Hispanic children but also there were Russian and Vietnamese children that came in to see the Three Kings. I was really proud of being able to share my Hispanic culture with others. The Librarian, Mrs. Haydee Hodis was wonderful and very helpful. The story of the Three Kings has biblical foundations. After the birth of Jesus, 12 days later Three Wise men came from afar guided by the North Star. They sought the King of Kings. They brought gifts of royalty. Gold, incense and Myrrh. Gifts reserved only for the royalty. this biblical Scene is among the first to tell us of Jesus divinity as the SON of GOD.

Feliz Dia de Rayes !!!

The Three Kings giving candies to the Children.

The coolest Three Kings

Left - Right Jose Cruz, Victor M. Davila ( My Dad ) , Victor G. Davila

Education Task force meets at Forest Park Library

2008-01-02T18:20:00.000-05:00

Intrepid Educator Mrs. Regina ( in Green ) leading the Education Task Force Meeting

Today I attended the meeting of the Educational Task Force put together by Mayor-elect Dominic Sarno. The meeting was held in the library's community room. There were about 12 people all together to express their ideas and input on the city's school department. The meeting was led by the intrepid retired educator Mrs. Regina. There was some discussion about the lack of serious progress in the schools, how the school system can better meet the needs of the Somalia population and I discussed ways that the school system can better attract young professionals into the teaching positions. I am just finishing my double bachelor's degree in Political Science and Economics. Often times I hear from potential teachers when asked of they would like to teach in Springfield a quick response, " Are you Nuts with all the problems and the difficult population". This saddens me, as I know that the children of the City of Springfield are children like every other. they need love, discipline and structure. I Suggested that in order to combat the negative image that potential educators have of the Springfield School System to offer incentives to attract and retain young educators. Young educators should be offered a sign on bonus and offered some sort of housing incentive if they stay in the system for a number of years. This will help retain the teachers and help create a sense of community. The housing incentive could be modeled as the incentive offered a while back for police officers that bought houses in high crime areas.

Childrens Visiting the Forest Park Lbrary After School

2007-12-25T03:23:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays ?

I do not understand why people are so afraid to say Merry Christmas.

Every body wants to be "politically Correct" people are afraid to offend others and " I do not want to force my beliefs on others" are among the reasons that I hear to justify the "politically correct" term of Happy Holidays. Excuse me for a second while I go and bang my head against the wall to see if I get enlightened. !!!

I fully agree that some one's belief can not be force on to other, particularly when it involves religion beliefs. To deprive yourself of wishing a merry Christmas limits your first amendment right to free expression, besides who in their right mind will get offended when you wish them something good. I have a Muslim friend, and one day he blessed me with a Muslim blessing, " Victor may the face of God always shine upon you" he said. Afterwards, I did not become a Muslim, I remain and will always remain a devout Catholic. I was not offended by his blessing, instead, I was very grateful for his best wishes. Unfortunately, we are living in a society and particularly in a state where every body wants to be politically correct and any one that makes any mention of Christianity is automatically labeled a Fascist or a religious Nut. Let us not forget that the underlying reason of America's independence is that of religious freedom. The founding fathers were deeply religious. This country is predominately Christian. So why not freely express our beliefs? To limit your self of wishing some one a merry Christmas is to limit your right to free express.

Merry Christmas to All !!!

My family and I had a wonderful Christmas. Santa was kind to all of us, even to me !!!

2007-12-22T03:45:00.000-05:00

Masters of the Blogg and the Financial Control Board

I attended the FCB meeting on Thursday, to express my disappointment and concern over the School Superintendent actively applying to other schools districts with the latest job hunt from the superintendent applying to the State Education Commissioner position left vacant after Commissioner Driscolli resigned. Really, are we to believe that the superintendent is truly committed to Springfield? Please, I do not believe it for a second.!! I expressed my concerns, (read my letter below ) and plainly stated the the School Committee must be out of their minds for asking Gov. Patrick for authority over the Superintendents contract. That perogative and all personnel decisions, fall under the FCB. This to me, is a classic example of political hacks. It is a well know secret that relatives of the majority of the school committee members have job connections to the school department. Now that Superintendent is in trouble, his budies come to the rescue. Luckily, the FCB voted to open a search for a new superintendent. If Superintendent Burke has any respect for Springfield he should not apply for the position. But do not hold your breath on this. If Dr. Burke applies and ends up getting the job again, stipulation should be included to ensure continuity in the position.

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Goof afternoon Gentlemen and Feliz Navidad.

My name is Victor Davila.
The Control Board has been an important tool in helping the City of Springfield leap back from its financial crisis. Many decisions that the this board has made have not been popular, and now another decision; this time with regards to the contract for the School Superintend looms in the air. In all fairness, I have to say that Dr. Burke has made some good progress in the school system, some to slow, but nevertheless some positive changes have been made. However, I am deeply concern with Dr. Burke’s constant participation in the application process in other schools districts. The City of Springfield is not out of the woods quite yet. The school system still has a persistent problem with truancy, among many of the other issues that the school department still faces. We need strong leaders that are willing to stay in Springfield for the long haul, not to stay in Springfield until something better comes up. Dr. Burke’s constant participation in other school district application process signal, at least to me, that he is ready to leap out of the city. The city and the school department need decisive and constant leadership. The School Committee must be out of their mind in asking the Governor for authority over the Superintends’ contract. That prerogative falls squarely over this board as authorized by the legislature. Dr. Burke needs to convince us that he is willing to stay in Springfield for the long haul. Should this board, within its wisdom, decide to offer another contract to Dr. Burke, I strongly urge the board to include language that will keep the Superintend in Springfield, and not to repeat the same cake contract that was offered to the Police Commissioner.

Thank You.

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At the FCB Meeting, I came across the Masters of the Blogg. !!!!

Left - Right: Mike Dobbs (The Reminder), Heather Brandon (Urban Compass)

Bill Dusty ( Springfield Intruder ) The legendary Tom Devine ( Baystate Objectivist )

Front: Matt ( Western Mass Politicd and Insight )

Santa In East Forest Park Library

2007-12-20T02:47:00.000-05:00

As part of the Friends of the Library, which I am a Board Member, I dressed up as Santa this past Saturday. A wonderful time was had by all !!

I truly enjoy the innocence of the children. Santa, I want this and that for christmas, they whispered to my ear. HO, HO, HO Santa said, Santa will do his best to bring you what you asked, Do not forget to leave out the milk and the cookies !!! Santa replied.

The East Forest Park Library is really a hidden gem, as I looked around the library I realized that they could use more space. It is my hope that the new city administration pays all the proper attention that our city libraries need.

Feliz Navidad !!!