On Brookline

During these summer doldrums, and as your publisher prepares for a period of repose, it’s time to recognize the people and events that have provided this site its bounty of material.  After careful review of the archives, listed are below are winners of the first annual On Brookline Augustus Awards.

Best Impersonation of the Vacuous Laura Bush

The Augustus goes to Selectman Jesse Mermell who, while voting on the matter of an appeal by Arthur Conquest on his treatment by Brookline police, said: “I want to thank everyone involved for this important opportunity to talk about race.” Mermell is alleged to be Brookline’s youngest selectman ever.  Time to up the age requirement.

Outstanding Achievement by a Champ Taking a Dive

The Augustus goes to former selectman “Gentleman” Michael Merrill who fashioned himself protector of the taxpayer’s interests while in office, but was nowhere to be found as a tax increase made its way to the May 2008 local ballot.  Of course, Merrill was the selectman who said he would be the champion of a $60 million proposal to build more playing fields in Brookline.  The desertion of these fields in August reminds us that Merrill best serves the community while out of the ring.

Best Political Smear, Pairs Division

The Augustus goes to Brookline Town Administrator Richard Kelliher and Police Chief Daniel O’Leary for their smear of former Selectman Gil Hoy.  O’Leary conducted a clandestine investigation into rumors surrounding Hoy’s early morning traffic stop in Boston, which was announced by Kelliher.  The Chief told the TAB that he had learned of contact between Hoy and Boston Police…no other details given.   But who asked these two jokers to look into the Hoy matter?  And then report it?

Best Indication As to Why Gatehouse Media Is Going Bust

The Augustus goes to the Brookline TAB (a Gatehouse Media publication) for its asterisked endorsement of Selectman Nancy Daly during last May’s town ballot.  The TAB had a choice between Hoy and Daly, but chose our Nancy out of concern for Hoy’s integrity in light of the O’Leary investigation.  Bear in mind, that the TAB attends more public meetings than most citizens and they still endorsed Daly.

Best Statement in Obvious Disregard of Reality

The Augustus goes to Selectman Bobby Allen for his statement, upon welcoming a new attorney to the office of Town Counsel Jennifer Dopazo, that “Brookline’s counsel’s office is the best anywhere.”  Where most people use “uh” or “er” as a vocalized pause, Allen uses “the best run” as his.  But then again, he ought to know.  He runs a concierge service law firm specializing in local licensing and permitting.

Best Example of Wondering What the Rest of the World Sees In the Guy

The Augustus goes to Congressman Barney Frank for his “I Told You So” speech at the St. Aidan’s housing project.  Frank saw the groundbreaking at the project as his chance to berate his constituents.  But missing from his rant was any mention of the $1 million in federal funds he said he would round up for the project.  When not busy talking down to Brookliners, Frank is busy protecting shareholders and presiding over financial crises as chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.

Best Use of Fear and Deception in a Political Campaign

The Augustus goes to School Committee member Judy Meyers and Selectman Betsy DeWitt for their override campaign, “Yes for Brookline.”  This proxy group for town government raised a ton of dough and scared the bejesus out of school parents by announcing 40 bogus layoffs of school personnel in a mailer sent the weekend before the vote.  Absolutely Rovian, darlings.

Outstanding Moments in Mind-boggling Self Interest

The Augustus goes to members of the Selectman’s so-called Sanctuary Committee for its attempts to seize a parcel of land in protection of the pastoral view of a town hall crony, Human Resources Board Chairman Kenneth Kurnos.  In fact, Kurnos and crew were quite close to snatching up the property of an elderly couple who want to improve the lot…all under the watchful eye of Brookline Town Meeting.

Best Proof that Brookline Town Meeting is Useless

The Augustus goes to Brookline Town Meeting Moderator Sandy Gadsby, as he stifled debate over a $700 thousand furniture expenditure for the newly renovated town hall building.  Pity that our representative town meeting hasn’t found the money to furnish our local firehouses.  These non-essential employees await calls on plastic lawn furniture brought from home.

Best Use of Racial Codewords by Education Officials an Education Official

What is it about Arthur Conquest that sends public officials to the moon?  Oh that’s right, he’s black.  When he intervenes on behalf of a five foot grandmother being yelled at by former ZBA member Lawrence Kaplan, police try to charge him with assault.  Then, after writing a column critical of Brookline High School’s record with METCO students, school headmaster Bob Weintraub unleashes a racial screed.  He was joined in this by Superintendent Bill Lupini who tried to get his name removed from the Weintraub column after submission.  What a bunch.