Change with a capital "C": Blue Cross & Blue Shield CEO Waves Goodbye

Cleve Killingsworth, the CEO and Chairman of the Board for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, abruptly resigned today.

I guess the pull to write a few books and work on healthcare reform from the "inside" was too strong to keep him in Massachusetts.

Maybe now, City Manager Michael O'Brien and Crew can address Virginia Ryan and the Coalition of Worcester Retirees' Section 19?

Based upon this article, Michael O'Brien isn't budging one bit.


The Coalition of Worcester Retirees is still PUSHING hard for CHANGE.

UPDATE ON SECTION 19

The presentation on Section 19 to the City Council is in the works according to Cheryl Delsignore, of the EAW (teacher’s union) and the unions will be splitting the cost of the presentation to the City Council. Apparently Cheryl is awaiting a survey from the city that she must have for the presentation by Boston Benefits Partners (BBP). Our coalition will be making a small donation due to the generosity of those of you who sent me checks to pay for the TV ad.

You will be notified when this presentation will occur and hopefully you will recognize the need to be present at this presentation. Actually bring your friends and family members. It’s what the city council understands best. A CROWD.

Risking It All

Sometimes living in Central Massachusetts is seen as "risky", but I
tend to disagree, because while there are other cities that are
dealing with their own share of budget woes, Worcester and City
Manager, Michael O'Brien, are "workin' with what we have", and that's
not alot.

Yes, the playground that is being built at the Providence Street
School is a waste of $400k; there's the ice skating rink that has
doubled as a "cafe-like meeting place" that beautifies the rear of
City Hall. (if only all 'rears' could be beautified in such a manner,
we'd have a much better looking city.)

Then there's the forthcoming elections where Konnie Lukes is running
as the incumbent and is being challenged by Gary Rosen, Kate Toomey,
and John O'Brien. Thank goodness we have a great race slated, but it's
not going to be a drama-filled race similarly to the Preakness, because
we know that Worcester residents don't turn out to vote because many
feel,"that the people may change, but the same things go on in the
City." (Yes, apathy runs rampant and those running for City Council
know this.)

Then there's the issue of the Seniors who get silenced more than Mike
Vick at his trial hearing. They, the Seniors, show up to City Council
meetings in vast numbers and take their seats only to be kicked out of
a meeting because they get a little rambunctious. Don't they deserve to
let their voices to be heard?Haven't they earned it?

So, as July winds to a close, I think it's only appropriate to write
that as the election season ramps up, and back-to-school shopping
leads to thought of a dreaded winter, we must take solace in knowing
that those in charge are, "workin' with what we have"!

Twit for Twat

With the President of the United States, the Governor of Massachusetts and the Boston Police Department using Twitter, it appears as if there's a push to encourage City Manager Michael O'Brien to use the social-media darling, Twitter, in Worcester.

Let's see how long it takes City Manager O'Brien to respond with a "yes" or a "no", and if he chooses not to Twit, don't worry, we'll see a few City Councilors jump on the band wagon before he's forced to.

Sports: Worcester BLEW It! Again!

A couple of years ago there was a group of business owners that were
"looking into" the NBA creating an NBA Development League team in
Worcester, in partnership with the Boston Celtics. Now, you'd think it
would have made sense to everyone, but such was not the case.

The D-League team could have played at the DCU Center and brought
people and money into this great venue. Maybe the City was scared of
doing a deal because of previous dealings with folks like Roy Lucas,
Jr. of the defunct New England Surge?

Any how, the Celtics went on to make some great acquisitions- KG and
Ray Alllen- and win the NBA Championship in 2008.

Well, word is being announced today that Portland, Maine has been
awarded the NBA Development League franchise! The Celtics will end
their contract with the Utah franchise and former Celtics assisstant
coach Jon Jennings will head the Maine D-League team as president and
general manager.

Mayor Lukes and City Manager Michael O'Brien, you both catch an "L"
for this one! Great job! NOT!!!