Paying Attention!

What the Next Mayor can Learn from Marcos Devers!

by Tom Duggan

On his first day in office Marcos Devers was already showing the people of Lawrence what effective leadership is all about. First, Mayor Marcos rescinded the boating ban on the Merrimack river. It was a common sense move after Acting Mayor Frank Kivell overreacted to the terrorist threat of September 11th.

Since terrorists do not need a boat to contaminate the river from shore. The only thing a boat ban will accomplish is inflating the ego and feelings of power some politicians crave. Since Mayor Marcos never takes ego or political gain into account when making his decisions for the city, he had no problem allowing recreational use of the river.

Also on his first day as mayor, Devers turned in the mayor’s police cruiser saying that he believes it would be put to better use by police officers fighting crime. Mayors Dowling and Kennedy were both criticized by community activists for driving in a brand new police cruiser when police officers are patrolling the city in cars that area falling apart. "I have my own car," Devers told me the night he was elected mayor. "The tax payers do not need to be paying for my transportation." While some people see the police car issue as minor, the fact is, the charter prohibits the mayor from using a city vehicle yet some elected officials think they are better than everyone else by scoffing at the law showing an arrogance towards the tax payers.

For years neighborhood groups have been complaining about voter fraud in Lawrence and their complaints have fallen on deaf ears in the corner office. Mayor Marcos, on his second day in office met with candidates and the City Clerk to institute a system of checking voter identification at the polls to avoid out-of-towners influencing our elections. Devers is also concerned about people voting under someone else’s name. When mayoral candidate Joe Quartarone called Devers to suggest a voter ID system, Devers acted immediately. He didn’t form sub committees. He didn’t have to check with the good old boys. He simply took action as the city’s chief executive and got it done.

Though he only has 40 days in office, Devers can make a huge impact on the direction of the next four years. The foundation he is setting for the next mayor will make a smoother transition of power come November 6th. Devers has promised to open the books in city hall to anyone seeking public information. Something the previous mayor was never willing to do. Under Devers, the public will be able to see consultant contracts, bills and receipts for elected officials and the expense reports of department heads. Devers has also opened the mayors office calling it "the office of the people," a far cry from the climate in city hall over the last four years.

Devers believes in open government. He believes in doing what is right and taking action quickly to rectify a problem without stalling and looking to see the political angle. He is genuine and is honestly humbled by what he calls a "privilege to serve the people."

Whoever the next mayor is, they would be wise to take a page from the Marcos Devers play book. The people of Lawrence are lucky to have Marcos Devers as the interim mayor. Whether they realize it or not he will be working hard for everyone. There was no better choice for the council to make when picking a temporary mayor. The experience he gains over the next 40 days will make him a more effective city councilor next year if he is reelected tovthe council. Experience which will be invaluable come budget time. I truly don’t think anyone realizes the asset that is Marocs Devers. But if you pay attention closely for the next 40 days you will definitely like what you see.