I was one of those people who suffered through the 3 hrs and 45 min of the aldermanic circus last night. I am glad I did, as Alderman Scott Forbes stood tall last night by taking on the plastic straw ban with no fear, torching Ruth Clay for her negligence for her drive-thru inspections on Brazil Street, and ending the meeting by challenging the Gail and her Administration for kicking the can on the public safety building project. A trifecta of truth and accountability in one night! I haven’t always agreed with his decisions on some issues, but Forbes always takes the time to explain himself like a true professional. I was proud to watch him last night and I’m certain the people on Brazil Street and our first responders appreciate his comments. I will be sad to see him leave the Board after serving 3 terms..... but Alderman Forbes is definitely going out swinging! Him and MacMaster have been a refreshing duo that have been doing their best to hold the City accountable for their actions. Well done sir!
If anyone has the times of his comments during the meeting I would appreciate if they could be posted. They are all worth watching.
It was one of the weirdest meetings I’ve ever seen in terms of process and direction - totally lost with all those amendments made for the straws but I agree, Alderman Forbes took the lead on the issues that nobody wants to talk about. Totally agree with his viewpoint on the straw ordinance, was outstanding in his comments on Brazil Street and reminded all of us that city hall has done nothing to move the public safety buildings forward (which is a disgrace).
Keep fighting the good fight!, and thank you for representing those who choose not to attend meetings or speak during public comment because they have no desire to be judged or criticized.
Going out with a BANG! Probably not the most popular person at City Hall right now which should be worn as a badge of honor.
https://vimeo.com/354796891
BOA Aug 19 2019
1:26 Forbes re bikeshare company lack of accountability
2:29 Forbes on paper straws
*****3:23 Brazil St in which Forbes skewers Ruth Clay for her inexcusable incompetence and for Gail Infurna for her total disregard for the basic well-being of residents.
He proved systematically that the city was totally negligent and has zero checks and balances for ensuring safety for residents.
3:29 Bewtra throwing the "unfortunate" euphemism around again, with lots of wishy-washy suggestions for "satisfactory conclusions." Really disgusting.
3:30 Wright amplifies disgusting with his ridiculous comments about the need for "working together" for "win-win" philosophies. "We can disagree"... "It's always nice to have a conversation..." Tries to lambast (unsuccessfully) MacMaster for supposedly breaking a "rule" not notifying him of the special meeting re Brazil Street. He has a total melt-down. "Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, and people need to work together, and I'm disappointed that isn't happening" .... and then he stormed out, big man that he wants all to believe he is but clearly isn't.
3:35 Forbes lambasting Public Safety Building Committee that hasn't met in over a year, indicating their hypocrisy, kicking down the road the need to address the public safety needs of the city.
3:36 MacMaster rebuts Wright's wrongful, hysterical claims with calm, precise facts.
Loved his suggestion of having retailers offering plastic straws to offer a "paper alternative" and simply let the consumer decide. Why hide the plastic straws when you can put both of them out on display at the same time? Forbes is 100% correct that the laws of capitalism will simply allow retailers to order based on what the consumer demands.
"All I taste is cardboard in my coffee!" Hahahahaha, so true!
Alderman Forbes - our Fire, Police, and EMT's thank you for your efforts to keep the topic of public safety and facilities a part of the 'community conversation.' These buildings are long overdue! Lets get the appropriate people together and move the dial forward.
MacMaster and Forbes have both stepped up their game by calling out City Hall (and deservedly so) on Brazil Street. I for one appreciate their efforts to hold our public officials accountable while proposing common sense solutions that are helpful for the residents. They are doing the right thing and everyone knows it accept the mayors office!
The Mayor’s office knows it.
Melrose’s own version of obstruction of justice and collusion.
There seems to be some sort of coverup.
Not "seems to be", but IS!
Anyone who has any knowledge of engineering and utilities knows exactly what happened, and who's to blame, but it will never be admitted.
Forbes donates his August paycheck from the City to the fundraiser for Brazil Street residents —- total class.
Happy to see Forbes and MacMaster on Brazil Street Tuesday night walking through the homes with the independent environmental specialist. Testing these houses is the right thing to do and the neighborhood appreciates their commitment for accountability.
Great person that has served with distinction...... and a wonderful family that’s been a part of the fabric we call Melrose for the past 40 years.