[We don’t do politics here in The Jungle, but occasionally something relevant turns up. As non-stop ads filled with falsehoods and acrimony clog our airwaves, it’s refreshing to see a brief display of CIVIL DISCOURSE on display in Quincy, MA. The back story is that the city hired a consultant to evaluate their compensation, and the consultant came back saying “You are all suckers, working way below market value. So the Mayor and councilors did the predictable and voted themselves healthy salary increases. In the case of the Mayor his salary was to jump from $159,000 to $285,000, a more-than-substantial raise.
Enter Silverback Mike from the Post Island gorilla compound who showed up at rallies sporting signage saying “Democracy, Not Kochocracy.” The result? The Mayor put off his salary increase, at least for a while. The citizens have been heard and the following correspondence ensued. Hey, maybe these folks can sit down over a beer and see what can be worked out. Et tu?, Kamala? Donald? Vote, my fellow great apes. SB SM]
A civil and civic response from “That guy, Michael Cotter, from Post Island who wore the “Democracy, Not Kochocracy” sign at the Sept. 9, 2024 Mayoral raise protest, outside City Hall
October 31, 2024
Dear Mayor Koch, Councilors, and Quincy Sun Readers,
Yes, I am that Mike Cotter singled out personally by name and neighborhood by Mayor Koch in the Sun interview. It’s time to lower the temperature and clarify matters “for the record”.
Along with my wife Cyndy, other caring family members and friends, I have been active on a number of environmental and social justice issues over the years, often appealing to the Mayor for support. I certainly do not “despise the mayor personally, even when he does not reply to or support adequately these crucially important community betterments.
In fact, over the years I have written numerous personal and public letters to him acknowledging special events, and accomplishments. I have stated often that I have high regard for those who serve in public office. My chosen public service has been as a Public School Teacher, a Registered Nurse and a concerned, involved citizen.
Cyndy and I at age 74 and lifetime Quincy residents pay substantial taxes (increased 18% 2023) and receive very good City services.
Regarding our cherished Post Island neighborhood, I wrote to the Mayor that the City’s emergency and relief response to Winter Storm Riley’s devastating flood damage on 3/2/18, was truly excellent. ( Cyndy and I lived in our small RV behind our residence for 18 months while our home was elevated and renovated at an astounding cost of $485,000.
We are very grateful to be able to live in our beloved home and neighborhood. Our monthly bill for that loan to do so will be paid off when we are 98 years of age.)
Mr. Mayor, let’s be clear that disaster response and recovery, as you know, is definitely not an appropriate ballot issue. It is what a good, effective, compassionate City Government does for its citizens and taxpayers in need. The $17 million, 8000 foot seawall protects not only Post Island, but all the Quincy Bay neighborhoods from Merrymount to The Willows , with a planned further extension to the foot of Great Hill in Houghs Neck. Also, it was due to the extensive involvement of myself and a number of affected residents that the final wall is far superior to the inadequate design the City originally intended to build.
What may be an appropriate ballot question however is the repealing of ordinances funding the Mayoral and Council raises and the implementation of a fair process going forward. I and most citizens agree that the Mayor (and Council) deserve a raise but not in this excessive amount or in this undemocratic, “railroaded” process. Despite over 6,000 petition signatures submitted for repeal in only 20 days, an outpouring of emails to the Mayor and all the City Councilors, several large public protests, and substantial media coverage on the issue, there was no effective response from City Government. These ordinances were brought forward solely by the ‘strong’ Mayor and approved by the “weak Council” . I characterize these actions as irresponsible ‘money grabs’ and a super pension boost for the Mayor. It is especially upsetting so soon after November’s election and during burdensome, double digit residential tax increases.
Literally, “the buck stopped there” at City Hall and stalled. In the tradition of legitimate free speech and “redress of grievances” I joined nearly 100 members of “A Just Quincy” and “We Voters” standing out in frustration at Hancock-Adams Common before the 9/9/24 City Council meeting. My very direct sign read on one side , “Fair Raises-Yes! Money Grabs- No! and on the other, “Democracy, Not Kochocracy”. I stand by both. Mayor Koch (and Team) has surely worked very hard for Quincy, and done much good, but on this matter, he ultimately is profoundly wrong.
Given the Ethics Commission Review, raise deferment (= delay), “distractions” et al. this major controversy needs to be resolved openly with citizen input, perhaps, if necessary, with a question on the next City ballot.
Locally and nationally, it is time for more true Democracy, not less. Let’s continue to renew that ideal in our City of Presidents.
Mr. Mayor, I’d say I certainly got your attention, and hit a nerve. Given the obvious personal hurt you experienced and expressed in this recent interview, and directed at me, perhaps after Thanksgiving we can meet “one reasonable, good Quincy guy to another” and have a good talk . I’ll be in touch.
I’ll leave my sign at home.
Sincerely and respectfully,
Silverback Mike