Paying Attention

Today Tom is talking about his outrage at the situation surrounding Francisco Urena the secretary of veterans’ services who was forced to resign by the governor of Massachusetts, the upcoming election and some local restaurants that are getting it right. Follow Tom and The Valley Patriot on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnmOQIeRxnrkI0iiH-ZEfYw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyPatriot Public Celebrity Page: https://www.facebook.com/tomdugganJr/?ref=page_internal Podbean: https://payingattention.podbean.com/ #LocalPolitics #TheValleyPatriot #MerrimackValley #UnitedPodcastNetwork #Studio21PodcastCafe  

Today Tom is joined by Jana Zanni Pesce the Methuen school committee vice chair. Together they discuss what has been going on in the school system over the past year and what is to come. How did the schools cope with Covid 19? Did Methuen follow the science behind Covid 19? If so, why do the kids have to wear masks? What is to come for the school system of Methuen? How can parents do more? Are kids coping with remote learning?   Contact Jana at: japesce@methuen.k12.ma.us or Call: 978-852-7255   Follow Tom and The Valley Patriot on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnmOQIeRxnrkI0iiH-ZEfYw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyPatriot Public Celebrity Page: https://www.facebook.com/tomdugganJr/?ref=page_internal Podbean: https://payingattention.podbean.com/     #LocalPolitics #TheValleyPatriot #MerrimackValley #UnitedPodcastNetwork #Studio21PodcastCafe

Today Tom shares some great news, that The Valley Patriot Newspaper is officially Lawsuit Free for the first time in four years. He also talks about some of the law suits the paper has been hit with over the years and how Massachusetts needs a shield law put in place to help protect journalists and their sources. Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner is also in Toms sights today as he/she runs for Governor of California. He is also upset at mainstream news and how they don’t seem to be reporting “Actual News” anymore, instead they want to do reports on “Meaningless Bull S#@T!”   Follow Tom and The Valley Patriot on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnmOQIeRxnrkI0iiH-ZEfYw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyPatriot Public Celebrity Page: https://www.facebook.com/tomdugganJr/?ref=page_internal     #LocalPolitics #TheValleyPatriot #MerrimackValley #UnitedPodcastNetwork #Studio21PodcastCafe

Today Tom is talking about the failing school system in Lawrence, Marijuana in Methuen and he chats with Matt McLennan from Century 21 McLennan Real Estate about home prices in the Merrimack Valley     Follow Tom and The Valley Patriot on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnmOQIeRxnrkI0iiH-ZEfYw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyPatriot Public Celebrity Page: https://www.facebook.com/tomdugganJr/?ref=page_internal       #LocalPolitics #TheValleyPatriot #MerrimackValley #UnitedPodcastNetwork #Studio21PodcastCafe

Today Tom talks Movies and how they impact the view on the U.S and other newsworthy topics from around the Valley. Is Hollywood in bed with China? Are Hollywood Movies ruining America’s image to their international audience? Will President Biden run the country into further debt? Should we be given another stimulus check?   Follow Tom and The Valley Patriot on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnmOQIeRxnrkI0iiH-ZEfYw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyPatriot Public Celebrity Page: https://www.facebook.com/tomdugganJr/?ref=page_internal   #LocalPolitics #TheValleyPatriot #MerrimackValley #UnitedPodcastNetwork #Studio21PodcastCafe

Today Tom talks about some of the great local small businesses from the area, he gives some well-deserved shout outs to some local restaurants that are doing right by their customers and have stepped up their game despite the Covid-19 effects on small business. He also speaks about the public’s reaction to last weeks show on not resisting arrest and why he is Facebook jail AGAIN!!!   How can small business ensure better business in light of Covid -19? Has freedom of speech become a lot less free? Do more Americans need to carry guns? Why is FB controlling our views?   Follow Tom and The Valley Patriot on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnmOQIeRxnrkI0iiH-ZEfYw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyPatriot Public Celebrity Page: https://www.facebook.com/tomdugganJr/?ref=page_internal Podbean: https://payingattention.podbean.com/   #LocalPolitics #TheValleyPatriot #MerrimackValley #UnitedPodcastNetwork #Studio21PodcastCafe

Today Tom talks about the Virginia Traffic Stop that is all over the news and the female police officer who shot and killed a driver during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, on Sunday afternoon.   Why are so many people resisting arrest? Can’t people just comply? What can be done to reduce volatile police interactions? Is the media hurting or helping the situation? Why does it have to be a racial issue? Is the media just trying to distract you from the “real issues”?   Follow Tom and The Valley Patriot on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnmOQIeRxnrkI0iiH-ZEfYw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyPatriot   #LocalPolitics #TheValleyPatriot #MerrimackValley #UnitedPodcastNetwork #Studio21PodcastCafe

Today Tom is joined by Samantha Muise, Carol Langley Rayla Campbell, Eddie Louis and Courtney Andrade. Together they discuss Antifa, the Bridgewater Rally, the anti fascist movement and the many other instances of aggressive protesting happening around peaceful rallies nation wide. They also share a resounding call to action for people to start standing up for their rights and stop just following along whatever the government says. Is the Republican party a rotten tooth that needs a root canal? Why will Tom never give another dollar to the republican party again? When did it become acceptable to intimidate people out of their freedom of speech? Do Vaccines cause Autism? How corrupt is our political system really? Do more people need to stand up and be counted?   Follow our Guests: Rayla Campbell - https://www.facebook.com/RaylaForMa - https://raylaforma.com/ Samantha Muise - https://www.facebook.com/samantha.muise.7 Courtney Andrade - https://www.facebook.com/courtney.n.andrade   Follow Tom and

Today Tom is joined by Janet Aldrich, Joan Quinn Eastman and Samantha Muise to discuss the "Mask Mandate" and what happened at the "No Mask" freedom rally  at legion field in Bridgewater MA on 03/27/21 Also Tom discusses how he is  unhappy with voter turnout on Tuesdays N Andover Election  Why is Voter turnout so bad in Methuen? Is it time to take off the masks? Should private businesses be forced to make patrons wear masks? Do the Covid 19 restrictions infringe on our constitutional rights?  Does misinformation breed false entitlement?     Follow Tom and The Valley Patriot on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnmOQIeRxnrkI0iiH-ZEfYw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyPatriot #LocalPolitics  #TheValleyPatriot  #MerrimackValley #UnitedPodcastNetwork #Studio21PodcastCafe

Today Tom is joined for the second time by Joe Finn the N Andover candidate for Selectmen, with the election around the corner Joe is back to talk about the issues he is focusing on and will be addressing if he wins a seat and also the other issues facing North Andover. Tom also discusses a story he came across that begs the question Does Crime Really Pay? Why do politicians never seem to be punished "fairly" for crimes they commit? What is on the agenda for N Andover? Who is going to control N Andover?  What does the future hold for N Andover? What is a master plan? and is it worth having one? Why aren't the Schools back yet? Are Unions Good or Bad? Follow Tom and The Valley Patriot on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnmOQIeRxnrkI0iiH-ZEfYw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyPatriot #LocalPolitics  #TheValleyPatriot  #MerrimackValley #UnitedPodcastNetwork #Studio21PodcastCafe

Today Tom follows up on last weeks episode about homelessness in the Valley and he also talks about his views on the current surge at the border. Is Methuen getting it right? Is Lawrence getting it wrong? Where can the homeless go in the winter? Does Mayor Perry really care about helping the homeless? What is happening at the Days Inn Methuen? Could a homeless center be the answer? Is Immigration really focused on fair diversity? Do immigrants help keep the Democrats in power? Follow Tom and The Valley Patriot on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValleyPatriot YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnmOQIeRxnrkI0iiH-ZEfYw #LocalPolitics #TheValleyPatriot #MerrimackValley #UnitedPodcastNetwork #Studio21PodcastCafe

On the show today Tom is joined by Carrie Weiland who is an advocate for the homeless, together they discuss the homeless situation in the Merrimack Valley area, what is being done to help them and how you can help. They also chat about ISAIAH 58 a non-for-profit organization working to end homelessness. They help with food, clothing, housing, and other issues of justice. Tom also lets us know what is coming up for the Valley Patriot. What is the House of Mercy? What is Isiah 58? Is the City doing enough for the homeless? How Can I Help the Homeless? What Can I Donate?   Isaiah 58 is a tax deductible 501c3 Charitable Organization. https://isaiah58nh.com/ Email: Isaiah58NH@att.net Check out House of Mercy @ http://houseofmercylawrence.com/ Join them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HouseofMercyLawrence/   #LocalPolitics #TheValleyPatriot #Isaiah58 #HouseOfMercyLawrence #MerrimackValley #UnitedPodcastNetwork #Studio21PodcastCafe

Today Tom is joined by Joe Finn a N Andover Candidate for Selectman, they discuss Joes plans for change if he is elected. Joe’s plan would pause new multi-family building construction for two years to investigate the effects that the proposed construction could have on the town, such as traffic congestion, pollution, school capacity and the loss of open space. Does N Andover really need another 968+ new building units? How could this effect the town? Is North Andover turning into Lawrence? Will downtown N Andover get revitalized? Are the people of N Andover being listened to? Will N Andover get a chance to take a step back and catch its breath?   "It is time for the citizens of North Andover to take action through Town Meeting. I would encourage anyone who wishes to join me in co-sponsoring this article to contact me.” Contact Joe – Email: jfinn.na2021@gmail.com #LocalPolitics #TheValleyPatriot #MerrimackValley #UnitedPodcastNetwork #Studio21PodcastCafe

On today’s show Tom touches on a number of topics, he follows up on his story about The Public Records Request he submitted to the city of Methuen, his feelings on the Covid vaccine rollouts and the Covid relief bill, and potential voter fraud.   How much do the DPW Workers get paid in overtime? Is Steve Saba’s son getting paid more “overtime” hours than the average DPW? Diana DiZoglio Vs Charlie Baker Why is Mayor Perry pissed off? Who should get the Covid vaccine first? Are your Covid benefits being hidden from you? Is there extra money in the Covid Relief Bill for your small business? Why aren’t the politicians taking care of their own constituents first? Is voter fraud real? Was there voter fraud in the Windham Election? Is President Biden having children put in cages? #LocalPolitics #TheValleyPatriot #MerrimackValley #UnitedPodcastNetwork #Studio21PodcastCafe

Today Tom shares his views on the public records system, Is the City of Methuen playing games with public records requests? If city employees’ names and salaries are not part of public records than how did retired police chief Joe Solomon’s salary become public knowledge? How did Tom Dugan change the public records law and how does the change help anyone making public record requests? Should the Governor’s office, Mayor’s office, or State Representatives be exempt from public records requests? Is there overtime abuse happening in the DPW? What will the next round of public records from Tom Dugan entail? He is also joined by his new intern Eric Spagnoil, together they chat a little about Erics back story, what he can expect from the journalism world, Erics latest story making the front page of the current issue of the Valley Patriot and is ethical journalism on life support or is there some new blood coming up through the ranks to save it? The Valley Patriot is undergoing a restructuring and will have a

This week, Tom discusses local politicians who are failing their constituents. Methuen City Councilors are attacking the mayor over the Police Chief, politicians lying about caring for the homeless population in their city, and Kirk Minihane vs Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone. For more information, check out latest edition of the Valley Patriot or www.ValleyPatriot.com. The Paying Attention! Podcast is recorded each week at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and is hosted on the United Podcast Network.

This week, Tom Duggan sits down with Lisa Williams, AFC Urgent Care Methuen, to talk about the covid-19 vaccination and the current state of testing. Lisa answers questions from Tom about the cost of the vaccine, the side effects of the vaccine, and how effective the vaccine is for the new strain. To register for your covid test, visit: https://afcurgentcaremethuen.com For more information, check out latest edition of the Valley Patriot or www.ValleyPatriot.com. The Paying Attention! Podcast is recorded each week at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and is hosted on the United Podcast Network.

This week, Tom Duggan is joined by Richard Lawrence, author of "Light, Bright, Damn Near White: Stories and Reflections of a Multi-Racial Black Man's Battles with Racism in America." Tom and Richard discuss the recent racial issues in America, Richard's experiences with Dr. Martin Luther King, and what we can do now to solve this issues. Richard's book can be found on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Light-Bright-Damn-Near-White/dp/0991155467/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1Q8QYRLHDZBAL&dchild=1&keywords=light+bright+damn+near+white&qid=1611262190&sprefix=light+bright+damn+near+%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-2 For more information, check out latest edition of the Valley Patriot or www.ValleyPatriot.com. The Paying Attention! Podcast is recorded each week at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and is hosted on the United Podcast Network.

This week, Tom Duggan is joined by the President of the Chamber of Commerce for the Merrimack Valley, Joe Bevilacqua. Tom and Joe discuss how the Chamber of Commerce in the Merrimack Valley is helping small businesses and how future small business owners can get their start in the valley. For more information, check out latest edition of the Valley Patriot or www.ValleyPatriot.com. The Paying Attention! Podcast is recorded each week at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and is hosted on the United Podcast Network.

This week, Tom Duggan is joined by Methuen Mayor Neil Perry. Tom and Neil discuss the events that enfolded in Washington DC, the Inspector General's report on the Police Superiors contract, the latest involving the city council, and how the city will approach spending in the new year. For more information, check out latest edition of the Valley Patriot or www.ValleyPatriot.com. The Paying Attention! Podcast is recorded each week at the Studio 21 Podcast Café and is hosted on the United Podcast Network.