Giving a Little to Get a Little

The Johnsonia Building and its 46 condo units gets its bridge to a parking garage, at least according to a City Council subcommittee that approved the plan last night.

It wouldn't seem like the foot bridge would be a hindrance to downtown, and it helps the Johnsonia developer. Good move by the city to approve. Perhaps it's a good-looking bridge and becomes something of a focal point that area of downtown.

The unfortunate reality is the city is a position of weakness when it comes to development downtown. It needs to take whatever reasonable steps necessary to generate growth and activity in the city center. The bridge seems reasonable, and the committee did the right thing moving it along.

Now, did you hear Ted Kennedy was in town yesterday?

We're not even going to link to the stories, they were so fluffy. You'd think Kennedy was president or pope, based on residents going all goo-goo over the guy. Are we really that desperate for attention that we trip all over ourselves for a Kennedy? Yes, Teddy is a legend. Like him or not, but a guy who will eventually rack up 50 years in the U.S. Senate is a legend. But good lord, a little civic decency might have been in order yesterday.

By the way, the next big Save Fitchburg/"Politically Speaking"/FATV/WEIM debate is on for Thursday, Oct. 26. Democrat Steve DiNatale and Republican Edward Niemczura will face off head-to-head for the first time. As we did during the primary debate, we welcome your questions. You can post them in comments, or e-mail.