All Pawtucket All The Time

By Ken McGill, Registrar of Voters

City of Pawtucket

Can you believe it? We are going into 2010. Where has the past ten years gone when the whole world was glued to their televisions on New Year’s Eve for the big countdown hoping beyond hope that all the lights wouldn’t go out. It didn’t happen, of course, but we were scared into thinking all the computers of the world were going to go crazy and somehow it could be the end of the world. Ten years later and ten years wiser it makes you wonder what we were thinking back then.

I don’t know of any major threats this New Year’s except for swine flu, terrorism, homelessness and joblessness – o.k. so there are a few threats, but I can assure you the lights are not going to go out at the stroke of midnight. Times are going to be tough in this upcoming year – in our city, our state and our nation. Things are particularly going to be tough for those who use the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen.

Ernie Marrott, the longtime director of the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen, called it quits on 12/31/09. Ernie ran the soup kitchen for many, many years and served thousands of meals and helped hundreds of people. Ernie is now 82 and not physically able to run the soup kitchen and with no one willing to step up and volunteer the kitchen has to be closed.

Over my years in city government I have always tried to help Ernie anyway that I could. I would do press releases, sell breakfast tickets and sponsor families at Christmas time all because it was Ernie. In my opinion, the soup kitchen was one of Pawtucket’s most needed institutions and it’s a shame that it had to close. I always remember Ernie telling me “Kenny – it’s not the people who are homeless who need the most help, it’s those who work and have to decide between feeding their kids or paying the rent.”  I couldn’t agree with Ernie more and that is why it’s a shame that the working poor of our city will no longer have the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen to help rescue them when they need it the most.

As sad as I am seeing the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen closing I am happy for Ernie and his finally retiring. Ernie is one of those rare, special people who does not think of himself but wants to give of himself. It’s time for Ernie to retire, take it easy and enjoy himself. There is no doubt that when he gets to heaven God will say “Ernie – job well done”.

So as we approach 2010 I would like to give you my wish list:

-                     A cure for cystic fibrosis.

-                     The end to hunger and homelessness.

-                     The economy comes roaring back.

-                     We pass a true National Health Care Act.

-                     Good health for my wife, children and Mom & Dad.

-                     A new director for the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen.

-                     All those seeking work, find a job.

And last, but never least – Peace on Earth!

HAPPY 2010 EVERYONE!

-     Until next week.