Quincy mayor donates flat screen TV, pays for office carpet

Fact is he didn't realize how stupid it was until the uproar. Quincy must be proud to have someone as mayor who has zero common sense. Fight on Koch, fight on.

I am a city of Quincy resident - what I disgrace! And what a fraud this guy is!
If he wants to put a good face to city hall, then he should first clean up right outside city hall's fron't door - that's where all the Quincy homeless and quincy high teenagers hang out in their free time - its a mess out there and its not safe! (hint: Globe should do a story on this) The only thing he's managed to do is put up a "non-smoking sign" out front! That really cleaned things up!

I can't wait for this guy's inevitable memoire "How To Kill A Political Career During A Recession." What an idiot! You're already living off the public dole - try to constrain your spending until AFTER the recession ends. How do these people get elected???

Fact is: he's just dumb. Just ask him.

I still can't believe he was elected! What were Quincy residents thinking! There were so many positive changes for Quincy. I'm not surprised in the least about Koch's actions here.

Too Little Too Late....He showed his true colors and what he is made of and he's not pretty.... He should not have done any of those things in the first place when people are losing their homes and jobs..Shame on him .... Can't see him winning another term

Now that the has padded the city payroll with his loyalists he submits a massive tax increase to cover these salaries. He also gave employees a stipend to cover co-pay cost increases that were bargained with the last mayor to reduce health care costs. Quincy has the most generous beneifts package in the state. This is what got the last mayor to lose his re-election bid although there was a budget surplus when Phelan was in office. This is what happens when you elect a mayor based on his fathers good name in a city of 90,000. Probably the only large city mayor without a college education.

He should have to pay for it out of HIS pocket, not money he gets as bribes/campaign donations b/c of his power. Quincy is a joke.

None of these clowns give a darn about the people they are supposed to represent till you twist them into a knot. Even then they make concessions begrudingly.

He's a real piece of work. He has been going around to different organizations around the city forcing them to hire his friends. One non-profit didn't have the funds to hire anyone, but were forced to by Koch.

Largest tax increase and cancellation of Quincy's First Night....interesting....what else can be removed from City Hall and donated to cover for the uproar?

The cities and towns should be dishing money out to people who need food instead of carpeting. I sure could use some money, does anyone want to throw some my way?? I am so sick of hearing about corrupt officials. Certainly doesn't give me any convidence in our country or state politics. I have no trust in anyone anymore. I just read about one of our Home land security personel from Salem, Ma being arrested for several chagres regarding illegal immigrants and how she has them cleaning her home! Are you kidding me?? When is enough going to be enough? This is disgraceful and embarrassing for this country.

The face of the city is our bottom line Koch! Poor financial management and raising taxes is a sure way to find the front door of your office across the gold and blue wool on the way out...

-Taxpayer

Amazing what a community reaps when the unions shove this high school educated dolt into a high ranking position and then the pinky ringed thugs get rewarded with some of the greatest pay hikes in the Commonwealth for their union members. No wonder we have the largest tax hike in the city's history. This is just the tip. You think the Governor of Illinois was stupid? Wait around for Tom K to show his true splendor. It's only just begun......

I am very proud to have someone who cares about constituents as much as Koch. And the point of the renovation was to move constituent services closer to the Mayor's office. CJ, you may appreciate 1970s decor, but having seen other town/city halls in the Commonwealth our building on the inside was starting to look outdated, rundown, and uncared for. How are we supposed to bolster business in Quincy Center when meetings take place in rooms that seem like the City has no money to spend on anything? Maybe not the best time to renovate, but actually now it is a donation from his campaign! Thanks for continuing to make Quincy beautiful, Koch!

Thats great that he is still using his supporters monies to renovate City hall - but whats the difference between tax payers money and his supporters money? Its still green and still came from the residents of the city.

Does the City of Quincy measure the approval rating of its Mayor while in office? After reviewing these comments I am sure of two things: One, his approval rating must be very low and number two his days look like they are numbered..When does his term end in office?

PS Those of you who attack Mayor Koch's education every time he does something you disagree with are simply petty. You are not helping the process, your are not contributing to the discussion, you are embracing a very ignorant stance. Right now a bachelor's isn't getting anyone any further in the job market- you know what is? Experience and patience, Koch has both.

Bottom line- he fails, Quincy loses. Make a contribution to the solution or let it go. No one like complainers!

Koch is just like every mayor and governor. They preach about cutbacks but what they really mean is that we have to cutback, not them. And this line about City Hall being the face of the city. Give me a break and give City Hall only the most urgent of repairs. Cosmetic repairs are not the type of repairs that will set well with the voters come next election.

Hey Get Over It--chances are you are on our taxpayer dime, probably typing away on a city computer reaping your city benefits because you backed a person who cares nothing about the common resident and more about what his office decor looks like. This man is a simpleton and is totally clueless.

It is you sir, who showed your true ignorance. Not possessing a college degree in today's world is pathetic and graduates without one earn 40 per cent less than those with a degree, well unless you don't come from a political machine (Is that the machine you run "Get Over It?") and are in bed with pinky ringed union thugs. This guy had years to get a college degree but never did. Is he incapable? The only experience this guy has is running the parks department. Name another mayor of similar city who does not have a college degree? It is sad the taxpayers voted in a dolt to run a multi-million dollar corporation like the city of Quincy.

You want a positive suggestion on how to improve things? Let's impeach Koch and get someone with a brain in there.

Hey, Get Over It! I guess the mayor has already taken care of you. As a taxpayer, and a homeowner in Quincy, I am not happy that we're getting the largest tax increase in years without even an attempt to reign in costs. Koch may be your guy but from now on he's 'One Term Tommy' to me.

He should be ashamed of himself, but I am sure he is not. He is arrogant and cannot see past his own ego. The taxpayers better take a long hard look at this guy and everything he does. Bottom line, for these extravagances he used your money and he wants more of it.

Quincy had one of the most honest and a hardworking person in Bill Phelan and those of you who bought into Koch's false promises are the ones to blame. See Phelan was and still is all about Quincy and Koch is living off Daddy's legacy. My suggestion is to let the REAL mayor Bill Phelan know you are sorry for voting against him and beg him to run for mayor again. Just maybe he will consider. MAYBE !!!!

Mayor Koch should be ashamed of himself, but I am sure he is not. He is arrogant and cannot see past his own ego. The taxpayers better take a long, hard look at this guy and everything he does. Bottom line, for these extravagances, he used your money and he wants more of it.

HEY "GET OVER IT" how are you going to mispell "YOUR" (you're) and have the word "ignorant" in the same sentence?
Education is never wasted, in fact the higher your (correct usage of your) education, the higher your salary.
Please do not cite "Experience" Koch has very little relevant experience.
Peace

In response to the posting by get over it. Was he not hired based on promises that he assured the great people of Quincy before he was elected that they were in good hands and you make a comment that people need to make a contribution. You got to be kidding me. While we are at it why don't we put wall to wall carpet in his home with the City of Quincy taxpayers money as well.

About five years ago I was in City Hall and tripped and fell on carpet that was worn and rippled. I re injured my lower back because of this fall.
The Mayor was correct when he made infrastructure repairs to City Hall. He may have saved the city from an expensive law suit.

I actually voted for Phelan. I have lived in Quincy for about 20 years and have seen my share of mayors. When Phelan took over Mayor Sheets I think thats when Quincy actually woke up. Mayor Phelan actually did a lot to help the community. Quincy has grown into a very vibrant and colorful community, not sure what's going to happen now. I fear property taxes will be going up as well as utilities.

I was actually shocked when Koch won, such a shame that we got a good mayor out of office and now have to deal with this.

ENOUGH......... we all have seen what a mistake simple simon can make...move on...at least he was up front with costs and where the $$ was coming from

I find it funny that out of the 20 messages posted so far only 3 people had the guts to put their full name. Real tough to sit here and post messages under a made-up name. If you really mean what you type...get a backbone and include your name.

As a lifer from Quincy, I have to say that every mayor I have seen in this city is either a thief, an idiot, or a combination of the 2 going all the way back to McCauley......

Perhaps Mayor Koch should have asked the salesperson at Harry's Carpet One what the typical Quincy resident would buy as an area rug; chances are that the the good mayor could have gotten a real bargain on a large piece of remnant material and had it bound. I am sure it would look stunning in his spacious office. Poor Mayor Koch, as a good example to the children of Quincy, he should resign, get a job at Harry's, find out what Quicyites like me need and then go back to school and go past the high school level. A degree in business administration sound good for the mayor of Quincy.

The only reason why Bill Phelan looked so good to the tax payers of Quincy is because he flat out refused to pay any bills the City had. Now Tom Koch comes in and does the right thing and pays these bills and everyone who doesn't like it would prefer Phelan was back in office covering everything up. People should be upset about the carpet and the TV but at least Koch was going to buy for it now instead of waiting for the next guy to clean up the BS.

Another chapter in the long list of political aberrations in Quincy. Mr. Koch should not be surprised to read the responses to his actions in forums like this one. All across the Quincy political spectrum he has shown poor leadership and a lack of ability in making meaningful decisions even if they are for him to keep his campaign promises. All from Faxon Park to the Lowes and BJ's projects, the mayor has failed to provide the necessary leadership. This recent episode is another sign that the mayor is not the leader the city needs. Some speak of ex-mayor Phelan but he was also weak although not as weak as Koch. Unfortunately, the city's problems do not end with Mr. Koch, it appears this days that even the city councillors are following the lead with ineptitude and forgetting to represent the interest of their constituents. What Quincy needs is fiscal restraint and moral responsibility. Raising the taxes without looking into cutting expenses is not the solution. Maybe someone without a college degree but with a clue of common sense would do better than this group of thugs.
One can only hope for the next election opportunity. Let's hope a better candidate shows up.

As I recall Phelan dared to defy the teachers.

yeah oh my god nathan long, people dont post their real name on an internet comment board, wow that is no surprising. why dont you take your quincy goons and go cyber bully the people who didnt post their name, then go take mayor koch's money and do what you want with it and then go home like a cry baby? like oh my god nathan.

I wish Mr.Koch dead every time I go to church, it is from the bottom of my heart....15% Tax increase for the working class people in Quincy.

"WIth great power comes great responsibility" Why did the mayor think this over spending would get swept under the carpet??? This makes all the good people working in public service look bad.

Mayor Koch claims he will donate the t.v. to a senior center,, might that be his home? If he were smart, he would return the T.V. to the retail store and restore some of Quincy's financial problems that he blames on former mayors .
Mayor Koch is Mayor of Quincy not President of the United States. No one needs a rug that costs $18,000... IF they do, then they have a spending problem
Mayor Koch: Never mind Your oval office, WE want our children to have a Track field as planned prior to your administration...Spend the $18,000 on a track field for the citizens of quincy..

Voting for Koch was like voting for George W. Bush.

this idiot should be recalled and NOW.

Just the kind of moron running a government with "a great I am " attitude that can only get more secretive and worse.
Only in IL and MA

Somebody, please help us. I hope that Martha Coakley reads this!

As a life long resident of Quincy I am disgusted with the "performance" of our new mayor. All the Phelan Haters out there need to take a good long look at you new boy..what a wreck. What a disgrace...not only do Quincy residents get the brunt of the NWRA we have increased taxes that total over $2200.00 in the last 10 years..now we have an additional 15% coming our way..but as long as Mr Koch has a fancy office, nice new meeting area, flat screen tv, new carpet, etc...I guess all is well is his world. Sickening.

$18,000 could have and should have gone to the senior center that was closed, the track field which was erased from the mayor's desk. Where did that money go.? what happened to 1rst nite??
Such an expenditure should have been approved by city council and should not interfere with the city's former plans or events.. The people of quincy made quincy what it is and continue to make it as mayor Koch destroys our city, our heritage and our savings..
Mayor Koch Why cant we see the rug,,We as tax payers are paying for it regardless of what you claim you have from your political ventures unless of course there is no such rug.
does the rug go with mayor koch when he leaves office?
How much will this rug cost to clean which tax payers will pay for and still cant see
Mayor Koch using his own furniture? Does this mean the mayor gets a new living room or dining room in his own house for christmas while the rest of us
quincy people get a tax increase for christmas then he might as well take down the santa in front of city hall as it resembles him well.
Mayor Koch, used furniture on an $18000 rug will ruin the rug not to mention the presidential appearance you seem to be looking for..
PUT THE TRACK IN AS PLANNED FOR THE KIDS OF QUINCY AND STOP YOUR SELFISH EXPENDITURES...

RESTORE THE TRACK FIELD THE YOUTHS OF THE CITY ONCE HAD.
RESTORE THE SENIOR CENTER YOUR ADMINISTRATION CLOSED

As I read all these comments regarding the office renovations completed by Mayor Koch I see many SMALL minded people concerned about a drop in the bucket of the city budget. Granted any money spent should be well thought out and how it will be viewed by the public but I feel that Mayor Koch's only mistake was not thinking about appearances. Mayor Koch has taken office at a very difficult time and cannot be blamed for the financial condition of the city with the many union contracts that dictate the budget along with many other fixed expenses and revenues down.. The proposed tax increase is not pleasant for any taxpayer but there have been budget cuts also proposed. Let's get on with what makes Quincy a great city and a wonderful home and work together and support the people in our city government who are working hard with sincere ideals for the benefit of the citizens of Quincy!

Small minded, most of us arent, frugal most of us are..any room or office can be done over with a budget.. BUDGET remember that definition.
how do you expect any resident to work together and make quincy a great place If City Hall takes the greatness out of every family with tax hikes..
Working together means 50\50. the peoples give to city hall what city hall should give to the peoples..
tax hikes allow homes to go into forclosure..Is that what the mayor wants?

One thing,that it seems everyone agrees on, Mayor Koch is arrogant. Having grown up in Quincy I finally was able to buy a house in Quincy. I cant believe the tax hikes in the past 7 years. But never as much as 15%. This mayor obviously does not care about the reg. mid class people. He is against letting us grow (building permits?). He is against small buisness. And what has he done to bring buisness into the city? I havent seen any changes since he's been in office. Only that smug, smiling face everytime I turn around. All you city workers out there just wait, he'll get you to in the end.

Ask him where his kids go to school... not Quincy public.. first Sacred Heart .. then St Agatha's... Where is all the money Mayor Phelon gave you for Quincy Public schools that was not made public???. Why aren't you letting kids who need special services get it. Why are kids not reading in the third grade??? What do you know about education to be mayor??? Why are you allowing certified teachers to teach in Quincy. Why are relatives of officials in Quincy teaching certified??? What goes around comes around Mr. Mayor.