In comments to other posts, an anonymous person has been asking me about an ethics charge against me. I'll bring it out to this post and state that I am not aware of any ethics charge filed against me. If that person has filed one or know of one that has been filed, they have the advantage on me as I have not been notified.
I think that the anonymous person or persons feels that it is unethical for me to comment on the lawsuit brought by taxpayers, who include my wife, on this blog. What the exact ethical violation that my posts on this blog would be is not clear to me. I invite the person or persons to elaborate. I certainly don't feel that being on the Select Board constrains me from commenting on matters of public record.
As the title of this post conveys, this sort of nonsense is what keeps many worthy individuals from becoming involved in the public sphere. In this campaign, Diane Gilbert has been characterized by mostly anonymous comments as uncivil, nasty and vindictive. The comments don't cite specific examples that illustrate these characterizations. The comments are just thrown out there to be nasty in my view. When challenged to provide specifics, these commenters go on about Ms. Gilbert's manner of speech or their perception that her body language is somehow rude. I have not seen even one comment that gives a single instance where she was rude or nasty to anyone. I believe that is because Diane has not been rude or nasty. I believe that this is just a talking point ...
... put out by some who oppose her re-election. They hope that continuous repetition of the accusation will cause it to become an issue rather than debate the real issues. I believe that most people understand that an anonymous comment which is not backed up with example is not to be treated seriously. It is not unexpected, just unfortunate.
There are now and will always remain differences of opinion among the Select Board members and the general public. There is a big difference between having a difference of opinion and being rude or nasty. We can debate these differences without resorting to name-calling, demonizing the opponent, or nasty comments. The issues can be debated in open forum and the people can weigh the arguments given, and decide whom they want to vote for. I hope that can happen.
I call upon those running for office to disavow the nasty comments, rumor, and innuendo. So what about that , Ms. Gilbert, Ms. Stone, Mr. Carney, Mr. Gracie, and Mr. Watson. Will you come out and publicly state that your opponent is a good, honorable person who has taken the important and daunting step of putting themselves forward to the public for consideration? Will you focus your campaigns on the policies that you hope to bring to the board and forgo personal attacks on those people running in opposition to you? I hope that you will. It is the right thing to do for the town and the public.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Politics brings out the worst in some
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199 comments:
Enough, Mr. Trimble. Your hypocrisy is showing. I'm tired of you ignoring and dismissing the examples others give when you ask for them. You carrying on the way you do with your unfounded comments doesn't make it so! I'm disgusted with it - and fyi, I'm part of no group or campaign.
"I certainly don't feel that being on the Select Board constrains me from commenting on matters of public record." Are you serious? It's called CONFLICT OF INTERESTS!
This guy's gotta go. He's worse than anyone he's pointing the finger at.
Bill, I'm sure you have gotten thick skinned since sitting on the select board! Don't worry, the public knows you are doing the right thing! You cannot please all the people all the time. As long as you do what's right, that is all that matters. Thank you for your service to our town!
Bill, I expect if currently there is no ethics violation filed, if you were to resume commenting on this lawsuit, eventually there would be.
Bill,
Are you saying that personal attacks are okay as long as the attacker cites specific examples? Following this logic, if someone cites Ms. Gilbert's recent interview with the Standard Times, it would be appropriate for him/her to write that Ms. Gilbert is "prone to fabrications." You may disagree with the conclusion, but following your logic, making such an accusation would be entirely appropriate.
"Prone to accusations" gives the impression of frequency. Please cite examples of the accusations made by Ms. Gilbert that are false.
Bill,
I don't know about any litigation regarding your involvement in the lawsuit by your wife and the ten other citizens. That said, you may want to contact the Massachusetts State Ethics Commissions and seek advise as to whether your in conflict.
Although I'm not an attorney, the following regulation suggests that you may put the town at risk of a potential lawsuit.
http://www.mass.gov/ethics/
Section 23(b)(3) prohibits a municipal employee from knowingly, or with reason to know, acting in a manner which would cause a reasonable person, with knowledge of the relevant facts, to conclude that anyone can improperly influence or unduly enjoy her favor in the performance of official duties, or that she is likely to act or fail to act as a result of kinship, rank, position or undue influence.
12:55: The post says "prone to fabrications" not "prone to accusations." The post DOES cite a a Standard Times article.
It doesn't appear that you read the post carefully. Please read it again.
The key is "municipal employee". Bill is not a municipal employee.
Just connecting the Ethics DOTS that's all.
Okay, you're right. "Prone to fabrication." Please cite examples.
Hey Diane your here..How are you today..
OPEN GOVERNMENT. Too bad some people can not put their head around that! If something is public, it is just that PUBLIC. Politics certainly does tend to bring out the worst! No matter who gets in office on April 7th, we will continue to exist as a town and we will still have a lot of financial problems to address. Any ideas about how to solve some of our fiscal woes? Department consolidation, regionalization? I think there is another summit coming up. Hope we can work together with other communities so we can continue to provide services to the residents of Dartmouth. We are not alone. Many other communities are in the same boat. Any good ideas out there?
1:12: Actually, Trimble is in fact a "municipal employee." Please read chapter 268A section 1. http://www.mass.gov/ethics/web268A.htm
It reads as follows:
"Municipal employee", a person performing services for or holding an office, position, employment or membership in a municipal agency, whether by election, appointment, contract of hire or engagement, whether serving with or without compensation, on a full, regular, part-time, intermittent, or consultant basis, but excluding (l) elected members of a town meeting and (2) members of a charter commission established under Article LXXXIX of the Amendments to the Constitution.
NO NO NO Dartmouth's problem is unique to Dartmouth only. Isn't that right Capt.Flannel?? SO therefore Regionilaztion should be taken off the table. We should not expect other communities who do not share in our plight to get involved, that would be unfair to them. Also do not make any comparison's to gain perspective, for as it is mentioned above our situation is unique to DARTMOUTH. Hope this helps in preventing you from wasting your time taking up the Regionilization fight. As for the other types of cost cutting go ahead, what you might find here in Unique Dartmouth is that there is not much meat left on the bones.
Bill, It looks like your detractors are proving you correct by their postings. Politics sure brings out the worst in some people. I hope you run again in two years. You will have my vote.
Yeah Bill please do run again, just hopefully by then you will have clearer understanding of Ethics Violations. Something tells me you will.
Open Government what a joke!!!! Diane your funny today!!
Hey Bill, It looks like some of these posters are overdue for a nap!
You're doing a good job! Thanks for your service.
Bill, If you are looking for specific examples of Diane Gilbert's nastiness or incivility, then check out the DCTV tape archives for the past three years. Her misbehavior has been viewed on TV by the entire town. Maybe you can't see this from your vantage point at the Select Board meeting table or you just don't want to see this because you and Diane vote the same way so frequently. Even Mr. Michaud seems to have parted ways politically with Mrs. Gilbert, probably for the same reason that will lead the majority of this town to remove her from office next month.
I LOVE Diane Gilbert. She is the best thing that ever happened to Dartmouth!!!!
While we are at it how about these:
From http://www.mass.gov/ethics/public_sector.html
For Steve Melo
You may not hire, promote, supervise, or otherwise participate in the employment of your immediate family or your spouse's immediate family.
LIKE YOUR SPOUSE, Natalie's granddaughter?
For Nat Dias and Bob Carney
You may not ever disclose confidential information, data or material which you gained or learned as a public employee.
Like the privileged attorney letter that Natalie read in an open meeting on TV or Bob running out of executive session and blabbing to the employees?
Bill's her CHUCKLEBUDDY, he's to busy whispering in her ear and laughing with her to notice her evil ways!!
Check your historty he had the job long before he even met her nice try, though.
You see clearly--even the occasional TV viewer has witnessed her nasty behavior.
Diane Gilbert is a wonderful person. She always takes the time to listen to people. She is honest. She is strong enough to handle the constant nasty attacks against her. I will vote for Diane Gilbert. Integrity and leadership are my reasons.
I am a municipal employee, even though elected and unpaid, by the definitions in MGL as cited. However, I have not acted or failed to act. What I have done is to state what my position is regarding the suit. I think that another consideration is whether or not my wife's participation in the suit would result in any act of mine being different than if she was not. I think a fair reading of what I have written on this blog and said in public meetings is that I was against the contract renewal language and thought it should be removed. That is a view that is shared by at least three other Select Board members now that Bob Carney has joined Joe Michaud and Diane Gilbert against it.
So you would recuse yourself as I have seen Nat Dias do in the past, from any sb decisions regarding the lawsuit involving your wife?
I will ignore the nasty people here. I will be voting for Diane Gilbert. She represents Dartmouth and its best interest. I have nothing against Lara Stone, but I feel strongly that Diane should have the next three years to continue moving Dartmouth in the right direction. I thank Diane for her open and honest opinions on the board!
Stay strong Diane! It's too bad we can't have more positive posts here. AHHH, Springtime in Darmouth! It's the same thing every election! Remember last year?
Serving as the elected, unpaid Town Moderator makes me a "municipal employee", too. For guidance on ethical matters, municipal employees can call the State Ethics Commission and talk to the Commission's "Attorney of the Day" at 617-371-9500 or put something in writing to that agency or town counsel. Over the course of my career in government, I've done both. The state agency also has a good website that includes written guidance that it's already given to other elected and appointed officials. I'd encourage everyone to visit it. http://www.mass.gov/ethics/
Here's another interesting point about the Massachusetts Conflict of Interest Law. By definition, elected town meeting members are not considered "municipal employees". Because of that, elected town meeting members can (and often do) vote on issues that directly affect them financially. Select Board members, on the other hand, would probably be publicly reprimanded or fined if they voted on the exact same thing.
Who would file an ethics violation for this? Getting rid of these contracts is in the best interests of the town, having them is not. Only someone who agrees these contracts should remain would do such a thing and the citizens of this town would be wondering why.
Mr. Trimble, you are going to get yourself in trouble with this if you don't check with the state Ethics Commission for a ruling. I can't understand why you won't even pursue that.
Even commenting here can pose problems for you, as it can be argued that you made your position known in an attempt to persuade the other members of the Select Board. It isn't just a case of not speaking on the issue during Select Board meetings.
You should get up and leave the room if and when this is discussed. If you don't, I believe you open yourself up for an ethics charge by weighing in on an issue brought before the Town by your wife.
Why take the chance. Call Boston and get a ruling. Please.
Thank you, Mr. Sharek. I hope Bill Trimble contacts the Massachusetts State Ethics Commissions and seeks advise as to whether he is in conflict.
No Bill don't call anyone.. Just keep on, keepin on your fine. Steady as she goes, your are doing what is right. These contracts are the be all, end all for what is wrong with Dartmouth. Any and all option's available should be done to remove these evil contracts from our town. You must not waiver, and time is of the essence. So Bill i encourage you to stay the course this Town Needs You. You are the only one capable of seeing this thru. Please don't give up.
Hey Bill, will James DeMello pay your attorney fees for you if this blows up on you? Just lookin out for ya,BUD
It appears you and Curt Brown have made the same plea. It also appears the campaigns of Watson & Gracie have halted the missteps that lead to negative campaigning. It should be noted, in that race, that the candidates themselves hadn't crossed into negativism. Carney's campaign is mentioned without official comment from Carney, but one hopes he honors what the others are promising. Unfortunately, your plea wasn't in time for your candidate, DG, to 'think before speaking' her 'dots' allegation. Nothing this spring has been more negative than that allegation. Hopefully, campaigns and their supporters will understand they control the tone. Positive, respectful and truthful is good campaigning.
Does anyone know Lara Stone's position on whether or not she supports the effort to reinstate the ex-executive administrator?
cfig loves diane
Mr. Trimble, based on the postings on this blog, you should rest your case. Politics brings out the worst in people.
Please stick with it. Your courage in the face of these loons is admirable.
I will not defend Ms Gilberts actions or attitude on how she portrays herself and some of her accusations, but I do believe she has not catered to any one group and has brought some important issues to light. She has been a strong and fair SB member against all odds, and for that I see no reason not to reelect her for 3 more years.
9:18, thank you. You have said it very well. I agree.
Does Lara Stone support the effort to reinstate the ex-executive administrator? Can anyone explain her refusal to answer this question?
Hey 9:52 - you sound like a broken record. Throwing the same question out over and over again on blogs. If I were a candidate I would not waste my time answering cowards in anonymous blogs either. Stand up and be counted and ask your question - as irrelevant as it may be - in one of the upcoming candidate forums. How about it?
First of all, you respond to a legitimate question of the candidate by anonymously calling me a coward for not giving my name. Still, the question begs to be answered. And now a new question begs to be answered. Why would you prefer to resort to name calling rather than answer a legitimate question? Does Lara Stone support the effort to reinstate the ex-executive administrator?
Popcorn - it may come as a surprise to you but I happen to support Gilbert. I still feel your demand that a candidate answer to some anonymous blog post is a crazy waste of time, never mind that the question arises out of a 'hunch' with no facts to base it on from the opposing candidate and that Stone has has already responded about it publicly in print. So I ask again, will you stand up and be counted and ask your question in a public forum? There are three upcoming opportunities to do so, or will anonymous blog postings be the order of the day.
Why do you say she already answered the question but don't tell what the answer is? It is a simple and very relevant question. I just want to know what the answer is. Does Lara Stone support the effort to reinstate the ex-executive administrator and why does she refuse to answer the question?
Hey Popcorn,
Here is some insight as to why Lara Stone will not answer your question. Her campaign strategy from the beginning has been to go negative and unite forces who have disagreed with Gilbert on particular issues. One such group of people are those who support the reinstatement of the ex-exective administrator. There are votes to be had in this group but certainly not a majority of voters hence the reason that Ms. Stone wants to ally herself with them but not admit it publicly. The question remains, what has she promised this group of voters and what will she do if elected. So Popcorn, keep on asking that question. I am curious also.
Well, what do you know. At least one Gilbert supporter was honest enough to admit continued support for Gilbert even after she (Gilbert) told a lie in the newspaper.
I wonder how many others there are who will openly support a known liar?
Correction, folks. Lara Stone did not "go negative" in this campaign. People on this blog started attacking her from the day she informaly announced her candidacy. I don't think her name was even in the paper yet and you guys were finding fault with her website, her supporters, everything about her. It's shameful really. You attack her then claim she's "going negative." Incredible.
This blog is going to be like a mortuary the morning after the election. Hey Gilbert supporters... please promise that you'll read this blog that morning.
"Tell the Truth" is telling it like it is. Lara Stone has run a positive, upbeat campaign. She hasn't gone negative at all. Her opponent, on the other hand, has been "connecting the dots" trying to link Lara to some kind of secret deal with John George or, even worse, to Bob Miller. Lara is an honorable, churchgoing, community leader. She would never, ever, further her own political ambitions by cutting secret -- or public -- political deals with anyone. She doesn't need to. She is going to win this election on her own and on the merits.
1203PM, The morning after the election, there won't be any "Gilbert Supporters" who still admit it.
All I can say is Bob Miller has been visiting the local watering holes asking the "working folks" to vote for Lara Stone. Unfortunately when asked why they should vote for her, he just told them they should, that's all. You can draw whatever conclusions you like.
Here's the only conclusion to draw: Bob Miller wants Diane Gilbert unseated because she (Diane) defeated him 3 years ago. It's really that simple.
That's why Miller dropped out of the race. He wanted Gilbert OUT. He knew he couldn't win, Stone had a better chance, and if he stayed in he'd take votes from Stone. Again, pretty simple, guys. No conspiracy...
The question remains the same. Does Lara Stone support the effort to reinstate the ex-executive administrator and why won't she answer the question?
Stone and her school supporters ran two extraordinarily nasty campaigns to get overrides and are now in an extraordinarily nasty Select Board race. What is the common thread?, Lara Stone and nasty campaigning! It's a leap of faith to think she'll be a positive uniting force on the board given what we know about how she runs her campaigns.
Anon 12:59 PM, Where is the so-called "effort" to reinstate the former executive administrator? Didn't the Select Board just vote 5-0 last week to hire a search firm to replace him? If Bob Carney and Nat Dias aren't part of the "effort", exactly who is? Diane, please "connect the dots" for us all. It's time for all of us, especially you, to move beyond this issue.
All I have to say is that Diane Gilbert is about to have her day of reckoning. All of her snide and nasty comments, outright lies to the media and conspiracy theories are going to come back to bite her in the you-know-what. This will be one election defeat that will please me to no end.
Stone ran a very positive campaign for the override. You will not find evidence otherwise so I will not ask for any, but it does get tiresome hearing people make such statements repeatedly. I guess that's the way blogging works, if we repeat it enough eventually we even believe it.
Why won't Stone answer the question? It's simple enough. Does she support the effort to reinstate the ex-ecutive administrator? Her supporters have wasted a whole lot of energy avoiding the simple question and I have to wonder why.
Where has evryone been over the past 10 years when Miller and company was running this town?
Thanks to Diane Gilbert, Dartmouth politics have become visible to the not so informed. She rang the wake up bell, she pointed the way, she will be re-elected and she will serve another three years. Ms. Stone is a nice person but she is more interested in overrides and tax increases.
Bill, done allow your distractors to allow a increase in your leval
of concern for the throught. More people in town are in your corner of support.
POPCORN - I can only assume you will not ask your 'question' at a public venue-out in the open. Why not?
Oh and p.s. - there is no effort to re-instate Gagne. It's an invention of your own.
YOU CALLED LAST YEAR's OVERRIDE CAMPAIGN CIVIL!! You weren't in this town! It was anything but civil!
I was hoping this election would be different. So far, it does not appear that will be the case.
All I can say is, Good Luck to all the candidates. I'll be voting for Diane Gilbert & Mike Watson!
We have had one select board tell Gagne to sue the town, which he did. There was a recall effort led by another select board member. There was a flashlight vigil at the town hall. Are you sure Popcorn is just imagining an effort to reinstate the ex-executive administrator. Pretending something doesn't exist doesn't make it so. Hey Popcorn, can you ask the question again?
LOL You have to love the loyalty of anyone who would still stick up for Diane Gilbert after she publicly lied about John George.
Diane won't win. And she'll have no one but herself to blame for going down in flames. She's been a train wreck since day one.
This latest implosion really illustrated her lack of discipline and self control. It's like a political case of Tourette's Syndrome. LOL She just can't help herself from making nasty attacks on people. But it is what it is. She did it, and now she'll pay for it at the ballot box.
Diane Gilbert is the best thing that ever happened to Dartmouth politics. Eventually the two candidates will be defined and the people will choose Gilbert. Stone has done a good job of flying under the radar regarding what she stands for. I have faith in the voters. They will see the difference in the candidates and choose Gilbert.
LOL You need to get out and talk to real people. The voters do know who Diane Gilbert is. The stories about her behavioral issues are all over town. And if that isn't already bad enough, she goes and shoots her mouth off by telling a lie about John George. And she didn't just tell the lie to a friend or two. She told it to the newspaper, for crying-out-loud. Not smart! John George is well known and held in high regard by people in Dartmouth.
You can't just go around saying things that aren't true about people, much less about someone who is as well known as John. As Gilbert is learning, there's a price to pay for behavior like that.
I know it's got to be eating away at you Gilbert backers, but Diane is the one who did all of these things, not you. She's the one who lied to the newspaper, not you. Eventually you'll get over it and be able to look back and understand how she totally destroyed her own bid for re-election. Life will go on.
Check out Curt Brown's blog Doug Roscoe says LAra Stone does not support the the re-instatement of Mr. Gagne, but doesn't agree with how it was handled. he also states right now she is not for an override. Right now being the key words.
i believe "right now" dg isn't either.
Yes John George is well known and you can lump him right in there with Miller and his backroom deals. John George was involved with the faulty hiring process of Michael Gagne. Why would someone who once served the town push to hire someone who wasn't even qualified for the job and for such an important position?
Are Doug Roscoe and Lara Stone publicly stating Joe Michaud and Bill Trimble handled it badly too? There were two other SElect Board members involved.
John George? Isn't he the guy who has the nice municipal regional bussing contract? Having friends in high places sure does help.
Here's an letter from today's Standard Times about the rise in divisive rhetoric in town politics. As someone who grew up in the town, I empathize with the author's point of view.
Kudos to John George for his op-ed ("Gilbert's accusations false, divisive," March 12) regarding the divisiveness of Diane Gilbert's political behavior in Dartmouth.
I recently returned to the SouthCoast following 30 years in Arizona. I have been astonished and bewildered at how the once relatively progressive town of my youth has apparently entered a Twilight Zone of self-righteous and negative rhetoric.
At first, I believed that the print media was paying too much attention to the political firestorm in Dartmouth, fostering the bitter dissension. However, I now believe that media attention appears necessary to bring reasonable voices, like those of Mr. George, to speak the truth of what is rapidly becoming sordidness in the politics of my beloved Dartmouth.
Hopefully, soon, all of this will be put to rest so that the town can get back on course in difficult times with dignity and respect for all those involved its future.
Denise S. Micale
Westport
John George's article in the paper was nothing but HOT AIR. Why would I believe anything this man says! He was part of the good old boy network! Handpicked Gagne with his buddy Miller! I'm glad they both got voted out! They should both be ashamed of their conduct. We are still paying for their bad choices! Sweetheart never-ending contracts! John, Bob, What were you thinking!!!
Dartmouth does not deserve that! I was also upset with the behavior of George and Miller when they called sb members names. They are the ones that responsible for this mess in Dartmouth. Not to mention Bob Carney and Nat Dias!
Re: Ms.Micale's letter, Yes, I also THOUGHT things were wonderful in Dartmouth years back. I am finding out NOW that I, along with many others was in the dark. Bob Miller and John George did their business in closed session. Residents never got a chance to hear about the automatic renewal clauses until recently. It was all done in SECRET. When building was at a high and the money was flowing, no one questioned our town government. So, now I am happy to say, people are paying attention to town government. Did the last board think we would never find out? How long did they think this secret would go before it was brought out to the public? The clique that got these contracts should know better also!
Bill
Have we made any changes to protect the town better in an event like officer Dave Melo?? So much talk about the contracts I was wondering where we stood on makes changes.
Thank You
Politics doesn't have to be so nasty!
It's just a difference of opinion. We are all in it for Dartmouth. I am beginning to think we need a new form of government. Maybe Dartmouth is too big for town meeting and select board. Probably won't change the nasty politics, though. Only a few more weeks, folks!
Every time there's a bump in the road in Dartmouth, someone wants to abolish Town Meeting. I don't understahd it. Most if not all of the current problems were caused by the Select Board and a few top people hired by the Select Board.
Maybe we need to have more people as Town Meeting members that represent the people, not special interests or their jobs. How about more people running for TM? You can mount a write-in campaign if there are openings in your precinct.
Like the Anonymous person who posted at 6:16 p.m., I'd love to see more people running for Town Meeting. By definition, however, elected town meeting members are not "municipal employees" under Chapter 268A, the state's Conflict of Interest law. Because of that, they can (and often do) vote on issues that directly affect their own wallets and pocketbooks. Until the law changes, I suspect that will continue. A question for everyone: What would be the pros and cons of changing this law?
I was just saying that Dartmouth is not a small town anymore. Maybe an elected town manager or town mayor might be a more effective form of government. We now have five volunteers doing an awful lot of work! I thank you,Bill as well as the others, but I wonder if it is fair to the five of you. It's a big job with a lot of responsibility and there is no pay. All volunteer! Would an elected town manager be better? Don't know. That will be something for the charter com. in 2010 to research.
Wouldn't it be difficult to change this law, and how would a charge of discrimination be avoided if you "limited" who could be a Town Meeting member, based on his or her employment? How would you handle the situation when a person changed jobs, from private sector to public sector, for example, if municipal employees were not allowed to become TM members?
Also, wouldn't you have to check on the person's actual occupation before allowing the person to even run for TM member?
March 17, 2009 6:00 AM
Scheme to oust town official has been a farce
I'll start with my opinions and thoughts about the town I love, about the town that thousands of people moved to because it was well run and managed, and because it contained one of the best school systems in the commonwealth.
Then along came the three "new directions" folks with an aggregate of less than six years executive service for Dartmouth. Isn't that impressive?
I can understand Diane Gilbert. She hasn't changed. She had decided before her election that Mike Gagne and several other important and talented department heads should be terminated. Then along came Bill Trimble. Ms. Gilbert became his mentor.
Now we come to Joe Michaud. I, and many others, wonder how, with his military and legal training, he could be duped into falling into step and carrying the water for them. You see, by tradition, Ms. Gilbert should be chairperson this term, but I guess the water bucket would be too heavy, so Joe stepped up to the plate.
But don't feel sorry for Joe or his team. They have their prolific letter writers and vicious bloggers to keep the pot stirred.
Now to the scheme. There has never been a more diabolical scheme to break the spirit of a gentleman who has given so many productive years to Dartmouth.
Have there been open-meeting law violations? Ethics violations?
Thank God my 30-plus years of service were never subjected to a farce of this magnitude.
Roger L. Tougas
Roger raises the one issue that has bothered me most in the recent meltdown of civility in Dartmouth...
Why did Gilbert, Trimble and Michaud find it necessary to destroy a good and decent man - Mike Gagne?
And now, I'm left wondering the same thing about Gilbert's treatment of Kevin Lee.
Because an election is near, Gilbert's supporters are doing everything they can to characterize her in positive ways, which includes supporting her every act. That may result in this post I'm making on this blog being attacked in a way that further denigrates the reputations of Mike Gagne and Kevin Lee.
Roger's point is that Diane Gilbert and two of her colleagues have accomplished precisely what this blog thread is about - dividing our community. And, while I agree with Roger that Trimble and Michaud have had a hand in screwing up our town, they're bit players when compared to the divisions Diane Gilbert has generated.
Frankly, there was never any need for it. But Diane Gilbert doesn't know any other way. She thinks she is always right, and anyone who thinks differently is going to be on the receiving end of a pugnacious attack.
She isn't going to stop tearing Dartmouth apart. It isn't that she can't help herself. It is that she doesn't want to stop. She seems to enjoy the carnage she leaves in her wake.
At the very least, Dartmouth will be better off with her on the sidelines, rather than being on the Select Board. At least then she will be less able to do real damage.
Roger, if you read this blog, thank you. Writing that letter to the editor helps people understand what is going on and why our community is so fractured. You'll almost certainly be villified for it. Kevin Lee was. John George was. Worse, it will likely lead to more personal attacks on Mike Gagne by Gilbert supporters. That's what they do.
Maybe the best way to finish this post is by saying something to Mike, himself. I don't know if he reads these blogs, but if not, maybe someone will relay this message to him.
Mike, thank you for everything you've done to serve Dartmouth. You're a good and decent man, and you didn't deserve the treatment you've received. As I'm sure you know, politics can be rough-and-tumble at times. But this has been different. This has been mean-spirited and completely unneccessary. You are not to blame for the vicious and inappropriate behavior of out-of-control politicians. This is one time when the bad guys won. But it won't stand. It never does. When the town steps up in this next election, you'll find out how people feel about you... and about Diane Gilbert. Take comfort in that, Mike. This town knows you're a good man who has gotten a raw deal.
I find the Tougas letter very amusing, almost as amusing as John George's letter. People find it very hard to let go of the past. Mr. Tougas's letter is very one sided. Also Mr. Tougas never mentions the wrong doing of his beloved. That's okay. That doesn't matter.
The former board could have fired Mr. Gagne for the sweetheart contracts that he gave to his friends, but didn't. They gave him some privacy and time to decide his direction. He choose the public fiasco. That was his choice. But the fact that Mr. Tougas can condone such behavior is beyond me! I guess if it's YOUR friend, it's okay.
Sorry, but it took an outsider like Diane Gilbert to give this town a reality check about doing the right thing. I am glad she did!
Isn't it ironic. Mr. Tougas's letter appears in the S-Times on the day when the opinion page features OPEN GOVERNMENT & FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT! Do you see any link there Mr. Tougas!
Bob Miller ran Gagne & Dartmouth for 20 years and he was afraid if Gagne was gone he could no longer have control of the town. I really think Bob Miller thought he was going to continue to run the town from home!
NO NO NO. Thank you Joe, Diane and Bill!!
Most of the present board is moving Dartmouth in the right direction. I can only imagine where we would be if a former selectman were still running the town and handing out more never ending contracts like a selectwoman said they planned to do with all town managers!Not in the best interest of Dartmouth.
After reading the most recent attack in the paper, I agree, politics does bring out the worst in some!
Stay strong Diane! You are the one doing the right thing for Dartmouth. You have shown great courage to do what others would not.Thank you for getting your hands dirty and exposing this mess in our town. It needed to come out!
EXCUSE ME, MR. TSOUGAS! Michael Gagne et al are far from innocent in the financial mess THEY created!
What about, Copley and Miller? Dias? Why was Ed there?
YOU CAN"T TELL ME NOT ONE OF THESE "DECENT" PEOPLE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THEY WERE DOING! And if they didn't, then why were/are they working or seated in an official capacity in the Town of Dartmouth to begin with? They "apparently" don't understand the law. Is that what you 're saying, Mr. Tsougas?
I guess they - - Michael - - didn't even "get it" when Attorney Bartulis warned him about the protective provisions in the eight contracts?
Did you read the rest of the Opinion Page, Mr. Tsougas?
Diane for Sunshine!
Is everyone forgetting here that the state report said the town had been well managed and was NOT the reason we were in this mess. Everyone is so blinded by the contracts and the mistakes of the past boards, that you forget that other than the contracts he did a good job. I have never heard anyone have a bad thing to say about the man. He has knowledge about this town most of us will never come close to having.
He has beeen here the last year and progress has been made. He works for the SB not the other way around.
"Other than the contracts, he did a good job"??
No one is suggesting that he did a poor job when he took on his responsibilities.
The contracts would have been a great example of his "good job" IF they hadn't been revealed.
Let's just slide them under the rug. After all, he did a "good job." That's all that counts.
I have to say I am very impressed with the way Ed I. has stepped up in the exec. admin. position. Information is readily available and you don't get execuses and the runaround. So why couldn't our former exec. admin. do the same thing when he has been in that position for over 20 yrs.?
I agree that Ed I. is doing a good job. He even got meeting minutes on the town website!! Thanks Ed.
Ed I. is working so hard doing two jobs and here is this lawsuit against him as his thanks. Mr. Trimble don't you find something wrong with this?
When the atty from Boston said that these contracts were not in the best interest of Dartmouth, Ed and others should have heeded his advice. That is not the fault of anyone except those who took advantage of them at the time.
As Mr Walker stated at last night's SB meeting, the taxpayers lawsuit to address five of the contracts is to remove the automatic renewal clauses only. Not to fire or stop paying anyone at town hall. We can not move forward as a community until we address every one of these contracts. Too bad they were handed out in the first place! If this one lawsuit can take care of all five, good! First, I would like to see the SB offer contracts without these clauses and see who is willing to remove them from their contracts. I hope they all would, but I won't make any bets.
What happened to negotiating in good faith instead of lawsuits? Is that not a transparent enough process for Diane, Bill and Joe?
Interesting how people want to portray Diane as the bad guy, when she uncovered the political corruption in our town. I take my hat off to Diane for going up against the political machine (Miller & George) who thought they could do anything and get away with it! Not so! We need you now more than ever! Vote Diane Gilbert on April 7th. She honest!
I think the majority of people who have these job for life clauses would gladly remove them from their contracts. The others are the ones that make legal action needed. So far, only one person has had their desire tested to keep and use the clause against the best interest of the town. He sued. Even Mr. Carney has come to the conclusion that these clauses must go.
Mr. Carney is up for reelection. He's going to play nice.
3:13, what makes you think most of them would "gladly remove" the lifetime clauses?
What a shame they all "gladly" accepted them in the first place.
The point is that you didn't even ask? Negotiate first like civilized people, if you couldn't come to a resolution in an acceptable amount of time say 2-3 months then you could move to litigation. 2-3 months is not a long delay.
As we all know, the first time the clause was tested, the town got sued. Legal action was inevitable.
Does anyone for one minute think that Doris Copley is going to voluntarily give up this clause? Please smell the coffee.
Misspelling of Mr. Tougas' name unintentional.
Doris Copley started it all.
4:02 - You call "terminating someone" testing the clause - couldn't even be civil enough to support an attempt to re-negotiate? No! Just label people corrupt and immoral and crucify them. DG was out to can MG years ago (before the contracts!) and used the Walkers, et al as her puppets! You're so gullible and just as bad as she is.
Don't recall MG's getting labeled "corrupt" or "immoral."
Is telling the truth about the contracts and the people involved in them "crucify(ing)" someone?
Aren't we entitled to our opinion regarding the contracts and all involved?
Gagne was not terminated. His contract expired.
Let's not play games here. Bob Miller knew his days running the show were numbered so he got Doris to go to Boston and get her own contract (paid for by Dart. residents) and she put her language in the rest. They all took them. Not one had the courage to say no?
And the former board also was responsible when they signed them, not in open session for all to see, did not give them to the personnel board for review. No. They are also to blame for this current situation. The SB had the final say. They signed these contracts. They are suppose to be looking out for the taxpayers. Not a clique at town hall! They could have said no, but I think they were all afraid of Miller.
This is what Jack Spillane had to say about the Gagne situation. It is a post on his blog.
"The attempt by Mike Gagne, the town of Dartmouth's executive administrator, to force the board of selectman to keep him employed as town's chief managing officer, has suffered a devastating blow in Bristol Superior Court.
Judge David A. McLaughlin examined his arguments closely and decided that the state statute creating his job limited it to a three-year term.
The attempt by an appointed official (Gagne) to force the democratically-elected governing board of the town to allow him to keep managing the community when it has lost faith in him was more than a little aggressive. It was a pointed attempt to subvert democracy itself. No such contract tying the hands of the town's governing board should ever have been granted and it was not by accident that the contract never saw the light of a public meeting.
Gagne is saying little in the wake of the decision. That's probably because there's little to say. He should work out a severance package with the town now and not sue the town he loves and has worked for for 29 years further.
The selectmen have lost confidence in Gagne. Case closed.
Gagne seems like he may be gambling for time, gambling that the election of a new board of selectmen might bring him back. But even if a more friendly board is elected, it should not bring Gagne back. He's divisive to the town at this point, and his holding the executive administrator post again would just lengthen the stalemate between town fiscal conservatives and progressives that has been going on for years now."
Diane Gilbert has done a whole lot of nothing on the board. She did not expose any corruption. Contracts were voted for by a prior board that were public record from the beginning. They are not in Dartmouth's interest but Diane had nothing to do with "exposing" them. She using this pathetic propoganda to get elected.
Why do you think even the current Chairman and his Wife are publicly supporting Lara Stone????
What she has done is destroy the reputations of people who have dedicated centuries to our Town without basis. And for what...to advance her campaign.
Pathetic I call it... and pathetic is what Diane Gilbert is.
Fortunately she will not be elected because the community(aside from those few CFRG posters on this Board) know what she is all about.
Lara Stone will be a breath of fresh air much needed in our Town. Lara Stone is in fact for Dartmouth.
To say that these contracts were done publicly is just plain wrong. The minutes related to the insertion of the infamous job for life clauses were only just now released. This was done secretly in 2006. It was definitely corruption. The problem is that open meeting laws have no teeth, so the best that we can hope for is the speedy removal of them from the contracts.
Once again, a Stone supporter with no solutions, just an attempt to tear down her opponent. Sad.
Diane we need you more than ever now! These Lara Stone supporters are living in lala world.
Michael Gagne's injunction was denied. The judge used strong language when he ruled against Gagne. The other contracts are next. They were not voted on in open meeting. A clear violation of Dartmouth and MGL.
Thank you Diane!
Lara Stone is the override queen of Dartmouth! We need Diane!
Even when the judicial system speaks, some people won't even acknowledge those decisions. It's their way or the highway, and they are are going to shove it down our throats one way or another.
That is, if they have their way.
Don't let them have their way. The general population of Dartmouth is too smart for that and won't fall for their tactics.
How pathetic and sad they are, is right.
What was spoken by the judicial system that you refer to?
Hey Bill where's my post? You know the one about Joe and his wife supporting Lara? there's hope for him yet! remember that one ? last night? oh editing the posts again
Enough about the contracts! If thats Dianes claim to fame is not enough. We need more. Oh what about the Akin house, was that transparent enough for the tax payers of Dartmouth!
Actually, I disagreed with Gilbert on the Akin House. When I asked her for the financials about it, she sent me EVERYTHING and I mean EVERYTHING. I still did not vote to fund it at town meeting but nobody can say she hid anything. By the way, the info she sent me showed that it wasn't her who dropped the ball on the Akin House, but then you're not interested in fact finding, that's why transparency is not an issue for you. You will vote for the candidate who has offered nothing except negativity aimed at Gilbert.
RE:Joe Michaud's letter in the STimes this am: Change is hard! I respect Joe for being able to write a letter that does not attack a person in town. Joe is correct: the board needs to finish this mess of the contracts. You may not agree with Joe on everything, but he's fair and tries to be respectful of others. Thanks for your service Joe.
Why enough about the contracts? They are still a very relevant issue. Diane exposed the contracts. No, the minutes were not public record until now thanks to Diane fighting for it for 3yrs. What else has she done? She publicly opposed an irresponsible $8.5 million override while the rest of the Select Board was shaking pom poms for it. She has consistantly asked intelligent questions and researched the issues while always standing by her belief that the public has the right to know. She has always been honest about her positions even though the very vocal minority doesn't always agree with her and are quick to attack her because of it. She cannot be swayed from doing the right thing when that same group becomes verbally abusive at a public meeting. Diane stands behind her convictions and has the courage to go against the good old boys. That's who I want representing me.
7:50, AND the candidate(?) that supports overrides and will ask for one as soon as is possible to do so.
Wow! Joe Michaud said it all in his ST letter today. Progress is being made and there is much resistance. Who is making the progress and who is resisting? Part of the resistance has come from Carney & Dias. The progress has come from Joe, Bill & Diane. Let the Select Board continue the work it has been doing and re-elect Diane Gilbert. There are tough choices to be made and Diane has the courage and integrity to make them.
Sorry, meant to say "candidate(s?)."
I find this an interesting quote by Jack Spillane "Gagne is saying little in the wake of the decision. That's probably because there's little to say. He should work out a severance package with the town now and not sue the town he loves and has worked for for 29 years further"
So do you think there is some negotiating going on right now to settle this with a financial payoff? Sounds to me like Mr. Spillane thinks so.
How much you want to bet we are going to hear about a financial settlement reached right after the election. Bet Bill and Diane are saying little about that.
Yes, the settlement won't come until after the election because Gagne won't settle until he sees the results. He is undoubtedly hoping for a more "friendly" board. Who do you think Gagne is voting for? I say stone and carney which is why I am VOTING FOR GILBERT and GRACIE.
So anon 10:16 you think there is a settlement in the works for money. Wouldn't the taxpayers like to know about that, isn't that the definition of transparency? Just think if the Select Board had negotiated up front and in good faith without having to go to litigation then a financial settlement could have been avoided.
I guess you don't care about how much this is costing the taxpayers as long as we get Gagne out right?
If i am offbase on the Akin house then i misunderstood when it was said that it would not cost the town anything. but i understand the town owns it now. and 3 yrs ago i did vote for diane but will not this election. i voted against the override and we did not win by an overwhelming vote so when it comes up dont forget 1/2 the town was for it.
It was Gagne who operated in bad faith and in secrecy when including the clause he now pins his hopes on. All contract negotiations are done in executive session. If you think that is not so, then you must think that every select board operates in secret. Especially thos who you are so upset about having been booted out in the last few elections.
These contracts did not put us in finacial ruin. They just prevented us from hiring someone at a lower price. The state said we had been managed very well and commended the town for not having a problem sooner.
What did not help was the tragic accident of Officer Dave Melo. So instead of worrying so much about the contracts, what have we done to better protect the town from that happening again. The contracts are only a small problem we still need people to work. Ed can only do the 2 jobs for a while before we all suffer because he is so over-worked. Thank you ED for stepping up right now.
If someone hadn't "worried so much about the contracts," we would never have known of their existence. Thank you, Diane.
I don't recall the DOR's saying that it was okay to have lifetime contracts for employees. That so many posters use that as an excuse to either okay the contracts or minimize their seriousness and the consequences to the entire town, is to attempt to deflect attention from the real issue: these contracts were irresponsible, self-serving, and quite possibly illegal and invalid referencing the Charter and the Mass General Laws.
Please don't use the tragedy of Officer Melo in reference to these heinous contracts.
Anon 1:05 the contracts didn't put us in financial ruin, legal fees for now two law suits, hiring a search firm to find us a new EA, and large settlements are what are going to put us n financial ruin. You have Diane, Bill and Joe to thank for that.
Huh??? The contracts are the reason we have the lawsuits. These contracts are preventing the town from consolidation efforts, eliminating unnecessary positions or negotiating better terms. If it weren't for the contracts we wouldn't have two lawsuits.
The search for a new EA is an investment for the town. It is obvious Michael Gagne is not qualified for the job and wasn't serving the town properly. Ed I. has just stepped into the position and already there has been more information available and more work being done. If Ed I. can do it while also performing his duties as Fin. Dir., how come Michael couldn't do it??? I applaud Ed for his efforts and I hope we hire a new EA as quickly as possible. It is not fair to Ed to ask him to do this for too long.
Anon 3:32
I know the lawsuits and the new hiring is costing us money, but it was not the contracts that got us into the mess a few years ago before the override. That is the point I am trying to make.
If Mr. Gagne was so ineffective all these years why didn't we hit bottom oh say 15-20 years ago. Thats because he hasn't been. Not many people can see past the contracts right now to remember the DOR cleared us of any mis-management of funds. I am upset about the contracts but how many of us would really turn down a job for life if we had the chance. Don't we all want job security.
In Joe's letter to day he even states he felt that Mr. Gagne has been ineffective over the past few months(not years). Well I don't think I would go out of my way for people that you know don't want you there. He probally did only what he needed and not over the top.
For those of you posting that the contracts did not get us into financial trouble, what did?
I could identify not having a long-term plan as one thing, AND the contracts as a second.
Will you please name others?
Corned beef
What is the deal with the Akin house does the town own it and have we given money to the project? I had read other stuff about it. Thanks-just curious
I am not sure but if Diane is a big part of the Akin house how is that not considered a special interest?
I know most people feel Lara has the schools as a special interest but isn't that something that most school age parents have a special interest in?
I am not trying to be fresh either just trying to understand the difference.
10:31 PM: the judicial system is Judge David A. McLaughlin of the Fall River Superior Court who denied Michael Gagne's suit for an injunction. This was reported in the March 13th S-T.
McLaughlin also says that the contract language violates the 1992 law that created the executive administrator's position in Dartmouth.
GILBERT SIGN in front of Friendly Pizza is GAWDY and needs to be the center of attention just like DIANNE....STONE FOR SB
I can probably count on one hand how many times any of the THREE AMIGOS have stepped foot into a TOWN DEPARTMENT. AN effective CEO(SELECTBOARD) should know everything about EVERY department...at least CARNEY and DIAS have done that...the other three SB's people have done NOTHING to learn about our town operation...that is SAD...KICK EM ALL OUT...
Not everyone would turn down a job for life but how many do you know who would do it behind closed doors and then not release the public information pertaining to it even when it was asked of them for 3yrs.??? Especially when the lawyer writing the language said it clearly wasn't in the best interests of the town.
The reason we did so well for so long was because money was being moved around to hide the problems. Dartmouth like most towns, was experiencing lots of growth and the revenue was flowing in. We didn't know there was a problem until those revenues began to slow. All the reserves were used up. This did not happen a couple of years ago. This was going on for years and nothing was done.
Diane the sunshine candidate! If you're going to be driving by Friendly Pizza, wear your shades. She does have a way of letting the sunshine in!
McLaughlin was the lawyer for a lot of NB business types before he became a judge. I wonder if he knows the leader of The Hathaway Road Gang?
I don't know but I did hear that the judge went to school with a distant cousin of someone who is directly related to Michael Gagne's 1st grade teacher. Does that help?
Gilbert is the sunshine candidate? Well, remember, after the sunshine comes the darkness. BEWARE!!!!
All this talk about the contracts make me sick. I think we should all move past this.The contracts are not what made this "fiscal crisis".I'm sure it has a lot to do with the taxes we pay and the prices of everything going up.And please don't jump to conclusions about how I think everyone should pay more in taxes,but I don't think I shouldn't have to pay for special garbage bags,and that fee that is actually for the sticker for the transfer station..and guess what you still have to pay for it even if you don't go to the transfer station. And one last thing on the contracts. If the people holding these contracts aren't doing their jobs,guess what the town wouldn't have to renew the contracts because if they are not performing the duties required of them that is good and just cause.But if they are doing their jobs,why would you get rid of them????
I don't think ANYONE has said that the people now holding these contracts are not doing their jobs. Dartmouth workers are hard working dedicated people. The contracts Must go, not the people~!
Why would you renew their contracts with those sweetheart provisions? Or would you?
Anyone doing his/her good job should not require or "need" a contract, as such. The DOR didn't recommend Dartmouth's having 24 contracts, just three. Library director should have one by state mandate, making four.
As it turns out, Nathalie Dias managed to slip through a contract for David Hickox; that would have made a total of five contracts Dartmouth would be giving out, had Denise Medeiros been retained.
The DOR did not recommend this contract, nor did the Personnel Board, but he got it just the same, by majority SB vote.
Since no one is unhappy with Mr. Hickox's performance on the job, why should he "need" a contract? You don't thank someone for a job well done by rewarding him/her with a contract. That is a gross misuse of the vehicle.
But that, apparently, did not stop the administration/officials of old.
His position is also not being threatened for elimination, as was Doris Copley's when she connived for a new title and position in the town's employ and in desperation ran to Attorney Bartulis for guaranteed contractual job and financial security.
And our former EA and Mrs. Dias and Mr. Miller were only too glad to give it to her.
Pathetic.
Maybe there are certain employees that we just don't need. A good example is the paralegal. We already pay 300k for town council and she herself claimed in the documents relating to her contract that she was not performing her paralegal duties. So why have her? Because the CONTRACT says we have to.
3:12 - Do you even know what the paralegal does? Apparently not! Do you know anyone who has benefitted from our town having a paralegal office acting on our behalf? I do, and they're grateful for it!
The 2006-2009 contract only said we had to. (It expired Feb. 28, 2009, but I don't know if she is still legally allowed to be working under it or not, considering there has been no decision on the contracts' legality and validity with the protective language. Maybe someone informed could tell me/us how that works)?
Her previous contract dated May 23, 2005, did not include this automatic contract renewal language; therefore she could have been terminated at its expiration date of May 12, 2008.
Anyway, if she hadn't finagled new job responsibilities, she might not be employed now. If Michael Gagne had not agreed to her demands for protection and accepted her presentation of her potential employment value in the face of her possible job elimination, her contract would have run its natural course, and expired on the May 12, 2008 date. Then, if she were no longer needed, she would have been let go, as her 2005-2008 contract identified her employment as being "on an at-will basis."
I hope the auto-renewal language is thrown out of the contracts. The new executive administrator can decide if the paralegal is worth keeping. Hopefully the new executive administrator will have more guts than the last one. I found it interesting that John George described Gagne's spirit as "broken." If losing a job is enough to break your spirit, then you don't have enough spirit to be a leader. I lost a job once. When the boss called me into the office to do it, I started singing Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World". The bosses spirit was more "broken" than mine.
Gilbert the "Sunshine candidate" what a joke. This women has been the steward of the darkness in Dartmouth, the cloud that set the minute she moved to our town. I would probably characterize her as the wise bear Pooh once said of himself..." I'm just a little black rain cloud". Of course Pooh was trying to fool the bees, just as Diane is trying to fool the town by calling herself the "Sunshine candidate". The "little black rain cloud" term however perfectly describes Diane Gilbert and what she has done to our Town. I will vote Lara Stone for a breath of fresh air.
Tell you this and you can bank on it.....When it comes time to discuss/renew Hickok's contract at the DPW, there will be a push by Gilbert to get rid of him. Remember, Gilbert's biggest supporter is David Vincent and he holds a huge grudge against him.
I love that song, now you've ruined it for me.
I will not vote for Stone for the simple reason that as evidenced in the above comments she does not provide any positive solutions, only negativity against her opponent. She was even taking pot shots on camera last night. It was a glimpse of what is to come if she is elected. Agree with her or she will make it personal. Gilbert stayed positive and even went so far as to compliment Stone. I like that. Gilbert has my vote. I refuse to punish an elected official for doing the right things.
A bit two-faced don't you think - Gilbert complimenting Stone. Gilbert stated she would even support her if not trying to get re-elected herself. Odd coming from someone just days earlier claiming Stone was part of an underhanded conspiracy and secret deal. Typical politics. I will be giving Stone a chance this time.
How much political mileage does Stone think she can get from one offhand remark in the newspaper? It seems like she is basing her whole campaign on it. Like I stated before, Stone doesn't strike me as a very POSITIVE candidate.
No positive solutions anon 11:08, how about these http://www.electlarastone.com/issues2.html
Or why don't you cam to the debate at the Southworth Library, Tuesday, 3/31 @ 7pm and ask her yourself.
typo:
Or why don't you come to the debate at the Southworth Library, Tuesday, 3/31 @ 7pm and ask her yourself.
That was not an "offhand" remark made by Ms. Gilbert about Ms. Stone in the paper as Curt Brown would never print such an accusatory statement without giving Ms. Gilbert several opportunities to retract it if it were offhand. So please don't trivialize it, the question was asked last night and Lara answered it.
If Ms. Gilbert really wanted to put it to rest she could have taken the opportunity to apologize.
Curt Brown DID give MS Gilbert a number of chances to retract what she said and she didnt. It was no "misspeak" just like she said she wanted to do away with NCLB and other programs last night.
This is the kind of political mumbo-jumbo that drives me crazy. Diane Gilbert made a false accusation that Lara Stone was involved in a conspiracy with Bob Miller and John George to give Mike Gagne his job back. So, when Gilbert gets nailed to the cross for saying it, her supporters try to minimize it as being an "offhand remark".
It wasn't an offhand remark. It was a lie. Gilbert said something to a NEWSPAPER REPORTER about Lara Stone that wasn't true! There is nothing offhand or trivial about that. If she said something like that about me, I would call her on it every day until the election! You can't let people get away with stuff like that.
It's no different than how Gilbert supporters beat up Mike Gagne for doing something wrong. This time, Gilbert did something wrong. Something very, very wrong. And she has to be held accountable for it.
Apologize for what! George and Miller ARE working against Gilbert to elect Stone. That's what Diane said. It's obvious to everybody that's exactly what's going on. The problem is that Stone has no issues to run against Gilbert with, so she's running against her personality, mannerisms and so called incivility. It's a bunch of crap because Gilbert won't support an override.
Like I said, it seems like Stone is basing her whole campaign on it. The paper also had an article that stated Stone "shot back" at Gilbert saying how she was suprised Gilbert never put any of her human resource skills to use, an obvious personal attack. The clear difference between Stone and Gilbert is that Gilbert didn't make it her most important campaign issue.
There is a big difference between making a statement about using someones human resource skills and accusing them of a backroom deal to rehire someone. I am sure you know the difference. But if you would like to continue to make the comparison to save face for Diane you go right ahead. No one with any sense of right or wrong wold have any trouble distinguishing between the two.
Again Stone was asked the question last night and she answered it. She was clearly not basing her campaign on it.
Apologize for LYING as Stone has no agreement with Miller and George to rehire Michael Gagne. That is a boldface LIE.
How about accepting the fact that Miller and George are supporting Stone because she is the better candidate? Tough to accept but that would be the truth.
Seems to me the candidate who is being called uncivil is the one who acted with dignity and integrity last night. Diane Gilbert remained calm, polite and respectful. All candidates had a positive, looking forward attitude except for Ms. Stone who had to become negative. Sorry but I don't see Ms. Gilbert being the negative divisive force some are trying to portray her as. Diane deserves our respect, thanks, and our vote.
It's called hipocracy.
It's hypocrisy all right. 12:23 hit the nail on the head!
definition of Hypocrisy--Lara stone's advertisement that she is running on fiscal responsibility.
So let me ask then why is Ms. Gilbert supporting Greg Jones when he openly stated last night that he supported the override that you all claim was so irresponsible? Seems a little hypocritical to me.
You people make me laugh! Can't you agree that you feel strongly about a candidate without being nasty about the opponent? I have nothing against Lara Stone, but I will be voting for Diane Gilbert. That is not because I think one person is better than the other. It happens to be a difference of opinion. Thank goodness we have a choice in this country! I have voted for many people once or even twice and then never again. Don't be so nasty!
Nailed to a cross, That's perfect! The phrase is about someone suffering a great injustice. Maybe something subliminal poking through there. And what has anyone said about Gagne that would qualify as beating him up?
One thing you Gilbert supporters would do well to understand is that many of the people saying unflattering things about Diane are best defined as GILBERT OPPOSERS, not Stone Supporters. Diane Gilbert is in a class all by herself when it comes to alienating people to the point of them seriously disliking her. There are people who will vote for Lara Stone just because she's the one running against Gilbert. Face it, Gilbert has what is termed "High Negatives". That's Gilbert's fault, not Stone's.
Greg Jones is being supported by Diane Gilbert as she wants the entire makeup of the School Committee changed. Greg Jones also assisted Gilbert in developing her website. Greg Jones is a supporter of Lara Stone.
Hey brother Bill,
It is your Mexican brother here.
How is my hermano doing?
Looks like you are getting kicked around pretty good.
Well I know from PA politics that a person without controversy is a person w out accomplishments.
Keep up the good work!
Hey what's this no pay deal?
You get kicked around dragged through the mud and don't even get
compensation. Sounds like an employee in the old South.
Didn't Lincoln free the North, too?
Your doing great Brudda.
I will be up your way for the Boston marathon.
Unfortunately I have no contact info for you. Can you send it to me? I've been traveling and i have
my computer as my sole way of communicating.
Another thing, who are all these anonymous commenters?
Seams to me that a person should include a name instead of hiding,
that is what adults should do.
I don't know much about it, I admit, but Mass. local politics is
pretty strange. I will keep an eye out for your blog now that I'm back in US, and I have a computer.
Just got in from the backwoods. Was checking on the still. Anyway, welcome to the hitchin' post James. If you are anything like your brother, and it sounds like you are, I look forward to hearing more of your "outside" observations.
James Trimble?
Don't you love these first name folks who consider themselves as not anonymous? Oh "Brudda"!
Wow who are you thin skinned people?
Yes my name is James Trimble and I'm not interested in jousting w anyone over your unfounded disrespect for my brother.
Really I'm not involved. Sorry for commenting on Anonymous commenters. It was a question, why would anyone worry about signing their name?
If you have a rational answer, then please give it. But as for me I have no dog in this fight. And as for you Anonymous, get some fresh spring air, go smell some flowers, ask a pretty girl on a date.
Something to help your bad mood.
James is definitely Bill's brother.
I will vote for Lara Stone for Select Board.
Michael Watson, too.
James welcome to the Dartmouth blogs. Wear your protective gear!
My husbnd Barry & I are proud to be associated with your brother Bill. He has proven to be honest, intelligent, hard-working and dedicated to doing what is best for our town. We are very lucky to have him.
FYI: Before Bill became a selectman, Dartmouth citizens did not have access to any of the information Bill posts here. He has taken it upon himself to post public information and make it easily available to everyone. Our town website is improving but people rely on Bill's posts to stay informed.
I'm sure you will quickly tire of our local politics and all that goes with it. Just thought you should know that there are many in this town who appreciate Bill and what he is doing.
A little common sense for you, James... the Walkers like your brother because he agrees with their positions. Trust me, if he thought differently and supported different candidates than the two of them, they wouldn't be so gracious about his blog.
The problem in this town, James, is that there are a lot of politically entrenched good 'ol boys and elitists who think the world and Dartmouth revolves around them, and if you aren't of either propensity, they have no respect for you.
And, heaven help you if you cross them or try to make any change in town, which is what the Walkers, your brother, Diane Gilbert (oh, don't mention HER name; you will set off the rabid dogs again) and others have tried to do, and, I might add, have done so successfully, in many instances.
The Walkers must have upset a few apple carts when they arrived on the political scene in 2006, with their successful campaign against the override. And I am sure that Bill shook a few people when he successfully beat incumbent Select Board member Kathleen Horan McLean out of her seat.
There are people who have not forgotten those slights.
These people are not used to being challenged, stood up to, or exposed. The Walkers, Bill, and Diane are doing just that, and some people are getting mighty angry, as you can see.
Dear James,
Many in town are upset with the misrepresentations of the citizen's group led by the Walkers, and rightly so. Unfortunately, your brother is associated with that. Otherwise, our aims are the same - generate revenue and cut expenses. Common sense will tell you, it's not easy to voluntarily raise one's taxes. And, the Walker's certainly didn't want to as they own a million dollars worth of real estate, so thought nothing of their manipulations to protect their pockets. Sad, but true.
Also, it's a rare occasion Marianne Walker reveals herself. Otherwise, she's just an anonymous poster manning the desk.
Let us know where the Walkers and the citizens' group misrepresented. And you know that Marianne blogs anonymously, how?
James,
How did you get the orange tag - just curious. And, why would you choose to reconnect with your brother on a political blog? Again, just curious.
Successful campaign against the override... that's pretty funny. LOL
Their extremely difficult campaign was to try and get voters to be against higher taxes, and they nearly lost. LMAO
Bill has tried recently to distance himself somewhat from the politics of the Walkers. I think he'll find that a pretty difficult thing to do.
Wow again,
I feel like i just got let out of a greyhound bus in the center of the Dartmouth Demolition Derby. Now let me get my bags and get out of here before I'm t-boned by a 1973 Caprice with flat black paint and the "anonymous" brush painted on the roof in pink house paint.
My original point of not understanding why anonymous is used so often is quickly becoming apparent, but i must honestly say that anyone w that handle is not trusted by me.
so as a casual observer i suggest that one should use their name (or any name so i can separate one anonymous from the next anonymous.)when comfortable as to gain more trust from strangers.
Or maybe the Bill T fans can wear Stars on Thars!
Also may i suggest the term Common Sense is a lazy shortcut that one or perhaps many of you bearing the anonymous label use. (I notice Dartmouth has Anonymouses like Lancaster Pa. has Stoltzfusses.) although it worked for Thos. Paine, I think it is not a good or accurate use of English, it is a loaded term. Who can disagree with common sense? It's just common sense. Have you no common sense?
Well sorry if my senses are a little keener. Does that make me an elitist? Please don't answer that! I truly am staying out of this. But thank you to those of you with kind words for my older brother. He has always made our family proud.
James Joseph Trimble (my confirmation name is John for you
angry sticklers!)
So, the orange tag? And, why reconnect on a political blog?
I see arrogance runs in the family. You'll find yourself right at home here.
You can consider intelligence as arrogance if you like. Or you could have an intelligent conversation without judging. You sir, have no idea who I am and you are so judgemental that you have no credibility w me and most likely anyone else.
So if you have a name or handle, apprise me of it so im sure to ignore you in the future.
I have only a laptop to communicate since I recently became second homeless.
I read the blog for the first time today and as a novice computer guy I could not quickly find a contact address for my brudda. So I read some angry rantings from this
Any Non Mouse person and figured Bill would get it soon enough.
Anyway I found it quite fun to banter w some of you. Others of you, I think you need to seriously consider getting a fish in a bowl,
cause it is the only thing that is gonna listen to you.
Remember I don't have a dog in this fight so your personal attacks on me are quite strange and no more productive than teets on a bull.
I have no idea how I got a special color on my name tag. I'm usually
surprised to even get my computer turned on correctly!
May I make a suggestion? Try being happy! No better way to show one's arrogance. "Who does that guy think he is, smiling, laughing, grinning. So arrogant."
Bill, I can see your good nature, common sense and reasoning skills must run in the family. I love it!
The blue tag comes from having a Google account. You can choose to post with the screen name from the google account or Anonymous. Your choice.
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