I have been out straight at work, not much time to blog. I hope that will be done next week. That is the lot of a maintenance worker. When you have an outage, you have to get it done in the time allocated. I will post as I am able. Thanks for stopping by.
There have been lots of letters lately in the Chronicle and Standard Times. Sal Raposo, Lee Marland, and others. What did you think about what they had to say?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
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94 comments:
I didn;t read their letters, but Lara Stone, Mike Watson, and Greg Jones were the stars at the Rotary Club debate tonight.
your right they were the stars,I liked Mike Watson he seems very energetic, as for Lara Stone and Greg Jones they seemed a little bit out of touch with the direction the town is trying to move in and I didn't get a good vibe from them. Originally I was leaning toward Frank Gracie, but now I think I'll give Mr. Watson a closer look.
Energy doesn't compute with experience. Do you know what Mr. Watson sounded like?
A politician.
Saul Raposo needs to step back and take a breather. First he proposed a poorly written recall attempt. Then he writes a letter full of untruths. He cites open meeting violations when the issues he is referring to are readily available in the minutes released to the public. If you are going to make stuff up you shouldn't use material that can so easily be disputed. Then again, I guess I should consider the source.
"Politician" is not always a flattering description.
Mike Watson is speaking to all issues with knowledge and authority and with pleasant charm. He doesn't get negative toward any one, and speaks about what he'll look to accomplish for the future. I've never heard any promises that can't be kept, he doesn't seem to be chained to any group and he's not being pigeon holed to on issues. Plus he's got more energy than any one who's run in years. He's out knocking on doors, showing up at every gathering of more than 10 potential Dartmouth voters. I have to believe that energy and willingness to work will be used on the SB. And he talks budget too. I remember when we were all learning who Watson was someone on this blog saying he umpired DYSA baseball like that was a negative. Since then everything has been positive. I hope he gets a seat on the SB. I know I'll vote Mike Watson.
Diane was a star!!! Lara focused on schools, crossing guards, not bare bones yet, etc. What does that translate to, Lara? OVERRIDE??
She says no, but wait and see...
Saul, CHILL.
Frank Gracie has extensive knowledge of the town finances because he reviewed them on the Budget Task Force. On the Privatization Committee, he met and looked into the operation of most town departments. Frank has the knowledge to start contributing right away. No learning curve. That is a huge plus where the town is trying to change. New people mean more delay. Mike Watson is a good guy but needs to learn more. If Gracie gets in, I hope he runs against Dias. Carney is out of touch.
I like Mike he is young and fresh, no, he is not as expierenced but how many of the current/past SB members were before they were elected. Don't under-estimate him, he is a very hard worker and loves the town he grew up in. The proof is already out there, appearences, door konocking and already sign holding on the weekends! MIke is honest, a quick learner, and I think he sounds like a politcian because he is doing his best to refrain from finger pointing and negative comments. I want to commend Watson, Gracie and Carney for keeping it a race to be proud of,sticking to the issues, not negativity. Good luck to all!
The Carney, Gracie, Watson campaigns are all to be commended for their positive tones. It is truly refreshing and even fascinating to watch this race unfold. That is what town politics should be.
Everyone has to start somewhere, true, and previous SB members are no different. They all started somewhere and many no doubt had no experience in Town government when they were elected to the SB.
This, however, is not the time for an inexperienced novice, no matter how energetic, hard-working, fresh-thinking, he/she may be.
We are in too difficult a financial state in Dartmouth to have a newcomer cut his/her teeth on a learning curve on how best to govern our town and help take care of everyone. We certainly don't need a learning curve on the spending of our taxpayer dollars.
I would rather elect someone who already has a heads up on the problems facing the town, knows and has worked with town and department leadership, and has the ear of the people. Frank Gracie has all that.
Mr. Gracie is well aware of the financial issues, having spoken directly with a number of individuals involved with governing our town, and has questioned, listened to, and even solicited their advice, opinions, and suggestions.
He needs no introduction to our town's leaders or town employees. He knows the problems they are facing, and he knows their concerns.
We can't afford to waste time while someone gets up to speed.
Mr. Gracie is retired. He has the time to invest in our town.
Loving the town, being hard-working, and being a nice guy doesn't cut it. Look what happened to one "hard-working, nice guy " who "loved the town."
Mr. Watson needs more than a character reference, and so does Ms. Stone.
I wonder why no one has publicly asked the candidates their position on the split tax. We know Gracie is for it since he fought for it, Carney reluctantly went along as did Gilbert who said that the ship has left the dock. Stone has said it is ok for the time being, but has anyone asked Watson that question?
Override questions are asked but in reality we have direct control over that by voting, but the split tax has to be reapproved every year by the select board so we only have indirect control over it. Has everyone forgotten how long it took to get it and with the wrong combination of board members we could lose it and get a tax increase?
You know what's absolutely GREAT about Mike Watson? It's that he NOT AFFILIATED WITH EITHER OF THE POLITICAL CAMPS DOING BATTLE IN DARTMOUTH.
It will be refreshing to have someone on the Select Board who isn't part of the Gilbert/Gracie camp or the Stone camp!
Mike Watson really is the ONLY truly independent candidate for Select Board!
What Gracie/Gilbert camp?
the crfg one
Why, CFRG of course! Didn't your spokesperson just endorse both of them?
What Stone camp?
Watson is empty on facts, specifics. This comes from a non CFRG person.
How quick everyone is to think that if there is something unfavorable to Stone, it has to come from CFRG. Did it ever occur to you that others could share the same opinion without being CFRG?
What Stone camp?
John George whose picture is on Lara Stones website and Bob Miller who said publicly he was not endorsing Lara Stone, but would vote for her. They are part of the Stone Camp.
Don't forget Roscoe as part of the Stone camp. You know, the guy who brought presidential style attack campaigning to our little hidden gem of a town.
McLean is most definitely part of the Stone camp.
Olimpio and Piva from the parents group anyone?
doug roscoe attack campaigning? Again I won't bother asking for evidence as I'm sure you have none.
Thank you. Mr. Watson could have some names behind him, too, for all we know.
Follow the campaign money.
The evidence is ample and can be found on the blogs.
There was a letter in the paper the other day about Gilbert signs being driven on and ruined. How childish! But, I recall the elections with the override vote were the very same way!
Nasty.
That comes from the Coalition NOT the CFRG. Very sad.
give it a break
This is CFRG Central - of course that's where most of the comments come from!
I am a regular reader, and I am not CFRG. Trimble has good information and a discussion going, that's what counts. Stop all the CFRG and anti-CFRG stuff, it is like an After School special about bullying/teasing/adolescent squabbling.
April 7th can't come soon enough.
You'll have to get CFRG on board to pull that off! That's not bound to happen. So until then, keep standing up to the "bulllies"!
Grow up.
I want to agree with the very first poster. At the Rotary Club candidates night, Mrs. Stone displayed a firm grasp of the issues, as did Mr. Watson. I wasn't sure who I would vote for next month. Now I do. It's Stone and Watson. I am now certain they can do the job.
I want to point out the obvious: candidates for Select Board do not necessarily begin with political experience. But they can begin with basic knowledge about government, an ability to work well with others, and an ability to analyze problems and come up with solutions. I believe that both Lara Stone and Michael Watson have those qualities. I intend to vote for them. I think they will lead our town well.
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" because of how she has behaved. That's Gilbert's fault, not Stone's.
Bill,
When you get the chance to post again, perhaps you could address today's S-T article saying that Dartmouth will receive $0 in the first round of education stimulus funding.
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090321/NEWS/903210345/1003/TOWN02
How can the state justify giving Wellesley 1.2 million while giving Dartmouth nothing? I hope I'm misinterpreting the article, but if I'm not, is there anything we can do?
Neither Diane Gilbert nor Lara Stone are responsible for the negativity in this political race or our town. No one made you or me come on this Blog and post our angry thoughts. The majority of the negativity is coming from us. What if we all toned it down and showed a little more respect for each other and our individual opinions at least on this Blog and in the papers. Would that make things better? I am not sure. I am certainly willing to give it a try
I myself intend to stay OPPOSING until April 7th and depending on the composition of the SB after that day i just may continue. It all depends who wins the election, because to dissent is to be patriotic. I hope that the new SB will show signs of working together for the common good so that we all can finally lay down our swords and unite, finally. So vote wisely on April 7th because with a wrong vote this divisive nature will most definitley continue.
So what you are saying 10:36 is if your candidate is not elected Apr 7th you’re divisive nature will continue because you have no control over anyone else nature. I respect your opinion but believe there is a distinct difference between how you and I approach this election. I support Diane, but if Lara wins I will do everything I can to help her. Because this is about Dartmouth and not my individual likes and dislike.
Well said 10:54
Opposition and divisiveness are two different things. As with 10:36, I will continue to "oppose" the "divisive nature" of the current BOS should it remain in place after the election.
I will continue to be well informed before forming opinions, which is why I support Gilbert now. If she doesn't get re-elected, I will then see just how inclusive the new select board is when gathering information to make decisions. I hope we don't go back to the dog and pony show marketing campaigns for overrides.
This is probably presumptuous to say, but I am very wary and skeptical of electing either Watson or Stone because of a possible inclination to seek an override for the schools.
With Stone, we can almost be 100% assured it will happen sooner or later. With Watson, it's a little less clear, but I wouldn't doubt that it, too, will happen before his three years on the Board would be up.
Voters need to be very aware of this potential trend and threat.
Of course, both of them would say they would not seek overrides because this is not the time to do so. They would be utter fools to say otherwise and sink their ship.
They are saying just what they know we want to hear.
Keep that in mind.
Accordingly, Diane Gilbert wasn't one of the "utter fools to say otherwise and sink their ship" of 2007 per your philosophy. It's a lot easier to sell PAYT and Fees than it is a tax increase. It doesn't take more courage, though.
This is up front information.
A very astute political person will arrive in Dartmouth during the first week in April, to begin a 500 plus call list of town voters. This well known political figure, will have a direct influence on the election outcome. Although, he will not attend political functions, he certainly has the voter following. It is not known at this time, if he is support Gilbert but his presents alone will make the difference between Stone/Gilbert. His return to Dartmouth is not truly known but several e-mails and cellphone calls have been received through several source. You may take me as just some nut looking for attention, but believe in this person who carries the voters. After all is said and done, it's the person who gets out the votes that wins.
Lara Stone has the credentials to become an excellent member of the Select Board. She has my vote.
Lara Stone is a good, decent person and I'm happy that she has thrown her hat into the ring this year. She is smart, analytical, and will do what's best for our town after looking at all of the options. Of course, she's "new" and some people don't like change. I've seen her at the candidates' nights. I'm convinced that she is up to the job.
3:30 please give us a hint. Man or women? Former elected official state, regional or local? When was the last time they were here? Will their arrival be announced publicly? Why would we know them? I know too many questions, but I have two choices right now and they are to ask these questions or change my daughter’s diaper. I am taking the coward’s way out.
I am voting for the person who I believe will serve Dartmouth best, no individual is going to change my vote. Don't start silly rumors. If you don't even know who this person is then they do not likely exist.
I am not one to give baseless rumors strength. However considering how ugly the Gilbert / Stone race has gotten a silly rumor is a gift. I also heard this respected political person will visit five lucky people who find a golden ticket in their CV Varity hamburger wrapper.
Will he kiss babies, lead a marching band and do cartwheels, too! Gosh and Gee Whiz, maybe Elvis is alive.
Hey Bill, we're getting sparse and silly. Time to change it up! How about throwing a "Band' tune on the post, maybe The Weight or The Night They Drove Ol'Dixie Down'. Then starting us up with a clean slate! Thanks for the forum. Your 'Brudda' had an interesting comment in another post (to the effect), 'without controversary there is no progress.' I'd like to ammend the comment, 'with too much controversary there is NO progress.'
What is CONTROVERSARY? I think you mean 'controversy'. Silly, yes. MAKes me think back to when I was listening to Band tunes, lots of sillies. Your spelling is excused, its Saturday.
Tired of the conspiracy theories? Bored with the petty bickering? The last few posts have been much more thoughtful and civilized. Check out my revived blog:
momof3nPT.blogspot.com.
welcome back momof3!
The selectmen's race between Gilbert and Stone is based on one subject only, how can the SB, through John George, reverse the vote on Mike Gagne/contract. I, was disappointed when I heard Mike was not reappointed by the SB. After reading about all the political going on, with Miller/George some 22 years ago,and the wording of the contracts,I can see clearly as to why Gilbert/Michaud/Trimble decided to vote Mike out. I'm with Gilbert. Unlike J.G. I didn't support Gilbert three years ago, but I'm supporting her now.
I didn't vote for Diane three years ago, but I am voting for her on April 7th, no question! I have watched Diane at almost every SB meeting and I am very impressed with the research she does on every issue! Diane has moxie! I like having her on the board. She's working for the taxpayers of Dartmouth!
Lara Stone has class, Diane Gilbert does not. Lara Stone is mentally stable, Diane Gilbert is not. Lara Stone is intelligent and will make decisions based upon a careful evaluation of all data, Diane Gilbert cannot possibly do what is best for Dartmouth because she suffers from some sort of personality disorder which only permits her to tear down irrespective of the truth. Do we really have a choice Dartmouth. Diane thank you for your service. The CFRG is looking for a few good witches for the next hunt, you would be perfect.
$tone is a two faced harpie who talks about harmony while sowing discord, won't say she wants an override but says broader perspective on fiscal responsibility instead. With Gilbert, you get what you see, with $tone you get nice words and a knife in the back.
Everyone knows you can trust Lara Stone. She's a straight shooter and never lies. Can't say the same for Diane, though. Not after going to the newspaper with an outright lie. Speaking of Gilbert... have you ever heard so much negative stuff about ANYONE in Dartmouth? There's a reason for that. Diane Gilbert has earned her reputation as a mean-spirited person.
I'm voting for Gilbert for the simple reason that her campaign has a lot less negativity towards her opponent than Stone's. We need the most positive people possible and I'm not getting positive vibes from the Stone supporters. Their whole campaign is just to spread nasty remarks about Gilbert. It's sickening.
Just because someone doesn't like Diane or her personality flaws doesn't mean they support Lara. I don't like Diane Gilbert at all! But I am not sure Lara Stone is the answer either her interest is too much in the schools and I have 3 kids in the system. The schools should be handled by the School Comm. with input from the SB. So don't just accuse the Stone campiagn for all the negative remarks about Diane in my opinion she brought it on herself and playing nice now just makes her look hypocritical.
Prior to this election I've never made negative comments about someone running for office. This year is different because of Diane Gilbert. I have witnessed her being disrespectful to people. I've seen her be outright snide and mean to people. So while I make negative comments about Diane Gilbert, in reality all I'm doing is telling it like it is. Its not so much that I want Stone to win, I just want to see Gilbert removed from public office. There is no place in government for someone as disrespectful and nasty to people as Gilbert has been. She can't treat people the way she has and get away with it. So you can count me among those who aren't Stone supporters, but rather are Gilbert opposers. Diane Gilbert has to go!
$tone is a phony. She wants an override for her kids school and that's it
I will be supporting Diane Gilbert of April 7th. She is honest,smart, and has lots of courage! Diane is the perfect person for the SB this April. Diane knows the issues inside and out. We need her candid style for three more years!
VOTE DIANE GILBERT ON APRIL 7TH!
Interesting how Bill is removing negative postings about Diane Gilbert. Not very transparent Bill!
Also interesting how he is not removing negative postings about Lara Stone...not very transparent Bill.
I will definately be voting for Lara Stone. She has class and intelligence. She is not vindictive. The same cannot be said of Diane Gilbert. I am sorry to the Gilbert campaign but the postings about their candidate are not from "the Stone campaign" but are from regular citizens who have observed Diane Gilbert. Diane Gilbert reaps what she has sown for three years...negativity and destruction. Look at us Dartmouth...the laughing stock of the Southcoast, well we used to be the jewel of the Southcoast. Our property values have plummetted at a much greater extent than our neighboring communities, we are attacking each other daily, there is no sense of community and forget about our children or our elderly. Diane Gilbert has only lived in this Town since 1999 and has done quite a tune on our coummunity in ten years.
Too funny. Diane Gilbert is the cause of everything that has gone wrong in Dartmouth. Quite a feat. Blaming Diane for your property values too?
You must be one of those who see the glass half empty. I, on the other hand love this town and still believe it is the same jewel it has always been.
Glad to see that Curt Brown has clarified it was Diane Gilbert who contacted the ST through emails about Kevin Lee.
Curt brown has also verified that Gilbert did NOT send himan e-mail regarding the Kevin Lee situation. This is his post
11:37 AM - CurtBrown — The emails were sent to third parties.
No, but it was her emails with concerns to others that started it anyway. The trail still leads back to her. Were any of those emails to Kevin Lee? Maybe this all could have been avoided if one was to him.
It also proves it was NOT Kevin Lee who "went" to the newspaper, which many believe true.
Who forwarded the e-mail? That is the person to blame. So far, the only one in the clear is Diane Gilbert.
Wrong. The original email came from a concerned citizen. It was sent to Diane Gilbert.
Sorry I should have said wrong to the person who wrote that it started with Diane Gilbert.
Unless you are the concerned citizen I am not sure why you think that. Curt brown says he contacted her becuse of the emails she sent to others. She had knowledge and/or comcerns.
Huh?
Who's on first.
What's on second.
I don't know is on third.
Diane Gilbert sent someone an email. You can't or won't tell what it said or who received and then disclosed it. That person brought it to the newspaper. How is Diane Gilbert at fault there?
Diane did the right thing. She was concerned. Period.
The Kevin Lee story was based on Diane Gilbert emails. Her motives are to be questioned. Period.
Diane Gilbert wanted to destroy Kevin Lee as he was a vocal supporter for MIchael Gagne. Point blank end of story. There is no doubt that the Standard Times was notified at some point due to her actions. Then she goes to the paper with some crazy, made up story about a collusion, (it's really kind of funny and pathetic) because John George said "No I will not let you put a sign on my property." Boy did that infuriate her. And in the true Diane Gilbert way, she was going to "take care' of Mr. George for his slight. Run right to the paper with some nasty made up story. Boy did that back-fire against her, I am sure she is wishing she had shut her mouth. This women is out of control...please someone help her.
Again the Stone campaign revolves soley around the negative personal attacks against Gilbert. The voters can easily see it and Gilbert will prevail.
Miller, George, Michaud = Stone!!!!
I want to first say I don't support either campaign.
I think one thing we can ALL agree on is we don't approve of the "contracts". The thing we are divided on is the willingnes to forgive and forget. Half of are not willing to do that. The others feel it was wrong, but were not happy with the treatment of these long time employees, and were willing to give them a second chance, without the clause.
We all base our votes on different things and some of us believe behavior counts. I do. I do like that Diane speaks out and voices her opinion. She did a good job fighting for the contracts to be gone. I just don't feel like that is enough for me. I also feel though out spoken she has handled some situations very badly and I expect better from a leader of our town.
The big question about Lara is the "override". I have 3 kids in the school system. Although I think its great she's got the kids in mind, I don't feel as though she has separted herself enough for me to not wonder if that's all she fighting for. I do agree that Lara went a little negative when asked about any platform misconception. I was hoping she would say something about the override but instead she took a shot at Diane, for the Miller/George accusation.
We need to start looking at what we agree on and build from there. Stop attacking each other for pointing out what they feel is important to them in a leader of Dartmouth.
I had the feeling of deja vu at the Rotary Club Candidates' Night. Listening to and watching Ms. Stone's dramatics on how we have already cut to the bare bones and heaven forbid, what Dartmouth will look like if we cut more, reminded me of Kathleen Horan McLean's emphatic entreaties, body posturing and all, to the audience/public on passing an override or we will fall into the ocean.
I'm for Lara Stone. I'm not going to say anything bad about Lara's opponent, only good things about Lara. I watched the candidate night on TV. Lara gave direct answers to the questions and demonstrated she gave handle the job.
Anon 10:19 - yo must have missed when Mrs Stone answered the question on overrides. She did in fact answer it earlier in the evening. When asked about what mis-representation she would like to correct she properly addressed the 600# gorilla in the room, the false accusation about MillerGeorge/Gagne. Watch the tape if you missed it ;)
I must have thank you I will check for another replay.
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