It was a busy week in the paper for endorsements in the Dartmouth Select Board races. Today the Standard Times endorsed Diane Gilbert and Mike Watson for the two seats in contest.
The Town Meeting moderator, Mr. Sharek, endorsed Lara Stone in this letter
The chair of the Finance Committee, Mr. Friedman, endorsed Diane Gilbert in this letter.
We are fortunate to have 5 outstanding individuals who are willing to serve the town on the Select Board. It is a testament to our community and our democracy that people come forward in difficult times and ask their fellow citizens to allow them to serve. It makes the choice difficult and I think that all candidates have presented themselves well.
That said there are important policy differences among the candidates. I support Diane Gilbert in her bid for re-election and I lay out my reasons here. Ms. Gilbert has been part of the majority on the Select Board who has been working to put our fiscal house in order. For some time, Dartmouth's revenue and expenses have been out of whack. The solution to this problem is to bring our expenses to a sustainable level. Ms. Gilbert has been in support of that effort. Ms. Gilbert is a staunch supporter of historical and open space preservation, open government and a tireless researcher on issues before the town.
I was surprised when Ms. Stone declared her intention to run against Ms. Gilbert. They had worked together on school forums and don't seem to have many policy differences. Lara has endorsed regionalization, consolidation of town departments and contracting out services. All positions that she and Ms. Gilbert share. Ms. Stone has many more policy differences with Mr. Carney than Ms Gilbert but chose to run against Ms. Gilbert. There is one issue where the two disagree and that is overrides. Mr. Carney is a reliable vote for overrides, Ms. Gilbert is not. Ms. Stone has supported recent overrides and has said she felt that the $8.5 million dollar request in 2007 represented a good long term approach. I disagree and have written about why here
Mr. Carney, Mr. Gracie and Mr. Watson are running for the other seat. That seat is currently held by Bob Carney.
Mr. Gracie has been actively volunteering for years on committees working to solve the town budget crunch. He studied the town's budget in detail while on the Budget and Revenue Task Force, he studied the town's revenues while serving on the Tax Classification committee and he studied the town's departments when chairing the Privatization Study group. I believe Mr. Gracie has the experience and knowledge to contribute leadership on the Select Board on the first day. That is why ...
... he will get my vote. I think the Standard Times fundamentally misrepresented his position on the library in their endorsement letter. Frank has not said that library services should be contracted out. He and the committee suggested that there may be significant savings to be had by doing so and recommended issuing a Request For Proposal(RFP) in order to find out if that was true. Frank has addressed that in comments on this blog and I am sure will again if needed.
Mr. Carney has served the town on the Select Board for the past nine years and on other boards and committees for longer still. I thank and honor him for that service. Mr. Carney and I disagree on how to solve the town's fiscal woes. Mr. Carney does not support very many changes in the town government nor have I heard him suggest ways to put our house in order.
Mr. Watson is a newcomer to town politics, as I was a year ago. He is personable, enthusiastic and smart. I think he would be an asset on the Select Board in most circumstances. If he is not elected I hope he will run again.
As always, tell us your opinion in comments.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Standard Times, Sharek and Friedman on Select Board races
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165 comments:
Watson, Stone and Nunes. Bill indeed you seem to play the words to fit your position. You vote to remove a very experienced EA, under shaky procedure and town wide trauma. You admit, candidly, you were the newcomer last year, yet you use the newcomer label in deciding against Watson. Truly, if experience were the factor shouldn't Bob get the vote in this race? And certainly you will agree with me that Nunes easily is the experience candidate for SC. That leaves DG and Lara. Here you feel Lara should have run against Bob, except for the single issue. Would Lara's inexperience have put you in support of Bob who is obviously the most experienced? But you use the experience card to support your argument for DG against Lara. Here's what it comes to. SB incumbents are in a really bad spot. The bickering has been a community embarrassment and the missteps in handling key issues and campaign allegations a joke. Bill, I trust Watson and Stone will get up to speed quickly. I am confident that each of these very bright and educated individuals have completed and will continue to do their homework. I doubt experience in local government trumps intelligence, character and desire. As to Nunes, in my opinion John's service and continued performance merits him holding his seat. Greg, please run again. In my opinion you picked the wrong incumbent to run against. As to the SB, Bob I'm sorry you decided to run again. You've had some recent missteps. It is time for new energy and a clean slate. DG, as a SB member and current candidate I have character questions related to the baseless allegations and negative posturing. It is Watson, Stone and Nunes for me.
I too have problems with the baseless allegations and claims of lying put forth. I wont vote for someone I cant trust. If it was only one event then perhaps I could overlook it but too many examples have surfaced in the last few weeks to ignore any longer. Watson,Stone and Jones will lead us into the future.
I made no argument against Ms. Stone using experience as a criteria. I said that Ms. Gilbert is making the tough choices that are needed to get our budget reconciled. Ms. Stone feels that there is no place left to cut. I disagree.
Mr. Gagne was given plenty of notice that his contract would not be renewed and the Select Board listened politely to the communitie's concerns but reached a conclusion that you don't agree with. Change is troubling to some but I believe was needed.
I also believe that the Select Board majority including Ms. Gilbert have been restrained and polite throughout. The same cannot be said of those who are opposing the majority. I have heard lots about Ms. Gilbert's manner and supposed divisiveness but next to nothing about her policy choices. Even the supposed divisiveness is largely attributed to private email to others, not public display. Ms. Gilbert asks pointed questions and that is fine with me. If those questioned have the proper answers, then the issue is done. If they choose to make a public issue of being questioned, I don't see how Ms. Gilbert is at fault.
I did not comment on the School Committee race.
I will vote for Mr. Gracie because he already has a good understanding of the town's fiscal situation and structure. Mr. Watson has not even been a Town Meeting member. I don't have a lot of policy differences with Mr. Gracie or Mr. Watson. It is Mr. Gracie's knowledge that leads me to my choice there.
Stone, Watson and Nunes for me also.Dartmouth needs another new direction..
the private email was to the school dept not individuals."restrained and polite throughout."? calling the school business administrator a racist and suggesting bribery is "restrained and polite throughout."?Calling the IG's office to have someone who doesnt agree with you investigated "restrained and polite throughout."? wild baseless claims about another candidate is "restrained and polite throughout." lying in your campaign ads regarding your involvement in school busing is "restrained and polite throughout."? something you need to know is email lasts forever.Once you hit the send button you cant get it back.
Apparently you received these emails. They last forever, so post them here to prove your accusation. You don't have them and are misrepresenting what was sent. Put up or shut up.
Ask your local SC member. They were all given copies
Produce them! Show us what you got or fold.
For once in my life, I agree with the S-T editorial.
apparently Bill you dont watch the Select board meetings on reruns. I dont see what you are trying to explain in your writting. The broadcast shows it differently.
Read the chronicle on Wed.
Our recent Presidental Election proved that expeirence doesn't always mean everything. I can't understand how the people that are pushing expeirence are the very same people that support getting a new EA. That person will be new, and not as expeirenced as our last EA or even our acting EA on all things Dartmouth. America's problems are far from great and wonderful and we put our trust in a newcomer with much less expeirence than his opponent.
Now on to good old Dartmouth.
I have to agree with another poster about Jones I do feel we NEED him on the SC, but also feel Nunes is an asset as well. That one is going to be a close one!!! I also hope if Jones does not win he will run again because he is truly needed.
I cannot support Diane Gilbert I feel she really hasn't done too much in her time here and there has been too much negativity surrounding her. The contracts are not enough, and we are going to pay a new guy just about the same as our last.
My vote is still out on Lara Stone. I feel she is too much about the schools but do agree with her, we are at "bare bones".
I will be voting for Mike Watson. I feel his is open to new ideas, has a business dergree, and knows about the school aspect as well. New ideas for cost cutting and where we can better invest in the needs of the kids. He may not be retired, but he is young, energetic, and a hard worker. He too wants and open honest government, but he knows many of us don't have that trust in our leadership right now and wants to earn that back. I think he has proved he knows what he is talking about and even though he is not a town meeting member yet or on any committees, he has been doing his homework on what is going on in Dartmouth.
Unless the new EA is a Dartmouth resident and, hopefully, that won't be the case because he/she would probably have some preconceived thoughts on the status of our community, the new EA is expected to have had experience in managing other communities. That is to the best of my knowledge one of the qualifications the Search Committee is looking for.
Wouldn't you agree that that makes sense as a qualification for the position? I doubt that any members of the Search Committee would demand anything less for the leadership of our town.
I would also think that MRI will only select those applicants for the Search Committee's consideration that do.
You are twisting meanings and intent in your statement that the new EA will be "new," and I think you and others who state the same, know that. The individual will essentially be "new" to his/her interaction with employees, board/committee members, etc., but since most of us agree we are all in the same financial boat nationwide, let alone locally, isn't it quite possible that our financial problems are not that unalike as those in other locales?
It is not that he/she would necessarily be walking out of a well-oiled, financially healthy community where all was roses, into the thorns and underbrush of financially strapped, resident-divided, hostile Dartmouth.
An experienced individual in whatever field, profession, or office should not have to undergo that extensive a learning curve as would an individual wholly new to the the situation.
That's the "new" I refer to.
This is still too critical a financial time in our community to trust it to individuals with no direct experience in our government to sit on the Select Board, and who are just now sitting in on SB and FinCom meetings, taking notes and "doing their homework."
Where were Ms. Stone and Mr. Watson at all these meetings in the months/years prior to their decision to run for Select Board? Can any of the regular attendees or cable viewers attest to their regular attendance at any meetings, other than perhaps those that were directed toward specific issues?
I don't think it takes a brain surgeon to imagine Ms. Stone attended every meeting and gathering when they dealt with the override, considering she was a founder of the Dartmouth Parents Group and staunchly supported her 8 million+ override which she touted in the S-T as being a "well-crafted long-term solution" to our town's financial problems.
Excuse me? Has she been listening?
Although there no doubt were supporters of an override on the FinCom, Budget and Revenue Task Force, and SB, I don't believe anyone considered or even stated that an override was a "long-term solution" to our financial problems. If anyone did, please correct me if I'm wrong.
And the picture of Ms. Stone on the front page of the S-T shows her devastated and nearly in, if not in, tears at the news that her 8 million+ override failed.
Priceless.
Such a statement on Ms. Stone's part demonstrates a sheer fiscal irresponsibility and is indicative of what will come, should Ms. Stone be elected: Override.
Not immediately, but soon, within her three years' tenure on the Board. Anyone out there a gambler??
Mr. Watson and Ms. Stone have a common link, the schools. We know Ms. Stone wants more money for the schools. I wonder how long it will take for Mr. Watson, a history teacher in New Bedford, to board the override train as well.
To 1:00 p.m. I agree the argument about experience and knowledge is not being reasoned logically but has been manipulated to support one's position and twisted to try to discredit.
For a Select Board member to be knowledgable in the town's budget and interrelations of departments, one must have been involved for more than a couple of months and attend more than a few board meetings. Bill Trimble was involved for at least a year or more before he ran. There are documents and endless data to be researched, budgets to dissect, Mass General Laws, the Town Charter, DOR and DOE reports, board meetings across the town, forums, committee meetings. It requires countless hours and months of meetings and research to be up to speed. It also requires constant participation. Do not mistake the requirement of experience and knowledge to be the equivilant of having already served. Diane Gilbert has the experience and knowledge. Although Mr. Carney has the experience of serving, he is not knowledgable on financial issues. Mr. Gracie has experience working with various boards and committees. He has knowledge of the town's budgetary matters and has been involved for several years working to solve some of our fiscal problems. Mr. Watson does not and has not.
Voting for Greg Jones, why support another year of Nunes and his non transparent and accountable ways. He has had nineteen years and there have been many problems with the school budget the past ten. Good luck Greg! You can win!
Someone should challenge Steve Sharek for moderator spot! Anyone?
Thank you, 2:53! My sentiments, exactly, which I posted under "Town Website Policy Adopted," although it was not strictly a posting about Mr. Sharek, but, rather, one about Ms. Stone.
To Anonymous 1:00pm:
What makes you the expert on appropriate experience? You say Bob has experience, but is unwise. You claim Frank has some experience, and a better view of the finances. Has he attended the meetings during his run for office? I haven't seen him at Select Board meetings and I attend almost every one. I'm voting for Watson. He is a refreshing combination of energy, knowledge, and most importantly Judgement. He won't pander to the Gilberts/ or the Stone's. That Board needs independant minds. I'm voting Watson.
Anonymous 4:08, I think you are confusing me with another poster. I did not mention Bob Carney or Frank Gracie in my post.
To 3:15PM, In our town, the moderator appoints the Finance Committee. The moderator is independently elected. Do you want the Select Board to do that, too, because you or your buddies didn't get appointed by the moderator? Gee, the Select Board could propose the town budget and then appoint the very people who will be reviewing and making recommendations to town meeting. That sounds like a really swell, well-thought-out idea. Classic! Why don't you and Saul propose it at the next town meeting?
315PM, I just read your comments under "Town Website Policy Adopted." You feign surprise that the Town Moderator would want to "hand pick" members of the FinCom. Last I knew, that is his job. As for the so-called "highly qualified" person who was turned down for an appointment, I bet he's the same hot head who asked for his resume back. Of course, that's just a guess.
To the above two posters: I have no clue where you get the idea that I am inferring that the SB "elect" or appoint the moderator, appoint the FinCom, or whatever else you would like to attribute to my post.
Maybe you could clue me in where in my post you get that message?
I have not ever even considered being on the FinCom, nor am I disappointed or disgruntled that anyone in particular got on it or didn't get on it. It was merely a comment I made.
I also posed the question: how would he choose an applicant if one whom he's encouraged to apply for a seat on FinCom applied at the same time another person more qualified than his "solicited" (meaning, "asked/encouraged") choice applied as well. That's my meaning behind "hand-picked." (I think I used the word "hand-select.")
Whatever Saul wants to bring up in front of the TM is totally up to him. I have never talked to him, and I really doubt he would know me. Besides, I don't think he would like my opinions, anyway.
So think, twist, and spin it any way you want.
Thanks for the clarification, 5:24PM. I also read your other posting. I wasn't sure what you were aiming at either. I understand their confusion.
Let me get this straight, 5:24. The moderator gets, say, three applications for the FinCom. Are you saying you want him to pick from only those three even if he knows he can find someone better? Good God, are you serious?
Mr Sharek gave an excellent explanation of how he chooses a candidate on Curt Brown's blog. I would also like to point out we have an excellent FInCom, which is the most important indication of Mr Sharek's priorities.
I find the attempt to link Saul to someone's fiscally conservative opinion to be hilarious. Nice slight of hand trick. Don't you mean "we don't want him, you can have him"?
Who is this 5:24 character anyway? Don't they know you don't "run" for the FinCom? You get appointed.
Yeah, pretty naive.
I think the problem people are having with the moderator's Fincom appointments is that it appears he favors those from the Coalition for Dartmouth. I don't think people have a problem with some members being from that group but they should be balanced with those who are more representative of other viewpoints. If true, telling someone that they must disassociate themselves from a group like CFRG while appointing key members from the Coalition is troubling. In order to have better government it is neccesary to be all inclusive. That is, unless you want the majority of people to feel disenfranchised. Not having proper representation doesn't help win the hearts and minds of people. Remember what taxation without representation did for England back in the 18th century? I am not comparing the two but simply making a point.
Friedman and Michaud are two very active people within the town's Republican party.
We all have different opinions and that's a good thing! Cast your vote on April 7th! I will be voting for Diane Gilbert, Mike Watson and John Nunes. I have listened to all the candidates and feel good about my choices. Good Luck to ALL!
With respect to 8:00 I do not think 7:46 was referring to political parties.
I am not a memeber of CFRG but have heard CFRG members who are very qualified have been turned away from FinCom by the Town Moderator. The CFD member on the FinCom is Ms. Jenkins. She is a bright articulate young lady, but her expertise is in political science.
A disturbing thing I heard from a source involved in the most recent FinCom selection was it was based on gender and not qualifications.
This whole thing with cfrg and the finance commitee kills me...barry walker has no credentials whatsoever to be on the finance commitee but because Steve sharek recognized the obvious he's gotta go...you people are on a trip!
Anon 8:22. Steve Sharek makes the decision so I assume you got your info on gender bias from him and this isn't more misinformation or innuendo?
Mr. Walker is a successful businessman who has proven beyond a doubt that he is one of the top nine best people in this town who is both capable and willing to serve on Fincom. Unfortunately, there is a stigma involved with anybody who includes working with their hands as part of their business plan. Some people crack me up. If it suits them, a person is unqualified in one post but then is described as a millionaire in the next post.
We elected Steve Sherek as town moderator and he is in charge of appointments to the Fincom, case closed,if you do not like his decisions then run against him in election. I don't favor all of Mr Shareks decisions,but there is no way he will make everyone happy. Maybe the reason no one will run against him is because they know they wouldn't stand a chance,I can't remember the last time we voted for anonynous.
I will support any smarty, rational person besides the moderator. he also doesn't control Town meeting well enough. The 2-3 minute speaking rule holds for the young but not the old townies or Bob Michaud.
Sharek has turned down moderate men, with MBA and others with business affiliations. Not talkin about B Walker. He has needed to increase the women on the board, he has been vocal about this reason for balance. So don't take this personally, he has turned down others. Reapply or seek his job. He isn't that powerful, he likes control though.
No, I wouldn't say it's "because they wouldn't stand a chance" of winning against him.
Do you know what I would say it is? It's APATHY.
How many people until the last three years, anyway, really (and honestly) put any quality effort into analyzing the town offices and positions and the individuals currently holding them, beyond griping about them, let alone making the decision to make some changes and challenging them for their position in the election?
Plus, many people in the past simply voted for whatever name was there, and probably didn't even give a second thought to all the incumbents running unopposed.
Now, thankfully, all that is starting to change. Far more Dartmouth residents are aware of how our town is and has been governed and are far more involved, in greater numbers. Many are are getting involved because they don't like what they see.
At some point, as more people wake up and look around them, these unopposed positions will be challenged and we will have a real election for them. This is by no means a criticism of Mr. Sharek, but a true election involves at least two people opposing each other. Mr. Sharek and others unopposed "win" by default.
Hopefully, when Mr. Sharek's term is up, he and others with no opposition will face challengers and the voters will have their say as to the best man or woman for the job.
And, if you'd like to see this change now, why not write in a candidate name under Mr. Sharek's? Granted, the candidate may not win this time, but it's a step in the right direction and you just might feel better, because YOU have made and expressed a choice.
And while you're at it, write in a name under any other unopposed position.
I'm taking my own advice.
And start preparing your own campaign for a position in our town government for the next election in 2010.
Again, nothing negative about Mr. Sharek or his performance as moderator is intended in this posting. It is merely my observation.
Good idea.
One thing I have noticed is that almost everything that Diane Gilbert is involved in becomes a huge drama. Why is that?
Maybe because she is challenging the status quo and rocking the boat.
It's just "Diane being Diane".
"Manny Being Manny" was fun for a few years. Then it got awfully bad awfully quick.
Red Sox fans got worn out. Dartmouth residents are worn out.
I agree with you, 6:20pm. I really enjoyed watching Manny at the plate and he made me happy as a Sox fan many times but I was happiest when he finally got traded out west and left town. It was time.
Time to shake up the status quo with Jones, Watson, and Stone.
I thought I had hear it all. Then I read the letter from that woman suggesting that Lara Stone shouldn't be running or be elected because she has children. Sexist and despicable! This goes too far.
Yep, anon 8:01 that's a Gilbert supporter. Thinks a mother can't be a select person. Ya know I have heard Diane say she thinks Lara is better suited to be a School Committee person. Both very sexist comments aimed at trying to discredit Lara's abilities. Why can't they just stick to the issues?
I'm voting for Gilbert. What you see is what you get. The more I see her in action, the more I respect and admire her. She is someone who understands and embraces the entire diverse community.
Diane Gilbert is a liberated woman. Just because one of her supporters thinks women belong at home with small children, don't blame Diane. I don't blame Lara Stone when signs are run over and tossed in the bushes.
I'm voting for Diane because I know she's honest and independent! She works for ALL of Dartmouth!
Nobody does her homework like Diane Gilbert.
Why did the standard times refuse to run a letter from the SC regarding Diane's involvment with the busing?
You call telling Lara that she is "better suited to run for School Committee" being a liberated woman? I think you need to check your definition of "liberated". And yes Diane Gilbert said those things about Lara in public and in print.
If the letter you are speaking about is the same one in today’s Dartmouth Chronicle I would say the ST did not print it because Ms. Gilbert would be unable to respond and the source is certainly not supportive of Ms. Gilbert's candidacy.
You may be speaking about a completely different letter from the SC, but I do not think so.
Lara Stone is better suited to run for SC and not because she is a women. She and Liz Olympian along with Ricki Piva organized the Dartmouth Parents Group which if I remember correctly is composed of 5separate Dartmouth PTO organizations. I am sure there were others, but these three were in the for front. This is one hell of a achievement. Try to find other communities where something like this was accomplished. Lara Stones knowledge of school issues, contacts within the school department and a incredible network among parents with school age children makes Lara Stone a perfect fit for SC.
Read the letter from Shawn McDonald in the Chronicle and it is hardly a damning indictment. Diane asked a question about what appeared to be bid splitting which is not allowed. The school department had an answer and that appears to be where it stopped. What's the problem? I'm glad we have someone watching these things.
Interesting anon 9:12am, those achievements you speak of for Lara Stone are exactly why I think she would make an excellent Select Board candidate.
Why wouldn't Dartmouth want a voice on the Select Board that knows how to reach out and effectively communicate to more than 1/3 of the population in the community? Why wouldn't Dartmouth want a voice on the Select Board that can communicate effectively with the School Department? Why wouldn't Dartmouth want a voice on the Select Board that has a good working knowledge of issues facing all residents like public safety, fiscal responsibility, contract and personnel management, etc. in addition to school issues?
Lara Stone is the candidate that possess a unique combination of skills that I find perfect for the Select Board which is why I will be voting for her on Tuesday.
The problem is if you look at the campaign ad last week regarding the busing she takes the lions share of the credit when its not deserved or earned. dishonest
10:28 Lara Stones expertise lies with the schools and that is very clear and is documented in ST and Dartmouth Chronicle archives. Yes she is a good person with a sharp mind, but for the SB we need someone who communicates with the entire town and not just 1/3 representing parents with school age children. The SB has tried to communicate effectively with the School Department. What the SC needs is new strong members like Lara Stone who will communicate back with knowledge and expertise. Also Dartmouth dose want a voice on the Select Board that has knowledge of issues facing all residents, but is should not be a good working knowledge of these issues as you say Lara Stone brings to the table, but an expertise which Diane Gilbert brings.
Can I remind people that there are 2 people runnng for the school committee this year, neither are named Lara Stone.
I disagree. I think she would make THE perfect addition to the select board. There would finally be someone on slocum road that understands how schools work. There would finally be some co-operation between the boards. Think about it. All the boards in town working together to bring Dartmouth into the 21st century. With Lara Stone this is a definite possibility. Without her-more of the same. entertaining to watch but in the long run useless.
The letter in the Chronicle had to be toned down as it is their policy not to run any letters critical of a candidate one week prior to the election.
There were many sentences redacted from the original letter that the ST/Chronicle refused to run.
Here is the original letter -
In a recent political ad sponsored by the Committee to Re-Elect Diane Gilbert that appeared in the Chronicle on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, the following statement was made. “Challenged the high cost of school bus transportation and demanded transparency in the Chapter 30B RFP process as well as details of bus transportation costs; improvements were instituted yet more transparency is necessary.”
As Chairman of the School Committee, I reviewed my notes, minutes and e-mails of the past few years and not once did I come across any suggestions of improvements made by Ms. Gilbert regarding any busing contract. In fact, the only mention of any busing contract by Ms. Gilbert was in the form of an e-mail criticizing the manner in which the co-curricular busing contract is presently being handled, a “heads-up” to Dr. Russell stating that the Finance Committee and Select Board had agreed to send a formal request from Ed Iacaponi asking for detailed information including a financial analysis of bus transportation budget and expenses for FY09 and a request in 2007 for information on the transportation contract for Special Education. To date, no other correspondence from Ms. Gilbert has been received.
There are three busing contracts that fall under the supervision of the School Department; Regular K-12, Special Education and Co-Curricular/Extra Curricular Activities. Two contracts are considered a “Town Expense” and not considered a part of Minimum Net School Spending, while the Co-Curricular/Extra Curricular Activities is a school expense.
The Regular K–12 Transportation Contract is currently in its second year and is costing the Town the same as it did the previous year. This contract bidding is required to follow Mass. General Law 30B, Uniform Procurement Act. When this contract was first up for consideration and prior to requesting proposal, at a meeting of the School Committee in 2007, Judi Boles made the suggestion that the previous requirements of new busses be used at the start of the contract be dropped in favor of those aged less than five years and to eliminate the clause that required having a prior contract experience with a minimum of twenty-five busses in service. Ms. Boles stated that by removing the new bus requirement the proposal may open up the bid to more vendors who may not be able to make a substantial capital purchase. The committee agreed and the results of the bids received allowed Amaral Bus Company to be awarded this contract at a savings. Ms. Gilbert made no suggestion in this matter nor did she provide any input for this contract being placed out to bid or after it was awarded.
The Special Education Transportation Contract is not required to follow MGL 30B and is in its second year of a three year contract with Tremblay’s. However, the School Department tries to keep the cost of the contract down by using its own specialized vans in transporting students to and from their destinations.
At the same time the previous contracts were bid out, the Co-Curricular/Extra Curricular Activities were bid out, also. However, that contract, which was awarded for the school year 2007-2008, was not renewed for the current school year. In June of 2008, Mr. Cordeiro, the School Business Administrator brought to the School Committee a proposal to replace the contract with smaller contracts for specific purposes, such as fall sports, band trips, field trips, etc. The reason for doing this was to increase the competitive bidding and possibly save the School Department some money. Mr. Cordeiro was asked if the manner in which he wanted to bid out the contract was legal and he replied that he had contacted the Office of the Inspector General and that their legal department reviewed the process and agreed that he could bid out the contract in the manner he proposed without running afoul of the Uniform Procurement Act. In December, a preliminary report was made to the School Committee on the results of the contract process to date and the committee voted to continue the manner in which the contract was being handled for the remainder of the school year. (Note: Although not complete, the manner in which this contract has been bid out on has saved the Town a significant amount of money. A complete report will be made the School Committee some time in the summer.)
In late-August, Dr. Russell received an e-mail from Ms. Gilbert questioning the manner in which this contract was now being handled and leveled accusations of discrimination, favoritism and lack of professionalism on the part of Mr. Cordeiro. Ms. Gilbert closed the e-mail with this statement; “Otherwise, please renew his (previous company’s) contract.”
Following that e-mail the Office of the Inspector General contacted the School Department and informed them that they had received an anonymous phone call about the contract and the manner in which it was being handled. Once again, the IG’s Office agreed and approved of the manner in which the contract was being handled.
In closing, credit goes to Ms. Boles for her input, Mr. Cordeiro for his thinking outside of the box and the School Department Personnel for implementing the machinations of the contracts. For the record, Ms. Gilbert has never provided any input into any of the busing contracts nor has she ever made any suggestions for improvements. In response to her charge of making these contracts “more transparent”, let me make this perfectly clear: these contracts, if they apply, follow the Uniform Procurement Act (30B) to the letter, have been reviewed by the Office of the Inspector General and have passed their scrutiny with flying colors. These contracts are public record and available to anyone who wishes to view them. Copies of these contracts are on file with the Director of Budget & Finance, the Office of the Town Accountant and available at Bush Street. These contracts are transparent and always have been transparent and if it possible to get any more transparent, they would be written on glass.
I smell the truth at long last
Diane, is this true?
Shawnald MacDonald lashes out so extremely at anyone who questions anything about the school department that it makes me suspicious of him. Anyone who reads the law against "bid-splitting" would have questions about the legality of what transpired with the extra-curricular bussing contract. Shawnald's message is clear. Do NOT make inquiries about the way the school department does business or he will go on the attack with a viscious vengence. Maybe it is time to give the school department some serious scrutiny.
Oh when the truth comes out about Diane's bad behavior and false accusations it's always lashing out, amazing!
I would like to respond to all the readers of Bill and Curt's blogs who state they are “offended” by what they claim are “sexist” and “discriminatory” posts referring to Lara Stone as a mother who is seeking a seat on the Select Board. These readers are interpreting these posts (intentionally or unintentionally, I wonder?) as meaning that Ms. Stone should remain at home, raise her children, and not seek outside community involvement simply because she is a mother. The reader(s) then respond to the original posters by claiming they are “despicable” for their comments.
Without going way back throughout the posts, I have yet to read any such inference in these posts. I read these posters' comments as a concern that, with her extensive activities which include board and committee memberships and participation, community service, and volunteer work, along with running a household, being a partner with her husband in their own business, and being a mother of three sons, Ms. Stone seems to have her days quite actively full. I read that these posters may wonder just when she will have enough quality time to devote quality effort to the issues and concerns of the entire Dartmouth community. The important words here are “quality” and “entire.”
But that is a legitimate question to ask, a reasonable inference to make, and a legitimate concern for all of us to think about as we cast our votes for Board members on April 7th.
I read nothing derogatory in nature, nor sexist, discriminatory, or any other word or perception in these postings, merely a genuine concern along with the opinion of the poster.
I think most people have long ago shed the image of June Clever as the “ideal” woman: a stay-at-home mom vacuuming in her high heels and wearing an apron (or was that the mom in “Father Knows Best,” baking cookies?)
I also wonder why readers are so outraged that posters should suggest Ms. Stone is better suited for the School Committee? With her extensive involvement in all things school, why is that such a far-fetched assumption or comment to make?
And with the time and effort she devoted to try to pass her $8.5 million dollar override for the schools, she has clearly signaled her interest for the the schools and her willingness and deep commitment to work for their funding.
And, on another note: you don't necessarily have to declare yourself a “Gilbert supporter” to be a “Stone non-supporter.” You may decide to choose the individual whom you believe will best serve the town overall, and not base your vote solely on one issue or philosophy held by a candidate. So I find it ludicrous how comments not favorable to Ms. Stone must obviously have been made by those “Gilbert supporters.”
Why is it still further appearing that some readers purposely want to stir the pot and encourage further divisiveness with intended misinterpretations of postings, reactions of “shock” to perfectly legitimate questions, opinions, and concerns, and finger-pointing at those who do not agree with them in their choice of Select Board candidate?
Nice post. You must be from out of town.
Why?
Nope, sorry to disagree with that well-written (but very windy) posting. The woman who wrote to the newspaper clearly intended to tear down Lara Stone because she had children. She openly questioned how smeone in Lara's circumstances could handle the job. It was despicable.
I think I must have missed that letter, then. Will have to recheck my papers before the recycle truck comes by.
Mr.Trimble
Help ! I realize this is off topic however I hope you read it and can assist.
Is it possible to find out how long the project on Tucker Rd is scheduled for? The residents (me included) on numerous occasions are denied access to their driveways and have even been told (by the contractors working, not the police, the police are at either end of the construction, not in the middle where the digging is) that we can't enter or exit our driveways until the construction work has passed our homes. I personally was told to drive up Russells Mills, follow the detours, then return via Tucker Rd only to be told I cant enter my driveway and I should "go out for a few hours". This is wrong. My stonewall has been damaged from the vibrations.
Bill help us residents !
The latest news on this project that the neighbors have heard:
3-4 more weeks of digging and the roadway will be re-paved next YEAR ! What? Drive that road and you tell me if waiting a year makes sense. Who will pay for the damages to the vehicles due the the larges holes for over a year? Bill many of us are very angry and need some leadership. We receive no communications from the town about this project, its timeline or suggestions for the residents. Who do we go to for concerns or questions? Can someone update us as to the phases of this project and its timelines?. The neighbors will be watching this blog for some answers. Any help is appreciated.
To my friend on Gulf Rd: I hear you ! Us on Tucker Rd hear and soon hopefully someone in town hall will hear from all of us when we stop paying the property taxes. The real sad part in this Tucker Rd project is that the people who have sewer already are the ones being mistreated, and ignored and those will be benefiting from the project could careless. I have called town hall 5 times already and been told by the BOS office someone will get back to me...Im still waiting.
Not to take away from the concerns of the Tucker Road residents but a similar situation exists on Gulf Road. Dirt, holes cars sitting at the red light with stereos blaring all hours of the night. How long?
I read today's Chronicle and was very impressed with the depth of knowledge about government and detail about the issues displayed by many of the candidates, but Ms. Stone in particular. In case you didn't catch it, she AGAIN said she is AGAINST a Proposition 2 1/2 override and is in FAVOR of hiring a new Executive Administrator to "...put to rest a period of uncertanty and upheaval in our town's history..." She described in detail the "open, public process" she would like to see. I know that won't end the speculation on these topics, but at least it's now there, in black and white, for everyone to see.
6:15, I also read the letter, I think in the Standard-Times. The author was a woman but I'm sorry to say I can't remember the name and already threw out (oops, recycled!) the newspaper.
All candidates also favor a split tax.
I attended the library last night and I think Diane Gilbert did a great job! She really does her homework on all the issues. I hope all the voters in Dartmouth get out on April 7th and vote!
Diane Gilbert for Select Board!
The fact that Ms. Stone now opposes an override does not convince me that she would not be a strong override supporter. Let’s face it; nobody in town was a bigger proponent of the last override. Has she truly changed her core beliefs or is she taking the position that will position her best in the election? I think that Ms. Stone is a fine person with honorable motives. However, I do not believe that she will be a forceful advocate for efficiencies like Ms. Gilbert.
I too attended the Library Debate last night and could not believe how rude and disrespectful Diane Gilbert was to all the other candidates.
Her eye rolling and head shaking at Mr. Gracie for his support of the split tax was inappropriate and her behavior was just as bad when Michael Watson expressed his concern for Kevin Lee.
Then when Lara Stone was answering a question Diane spoke over her and said "she is wrong." When Lara stopped speaking Diane then mouthed the words to the audience "well she is."
Diane Gilbert showed an extreme lack of self control and disrespect for all the candidates that were participating last night and for all of us who had come to listen.
The most interesting thing about the library event last night was that it seemed to have lots of stome supporters there but at the end of the night the applause for Diane Gilbert was overwhelming. Diane really won them over. She explained the whole Gagne, Lee, contracts, taxes, override, and quality of life issues far better than any other candidate. She should win handily.
4:49 and others - Do you actually think that Lara Stone won't replace herself on the various volunteer committees she is currently active with once she's elected to the SB?
And the override wasn't "her" override (as it belonged to approx. 5,000 voters willing to share the load) anymore than the PAYT/Fees belong to Barry and the cfrg folks (as another 5,000 made that "their" approach preferring individuals carry the load).
Will someone please explain to Barry/cfrg that people generally resist voting to increase their taxes - Lara Stone's opponent took the "easy" stance in 2007. I think it's really gone to their heads, as if they pulled off some kind of insurmountable feat, and now consider themselves the authority on just about everything Dartmouth.
The truth is Lara Stone's opponent has credibility issues as does Barry/cfrg. I don't say this to be "nasty". It's just the plain truth.
Barry, in voicing his support of debt exclusion, is learning it's not easy to gain support to raise one's taxes. That's bound to be a difficult yet worthwhile effort to undertake.
The PAYT/Fees were voted into effect making the override as proposed no longer viable. Those insisting otherwise know that no candidate is in support of an override, including Lara Stone. I do hope Barry/cfrg can overcome some divisive rhetoric, and since they're in it for the long haul join forces with many of those they've to date seemed compelled to misrepresent.
All right ladies and gentlemen, step right up to two of America's greatest vices; politics and handicapping. In these blogs it seems the readers and writers have their minds made up. Lets run an early poll. Number of voters: the house bets 6400. DG v Lara: DG 2350 Lara 4050. Carney/Gracie/Watson Carney 1400, Gracie 1600, Watson 3000. Nunes v Jones: John 3400 Greg 3000.
To 8:17pm, I think it is unfortunate that you would waste your energy on such an elgantly written yet divisive post. It is nothing more than a veiled negative attack on Barry W and the CFRG. Sooner or later you will learn that this type of negative politics in Dartmouth doesn't work.
swap the jones v. nunes, and you've got a nice lineup!
number of voters--6,800
Gilbert---4200
Stone-----2600
Gracie----2800
Watson----2400
Carney----1600
Nunes----3401
Jones----3399
9:30 - a broken record
7:20, the question, as I understood it, was not about Kevin Lee, but about the appropriate or inappropriate use of a town website.
For Michael Watson to make his pitch for Kevin Lee's job, which is what is being done by Mr. Lee on the Youth Advocate's town website, was not an answer to the question. Mr. Watson spent a good amount of his alloted time in lecturing his audience about the importance of retaining the youth advocate's position and Mr. Lee in it.
He sounded like Kathleen Horan McLean using her SB seat and the TV cameras to pitch the override to the public, with the exception that he is not yet on the Board.
7:20 - After the ST's backhanded endorsement, it's no wonder DG hasn't curtailed her "caustic, base, and irresponsible" ways. Just hope we get to soon watch it from the sidelines.
9:51 - it's already been established it was the Youth Commission Board's directive for advocacy on it's website, not Kevin Lee. As for the remainder of your post, as Bill would say - just a lot of bunk!
To 8:17pm, I think it is unfortunate that you would waste your energy on such an elgantly written yet divisive post. It is nothing more than a veiled negative attack on Barry W and the CFRG. Sooner or later you will learn that this type of negative politics in Dartmouth doesn't work.
The broken record will continue to play until people realize that negative attacks don't work around here, no matter how well written they are.
10:31, I stand corrected, if that is the case.
However, I do think that could have been handled in a manner other than use of the town website.
10:48 - Please quit trying to hide behind your "negative attack" accusations. It's like dealing with an addict in denial. The sooner some face "unveiled" legitimate criticisms, the sooner people will be able to work together and get things done. Otherwise, your just wasting everyone's time.
I hope there's potential to work with BW to gain debt exclusion support.
Mister Watson made a pitch for the kids served by Mr. Lee. Mr. Lee is universally loved and respected by those that know him.
Lara Stone touts her “soft skills”. Taxpayers beware. Pickpockets also tout their soft skills. Ladies, keep your pocketbooks close. Gentlemen, keep one hand on your wallets. Override looming!
Mr. Watson veered off track. The question was not directed at Mr. Lee OR the kids.
Our "potential leadership" needs to focus.
Gilbert, Watson, Jones!
I was there. It was an inflammatory question that stated outright that Mr. Lee was exploiting children and what were they going to do about it.
I could be wrong but as a counselor of young minds, it would seem soliciting vulnerable children to advocate for one's job would be considered exploitation. I cannot imagine any professional doing such a thing or any organization allowing it.
I am weary about voting for any candidate who believes Dartmouth has been cut to bare bones, eveyday business and companies have to cut back in these times and operate more efficiently to still make a profit.I applaud the job our town employees do, but listening to the different department heads it sounds like consolidation, restructuring and possible job cuts may still be an option while some services have to be considered against the overall amount of use and cost by the taxpayers.
Any counselor or mental health worker in private industry who asked their clients to advocate on their behalf for their job would be shown the door immediately. It is inappropriate and against professional ethics. Clients should be assured that they will be fine and Kevin Lee should be working to put them in touch with alternative providers. That's the right thing to do. It's about the clients, not the counselor. Lee and the YC are not acting in the best interest of those they serve.
to 11:30pm, If the CFRG is the one with credibility problems, how come they still exist under the same name. The Coalition for Dartmouth, on the other hand, has disbanded and reorganized under a different name with the same people. Why would they have to do that? Credibility problems!
What on earth are you talking about?
I believe the new name is Dartmouth CAN. Not sure what it stands for.
To my Tucker Rd. neighbors - Things definitely are a mess out front, especially when it rains. I am glad the snow seems to be long gone. I can't imagine anyone trying to plow over these ruts and holes.
If our road project goes anything like the first phases of the Tucker Rd work, and this should apply to Gulf Rd also, after all the digging is done and the holes are filled in, essentially when the laying of the pipe part is done, the town should be putting down some asphalt so we don't have to deal with the dirt.
Then they wait a year for everything to settle before putting down the finish coat of asphalt. This is the way I remember the previous actions as well as what David Hickox has mentioned in the past. This is their standard procedure, otherwise the finish coat gets ruined with the settling and they have to waste money to redo it.
Thank you Frank G - and good luck on Tuesday!
Gilbert is going to get trounced in this election. I don't think I've ever heard of anyone in Dartmouth who is so universally disliked as she is.
Negative emotions can be a powerful force in politics. Without question, there are scads of negative emotions directed at Diane Gilbert.
On the other hand, you never hear a bad word about Lara Stone. She seems to be a nice lady who treats people with respect. She's going to win easily.
The last post says a lot about the people these two candidates have surrounded themselves with. Lots of negative things said about Gilbert by stone supporters. Gilbert supporters have conducted themselves with a lot more class.
I think that Anon 2:54 needs to talk to a few people outside of her little group. No doubt that her friends think as she does; but one neighborhood does not an election make.
"Seems to be a nice lady"?? Do you know her personally to attest to that?
Plus. being "nice" does not a leader make.
The last person called "nice" is no longer in the town's employ.
Watson also gets my vote. He clearly undersands the issues of the town. He seems very intelligent and wants to listen to the citizens and make decisions based on their needs. Thats the kind of new leadership that will lead the town in the right direction. Experience does not always work. Think about George Bush would you vote for him again?
So I would ask Mike Watson, Every time any special group gets 100 people to go to a meeting, and it happens often, does he then consider that to be a mandate from the entire community? If so, be afraid, be very afraid.
To 5:43: If Bush were running agains Obama, I would absolutely vote for him. I thought Bush was a big spender!
People in support of either Diane Gilbert or Lara Stone should look outside of their groups before thinking which candidate will win this election, I believe that they would both make fine SB members, but Ms Gilbert already has the job and I have neither read or heard any rational reason to not reelect her. Statements by people who say Ms Gilbert is mean and disliked or Ms Stone is for overrides and for only schools do not know or represent anywhere near the 7000 likely voters of Dartmouth most who do not read these blogs.Good luck to both and vote on April 7th
I'll take a shot at the numbers: 7200 voters
Watson... 3800
Gracie.... 2000
Carney... 1400
Then:
Stone...4000
Gilbert..3200
Finally,
Nunes...3750
Jones...3450
Please Welcome Lara Stone and Mike Watson to SB!
Has anyone heard any news about Mr. McDonald's recent surgery and if he is doing well?
Since Mr Mcdonald has been attempting to stir up divisiveness with his attacks against one candidate and the schools now have a public relations problem with the grant, let's play the sympathy card for Shawnald.
He was NOT attempting to stir up divisiveness with his attacks against one candidate. He was CORRECTING one candidates misleading claims in a campaign ad.
He's home and doing well according to an email received on Tuesday
Gilbert, Gracie, and Greg.
Gilbert, Watson, Nunes
The 3 G's! I like that.
Gilbert Gracie Greg
Watson, Stone & Nunes,
If the blogs indicate the voting public, it looks like the balloting will be a horserace. But down the stretch I like Nunes by a nose, Stone by a couple lengths, and pulling away down the backstretch, Watson.
Yes!
The 3 G's!
To anon 6:08 - I don't get it - new blood in the selectmans race but the same old same old for the school committee. Can't figure that one out.
3 G's for me.
On Feb. 4, it was reported in The Standard-Times that Ed Iacaponi had been offered the position of interim executive administrator by Select Board Chairman Joe Michaud and Select Board member Diane Gilbert. The decision to offer Mr. Iacaponi the position had never been discussed or voted upon by the entire Select Board at that time.
Besides what I feel is a clear violation of the state’s Open Meeting Law, what I found to be the most appalling is that Gilbert publicly reprimanded Michaud for making this information public by calling the Standard Times.
She conveniently forgot to mention publicly that she also participated in this meeting to offer the interim position to Mr. Iacaponi.
It is interesting that she is currently running for re-election to the Select Board on a transparent and open government platform, yet she remains publicly silent regarding what I feel is a violation. An elected official, especially one who is running on a transparent and open government platform, she cannot pick and choose when to publicly expose an issue regarding transparency.
But no one should be surprised by Gilbert’s actions. They are not unprecedented.
Back in early 2008 during the much debated issue regarding a split tax rate -- an issue vehemently opposed by Diane Gilbert -- she wrote a letter to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue without first notifying her fellow Select Board members. In her complaint, she criticized the Select Board’s behavior and the manner in which they handled the debate by allowing the public to have a voice in the decision.
Think about this for a moment, we the taxpaying citizens according to Gilbert should not have been allowed to have our opinion heard in a public forum on how we should be taxed. There is something inherently wrong with this philosophy and tactic.
What this illustrates is Gilbert’s propensity to pick and choose when transparency is appropriate. Transparency must always be appropriate whether it works for you or against you.
Gilbert has had a lot to say regarding transparency in Dartmouth politics, and it has been illustrated that she has an incredible ability to turn a blind eye to transparency when it suits her needs.
The time for this double standard must come to an end in Dartmouth. We must as a community move forward by electing the right people to the Select Board to bring back transparency and collaboration back to our community, for that is what is needed most in these trying times.
We, the voting citizens of Dartmouth, now have our chance to decide how our community will tackle the issues we face. Will it be one of transparency and collaboration or selective transparency and divisiveness? The choice is yours at the polls on April 7th.
To 8:35, Watson will bring independence. The 'new boys' alliance is bothersome. Michaud and Trimble are endorsing Frank, (who by the way is also new blood, Carney is the only experienced candidate of the three), and DG might get the win. That foursome should be frightening to the voters. If Lara does win, the threesome of Joe, Bill and Frank is still an alliance the town may be regretting as we currently regret the 'ol'boys' alliance of the past. Will Watson always be a dissenter, I doubt it, but at least I have confidence he won't be a coalition member. Vote Michael Watson.
To the anti-Gilbert poster - trying to monopolize all the threads with your long winded story is tiresome - what's the saying?
Get a life.
This comment is complete nonsense. Ms. Gilbert has been a consistent and unwavering advocate for the public's right to know. Citing the Open Meeting law regarding the interaction of two members of the Select Board and the Budget Director is just factually incorrect. There can be no meeting of the Select Board without a quorum of three members present. There was no Select Board quorum, hence no violation is possible. After the two met with Mr. Iacaponi and reported back to the Select Board that he was amenable to taking on the task, there was a open meeting and debate on his appointment. Ms. Gilbert's contact with the DOR was an inquiry about the propriety of public statements by Select Board members in advance of a public hearing about the split tax. Her concern there was once again that all sides be heard. It was not an attempt to quell debate but to postpone it to an appropriate forum. No group has been more divisive than those who are opposing. I conclude that their agenda is to get a property tax override passed since they have little other policy difference with Ms. Gilbert. They will not come out and say so,instead citing a broader perspective on fiscal responsibilty or other vague language.
To 9:03
Exactly why Watson must be elected. He will not allow any issue to be dominated by a voting alliance. He will actually represent Dartmouth voters.
9:03, I truly doubt Joe, Bill, and Frank are coalition members. I hope that is not what you are inferring. Way off base, there.
To Dartmouth voters, let's just assume for the moment that Stone and Watson get elected.
How long do you think it will take before "override" gets slipped into the discussion of our finances?
With Ms. Stone, it's a certain done deal. We all know about her $8.5 million dollar override attempt, and, upon its failure, her devastation and tears on the front page of the ST.
With Mr. Watson, a teacher at NB Voc-Tech, we could possibly be electing another override supporter in the making, if not one already supportive of an override in the future.
(Note, I am not inferring that he is a supporter of overrides in general as a means of shoring up our economy, just that he could feel it is one method to do so at some future date. And I am not questioning his vote or opinion on the past overrides. I have heard him state that he is against overrides at this time. I am speculating on the future, and it is just speculation, but one that I feel is justified for consideration before we vote.)
Both have said this is not the time for an override. But when? April 8th? Next month? Six months? Next year or anytime thereafter?
Sorry, I don't have any money to spare right now, and I'm hearing that a lot of others don't have any extra to spare, either. Please feel free to begin the "cheapskate" postings now.
So, think long and hard about your vote for a Select Board member. You may stand to lose more than you can afford to, especially in today's economy. And that economy is not being predicted to change for the better any time soon.
But, with a Stone/Watson vote, your own financial situation could well change, and not for the good, either. Can you afford it?
Remember, you may not have much of a say in the global economy beyond guarding your money as best you can, but you certainly have a say and a choice in your own personal financial situation right here in Dartmouth and your vote on April 7th will dictate what happens with your money.
Make the right choice and do what you can to save your wallet.
Make the wrong choice when you vote, and you might just as well start saving your pennies for an override.
The poster above forgot to mention the right candidates. Gracie and Gilbert.
The SB does not vote the override! The voters in town make that choice. Their choice has been clear. Clean up the expense side, find ways to be economical, and find new revenue without burden on the taxpayer. When those mandates have been completed ... then we may have to consider an override. That my fellow blogger is reality.
Stone Watson Jones
I never said the SB votes on the override. I should have been clearer, I guess. The SB is the authorizing board to put an override question on the ballot.
Ms. Stone could certainly use her membership on the SB to influence just such authorization.
Can we ever forget how aggressively Kathleen Horan McLean used her position as chairperson of the SB to emphatically attempt to influence the voters to vote for an override?
Thanks Bill, That ridiculous attack against Gilbert has got Jim Mathes' fingerprints all over it. You know, the guy that spoke against the split tax while with the chamber of commerce then flipped when his bread got buttered with grant money. He tried the exact same type of attack in another forum and got his butt whipped in that debate also.
To 12:54
Gilbert, Gracie, Trimble are all willing to consider an override in the future as well. What is your point? Stone and Watson beleive as Gilbert, Gracie, and Trimble do. No Override in this economy. All candidates have said that we must get our house in order. I really do wonder where you people get your information... or misinformation.
To 1:18
I thought the guy who flipped on the split tax was Joe Michaud??
maybe 12:59 could tell us all the right way to live our lives too. unbelievable word choice-the right candidates-whom left you in charge???
Your point being?? Isn't 12:59 entitled to their opinion?
Joe Michaud changed his stance on the split tax due to the data presented by Frank Gracie who made a compelling case for it. Jim Mathes flipped on the split tax based only on the source of his income. Now that he has a cushy, guaranteed grant money job, it's all about more taxes. A true political hack.
4:46 do you like Joe Michaud and not Jim Mathes???
You could'nt tell that Jim Mathes isrunning for Select Board this year? He has'nt been to any of the forums either. I would think if you're going to run you should at least show up at one event.
I think Jim Mathes deserves a chance, he's paid his dues and is not afraid to speak his mind. Good luck Jim.
Please vote on April 7th! Gilbert!
We need Diane for at least 3 more years! Diane has opened the eyes of the Dartmouth voters! Many more are paying attention now!
Thank you Diane and Good Luck on Tuesday!!
Jim Mathes has been showing up lately because it's election time and frankly he has been acting like a jerk. Someone of his stature in the community(a stature that I no longer have one bit of respect for) should not be engaging in baseless, personal, political attacks.
Since when has Jim Mathes done any of the above? Because some anonymous blogger claims it's so? Mr. Mathes has always carried himself with dignity and honor and has done more for this community than most anyone here combined. This blog has become nothing more than a forum for small minds bent on trashing anyone who does not fall in lockstep with the party line. It reflects very poorly on the author which is a real shame.
When I saw the smear post that Mathes signed his name to then subsequently got made to look like a fool about, I knew he would rear his ugly head somewhere else.
I saw the same thread and Mr Mathes signed is name and held his own in that exchancge. There is nothing in these blogs to lead me to believe Mr Mathes is writing anything here. He has the courage to put his name to what he authors. For Trimble to allow him to be unjustifiably smeared on this blog tells me a lot about some of the leadership we have here in town.
Mathes turned anonymous because he realized that his smear tactics would be soundly refuted and it would hurt his reputation.
Held his own? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Mathes made an absolute fool out of himself in the thread that he signed his name to. The smear campaign being put forth by this political hack is precisely why I am voting for Diane Gilbert.
I read that exchange where Mathes signed his name. He embarrased himself, an organization that he supports and some high profile community members that he needs to further his carreer in political hackdom. Hence the reason that he chose to go the anonymous route this time around.
Nonsense - you do more harm than good by making things up. Mathes has done more good for this omunity than any of you combined. His work speaks for itself.
I don't dispute Mathes' record as a long time political hack. A true insider that is on the dole. What about Gilbert scares him so much that he is resorting to gutter politics?
what about gilbert would scare anybody? lets start with lack of ethics and lack of diplomacy - how ironic! but, that's easily overlooked by those treating this blog like home.
How dare you call Jim Mathes "a long time political hack"? Until fairly recently, Jim was head of the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, hardly a "political" organization. Now he runs SMILES, a student mentoring group trying to improve education in the region. Jim is a good man. Leave him alone!
Jim is supposed to be a pillar of the community but he has proven himself to be a political hack willing to engage in gutter politics. I have zero respect for him and his antics.
Bill - why do you allow these attacks on this man? he has not posted here and is not running for office. Running to serve the town seems to make one fair game in Dartmouth but tho allow these sladerous posts to continue demeans you and does not serve what you stated the purpose of this blog was. It is disgraceful plain and simple.
Mathes is a well paid political hack who has been engaging in gutter politics. He deserves everything he gets.
I am glad that Jim Mathes has been exposed for what he is. He should be ashamed of himself.
7:44 - Haven't you noticed? Bill is "selective" with his vitriol reprimands.
7:44;
Are you saying someone is falsely using his name to post?
Yep its not Jim mathes. you fools are barking up the wrong tree and someone laughing at you :)
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