This past Wednesday the Rotary Club hosted a candidate forum at theTown Hall which was televised on DCTV Channel 18. Their broadcast schedule can be found here if you missed it live. The next rebroadcast will be tonight at 6PM.
What did you think of the candidates? Leave your impressions in comments below. As always, I would ask that ...
... you make some kind of rational argument or give a reason for your impressions or choices. Saying , for instance, that Bill Trimble is ugly and stupid and nobody likes him, reveals more about you than it does Bill Trimble. What was said that you found enlightening and why do you think that? What position did the candidate espouse that is important to you?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Your thoughts on Rotary Club forum
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94 comments:
Mike Watson was very impressive. He brings a lot to the table. I really don't see a downside. Gracie and Carney are chasing. DG and Lara are bright and fluent. I have to go with attitude. Nunes and Jones tough to call. Both should have seats. Nunes keeps his. Jones please run again. Watson, Stone, and Nunes.
Diane Gilbert was genuine and honest as always. What you see is what you get. She remained positive, thoughtful and insightful. I especially liked her views on education.
Diane was honest and to the point. Lara showed me that she is very much a school advocate. That's nice, but not for the select board. Carney's time is over in my opinion. Watson is a nice guy,but has little experience on town matters. I hope he gets elected to town meeting and I think in the future he might be a great candidate. He seems to have a lot of energy! I like him! Gracie has the experience that we need right now with the many problems we face. I feel we should stick with Nunes right now, but hope that Jones runs next year. I would vote for him then. Just my opinion folks!
I watched the Rotary Club debate on TV. Of all of the 7 candidates at the front table, Mike Watson was the clear winner and showed he can go head-to-head with anyone. I was also extremely impressed with Lara Stone and Greg Jones. I think it's time for a "clean sweep" this year.
I agree with "Watched on TV". When I was watching, I was trying to imagine how well the various candidates would represent our town on Monday nights. I'm very comfortable with the idea of having both Mrs. Stone and Mr. Watson join the Select Board. Both of them know what they're talking about, both would bring new energy to the Board, and both oppose the idea of more overrides.
It's been a while since I've posted here or on the S.T. blog but since the election is 2 short weeks away I figure I have nothing to lose and maybe something to gain. As I posted on the S.T. site, I am disappointed in their decision to endorse my opponent. The endorsement does not however signal the end for my campaign as disappoiting as it is. I am running to try and make change now on the school committee. There has to be change unless we as a community are happy with underperformance,lack of communication and discourse on important items, loss of student enrollment (and the funding that goes with them) and elementary scores that are not what they should be. So I simply ask those unsure of their position to read my web site and bio which are all linked thru the library web site. The web site address is www.gregjonesdps.net. I am running this year and hope to prevail. I'm not making any promises for future runs and honestly if one were to ask me today if I would run again my answer would probably be no,so I'm giving this my best shot and hope I'll be seated come election day. Thanks for listening,
Greg Jones
Anyone watching the Rotary Club debate could see that Greg Jones knew his stuff and is very well qualified to serve on the School Committee. He will do well in the election with or without the Standard Times' endorsement. Mr. Jones should not be disappointed.
I agree with 5:21. Greg Jones has shown that he would be an excellent addition to the School Committee.
I do not think a ST endorsement carries the weight it once did.
My predication is a close race between Greg and John with Greg winning by a hair.
Mr. Nunes has been a positive and constructive presence on the sc and at the schools for many years, I hope to see him continue in this role.
Lara Stone did super. Boy did she hit the nail on the dead with the platform question and how Diane Gilbert went to the paper with an outright lie. Diane Gilbert did ok but you have got to wonder about a women who would go to the paper with such a tale and no facts. Makes me very concerned about her mental health. Watson did super, I agree with that. My prediction is Stone, Watson, and Nunes.
Anonymous 5:55 is right on! How on earth can anyone trust a politician like Gilbert who went to the newspaper with an outight lie? Dartmouth doesn't need someone that unethical on the Select Board.
Why you have had unethical people on the Select board for as long as there has been a SB. I don't find the person that uncovers unethical acts to be unethical, nor do I believe Diane Gilbert lied about anything, just because you don't have proof,does not make it a lie.
Stone is a breath of fresh air...I hope she wins. I dont like Dianne's politics at ALL...she may be a decent person in general, but her politics is completely deplorable...lie after lie...for example...HER lie about Stone Miller and gearge in cahoots....COME oN is she that desperate that she has to resort to outright LIES to get elected...didnt we get enough LIES from George W. BUSH...now we have it in Dartmouth
Dianne need to VOLUNTEER at the AKIN house..instead of SB...she is more intune with the AKIN house...
All the time, all the effort, all the sacrifices these candidates are putting into their campaigns just to serve us and this town. No stipend, few accolades, infrequent gratitude and lots of insults and innuendo from people that won't ever serve. One wonders if our process makes the losers on election day the real winners.
Thank all of you for stepping up on our behalf; past, current and future.
After watching the Rotary Club, I felt that Lara Stone would be supporting an override soon after election if she were to get in. She thinks Dartmouth is already at bare bones so that tells me that she is not willing to do anything more. Sorry Lara, I will not be voting for ANYONE who would support a $8.7 million override. In my opinion, that is a lack of judgement on the need for LONG TERM solutions. Overrides are short term fixes! I will be voting Diane Gilbert! Diane is well educated on the financial problems in our town. Lara Stone seems to be school focused.
Diane Gilbert has led the charge for transparence in Dartmouth town Government. You either like her style in doing this or you do not. Here are a few things she has accomplished.
DG spearheaded the investigation of the unethical town management contracts long before anyone was even thinking about them. Now the SB and a judge agree with her.
DG brought attention to the Dartmouth school bus transportation contracts. For a number of years post 2000 contracts were structured for 1 year and required bidders to buy 27 new 70+ seat buses costing $60,000+ each. DG brought attention to this and now the contracts have been restructured for 3 years with an option to renew each year, and new buses are not required. This resulted in significant saving according to the school administration. If you go to the IG’s website you will see this is more in line with statewide best practices. Also in 08” extra curricular bus contracts were broken up and according to the school administration resulted in significant savings. No one else took this issue on but DG and she helped the schools save money. This issue has been mentioned on this Blog a few times with incorrect facts posted by the authors. Please check my fact if you think this is not true.
DG mentioned at the Rotary event she had to fight for things like this. My question is why did she have to fight so hard for things which help the town?
Diane wants all the glory for only playing a part - and sensationalizes the part she's played.
Diane likes to advertise that she uncovered "backdoor" contracts when in fact she did no such thing. Diane knows that all contracts and litigation matters are handled in executive session. The contracts were public records and debated openly more than a year ago during the overide debate. No they are not in dartmouth's interest but diane is not responsible for uncovering them. She has known about them for more than three years. She is just manipulating the issue to benifit her own self interest. This women is unstable!!!!!!! Lara stone on the other hand is intelligent, even, and not meanspirited like her opponent.
Take a ride by the George farm, located on Slocum Road and Allen Street. If you want to keep this town moving in the right direction, vote for all the candidates not posted on his property. You can't miss.
Ms. Gilbert has received very few accolades and far more abuse for her stances on Dartmouth management and bus transportation contracts. Now you 9:34 & 10:07 confirm there are issues with these contracts, but Diane is taking credit for others hard work within town government. I have followed these issues for sometime and have seen no one else speak publicly about them other then to criticize Ms. Gilbert.
GREAT POST 10:57
Sorry. I know you want to try to minimize the role Diane played with the contracts but it is not working. Diane has been talking about those contracts for three years as well as asking for the minutes pertaining to those contracts. Diane has been asking questions throughout her term and advocating for transparency. Try as you might, you cannot take that away from her.
Most of the busing contracts were for multiple years with options to renew at 1 year intervals. This was put in place to avoid the debacle they had with the Fall River contractor that failed to deliver service and was removed from the contract.
Gilbert had absolutely nothing to do with the after-school and extra curricular busing contract. That was solely Mr. Cordeiro's attempt at save the district some money. Ms. Gilbert criticized Mr. Cordeiro in an e-mail to Dr. Russell for it after the former vendor went to Gilbert to complain and this wasn't the first time this vendor went to her for something. Gilbert, in the e-mail, came ever so close to calling Mr. Cordeiro a racist and dishonest.
The contract, as it is now being bid out, was approved by the IG's office and has saved the Town some money. No thanks to Gilbert as she wanted the contract to remain the same way it has always been performed in the past. In fact, that vendor she was looking to keep was been allowed to bid on these services on the same basis as everyone else and has never been denied a contract he was a low bidder for.
And as far as the school department requesting new busses or those under the age of 5 years, what is wrong with that? With the mileage these busses put on over the year, I would want to make sure the busses are working at peak performance. Besides, after Amaral complained about the requirement, he still went out and purchased new busses for the contract and there was no significant savings on the contract. That savings was the bid placed by Amaral for the entire 3 years at relatively the same cost per year.
If you doubt my word, ask one of the "older" committee members or call Mr. Cordeiro yourself.
To 10:07, You are not paying attention. Diane DID uncover the backdoor never-ending contracts. They were NEVER voted on in open meeting. Town contracts are public information and should be voted on in open meeting after executive session. These were not! That is why people who had asked for those executive minutes were never given them. And why these contracts are NOT within the law. Thank you Diane Gilbert for exposing the secret deals of Miller et al.
I don't know the exact date, but in October 2006, Diane wrote an op ed piece that was published in the Standard Times regarding the eight contracts in question. The contracts have been the subject of many letters/pieces over the years, including further published references by Ms. Gilbert, so you are incorrect stating that Ms. Gilbert was not responsible for exposing these contracts.
If it were not for Ms. Gilbert, none of us would know what we now do know regarding the shenanigans of Ms. Copley, et al.
Regarding the extra-curricular busing you cannot be farther from the truth. The former contractor (a friend Of DG) lost the contract as the school dept went to a bid type of system for the contracts. DG emailed the school dept demanding the return to the former contractor. (doesnt sound like she was out to save any money there)in the process accusing Manny cordiero of racism. I assume the SC members still have copies. She DIDNT want the bid process. The refusal led to "investigations(witchhunt)of the school business administrator. If you want to dispute the facts why dont you ask a SC member to see the emails?
12:31 I believe you, but not your sources. All I can say is more will be reveled about the bus transportation contracts and the people involved with them should be nervous.
Oh...I can't wait. All the busing contracts, everyone, has been sent up to Boston to the IG's office to see if there were any questions as to the method of bidding, requirements being sought and awarding of the contracts at the request of the SC chair. Everything came back from the IG's office in good order and they found nothing wrong.
What kind of BS Gilbert is going to come up, who knows. Maybe it is another "connect the dots" scenario.
To Anonymous 3:12, You are wrong. Gilbert was actually advocating for the extra-curricular busing contract to remain in a SEALED BID process. The new way that they do it is with ORAL QUOTES. It is unclear whether or not they have saved any money with the new procedure.
Why would they change from a sealed bid to oral quotes? I would think the former would be the procedure everyone would want to abide by. Is there something I am missing here?
No you are wrong. The contract was changed to a individual trip process away from a one bid for everything package. The thinking was getting a better price for individual trips. This was approved by the IG's office. This was reported during a recent SC meeting . The savings are fact as documented thru the same meeting.Diane has NOTHING to do with ANYTHING except trying to stop the process. If you dont believe me call the school dept. the number is 997-3391 . ask for Mr Cordiero. He will be happy to discuss the program with you. Since I was in attendance in the crowd at the meeting Im fairly sure of my facts. Didnt have to connect the dots either
Anon 12:31 is correct. Fairly accurate representation. Different for this blog
Oh yes the claims of "discovery" of the contracts. Yet no mention that these were indeed public documents available to anyone who bothered to look at them. So the claims of a grand discovery arent exactly truthful(like the secret meetings claims made of late)I do credit her for being a little less lazy than the rest of us and looking at them for whatever her motives.
to anon 4:43, You say I am wrong but I am not. If you look at the procurement laws you will see that by changing to a bid by the trip process, you avoid having to use sealed bids on the entire package. The reason for this is because the amount of the bid is split into seperate bids of lower value. Sealed bids are required for higher value bids. You are correct that the bidding process was changed. However, with the change in the process, sealed bids were eliminated. If I know Gilbert, she may not have been the most diplomatic about her inquiries but "bid splitting" to avoid sealed bids is certainly a red flag and I am glad she made the inquiry. I am also confident that she will do a thorough review of the new process to see if in fact we are saving money. That is why I support her in the upcoming election.
to anon 4:59, Obviously, Gilbert was the first one who "bothered" to look closely at the contracts. Remember the contracts were changed in the middle of their terms and there were no minutes about the changes. A true "back room deal." Gilbert uncovered them and that alone is enough to re-elect her.
Let's get back to Bill's original question. Lara Stone and Michael Watson stole the show at the Rotary Club debate. Both of them have earned a chance to serve on the Select Board.
Diane Gilbert is out of control and does not fail to make accusations without checking her facts first. This type of person is not qualified to be a leader. What Diane is really all about is Diane. It was so funny to watch her when Joe Michaud first got on the board She would be so irritated with any idea that he proposed because she had not thought of it first. It was really quite pathetic. She would sit there and roll her eyes and mock him. Her real issue was she was threatended by him of course so her first instinct was to tear him down. This women is scary and unable to be a leader as she has no ability to cooperate and does not have the respect of her board members and the community she is supposed to be leading.
Thoughts on Rotary forum. Gilbert came across the best in her race, with an honesty and sincerity that people can sense intuitively. Stone comes across as willing to say anything to get votes from the different groups of voters when we all know her real interest is in the school system.
Watson and Gracie are a toss up. Watson, shows more enthusiasm while Gracie has more knowledge. Carney was as much a nonfactor as he is when serving presently on the board.
Nunes and Jones give people differences to choose from. Nunes, the finance background and Jones, the new guy that has done his homework and wants to change things without confrontation.
Gilbert, Gracie and Jones.
Vote Diane Gilbert on April 7th! She'll work hard to solve Dartmouth's fiscal problems.
Hey Popcorn; If the "oral bids" as you say, is bid splitting, why didn't the IG's office tell the school department to change what they were doing?
Let me spell this clearly for you to understand;
T-H-E W-A-Y T-H-E B-I-D-S F-O-R B-U-S S-E-R-V-I-C-E-S F-O-R-M-E-R-L-Y U-N-D-E-R A S-I-N-G-L-E C-O-N-T-R-A-C-T I-N 2-0-0-8 I-N B-I-D-D-I-N-G I-N A P-E-R T-R-I-P O-R P-E-R A-C-T-I-V-I-T-Y B-A-S-I-S I-S L-E-G-A-L A-N-D D-O-E-S N-O-T C-I-R-C-U-M-V-E-N-T P-R-O-C-U-R-E-M-E-N-T L-A-W-S A-N-D T-H-E-Y H-A-V-E N-O I-S-S-U-E-S.
As it now stands, bids sheets are sent to 5 vendors, inclduing the former contract holder, the vendor then prices their services and the bid sheet is faxed back to the business office. There are no oral bids.
JONES, STONE, WATSON
I voted for Diane Gilbert three years ago and I will cast my vote for Diane once again. Diane has worked hard for our community! She has had to put up with a lot on the board the first two years and now is getting attacked during her re-election year. Stay strong Diane!
I will vote Lara Stone. She is what our community needs at this time. Diane Gilbert's time has come and gone. I look forward to a more positive era in our Town which can only be accomplished by the departure of those who have created the hostile environment.
To 11:49. Here is my take. The process being used now is a way to get around having to use sealed bids. That's what you call a loophole and that is why the IG didn't have a problem with it. Was it a legitimate use of the loophole? Maybe, maybe not. We don't know until we look at everything and that is exactly what Diane Gilbert wants to do. Why should that be such a problem?
Because Gilbert is not looking at the contracts just to look at them. She is looking at them to get someone she knows a contract back and to discredit another town employee.
Bingo!
O.K., I accept that the bids are written down and are not oral but that is beside the point. They were SEALED bids and now that the extra-curricular bus contract has been SPLIT into smaller packages, they are NO LONGER SEALED. That is a big difference in the process. I am not making any assertions that this new process will or will not save money. I do applaud Ms. Gilbert for keeping an eye on and questioning the new process. If indeed after the results of the new process are properly scrutinized, we have saved money on bussing, then I will give the new process my blessing.
I know I'll sleep better at night if you give your blessing. If you are so concerned call the school dept or contact a SC member and ask for the individual reports from the schools."keep an eye on the process" cant be confused with emails demanding re-instatement of the previous contractor and charges of racism at mr cordiero.
Thanks for sleeping better, it may tone down the blogs some if you get your rest. Also, thanks for acknowledging that the bissing process is no longer SEALED.
Anon 11:58 - it never was a secret the bidding for the extra curricular transportation changed to a written bid process. This exact process was discussed and voted on at an open session of the school committee. Initially it was voted that this, then new, process would be done for a trial period, analyzed and then if it was showing a savings instituted as policy.
The minutes of the meeting where this was discussed are available in case you need more particulars.
Please let me comment on the Co-curricular Transportation Contract.
On June 23, 2008, Mr. Cordeiro presented the School Committee with a proposal to change the manner in which this contract was bid. As the minutes if that meeting reflect - http://www.dartmouth.k12.ma.us/district/committee/Documents/SCMinutes062308.pdf
Page 8 - "Co-curricular Transportation: Mr. Cordeiro reported on his recent conversations with the Inspector General’s Office relative to the procurement of extra-curricular transportation services. The Inspector General has agreed that extra-curricular transportation services may be awarded based on a Chapter 30B quote process. This process requires quotes from three vendors for single and/or group trip requests. Thereby the trip/s would be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder and hopefully allow the Dartmouth Schools to save money through the use of a process of multiple competitive quotes.
Mr. McDonald inquired as to whether other communities handle extra-curricular
transportation in this manner. Mr. Cordeiro responded in the affirmative and offered to obtain the names of the communities that follow this procedure.
Dr. Russell outlined the procedure that will be followed. Trips will be “packaged” by sport and/or music department activity. The packages will then be sent to bus companies that have indicated an interest in bidding on the extra-curricular transportation. A bidder will then be able to submit a quote on any package of interest to them. The bids will be reviewed by Mr. Cordeiro and will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.
Mr. Nunes moved, seconded by Ms. Moniz to not execute the option to renew year two of the Extra-Curricular Transportation Service Contract with our current provider, Reliable Bus Lines. The motion carried with Ms. Boles abstaining.
Mr. Nunes moved, seconded Mr. Lenz to allow the quote process outlined in Chapter 30B to be used for scheduling extra-curricular transportation services during the period of September 1, 2008 through November 30, 2008. The motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Cordeiro will report back to the Committee by the first meeting in October on how the new bidding procedure for extra curricular activities unfolds."
On December 9, 2008, Mr. Cordeiro reported back to the School Committee the result seen from the new bidding process so far, as used in the fall.
The minutes of 12/9/08 reflect this - http://www.dartmouth.k12.ma.us/district/committee/agenda/minutes/SC%20Minutes%2012-9-08.pdf
Page 5 - "Co-curricular Transportation: Mr. Cordeiro reviewed examples of bid results from the recently implemented new procedure for procurement of extra-curricular transportation services. He was pleased to report that major savings have been achieved using this new system! The only drawback noted was the increased amount of paperwork involved. An example of the savings follows:
The Music Department requested bids for a bus trip on October 4th to King Philip Regional. The results were: Amaral Bus Company - $164.00/bus; Tremblay Bus Company - $225.00/bus. The same trip last year cost $383.32/bus rendered by Reliable Bus Company.
Mr. Nunes moved, seconded by Ms. Boles to continue with the newly implemented procedure for procurement of extra-curricular transportation services through the end of the 2008-2009 school year. The motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Cordeiro was requested to report back to the Committee with the percentage of savings this year versus last year using the new bidding procedure. Mr. McDonald stated that he would like the results to be included in a letter to the Finance Committee and Select Board citing the savings.
At the end of the fiscal year, when all invoices have been received, paid and accounted for, the School Committee will get a report as to how the contract was handled during the course of the year, any problems, any pluses and of course, savings. The report will also breakdown how each vendor made out in the process (IE, how many bids won, lost, not responded, etc.) These results, once viewed by the SC, will be forwarded to the Select Board and FinCom for their perusal and subsequent comments.
This contract has been reviewed by the Inspector General's Office several times prior to initiation and during. They even reviewed it once again after the received an anonymous phone call to their office about the contract.
Each time they reviewed it, they informed Mr. Cordeiro that the manner in which he was handling the contract was fine with them and within state law.
This contract and any other contract between the School Department and suppliers/vendors is open to public scrutiny and welcomed. Please contact Mr. Cordeiro to arrange an appointment to do so at your leisure.
Thank you Mr. Mcdonald for your post
Nobody accused anybody else of anything being secret. Nobody accused anybody else that changing the bid process was going to cost more money. In fact, Popcorn didn't seem to have a problem at all. It seems like he is very willing to give the new process a chance and is waiting for the results regarding the yearly savings,if any. He merely stated that changing the process eliminated sealed bids. Nowhere did he accuse anybody of doing anything illegal. Perhaps a long deep breath would be in order.
5:03 is right. I started this thread and never excused anyone of illegal activity. I merely made a very simple and accurate statement that Diane Gilbert brought attention to the Dartmouth school bus transportation RFP contracts. After which the School Business Manager along with the School Committee did what any intelligent group of man and women would do they looked at ways to improve these contracts and saved us money. No one else was even looking at this issue and I commend Diane Gilbert, School Business Manager and the School Committee for working to save the schools money.
Popcorn mentioned in 2 posts the concept of 'bid-splitting' an activity that is illegal in Massachusetts. So when connecting the concept of bid splitting with the new, open process of bidding out the extra curricular tansportation activity, it's not unreasoanble to get agitated that once again a perfectly legal and money saving practice is being called into question. From an I.G. newsletter:
"8. Avoid The Appearance
of Bid-Splitting
Bid-splitting is intentionally splitting a
purchase into two or more smaller
purchases for the purpose of evading
a bidding law. As you probably
know, bid-splitting is against the law.
Chapter 30B, like other bidding laws,
has fines and penalties for intentional
violations."
There was never any evidence that the new procedure was in fact 'bid-splitting' Multiple inquiries to the IG's office has demenostrated as much.
just for clarification, the extra curricular bus contract was previously bid as one contract which required sealed bids. It has now been seperated into several different contracts that do not require a sealed bid process. Call it what you will but I think the questions raised by Gilbert about the new process posed legitimate concerns about the bid splitting law. Since the IG has approved it, we should be moving on instead of casting stones at Gilbert for asking.
Lara Stone won the debate against Diane Gilbert. Mike Watson won the debate against Bob Carney and Frank Gracie. The facts are clear.
Which debate was that? I don't recall there being a debate between the candidates. I wish there were.
Okay, it wasn't officially a debate, the Rotary Club forum.
Yeah, I agree - Stone rocked.
Wasn't officially a debate! hahahah
Please, at least at the Grange, people were able to voice their own questions.
Diane Gilbert is clearly the best candidate for Dartmouth.
I would be happy with Watson or Gracie. NOT Carney!
Thanks for your post Mr. McDonald (Shawn). It cleared up a few things for me.
Good luck with your health and you will be in my prayers.
Anonymous 8:00: We cannot afford to put the well-being of our community in the hands of a novice at this critical time in Dartmouth's financial history.
Frank Gracie has extensive knowledge and information garnered from countless hours spent with our officials and administrators over the three years of his volunteer service to our Town on the committees he has been appointed to.
Please don't leave Dartmouth's future to newcomers Lara Stone and Michael Watson. This is too critical a time for our community.
Do you feel the same about a newcomer as executive administrator?
Do you feel the same about newcomer Bill Trimble?
Do you rely on info from the CFRG newcomers?
" two neophytes "? as opposed to a " neophyte" executive administrator? as opposed to "neophytes " joe michaud or bill trimble? Lara and Mike will do fine. If you were so concerned about " neophyte" leadership why did we get rid of Gagne?
We are moving forward as a community. We are trying to partner with other towns to share services. We are looking for an EA that has a financial background, problem solving skills, able to delegate. I don't think most people in Dartmouth want our EA picking up dead animals on the side of the road!
p.s. I think Ed I. is doing a great job as interim!
7:44, I answered you on another previous topic.
I don't actually consider Bill Trimble as a newcomer now. I was impressed with Mr. Trimble last year, before the election. I thought he was a better choice than the incumbent.
Would you let me know who the "CFRG newcomers" are? I do email people who do have answers and information, essentially the source who are directly involved.
A more troubling question about Dartmouth was WHY the previous EA was picking up dead animals on the side of the road
1:13 - I see. So, you support newcomers as long as they are someone you're impressed with . Precisely why I'll be voting with confidence for Watson, Stone, and Jones.
Not being a newcomer at following town politics myself, I'm able to state that the Walkers are (though trying to play catch up).
Stone, Watson and Jones...me, too.
Diane Gilbert will work hard for ALL the residents in Dartmouth! Diane will NOT support an $8 million override!
Diane is too smart for that! That is a short term solution. Anyone who would support that, is out of touch with Dartmouth residents.
I will be supporting Diane on April 7th!
Stone !
I saw a rerun of the Rotary Club forum. Ms. Stone and Mr. Watson both did very well.
I've gotta agree...Lara Stone and Michael Watson and Gregory Jones showed they can do the jobs they're running for. They deserve a chance.
Cuts and fees are Diane's long term solutions and divisive squabbles stalemating our town. There has not been progressive or critical thinking applied to acquire supplementary funds for our town, while other towns beyond our boarders are securing millions available to municipalities with innovative leadership. Doesn't take magic. I also don't see Frank Gracie to be the progressive thinker he describes himself to be.
Jones, Stone, and Watson all displayed progressive, critical thinking being cognizant of the need for corroboration between SB, SC, and FC. I believe they have the capabilities to position our town for the funding I see other towns acquiring from foundations supporting innovative, progressive leadership.
Please vote WATSON, STONE, JONES.
Please name even one funding source when you make this claim. It's complete bunk. Town governments are funded by taxes and fees. Name one town where that is not true.
The Gates Foundation, for one, and there are many more. Take your "bunk" insults elsewhere!
JONES, WATSON, STONE
You forgot to name the town. That was the question.
There's an entire coalition of towns in RI.
Peter Friedman had a great letter today! He's endorsing Diane Gilbert! Diane knows the financial problems we face. She is not afraid to ask the tough questions and think outside the box. I want Diane's critical thinking for three more years (maybe more) on our select board.
VOTING DIANE GILBERT!
Diane Gilbert, Frank Gracie, John Nunes!!!
DIANE all the way!
Frank Gracie, ditto!
Greg Jones, ditto!
The "Manny being Manny" reference to "Diane being Diane" maybe unintentionally appropriate. Manny Ramirez was a good guy in the clubhouse in the beginning but later on became a "cancer" and a distraction. This continued to the point where he had to go somewhere else.
Thanks for pointing out that Diane has to go Peter!
Peter's letter was a contrdiction. I support her but No one gets along with her. This isnt how a government is suppose to run. The manny reference was indeed appropriate. You realize Manny is now 3000 miles away in Los Angeles.She should have the summer off.People are suppose to work together. His support for someone whom is a confirmed liar and twists fact to suit her purpose has no place in our government. If you remember during candidates night Lara Stone called her on her article regarding secret meeting and called her a liar and Diane didnt say a word. If someone called me a liar and it wasnt true I would not sit there and take it.
Another one of Diane's lies will be answered shortly. Look for it.
Wow, Lara called Diane a liar??
I didn't hear that. Maybe I've got to pay real close attention to the tapes on cable.
Is this the same Lara Stone with the "soft side"??
Well, better we know before the election, rather than get surprised after (IF) she is elected.
Lara Stone is revealing herself.
Not too pretty, either.
true we already know diane is a liar. we seem ok with that.
rumored lies about her involvment with busing contracts and her ads. Taking credit for someone else's work. only four more days.
someone tells lies to the paper about you and you call her on it and its your fault? . Belly up to the kool-aid you glass is almost empty. Diane lying thats not news. wait till wednesday
Watson, Stone & Nunes will get my very precious votes on April 7th. I hope the voters of Dartmouth will turnout at the polls in substantial numbers to cast their ballot and exercise their precious right to vote, granted to each of us to select our governmental leaders. The ballot is more powerful than any blog in assuring your government is what it can and should be. Remind, assist and cajole those around you to vote. I'm forecasting we get 6800 voters. Paltry, but still considered a moderate turnout, doesn't speak well of civic duty. But my one ballot might be difference for Watson, Stone & Nunes.
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