Hi Bill. The ST has refused to publish my candidate statement, now saying that they wanted the last week to be spent on support letters. If I had known this I of course wouldn't have sent mine in on Monday.
It is attached, so if you think it is worth displaying for folks to read I would appreciate it.
Thanks,
Frank
Here is Frank's statement
I am running for a seat on the Dartmouth Select Board because I believe that my skills, thought process, and prior town experience is the best match for what is currently needed in our town. I believe that with the hard work that has transpired we have turned a financial corner, but need to continue the process of bringing our future costs in line with our expected sustainable revenue. We can’t keep spending more than we have, and if we find ways to provide a better cost structure we won’t have to keep cutting employees and services. The taxpayer deserves the best value for what they spend.
The experience I have gained over the last 3 years serving on the Tax Classification Committee, the Budget and Revenue Task Force, and as chairperson of the Privatization Study Group has given me great insight into our town structure, including the “hows and whys” by which we do things. I believe I have already shown dedication to the town and the taxpayer, including leading the effort to get the split-tax implemented into our property tax structure. I also advocated for the Small Commercial Exemption to help our small businesses...
...as much as the law allows.
I support internal consolidation, streamlining for efficiencies, bulk purchasing for discounted costs, and adding in the benefit of volume by regionalization to help further. All avenues of saving money should be on the table, and thorough investigation should be done. We need to make sure we don’t get so dazed by the plusses of things that we get blind to the minuses.
As much as I don’t believe that privatization is the end-all to things, I do believe that it, as well as selective outsourcing, always need to be considered and looked at for an appropriate fit to our requirements. The Standard Times has criticized me on 2 occasions for making the suggestion that we look into “privatizing the library”, accusing me of “playing both sides of the street”. I explained my position to them at least 3 times, pointed out that what we looked at was outsourcing not privatization (big difference in amount of control retained), and that my committee’s first task was to do a triage on the 16 departments/services we had before us to see where options MIGHT be. With regard to the library we ran into a roadblock of getting all the specific information from LSSI, and suggested that the issuance of an RFP would get all the details on the table, nothing more, nothing less.
Let me assure you, the taxpayer, that as an engineer I always “play both sides of the street” until there is enough data to know which is the proper side to walk on. Isn’t it also a bit disingenuous to be criticized by an organization such as the Standard Times that has itself privatized and outsourced as many functions as it can? What’s wrong with us looking at similar options to help our bottom line? My first choice is to always keep something in house and make the costs competitive, but not looking to see what options there are is just going through the motions and does the taxpayer a disservice.
Posts
68 comments:
Thanks... But I am going with Watson in this race. His independence might actually push this board to act more thoughtfully and hopefully end some of these nasty posts.
nice thought but I doubt the nastiness will end no matter whom i elected. Stone and watson.
Frank Gracie has nothing to do with nastiness on this post. The vast majority of that comes from stone supporters.
Mike Watson will get my vote. The independence theme rings true. With Michaud and Trimble writing their endorsements for Frank an instant coalition concerns me. I want independent thought. A potential counterpoint. Not to say the five will or won't agree on many issues but I don't want a 'new boys alliance' developing. The 'ol'boys' gave us enough problems! On another post people are forecasting Bob Carney with over 1000 votes. How can that be? Bob has run an invisible campaign except his many signs. He hasn't attended forums or seemed to want to win. I hope votes won't go to Bob that either Watson or Frank have put the effort into earning. With the DG/Lara race closing as we approach Tuesday, it is more apparent than ever we and the SB need Michael Watson.
Gracie all the way. The SB at this time is no place for a newcomer, and especially a newcomer to politics in our town, which is precisely what the Watson/Stone team is, not to mention the latter being a deep-down bona fide override supporter, and the former, while questionable, could easily swing into the same category.
I agree with 8:04. Frank Gracie and his supporters have not been nasty. In fact, all three in this race, as well as their supporters have been focused on the positives of their candidate. They are to be commended. Unfortunately this has led to their race not receiving the same discussion as the Gilbert v Stone campaigns. Negativism, nastiness and attacks can not come into play when deciding your vote in this race.
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.
No sooner do the posts and compliments of anti anti negatives appear than 8:21 jumps in with speculation and negatives! Way to blow the trend 8:21. Please note 8:04 that that 8:21 is not a Stone supporter.
Watson and Stone.
In my opinion
As it relates to the outcome of this annual town election, it shall be a result of the SB vote concerning Micheal Gagne, along with the manipulations/ wording of several town department head contracts. The towns movers/shakers will be working in hope of removing SB member Diane Gilbert, while supporting Lara Stone. I truly believe, Diane Gilbert will be re-elected, but this is my opinion, and I'm not always 100%.
The Bob Carney race is almost impossible to predict. Once again, the Michael Gagne supporters will be voting for Bob Carney. Two SBM, have created a problem for Bob Carney. Although, Carney wasn't a conspirator to the contract language, it will not be an excuse for not knowing. A large voter split between Watson/ Gracie, will allow Carney to win another term.
.
Good luck Frank - you are a man of conviction and have worked hard on the town's behalf. You and your opponent Mr Watson have shown our town how an issue based campaign should be run. I wish you well on Tuesday.
Nothing like a "free press" eh, Frank? The s-t consistantly disappoints on many levels. Thank you for your service past, present, and future.
What 8:35 posted is dean-on! Gilbert had no business offering the interim EA position to Iacaponi or anyone else un til it was discussed in an open meeting. If that didn't actually break any laws, it certainly went against the spirit of open government and transparency. Diane Gilbert rationalizes everything to suit her own needs. This case proves that her claims of transparency are false to the point of being absurd. It's time for change. Get someone new in there. Vote for Lara Stone. She's a class act and she's honest.
As for the other race, Frank Gracie seems like a nice guy, but he's going to lose to Watson BIG TIME. Mike Watson has more support than all of the other candidates put together... except perhaps Stone. She's looking strong, too.
The stoner attack dogs continue their assault and it will prove to be their downfall. Gilbert will win not by a landslide but by a convincing margin.
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.
The S-T has published their intent months in advance Mr. Gracie. I appreciate your voluteerism, but my vote is going for Watson...with TRIMBLE and MICHAUD giving support I see a coalition of the minds forming..we can't have that again. It only creates a bully pulpit
No Question 12:22.... A Trimble, Michaud, Gracie alliance is not going to help. Our board needs diverse minds who will can think differently
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.
Stone/Watson = override in the making.
To 1:04
Have you been paying attention??? Watson has clearly stated he opposes an override. It was asked at:
1. The Grange event
2. The Rotary Club forum (watch a rerun)
3. The library forum (again..watch online)
4. IN the endorsement article by the standard times
The problem with these forums is that misinformation is spread. But then again, maybe that is your goal!!
To 2:40. I am well aware that he does not support an override NOW. Neither he nor Stone do. I heard him at the same locations you did.
It's my opinion.
Well I have it from a very reliable source that Diane Gilbert does in fact support an override for the future. Not now but in the future.
There you have it. No candidate should be for /against an override in the future. It should be considered when appropriate and all candidates oppose one now. Isn't that enough?? There will not be an override now. In 2012, we'll see what the conditions are. That is logical. In fact, opposing an override three years from now today is irresponsible. Keep streamlining government and making it more efficient today. Let's worry about the here and now and less about what "might" occur in 2-3 years.
A coalition...are you kidding??? Diane is one independent lady! She and Joe and Bill (for that matter) don't always see eye to eye. I don't want my SB to be in lockstep like the 2006 Board! Frank Gracie appears to be an independent guy. I don't think he will go along with the crowd if he disagrees.
On Monday night this will all be history!
ANYBODY BUT CARNEY!
Isn't the election on tuesday?
Michael Watson has my vote. Less than three weeks ago I had no idea who Watson was. It didn't take long for me to see a well run campaign without any apparent blocs, groups, coalitions or alliances unduly influencing the candidate. The message Watson carried was very appropriate and reasoned for town politics. More than that the Watson is articulate, pleasant and quick on his feet. His theme, 'the voters have spoken and we must continue to let the voters speak and listen to what they say', is refreshing. Previous posts have mentioned concern for a stacked SB. That is a valid concern. Whether Frank professes an independent mind or not it seems sitting SB members share a thread, (prehaps a rope), running through CFRG as the endorsements from the Walkers, Bill Trimble and Joe Michaud are prominent for Frank. Nat and Bob somewhat gave balance to the three. But adding Frank into Bob's seat and if DG retains her seat is very concerning. In Watson there is an opportunity to replace Bob with a strong, lively, independent voice and mind. While Watson's rise has been rapid his candidacy has substance, his knowledge is amazingly deep and its a pleasure to converse with him. This town and the SB needs Michael Watson.
The last post sounds good but where's the substance. Frank Gracie has been actively working on the town's fiscal problems since they emerged several years ago. Gracie has earned my vote.
The substance lies with the Watson's independence. We cannot allow the select board to become a voting bloc of any coalition. The above post is correct. I am also voting for Watson. His independence will prevent any political camp in Dartmouth from gaining to much voice.
The more I listened to Watson, the more I heard "politician."
TOO earnest.
TOO frenetically energetic.
When your child sounds like that, you know something's up!
NOT convincing.
Although the previous blogger shares my support of Watson, I disagree with the assessment of substance. Watson's substance begins with innate personality and intelligence. From that his belief that the SB sets policy and the managers execute gives rise to his desire to listen to voters and apply his own good judgment. He has studied the budgets and cash flow problems. He understands town government's role in providing services. He has a handle on what Dartmouth historically has offered and seeks balance, both in what can and must continue and on the ledger. His independence is icing on the cake, not the cake itself.
My biggest problem with Gracie is that he admittedly stated having no knowledge of the school side. I am not advocating that the SB and SC become one. But, the days of not needing knowledge of the school side are gone. The taxpayers burden in supporting public schools is maxed out, and as has been commented on this blog, town boards need to corroborate with SC in ways like never before. Stone, Watson, and Jones are the ONLY candidates voicing that. This is our number one priority in that the bulk of our budget is allocated to our schools, and our schools have been negatively impacted too far.
Additionally, Gilbert lacks diplomacy and integrity as she has put her own ethics in question for all to witness. Her supporters (Trimble/crfg included) and the ST are willing to overlook that putting their own integrity in question.
I urge all to support Jones, Watson and Stone at the polls on TUESDAY.
2:40: Precisely - I, too, belief that is their goal. The "height" of scare tactics, ironically, given their stance against it.
Trimble's indulgence in such tactics is deplorable and reveals his own lack of integrity.
To again set the record straight: ALL candidates are against an override at this time. Additionally, ALL candidates would support an override (and have in the past, including Gilbert in '08) if believing certain conditions warrant it. Anyone stating otherwise puts their own integrity in question.
stone watson and jones are the candidates of roscoe and olimpio whose ONLY concern is funneling more money to the school department.
Snap out of it 11:33-I am running my own campaign and am not the candidate of anbody. If you don't like me don't vote for me but do not lie about me. Thank you.
Greg Jones
11:33 Stone, no doubt, definitely is in the Roscoe/Olympio camp; Watson a good "maybe" at some time.
Greg Jones: NO!
11:33 - And, do not lie about Roscoe or Olimpio either. It suits your own agenda to lie about them that way. They certainly can defend themselves, but so can I in that I followed their effort as well as the cfrg's. And, whether in support of it or not, it was credible and has been misrepresented to the hilt by people like yourself.
I have no problem with people who voted for or against the '07 override. Because it did not pass, did not add any credibility to the cfrg's campaign tactics.
Your comments make it clear you have nothing to offer.
The "07 election results were not an endorsement of the CFRG. Wish they would catch on.
Roscoe and Olimpio's effort was a hard fought campaign, and gave all sides of issues for voters to make decisions of their own. What was advocated for then, would not be now as PAYT/Fees are in play.
Our town needs people of their level of integrity, though, regardless of whether you agreed with their positions or not.
I am not affiliated with any group. Stone conducted herself with integrity when participating in the '07 effort. She has in her bid for SB. Watson's campaign is clearly independent as is Jones.
In fact, it is the CFRG that remains actively working as a political group. And, in my opinion their endorsements of Gilbert and Gracie don't help them.
It is unfortunate that Gracie is so often linked with Gilbert who has proven herself unethical.
The stone smear campaign continues because she can't stand on anything else.
12:47 - you wish
You people REALLY need to go outside and take a walk or something!! I'm just checking on the blog for the first time today.
Tuesday can't come fast enough!
Good Luck to all those who have given their time and energy to serve our town!
I view Gracie as the good parts of Gilbert without the bad, and he is firmly committed to the split tax. He has earned my vote. Just because he has agreed with the cfrg on some things doesn't mean he is aligned with them. He has also worked with members of the coalition and is not aligned with them either. How more independent do you want? The cfrg and the coalition barely talk to each other yet they both talk to Gracie. Think about that.
That's an excellent point. Frank has earned the respect of both sides and has worked with both sides. He really owes no allegiance to anyone or any group, so his only interest is the well-being of the residents.
After a lengthy vacation, I arrived in time to see the select board/school committee candidate debate rerun, sponsored by the rotary club on DCTV.
According to the message I received by the candidates for school committee, I'm voting for John Nunes.
According to the message given by the members for the select board, I'm voting for Diane Gilbert and Frank Gracie. Candidate Stone, is more interested in school related issues. She is a nice person, but not ready to become a selectman. Should consider running for school committee. This is no place for the faint of heart.
Mr. Watson projects himself as a good speaker and well versed in the English language. Don't give up on running again, It's just not your time. You need more time in town service. Example: being more pro active/ serving on town appointed boards. You need a better feel for the town. Youth is great, but the town needs leadership and experience.
Frank Gracie, is a great communicator, who has served his time. A former member of many town boards, gives him the front row seat. Good luck Frank.
Bob Carney is a nice person. I just love his honesty. I really believe that Bob, in his heart and mind, believes that Mike Gagne is the only person to run the town. Bob is a person who would cross a battle field to help a fellow man/woman, in distress. I'm not making fun of Bob Carney, in fact I feel he is the perfect image of a wonderful grandfather. Bob wouldn't step on an ant, or kick a cat/dog. You can trust your children with Bob. He is just a nice person. I want to thank Bob for all the years he served Dartmouth. You made your father proud. I can't say anything nasty about Bob Carney.
It's time for Bob to sit back and relax at his quiet beach house and listen to the waves crashing along the beach. You are a rare breath, once in a life time person. Thanks for all the memories, God bless.
3:47 The CFRG continues to be politically active. Though individuals of the former Coalition remain politically active as individuals, the Coalition group hasn't been since '07.
To 4:30 Your picks ar eon target, except for Watson. Yes he is versed in the English language, and yes he is young. But your long vacation hurt you in your ability to meet Watson and quiz him on govenrmental affairs. This kid must have visited a thousand houses. He was at my house, my uncles, and two of my daughters friends houses in the last six weeks. And we all live in different precincts!! Your vacation missed an eloquent, informed, and highly talented leader. I see your point with Frank. But he doesn't compare with Watson. Nice Predictions... BUt I'm going with Gilbert, Watson, and Nunes
Watson knows how to run a campaign. I'm eager to see him in action on the SB.
4:42 The point is not the actual groups but being able to work with the different viewpoints of those that are or were in those groups, and no alliances.
5:02 Can you clarify what you are trying to say??
4:59 is right on!!! Watson had 20 people visible on Slocum/Allen Street today. Where were the other candidates??? By far, this is the most visible campaign...the best run.. Vote Watson for Select Board on Tuesday.
The point is that Gracie has already proven that he can work with very different opinions and has learned a lot about the town by working on things. He is ready to ride the big bike without the training wheels. Watson has run a good campaign but personally I wish he had spent some of his energy serving on committees before trying to jump into the select board.
6:52 The training wheels is a bit of a stretch...sorry.. Gracie has served on a few committees.. That hardly gives him a serious experience advantage.. Carney may have some experience having sat in the seat for nine years. But I think that smashes the theory that experience is the right way to vote.
New Direction Watson & Stone see you at the polls! Enough is enough already!
Over 2 weeks ago the ST posted its deadlines for canidates and letters to be printed. i guess Frank missed that paper.
Frank has served the people to get bang for buck, let's give him a break.
Anon 7:22 - I didn't miss anything, I played by the rules they had set forth. They changed the rules on Monday morning. After they received my statement they verified it, then decided they wanted only support letters. I have an e-mail from them stating that, so maybe you misinterpreted the deadlines, not me. Nice try on spreading misinformation.
No misinformation just said what I read in the paper sorry if they changed the rules. See you at the poles in the pm. watson & Stone
Doubt that, 1:41.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: Election letter cutoff dates
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Print this Article Email this Article ShareThisMarch 25, 2009 6:00 AM
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Two hurt in fight outside Kings InnCustoms says art was framed with marijuanaWestport poor farm a farm for the poor once againOpening Day a rare treat at FenwayNew Bedford woman arraigned on drug chargesTwo hurt in fight outside Kings Inn (3:35 p.m.)Recent arrests from Fairhaven The Standard-Times prints election-related letters through the Friday prior to the vote. Several SouthCoast towns go the polls April 6 or 7, so the last day letters will be printed for those races is April 3.
Please understand that we receive more letters than we can print. We have no formal deadline for submission, but generally election-related letters received within a few days of the last publication date will not be printed, as earlier letters are waiting.
The moral of this story: Get your letter in early.
Letters of 250 words or fewer are preferred. Please include the author's name, home address and daytime phone. E-mail to letters@s-t.com or mail to Letters to the Editor, 25 Elm St., New Bedford, MA 02740.
here it is
Frank wasn't alone in not getting his letter published. Mike Watson and DG (according to S-T) also submitted letters that were within the original deadlines and not published. Mike had timed his letter and message to run in the final week. Further, I had written a support letter for Mike that was apparently lost in cyberspace and never published. Frank you weren't alone, but no one was at advantage or disadvantage.
Wayne Hawes
Thanks to all the candidates in the race for the Carney seat. You have all conducted yourselves with real class. It has and will continue through tomorrow to be a pleasure for me to watch this race unfold.
Frank Gracie all the way!
I voted for Mike Watson, but respect all the candidates for their service to the town. Glad it's over!
Frank,
Thank you for stepping up to the plate. Sorry you did not win. Please stay involved!
If you don't, the town will have lost a valuable citizen who has contributed significantly and worked tirelessly and selflessly for our benefit.
We need to keep our new SB members on their toes and accountable to all of us.
Frank - I've told people over the last month or so that among the things I've really valued duting the course of this election was meeting people I would otherwise not have gotten to know. All these 'meetings' were worthwhile and enriching to me and had I lost I would have looked at the experience of running as a positive thing because of those people. Who stands out among those that I got to know along the way? That's easy. Frank Gracie.
Frank is a wonderful, gentle, man, in every sense of the word. Thank you Frank.
Greg Jones
Folks, thanks for the kind words, it is much appreciated. I also want to thank the voters that did support me. I wish more people would vote and show interest in our town. I understand that everyone doesn't have the time for committee work but 15 minutes to vote doesn't seem like too much to ask. It seems to me that 90% of the people complain but only 25% vote. This is unfortunate.
One of the reasons I decided to run was because there is frustration with committee work in that you cannot actually make things happen, only influence. A good example of this is that back in 2006 the committee I was on made a bunch of suggestions, one of which was that the town needed to group together to save money on bulk purchasing. Here it is 2009 and we are still talking about something that should have been a no-brainer to follow through on. I don't know if I want to do committee work in the future, we will see. I do know that anything that involves fund-raising and campaigning is not my cup or tea either.
Greg - congratulations on your success, I am sure you will have a positive impact. Thanks for the nice words, I certainly have enjoyed our conversations and I am sure we could have worked together to make progress. I was just starting to get used to sitting with you and John at the events. :)
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