Monday, November 23, 2009

Reorganization of town departments

There has been some discussion in the comments to this post about the processes and procedures needed to navigate Dartmouth's permitting process.
Watching the meetings of the various permitting boards, it seems to me that the town boards frequently suffer from a breakdown in communication. One way to solve that problem may be to consolidate the functions of those boards into a single department. An example of what I mean can be found in Tewksbury, where our new Executive Administrator was employed. That town has integrated various boards into an Office of Economic Development. That entity is described ...

.. this way on the Tewksbury website,

The Department of Community Development was created through the actions of the May 2001 Town Meeting and is comprised of the following:
1) The Building Department
2) The Board of Health Office
3) Planning and Conservation Office
4) Engineering Office
The Department of Community Development provides direct staff and/ technical support to the following boards:
1) Board of Health
2) Planning Board
3) Conservation Commission
4) Board of Appeals
5) Master Plan Committee
6) Local Housing Partnership
7) Community Preservation Committee

When Mr. Cressman was hired, one of the things he was tasked to do was to review the town departments and recommend changes to increase efficiency or reduce costs. I would not be surprised if he recommended a similar solution as that which his former employer used.
I think a Department of Economic Development would increase communication, ease red tape, and cut costs. I am sure that the current boards would have a million reasons why it is not workable, but this is a model that we know has worked in a similar community since 2001.
This may be premature since I don't know what Mr. Cressman will eventually propose. But he will have a proposal within the first year of his employment.
What are your thoughts about this?

72 comments:

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see what Mr. Cressman has to say about this. Maybe if we have someone who merges these departments and actually oversees them instead of letting them run amuck, we could restore some trust between the people and the town hall.

Anonymous said...

I wonder how much resistance the people involved in the reorganization will give him. Some of them must still be functioning and running the town since the Gagne years and others may not like giving up any control, independence, and autonomy, not to mention being firmly entrenched in the politics of yesteryear.

Some may not even like the idea of having to account for their daily activities, now that attention has been directed their way.

papa said...

Mr. Cressman is a smart guy! I trust he is looking into everything in Dartmouth. All towns are trying to save money while at the same time give the services the public wants.
Lean mean!

Anonymous said...

It was dissappointing to see Tougas get reappointed to the Zoning Board without so much as any questions about fairness. In fact, he was praised for being fair. I guess certain people will continue to be granted variances for things like four condos on an undersized lot with frontage on a scenic byway while the hairdresser on Cove Rd gets denied. Welcome to Dartmouth where the absurd is reality and business is back to "as usual".

Anonymous said...

GET OVER IT....GAGNE,CARNEY and the REST are GONE!!! MOVE ON!!!! politics of yesteryear are OVER...now let's see where the new direction leads us. Whether for better or worse...let's wait and see the fruits of the new leaders labor. let's see if the new direction is the RIGHT direction.

Anonymous said...

GOD, JOe Michaud does nothing but give lip service to the town , he acts like a frakin'CLOWN, makin jokes. What has HE specifiacally done...WATSON has introduced more in his short time than MICHAUD has in 3..and now he is contimplating State REP!!! He cant even serve the residents here. i have called him many times about different issues and nothing has been addressed....not even a call BACK. Michaud is a BUM...throw his ass out

Anonymous said...

Try emailing him.

Anonymous said...

Politics of yesteryear are not completely gone. There are probably still some staunch supporters of Mr. Gagne out there, who could try to impede the process of moving forward if given the opportunity.

We may slowly, as a community, be purging ourselves of them, but we must not forget that they exist, nor should we forget the (financial) havoc resulting from one of their decisions.

Anonymous said...

but do not give credit when the fruits of their labor has not shown it's face...CPR is a loooong way away. lip service does nothing and that is all we have heard so far...lip service

Ed said...

Listen fools...nothing has changed but the names and faces. It's still politics as usual. I'll take some of it back, Stone and Trimble are not politicians.
Keep your eye on Watson. This guy is under the influence of Ken Vincent ( former selectman ) Ken Vincent is planning on making a run for another seat on the select board.
As for Joe Michaud, several Dartmouth T.V. sets have been damaged, the result of objects thrown at Joe, while he is talking, and talking, and talking. On Monday night, my wife had to stand in front of our TV while I made an attempt at throwing my wine glass, at the screen. Maybe, I'll get him on December 7.th
I truly hope Nat Dias decides to step down. Bye, bye Nat Dias. Your way over your head in sweet contracts.

Anonymous said...

I agree. Stone and Trimble are not politicians. However, Stone's agenda is the schools. Trimble's agenda is to do what is best for the whole town.
Watson is definitely a politician.
Michaud may be ambitious but I truly believe he is also trying to do what is best for the whole town. I don't have a problem with that. As chairman of the Select Board, it is not for him to make motions as Watson so frequently does. Watson does not miss an opportunity to make motions or speak no matter how trivial the subject matter.
As for the old boy network. It is still alive and well in Dartmouth. Until they are removed from various departments, boards and committees, they will continue their business as usual despite the changes that have been made. It is up to Mr. Cressman (he does have his hands full and it is an enormous task) to untangle and try to repair the mess Gagne has left behind. I don't believe Gagne is a bad person. I just don't believe he was capable of the job. He was more interested in being a nice guy and having everyone like him. That is not the way to run a town.
I hope the Select Board has given Mr. Cressman the green light to really look into all functions of the town. Lets do this right. If it is done just to try to fool the community into believing they are concerned about the treatment of citizens by town hall, they will not earn back the trust that has been lost over the years. The residents of Dartmouth know that certain people can glide through the system and have no problem whatsoever with permitting while the average Joe has to jump through hoops. Town Hall is not the common folks' friend.

Anonymous said...

These same people that want to give cressman time to fix Gagne's mess, are the same loud mouths that scream at the President for not fixing the country in 10 months....GET A GRIP

Anonymous said...

pooƃ sʞool uoıʇɔǝɹıp ʍǝu ǝɥʇ 'ǝʌıʇɔǝdsɹǝd sıɥʇ ɯoɹɟ 'ǝǝs uɐɔ ı ʇɐɥʍ ɯoɹɟ

Anonymous said...

Thank you, 8:21. Way back when Mr. Waton was just running for Selelct Board, I pegged him for a politician on this blog and got flak for it. Perhaps now that he is up there in front of the TV camera week after week, more of you will feel the same.

I also felt and expressed then, that Ms. Stone had an agenda, the schools, and an ulterior "option" up her sleeve to help alleviate our financial crisis, called "override." I still feel the same, and more so, and I would suggest that we remain cognizant of this and cautious.

She isn't, I don't think, a "politician," nor is Mr. Trimble. Their approach to issues may differ, and they are definitely differing personalities, but their best interest is the town, although how to achieve this "best" in the long term may set them apart considerably.

This opinion is by no means a denigration of all that she is doing and has accomplished in reaching out to the community, however. I give her credit for that. It is refreshing to have someone ask our opinions and listen to us.

Sorry, though: schools and override.

We can't afford to have individuals on our Board with special interests or agendas take control of the Board. We need all members to remain unbiased and mindful always of the residents as a community not a certain segment of the community.

There may be a Vincent-Watson camp, but from where I sit, Mrs. Dias and Mr. Watson are as equally buddy-buddy with each other as those of you criticizing Ms. Gilbert and Mr. Trimble felt they were. There is a lot of chit-chat and chuckling over some private joke only the two of them are privy to on the other side of the Board platform if you pay attention.

Anonymous said...

When you are an employer, official or administrator, you don't have the luxury of being Mr. or Ms. "Nice Guy" in how you conduct business. Anyone striving to do so will only be an easy target to be taken advantage of, walked on, or manipulated by someone with an agenda.

You are no one's "friend." The day you become one,or strive to become one, is the day you lose control of those you command. It's quite like being a parent. One has to "parent" and not want to be their child's "friend." Once the parent becomes the friend or the child's peer, he or she is at the helm of the sinking ship called "Command and Respect."

Anonymous said...

Joe Michaud is extremely easy to contact. He responds to email, phone calls and letters and he goers to many public meetings.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Michaud has always been courteous and answered my emails, if not on the same day, then shortly thereafter. I have not had that courtesy extended me by a minority of others on the Board.

Anonymous said...

8:12, CPR may be a long way off, but at least the lip service given it is transparent, and the intention is good, unlike the contracts-for-life and the manner in which that "business" was conducted.

Plus, it takes the cooperation - - and trust - -of all parties involved when it comes to CPR. No one likes to give up the authority they have, nor the control over their sphere of government. To build up this trust and a feeling of assurance that CPR is a "good" thing takes some doing. It is not accomplished overnight.

Anonymous said...

What is CPR?

Anonymous said...

Consolidation, privatization, and regionalization.

Anonymous said...

good intentions are nice, but if there isn't results what good has that done.

Anonymous said...

Since the purpose of CPR involves agreement and cooperation of two or more communities, you cannot expect that it will occur overnight. There is a lot involved to coordinate department responsibilities, and a lot of people involved, many who may resent any change or loss of their control of these responsibilities. There likely would be some who would lose their jobs, and that in itself would understandably cause resentment and resistance.

CPR may be more a consideration than a reality right now, but it is a step in the right direction to affect efficiency and cost savings.

Anonymous said...

Watson is the easy target of people on this blog. They attack, throw stones, do whatever. Now he supposedly takes advice from Vincent. I have known this kid a long time. He makes up his own mind, always has, and always will. Its refreshing to see someone who will stand up for what is right. No connections to past/present issues or people. My guess is he'll stand up to Vincent, CFRG, Michaud, Trimble, Dias, Stone, anyone at anytime. He's an easy target because he speaks eloquently and can easily be classified as a "politician". There is only one difference. This politican does what is right, no matter the cost. That's what some of you will never do. If you think you can, by all means, do what he did. Step up and put yourself out there for this type of critism. I applaud his campaign last year, his service, and his political future.

Eddy said...

Anonymous 7:17 A.M.

Your support for the kid (Watson ) is noted.
As for Watson, I've not read one attack, throwing of stones, or whatever you posted. As it relates to Watson and Ken Vincent, you don't know diddly. Watson, while under the Vincent connection, is painting a wobbly line down his political road. Monday night open session didn't start until 7:45 P.M. Why? The select board, while in executive session, took action to make three interim police positions. This action and discussion, could've been done in open session. I believe the action taken by the select board, is in direct violation of the open meeting law. This is the same old stuff that took place during the Vincent/Miller era. As mentioned in your post, I agree that Watson is an eloquent politician. In my opinion, all the police moves/ action taken by the select boards Monday night ESM, was prompted by Watson, while under the Vincent influence.

Anonymous said...

How can those types of allegations be made?? How can I accept that statement unless you were in an executive session? Are you a board member throwing stones at Watson? I agree that any decision should have been made in open session, but don't state that Watson was involved in executive session unless you were present and can prove it!
I watched Mondays meeting and it started at 7:15pm,not 7:45pm. Again, state facts or keep quiet. Looks like your the one who doesn't know diddly.

Anonymous said...

Here's a point for all of you. Everyone is political. There are the school supporters (political motive being more money for schools), the cost cutters (concerned only with keeping taxes low regardless of impact), the unions (concerned with more for employees), and everyone who has a political opinion. No one gets involved in politics (big or small) without wanting to push some idea. So all of us should stop kidding ourselves. We all want what we believe in to be done. Therefore, we are all political.

Anonymous said...

You can't be for fiscal responsibility and be a democrat... I love the people in Dartmouth who vote against every override and then support Obama and Patrick, two politicians who will surely raise taxes whenever they can.

Hey Deval...the common guy was affected yb the sales tax you signed into law.

Together we didn't. Dump Deval in 2010.

Anonymous said...

I wonder who this Eddy is???

Anonymous said...

Eddy is a nice guy, who just got the select board meeting time wrong. We all make errors and Eddy is no exception. As for the Vincent connection, Kenny is pushing for Bob Szala to become the permanent deputy police chief. I agree with Ken Vincent. I don't know if he is talking to a selectman, but who cares. He has the right to speak with all the selectmen.
I know Eddy, and most of his facts concerning the way the meeting is held, is correct. The vote to make interim positions should have been in open session, not executive session. Also, when a selectman votes on important personnel issues, he/she should offer a reason for their vote. Not just yammer.
I truly hope the selectmen change their mind and decide to promote from within the police department.

Anonymous said...

I haven't seen Kenny Vincent in months. I thought he moved. You are right though 12:49pm...he has the right to speak with any or all selectman as do we all. I disagree though that the public thinks the promotion should come from within. I think they want the best qualified-period. I hope that is what the selectman will do.

Anonymous said...

Who is Eddy if you know him?

Anonymous said...

2:17 P.M.
Whats up with Eddy? Eddy is a well know person, and lives in Dartmouth. When it comes to town politics, Eddy is the person to visit. He has his opinions, and isn't afraid to share them. Eddy, a strong supporter for Mike Watson, wants to see a police chief appointed from within the Dartmouth police department. Eddy is known to frequent the town hall. Although he could never win a popularity contest, I like Eddy.
Eddy has inside knowledge of the town machine, and the direction it will take in the next town elections. If Eddy said it, I believe him. I don't know about the other selectmen, but Watson is getting an ear full from Eddy.
Eddy is like the statue, hiding behind the rock, that lies next to the middle school. I hope this information will help you shed some light on Eddy

Anonymous said...

Eddy doesn't seem like a Watson supporter from his post, saying that Watson is attached to Vincent. The tone doesn't look like the poster likes Kenny Vincent either.

Anonymous said...

9:44 A.M.
You've got to reread the post. Nothing about the post indicating that the poster has a dislike for Vincent. You may not agree, but Ken Vincent has a lot of influence within the Dartmouth police department, and Mike Watson. When Ken Vincent speaks, Eddy takes notice. Vincent has been Watson inner ear when it comes to police appointment or interim appointments. This doesn't make Eddy or Vincent a bad person.
Lets start off with something simple; 1 + 2 = 3 .....do you agree? If you agree then we have a good starting point.. The first number is Vincent, the second number is Watson, the addition equals three lieutenants. Selectman Watson is interested in a nation wide search for a deputy chief. The six finalist were so poor, that chief Pacheco decided to retire earlier then the select board expected. This unexpected move by chief Pacheco, caused the select board to re-evaluate their nation wide search for a deputy police chief. Thousands of needed town money was flushed down the town toilet. “By the way, did you notice the employment ad for a district one fire department deputy chief ?”?Must mean that district one fire department doesn't have anyone qualified to become deputy chief. More politics.
The select board decided, in close session, to appoint three interim positions within the police department. Please notice the number (3) Captain Gary Soares is now qualified to become acting chief, Bob Szala is now qualified to become acting deputy chief and detective George Perry is qualified to become acting chief for detectives. If you follow the dots, you'll learn that Eddy is right on when it comes to the Vincent/Watson connection. Watson will make his case for hiring these positions from within the department, and it's the right action to take. Welcome to the world of politics.
Do you really believe that an outside police chief will last more then one year. If the department has survived for so many years while promoting from within the department, what is it the Michaud has for appointing from the unknown. This is not a Mike Gagne situation, no funny contracts for this chief. The townies support their police department. The town past an override for additional police officers. If the selectmen hire a chief from outside our police department, they will commit political suicide. Mark Eddy's word.

Anonymous said...

I just don't follow your logic. Yes, 1+2=3... We agree here. However, Vincent +Watson = 3 Lieutentents???? You have lost me. That one you will have to explain to me again.

The promotions you speak of are simply acting promotions. Nothing permanent. Are you suggesting these will become permanent appointments? If so, fine. But your math is still funny.

Anonymous said...

4:50 P.M.

Several months ago, the select board appointed three lieutenants. The original request was for one lieutenant. Gary Soares was appointed to captain. As a former lieutenant, the selectmen wanted to appoint two lieutenants, but appoint three. If that isn't politics then what is?? Due to a former police officers, who is very friendly with Vincent, the select board appointed three lieutenants. Watson voted against the second lieutenant, but voted for the third. Go figure....
Now, the select board appointed an interim deputy chief. This position never existed. How do you appoint some one to a position that doesn't exist. Once the position of deputy chief is made and the position becomes vacant, then you can make an interim appointment. How can the SB make an interim appointment for a position that is not there to fill? 1+2 = 3.
Bob Szala is a sergeant. The select board jumped over three lieutenants to make a sergeant as the interim deputy chief. You do the math......some one is dancing with the selectmen, and it isn't Eddy.

Anonymous said...

Why would you single Watson out on this appointment? I get your math, but Dartmouth must have had three (or more) selectman to make the interim appointments.

Sounds like you didn't like Watson voting against Lt. #2. Was that Rutch or Faria?

I follow your math, but your logic is off. All selectman can vote as they wish for police lieutenants. And frankly, they can go outside for a chief if they choose.

Anonymous said...

I'll jump in here too. The BOS began the search for deputy chief long before they filled the three lieutetants positions.

Anonymous said...

By the way, you said above you supported Szala as deputy... Now you want one of the lieutenants in that role????

Anonymous said...

The select board jumped over three lieutenants to make a sergeant as the interim deputy chief.


Let's be realistic. First of all, Szala was the ONLY person Departmentwide that expressed interest in the Deputy Chief position. He was the only Police Officer to submit a resume and enter the selection process.

Second Szala has been a Sgt for over 15 yrs, and Detective Sgt for over 5. The 3 Lieutenants you speak of have a total of 3 months experience as Lieutenants. To garner their relative experience I suggest you count their time as Sgt's. Zielinski was made Sgt 6 or 7 years after Szala. Rutch and Faria were made Sgt's 10-12 years after Szala.

Szala, in my opinion, was appointed Deputy Chief based on his experience in a leadership/supervisory role over all the lieutenants. Additionally Sgt Szala has experience with departmental budgets, search warrants, criminal law, and a host of other real life experiences the others can't touch.

Anonymous said...

If Dep. Chief is a new added position how much more in salaries will this be for the town?

Anonymous said...

to anon...nov.26th 11:57..your obviously a staunch republican or an extreme conservative independant or a libertarian...If democrats can not be for fiscal responsibility,,,Republicans will never be for the common person. they will never be for the working family and small business.

As for Obama...I saw a tax cut in my federal income tax this past year. open your eyes and stop giving TPM from Bill Oreilly and Glan Beck.

Anonymous said...

Our men in BLUE ARE the BEST...the promotion should come from within FIRST

Anonymous said...

I am a republican, for the common guy, and upset over the sales tax hike. I agree with anonymous above. Common guys are getting screwed by sales/gas taxes.

Eddy said...

To, let's be realistic....

Not too long ago, when Miller, Vincent, Carney, Gonsalves, and Silva were on the select board, the Dartmouth police brotherhood allowed the police chiefs position to be removed from civil service. The selectman and town meeting submitted an article that was past by town meeting and the chiefs position became a political appointment.
Prior to this political act, chief Soares announced his retirement. At this time the department had two captains. Randall Medeiros and Brad Silva. The selectmen were in the process of calling civil service, department of human services, to have a police chief exam for the town of Dartmouth. Civil service requires four candidates of rank of captain to qualify for the examination, if the requirement is not met, civil service will allow the lieutenants to participate in the chiefs examination, but not the sergeants. ARE YOU FOLLOWING THIS ?? Can you see where this is going?? Now; with the chiefs position no longer with civil service, the selectmen can appoint anyone as chief. The position was offered to Randall Medeiros. After three years he retired and the position was offered to lieutenant Mark Pacheco. ARE YOU REALLY PAYING ATTENTION?? The sole purpose of removing the chiefs position from civil service is to appoint the person who best fits the political agenda. Now we have a completely new select board who don't want an insider. Why, they set the bar so high that none of the above mention would have qualified. Bob Szala didn't make the first cut....
If the position had remained under civil service, the selectmen would appoint a person who is as well qualified as anyone from outside civil service. So why did the long ago select board set the stage for this unfortunate situation. Your smart enough to figure this one out.

Anonymous said...

to mr. GOP...I appreciate that you are for the common guy, but your party is NOT.

He also complained about Obama's tax hike...Obama decreased taxes for the middle class. he needs to watch more news other than Glen Beck and the rest of FOX news.

Anonymous said...

To 8:59am

I don't follow the Szala angle. He applied for deputy I thought. How does the chief discussion involve him?

Anonymous said...

Anyone who thinks we will not be paying more in taxes has their head in the sand. Let's not forget all the new taxes which will be created like the "war tax" that is being kicked around. I don't care who's in office, the national debt will have to be addressed and the only way to do that is through taxation. The government is certainly not going to reduce spending. Obama has his hands full and came into office with enormous debt but I have heard nothing from him about controlling spending. Health reform may or may not help in the long run but if passed, it will be another large bill for the taxpayers.

Anonymous said...

Regardless of who takes "advice" from whom, we as Dartmouth citizens do need to be aware that some of this "advice" that may be given to our officials may be coming from members of the still-existing good ol' boy network that would still like to retain its sphere of influence and control over Dartmouth politics.

Eddy said...

To 9:48

My last attempt to clear the Szala issue. Bob Szala is a nice guy but doesn't test well. He has a masters degree in law enforcement, but can't pass a lieutenants exam. The selectmen removed the chief and deputy chief position from the protection of civil service. This act opened the position of chief and deputy chief to the political whim of the selectmen.
If the chief/deputy chiefs position had not been removed from the protection of civil service a written exam would have been taken by the highest ranking officers in the department. Szala is not one of the highest ranking officers in the police department. Under the protection of civil service, the selectmen shall appoint one of the top officers, with the best test score. NOW DO YOU UNDERSTAND??
The selectmen, and police department politics are well connected. Vincent was nothing more then a glorified patrolman, who became elected as a selectman, and through his influence with fellow board members, removed the chiefs position out of civil service. Bob Szala and Vincent are very good friends. Now Vincent is attempting to have Szala appointed as deputy chief. His only connection on the select board is WATSON. Watson is a nice kid, but too gullible, and listens to too many people who give him wrong information.
Trimble and Stone will be looking at an outsider for both chief and deputy chief. Watson and Dias will be looking to appointing from inside the department. Michaud is the deciding vote. My question is this, can Michaud vote for a chief, while his brother is still a Dartmouth police officer. This sounds like a conflict or what appears to be a conflict of interest.

Anonymous said...

Randall Medeiros was selected after exactly the same NATIONWIDE search which the current BOS is going to use. SO much for setting the bar too high for Dartmouth locals.
Chief Pacheco was selected by the same assessment center the current BOS plans on putting the finalists through.
So much for your ideas of politics controlling the situation. Both of our last 2 Chief's came from the selection process being used this time. All I am sayin is give the people who have put in their time within the town the ability to be tested with the outsiders. Is that so bad??

Anonymous said...

2:48pm....

You make a lot of assumptions. Will you come on this blog and admit who you are after your assumptions are proven false??

My guess is not. Its much easier to attack our leaders with your sladerous allegations while hiding behind a curtain.

Anonymous said...

Eddy....

My guess from your post is you don't know Watson.

I know him and gullable might be the last word I would use to describe him.

People elected this guy becasue of his independence last April and if he were on the ballot again this year, he'd get 65-70% of the vote. He has done a great job!

Anonymous said...

Someone questioned whether Joe Michaud can vote for police chief, with his brother serving as a police officer. As long as his brother is not among the applicants for the job (a situation which would force Joe to stay away from the issue entirely), OF COURSE he can vote for chief. There's no conflict of interest and no appearance of a conflict. Joe and his immediately family have no financial interest in the decision. That's what creates a conflict.

Anonymous said...

I doubt highly that Trimble/Stone are committed to outside the department. I think they are open minded people who will consider all applicants.

Anonymous said...

These allegations against our select board are being made by people with an interest in the outcome. (they either want the chief from within or from the outside) This board has worked well together and while it may disagree, can do the job it was elected to do.

Eddy said...

As it relates to Eddy. Eddy wants the deputy chief, and police chief, to come from within the police department. Eddy will make a motion to appoint Bob Szala as deputy chief and Gary Soares as chief of the Dartmouth police department. Do we have a second to Eddy's motion??
How can you second Eddy's motion? Eddy would like to see some one circulate a town petition with signatures, of those who agree with Eddy. The petition will be presented to the board of selectmen.

We the undersign, respectfully request that the Dartmouth board of selectmen, appoint the next Dartmouth police chief, and deputy police chief, from within the members of the Dartmouth police department. This petition is in agreement with the Dartmouth police brotherhood union.

Anonymous said...

Here's an idea. Eddy - why don't you start one???

Birddog said...

Slowly but surely Watson will show his true colors as being nothing more than a town employee representative.

Anonymous said...

Bird Dog...anyone calling themselves this isn't worth listening to. The birds are nice to listen to in the morning, but I wouldn't let them run my household.

Anonymous said...

Check your definition of bird dog. It's not just a hunting dog, it's also a person who watches things closely. What do singing birds have to do with it (unless they make hunting them down that much easier for the bird dog)?

Anonymous said...

My, my, Birddog seems to have ruffled some feathers. I wonder how Watson stands on issues like duplication of sick leave incentives and longevity pay. We won't know until all the contracts are negotiated. Slowly but surely he will show his true colors. He is a wolf in sheep's clothing waiting to eat the taxpayers alive.

Eddy said...

My name is Edward, Eddy for short. I real don't truly care who becomes chief or deputy chief, or who the next select board member will be.
I'm just proud to be living hear in these united states of America. Also, I hope I live long enough to see my grandchildren grow up and become productive members of this great country. I don't believe I shall live long enough to see an end to all wars, but I hope we stand up to the malcontents who want us destroyed. I don't care if my grandchildren ever learn to recite the Gettysburg address, but I sure hope they learn to respect all the people who fought to keep it safe. Myself included.
I've rattled on, on this post, and I've made my opinion known, as it relates to my posts doesn't amount to a hill of beans. It's been nice to just say what is on my mind, with no fear of being dragged out of my home and put into some political jail, for saying the things that most people in other countries can't dare to say or think. “That's all folk.” Hope you all enjoyed your thanksgiving weekend, and maybe I'll pop up again to throw a little more stuff at you.

Eddy said...

My name is Edward, Eddy for short. I real don't truly care who becomes chief or deputy chief, or who the next select board member will be.
I'm just proud to be living hear in these united states of America. Also, I hope I live long enough to see my grandchildren grow up and become productive members of this great country. I don't believe I shall live long enough to see an end to all wars, but I hope we stand up to the malcontents who want us destroyed. I don't care if my grandchildren ever learn to recite the Gettysburg address, but I sure hope they learn to respect all the people who fought to keep it safe. Myself included.
I've rattled on, on this post, and I've made my opinion known, as it relates to my posts doesn't amount to a hill of beans. It's been nice to just say what is on my mind, with no fear of being dragged out of my home and put into some political jail, for saying the things that most people in other countries can't dare to say or think. “That's all folk.” Hope you all enjoyed your thanksgiving weekend, and maybe I'll pop up again to throw a little more stuff at you.

Anonymous said...

I agree with the person who wrote that this discussion is being led by people with vested interests, members of the police union and candidates for these jobs in the police department. They want to protect the status quo. Naming a chief from within the ranks would protect the status quo. It protects the brotherhood which protects mediocrity.

pissed off on this blog said...

MEDIOCRE? Please..don't call these guys when something bad happens to you, you should call someone else.
The posters on this blog are so ANTI-DARTMOUTH it is despicable.

Anti-schools, anti-police. Dartmouth can't promote from within because according to this blog, it is old boy politics. Well it seems the new- boy politics are no better. Nothing has changed, just alot of lip-service.

I can guarantee our troopers are just as qualified as any officers in other cities and towns. To say our men are less qualified is a slap in the face to our men in blue.

anti-everything is exactely what these grumpy old men sitting in their underwear and wearing flannel shirts typing on this blog are.

I support our police, this town should also. This is on Joe Michaud's head

Anonymous said...

MEDIOCRE? Please..don't call these guys when something bad happens to you, you should call someone else.
The posters on this blog are so ANTI-DARTMOUTH it is despicable.

Anti-schools, anti-police. Dartmouth can't promote from within because according to this blog, it is old boy politics. Well it seems the new- boy politics are no better. Nothing has changed, just alot of lip-service.

I can guarantee our troopers are just as qualified as any officers in other cities and towns. To say our men are less qualified is a slap in the face to our men in blue.

anti-everything is exactely what these grumpy old men sitting in their underwear and wearing flannel shirts typing on this blog are.

I support our police, this town should also. This is on Joe Michaud's head

Anonymous said...

How about a blind process that simply selects the best possible person regardless of political alliance?

Why not the best?

Anonymous said...

who says the best isn't already in Dartmouth

Anonymous said...

you people on this blog want to talk about the town should be run as a business, well in most businesses promotions are look at from within before they are outsourced. Stick to your theory or shut up

Anonymous said...

I heard Tom Hodgson is already the ultimate choice with Caddy Shack Richie as Deputy Chief. Nuff said its a done deal!

Anonymous said...

That opens up the Sheriffs seat for Quinn and Sharek can finally realize his dream of being state auditor. I'm connecting the dots...