Tonight at Town Hall I was given a letter from the Dartmouth Police Brotherhood which states that they have taken a vote of no confidence in Select Board Chair Joe Michaud.
Some reasons advanced in the letter are comments made at meetings which were not directed solely to the police department, if to the police department at all. Another reason given is that Mr. Michaud was on the radio and expressed concern over accidents involving police cruisers. I would point out to the Police Brotherhood that the Select Board serves as the Police Commissioners in the town. It is entirely within the scope of Mr. Michaud's duties to inquire about police procedure as a commissioner. There have been a number of accidents in the past few years which involved extensive enough damage to patrol cars that the cars were declared total losses. I too am concerned about the accidents. If such accidents are occurring regularly, it is just a matter of time before one of them results in a serious or fatal injury to a police officer or member of the public. I think it is legitimate to inquire ...
... if there is a deficiency of policy or procedure which could be corrected and thereby reduce the incidence of crashes. That is exactly what has been done and not by Mr Michaud alone, but the entire Select Board. The response from the police command was thorough and concise and laid to rest any concerns. However as I wrote in this post there may be technology which can be deployed to help reduce the hazards faced by emergency responders when navigating signaled intersections. The Select Board has asked the police department to look into that. I am not sure that the possibility of using the technology would have been raised if no questions had been advanced. End of story until this vote by the Police Brotherhood.
Mr. Michaud and the rest of the Select Board have been very supportive of the Police Department as evidenced by our funding priorities. To suggest otherwise is unfair and untrue.
Like the Dartmouth Police Department, Mr Michaud has always been a part of his community. He has served as a VOLUNTEER on the Finance Committee and serves as a VOLUNTEER on the Select Board. He spends many hours in community service in other capacities throughout the region. He is a Lt. Col. in the Army National Guard.
I feel that the Police Brotherhood and the town administration have had a positive relationship. I was happy to advocate for an override to maintain more officers, I was gratified that the Brotherhood made some concessions on contract length and other issues in the last contract and that we could agree to a wage package. While the majority of the Select Board and the Brotherhood disagree about hiring the new Chief from outside the department, I think that anyone can see Chief Lee is an exemplary police administrator. I hope and expect that everyone will work to help Chief Lee make the department even better than it is.
Make no mistake, this vote is about town politics, not attacks on the Police Brotherhood because there have not been any attacks. I think it is a shame that the Brotherhood has decided to inject themselves into a political campaign. I hope the voters will see it for what it is, a transparent attempt to influence the campaign rather than a legitimate criticism.
Obviously, I am not making any friends with the Police Brotherhood with this post and I know that. But ask yourself this question, With an election a few weeks away, what was the rush to have the vote and publish it? I believe the answer is apparent.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Police Brotherhood enters political ring
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87 comments:
with all due respect, a few accidents...they DPD drive over a million miles a year...and you want to account a few accidents....another thing is extensive damage on police vehicles? Well if you understand insurance, if the damage done to a vehicle and repairs to the vehicle are more than the value of the cruiser it is a total loss according to insurance.
take mileage and age as a factor when making comments...the average age and mileage of each cruiser is what Bill?
pretty old and pretty worn...I would say...it may be counted as a total loss if they get into a fender bender or a cracked headlight.
STOP CATERING to JOE...
Joe Michaud still gets my vote. In fact, this latest stunt by "The Brotherhood" guarantees it. Joe is fighting for the taxpaper. Too bad these police officers have such a thin skin.
Push through a vote? how do you know a possible vote wasn't discussed...I think once again you are pandering to the powers that be...you favor JOE and GRACIE and are using this BLOG to influence an election...IE...Gracie's signs are availale...where is your post regarding McDonald signs?...none...your despicable Trimble...next year it's your turn to face the music.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas's wife is launching a 'tea party' group
Virginia Thomas says, "I am an ordinary citizen from Omaha, Neb., who just may have the chance to preserve liberty along with you and other people like you," She claims to be energized by President Obama's "hard-left agenda." She's accepting donations from various sources - including corporations - as allowed under campaign finance rules recently loosened and supported by her husband's Supreme Court decision opening the floodgates to groups like this the Citizens United case. Hey-it's "all in the family" at the Justice Thomas household. And just for the record, Virginia is no ordinary activist. Being the the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas should test the traditional notions of political impartiality for the court, although for Virginia Thomas this isn't the first time. In 2000, when her husband's Court accepted George Bush's lawsuit to block the Florida Supreme Court's order that all the votes in the state of Florida be counted - a count done a year later by a newspaper consortium which found that Al Gore actually won more votes in that state - the day after Clarence Thomas blocked the vote count, Virginia Thomas, working at the Heritage Foundation, was sending out emails to vet potential members of the Bush administration. This was weeks before her husband's court illegally decided that Bush had won the election because her husband's court effectively blocked the counting of all the votes in Florida.
This whole post is completely false. There are many many reasons why they did this. He HAS made personal attacks against the police department. It is quite apparent he is not a fan. Hiring OUTSIDE of the department who knows absolutely nothing about this town? Horrible! He hired someone from one of the most corrupt police departments in the country too. I completely understand we needed to hire the most qualified but that is basically saying no one within the department is... including the current Chief. I absolutely agree they did this right before the election for a reason. They need to show the residents of Dartmouth that their Police Department doesn't stand behind him. The latest accident on Rt 6, did anyone read who the driver was that slammed into the cruiser? We should be more concerned with getting the elderly to take a driving test again (which will never happen because they are our voting population) then having the police get investigated on their accidents. If you are in danger, or in immediate need of help we will see if you want that officer to respond as quickly as he or she can. I absolutely stand behind the Dartmouth Police on their decision and I will NOT be voting for Michaud for many more reasons then their vote of no confidence.
I am a member of the Dartmouth Police Brotherhood. First I would like to thank you for your support.
Of course the Select Board can question and review police department policy. That is not our issue with Mr. Michaud. Mr. Michaud called WBSM and volunteered to give a radio interview regarding two recent police car crashes that are still under investigation. His comments during this interview were critical of the officers and department policy. He made these comments publicly without all the facts. This can only be described as irresponsible. It is my opinion that Michaud was attempting to create a campaign issue to further himself. His comments may have invited a law suit and created liability for both the officers and the town.
I noticed you made no mention of Mr. Michauds televised comments were he referred to the three recently appointed police lieutenants as "dead wood". Again I would say his attempt at what I guess you might call humor was hurtful and undermined the leadership of the department.
Recently (again televised) Mr. Michaud said during an open meeting that surplus funds should be "spent" "before the unions get a hold of it". Even if this is how you think do we want someone representing us who is foolish enough to say this? If we have extra funds in this economy why spend it at all. Again the pitfalls of re-electing someone who thinks and speaks this way are obvious.
While this blog's author was reciting Mr. Michaud's credentials I noticed he left out "Lawyer" and "Politician". I am of the opinion that Mr. Michaud embodies the worst of both these labels.
While it is the consensus of the agency that our only in house candidate and acting chief should have at least been given the courtesy of an interview, that was not a part of our issues with Mr Michaud. Your mention of this point seems like an attempt to detract from the real issues.
As a unanimous group we feel Mr. Michaud has an agenda that is bad for Dartmouth.
Lastly, the idea that the police brotherhood should not be political is ill conceived. A union has a responsibility to it's members to be politically active. The fact that our union has never taken a no confidence vote against a select board member should tell you something. I hope the voters will see this for what it is, our attempt to protect the town not as police officers but as citizens.
We knew that Mr. Michaud would try and spin a no confidence vote to his advantage. It's easy to label it as "political". You might try and say this just proves that he's doing his job. That makes a nice sound bite but it's just not true.
The police brotherhood has not endorsed a candidate in over 15 years. We have never taken a no confidence vote against a selectman. I think most of the people of Dartmouth know their police officers are good people. We are your friends and neighbors. We have a unique perspective on our community. Is this no confidence vote political? Of course it is.
But when a group of Officers are so outraged by an elected officials conduct (both public and private) that a vote of "No Confidence" passes, reasonable voters will know, Mr. Michaud has to go.
"I am not sure that the possibility of using the technology would have been raised if no questions had been advanced."
Probably not.
Question: with our turnback money going elsewhere (to assist the school/parents & fees) is there enough to purchase this equipment?
Whose hand is in this one??!!
Bill I agree with you that this is an attempt to influence the election but why does that mean the criticism is not legitimate? It's interesting that rather than looking in a mirror for ways to improve the candidate (via you) has dismissed this as illegitimate. Just like with the location of the wind turbines you have reached a decision before having enough time to weigh the argument.
The Dartmouth Police brotherhood is indeed playing politics again. Perhaps a delayed response to hiring a new chief from outside, perhaps massaging Mr. Miller's feet knowing he will take care of them in the next contract, or perhaps another cover up (in the recent accidents) like they did in the officer Mello accident. What is next, lining the back wall of the SB meetings again?
Bill...I'm in agreement with you the Dartmouth police union should not have become involved in town politics. This letter you received brings into question the legitimate purpose or integrity of the police union membership.
Through out the towns budget reduction process, the police department, as a result of Joe Michaud and the select board members received immunity through out the budget reduction process. The selectmen went on record as protecting public safety, encouraged and supported the override to hire six additional police officer, all this done during a time of fiscal short falls.
Accepting the police chiefs request to support his new command staff, and the appointment of a captain, lieutenants, and sergeants along with the selectman's support for additional new cruisers, is anything other then a lack of support for our police department.
The hiring of a new police chief, is consistent with taking our town in a new direction. How in good conscience can the Dartmouth police union vote in favor of sending a letter to Joe Michaud of no confidence??
The selectman, are not in control of the day to day operation of the police department. Example: If this action was taken against the chief, which it wasn't, it would carry more credibility, as it relates to police management. But to take issue, or blame with a police commissioner who is looking into the number of police cruiser accidents is well within the focus of the town and the select board.
How can you vote "no confidence" on some one who is not running the department. If the union took a no confidence vote against the chief, this would be a valid vote because the chief is the department head. The selectman hire, fire, demote, and promote, but the chief of police under chapter 32 section 41 has total control of the police department, and all police officer assignments, and department policies. The selectmen "cam not" set police policy.
The timing of this police union action, is political.
Gee, what a surprise. I'm sure it had nothing to do with the upcoming election. I wonder where this is coming from??? The good ole boy network is hard at work to gain back control. How dare you ask the boys in blue any questions or make any inquiries? Let's get Miller back in. He won't bother town employees. As a matter of fact, all the discussion about give & take in contract negotiations will quickly go away. The taxpayers' money will be flowing right back into positions, raises & benefits. But wait, there's one little problem. There's only so much money to go around. Stone & Watson are trying to raid the general fund for the schools. If they have their way, there won't be anything left for Miller to give to his buddies. What a dilemma! But hey, it's Miller time, so everyone drink up and you won't even care where the money is going. I just hope you can pay your tab.
The police should be accountable like any other company for an industrial accident. If there is a
system failure, that should be corrected. All accidents should have work drug screening,like any other work injury.
WE GIVE OUR RESPECT TO JOE MICHARD-IT IS TRUE THAT THERE ARE TOO MANY POLICE CRUISERS --SOME DAY INJURYING THE PUBLIC AS WELL THE POLICEMEN.....JOE MICHARD IS CORRECT TO COMMENT--OUR FAMILY HAS STATED THE SAME. JOE MICHARD HAS ALL OUR CONFIDENCE!!!!
JOE MICHARD IS CORRECT TO COMMENT ABOUT THE POLICE DEPT. CRUISES IN THESE ACCIDENTS, THE POLICE DEPT SHOULD NOT THINK THAT THEY HAVE NO ACCOUNTABILTY TO THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC AND THE RESPONDSIBILITY OF THE POLICEMEN WHEN HE OR SHE ARE DRIVING THE CRUISES. THE SELECTMAN , JOE MICHARD IS SPEAKING FOR US THE CITIZENS OF DARTMOUTH. PLEASE JOE, KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK--YOU HAVE OUR CONFIDENCE IN YOU!!
Joe Michard is correct to comment on the safety of police dept.....they should be more careful when they speed around..the public should be safe out there when a police car is speeding to a call( shop lifter is not an emergency)
Yes Bill, the answer is apparent. Like you---"strike while the iron is hot." If the DPB sat back and took the revolving door abuse of a political official whose law enforcement priorities gravitate more towards Faunce Corner Road, than they do towards Russells Mills Road, how would they look. Also, for you to say that this has anything to do with the hiring of a new chief, is for lack of a better word (for this post), moronic! Have you personally spoken with a test group of officers to see what their opinion is regarding the new chief? I dare say not. Whether it's Michaud or Miller this time around is irrelevant. Every day, the men and women of DPD go out and give it their best, and just once it would be nice to hear about the hundreds of nails they drove in straight, as opposed to the one that they may have bent.
Just read the letter online (Fall River Herald News.)
It is unfortunate that the brotherhood did not immediately address Mr. Michaud's comments. Perhaps all of this could have been avoided with a serious conversation between those involved. With all due respect to the brotherhood, wouldn't that have been the professional way to approach it first? Wouldn't it have been far less morale breaking to the department to meet with Mr. Michaud and discuss their concerns?
Now, at election time - - how convenient is that - - the issue is brought up. There is no doubt politics is involved here. Too bad. And too bad it seems that there always has to be a crisis of some sort in this town.
And, why does the Herald have the letter and not the Standard-Times? If it is/was in, I must have missed it. We have to read it in another newspaper, no less.
If the Police Brotherhood had voted to endorse a candidate, I would have no problem with that. They have every right as a organized group to endorse a candidate and ask their membership to support them. This action went further than an endorsement. It is based upon dubious evidence in my opinion. For instance, there is no "extra money" in the town budgets. Any turn backs are one time revenue and it is against the established policy of the Select Board to use it for recurring expense such as wages.
On one hand, some are saying here that the decision to hire a Chief from outside the department is not a problem, and on the other, we have some commenters who are irate about it. Go figure.
As I said in my post, I believe it is legitimate for members of the Select Board to ask questions about whether we need to rethink procedure if those procedures might be endangering the officers or [public. As I see it, that is all that has been done. The question was raised and answered. Some may think it was improper to do so on the radio. That is a judgment call. I do not think it is so inflammmatory that it should be seen as an attack on the police department.
I ask the police union members, where were YOU when a certain police candidate up for promotion was being investigated by the select board for allegations of serious police misconduct? All provided by an anonymous source. Not a peep was heard from the polcie Union. No letters of condemnation sent to the selectmen on a Monday night.
You fail to stand up for one of your own who is under attack by unknown, anonymous sources, and Joe Michaud carried the ball. Maybe it's because some of you agitators were behind the anonymous information. Why didn't you cry out foul when this action was taken??
A group of people "malcontents" sent anonymous letters, made anonymous
telephone calls, met with town selectmen and provided misinformation on candidates for promotion.
This wicked act, caused Joe Michaud to announce on DCTV that allegations provided by an anonymous(s) that serious acts of police misconduct by one of the candidates for promotion, is under investigation. Joe Michaud also announced that all promotions shall be delayed until the investigation is complete.
The Dartmouth police union didn't feel that allegations from anonymous sources is not cause for union action. Shame on you hypocrites.
Joe Michaud is questioning three police crashes that all occurred within in a short period in time and the union meets to take a vote of no confidence. This is all political BULL MANURE.
Bill, you claim the DPB has dubious evidence yet you cite only one of their grievances.
You said....Make no mistake, this vote is about town politics, not attacks on the Police Brotherhood because there have not been any attacks.
Are you saying Michaud did not call police lt's DEADWOOD? If you need to refresh your memory I am sure the tape could be garnered from DTV.
Are you implying that Michaud did not request an interview with WBSM and interject his opinion during an ongoing investigation into cruiser crashes? If anyone should know better than this it is a LAWYER like Joe Michaud!
Do you know that many more officers are injured each year in Dartmouth during foot pursuits? Officers accept that injuries are part of the job and continue to do a great job only to be disparaged by a "so called" police commissioner.
Let's face it, Joe Michaud used the unfortunate cruiser accidents as an example to voters. He showed his control and "concern" even though he never inquired about the injured officers or their families.
Additionally, to claim the DPB chose this time to exercise their RIGHT to vote on Michaud is disingenuous at best. Joe chose this time to make public comments about the police department.
The DPB turned the other cheek several times in the last 5 months when Michaud made his comments. Just like a dog that has been kicked one too many times they chose to BITE.
The funny thing about a loyal family dog biting someone is everyone asks "what happened to that dog, he used to be so nice." The answer for the dog is the same as it is for the DPB. Enough is enough, you can only slap a group of people in the face so many times before they ALL (unanimously) decide to hit back.
Rest assured if it were you that made these comments (election year or not) the DPB would have probably reacted exactly the same. Like I said earlier Joe Michaud chose this time and the response was overdue.
You cite 5 accidents in 3 yrs in your post. Tell all of us reading how many of those accidents were determined to be the officers fault.
Joe disputed the union’s contention that he said it was too bad the town couldn’t “get rid of the deadwood” in connection with the hiring of three new lieutenants, calling it “a misinterpretation.”
“I don’t recall making that comment,” he said
"I don't recall making that comment" that is pure LAWYER speak. That is Joe denying what he said and hoping there isn't a tape of it (which there is). When the tape is produced showing him making the comment I am sure he still MISREMEMBER.
It is bad enough to say it, but to blatantly lie about it when caught is amazing and not someone I want representing me.
I will be casting my vote for Miller!! I was undecided until today. I cannot and will not vote for liars.
Bill I have to tell you I love the way you run this board. You give everyone a real chance to express themselves, GOOD FOR YOU. As for the radio being a judgment call I guess you could call it that but lets be honest it was very poor judgment. I notice you still have not addressed Michaud's other comments, again examples of poor judgment. Joe is intelegent, and well spoken perhaps more so than Bob Miller but Joe is not a listener. He can find problems but not solutions. He wants to get elected and solve problems on the backs of our employees. We can't afford that.
We lost the executive administrator, finance director, police chief and police captain all in about 12 months. That should tell you something. Change just for the sake of change (or headlines) might be a new direction but is that a positive direction? Of course not.
I would ask people to support BOB MILLER, he may not be perfect but he is the better of the two candidates.
Maybe it's because some of you agitators were behind the anonymous information. Why didn't you cry out foul when this action was taken??
This is not a few agitators, I read the vote was unanimous. I also doubt whoever sent the information to the BOS also sent a copy of the allegations to the union.
Nice try, thanks for playing.
Joe did not request to be interviewed by WBSM. They contacted him for comment on the 5th crash in 3 years. Call Jim Phillips and ask who made the initial contact. His and the SBs job as Police Commissioners (read Civilian Control) is to question policies that may be causing safety problems which he and the SB did in executive session with the Chief. After reviewing policies that was the end of the issue with the PD looking into enhanced safety devices for the intersections at issue. After all the motto is to PROTECT and serve I believe.
Deadwood is not a phrase Joe uses but perhaps it was in reference to the number of officers that are out on extended convalesance and need to either return or retire. I know that Joe has high regard for two of the three LTs and CPT and in general 90% of the force (his own brother is a part time police officer for gosh sake) but he is there to represent the interests of the taxpayers and citizens and the PD doesn't like ANYONE questioning or commenting on their perfomance. TOO BAD get over it and join the rest of the world. "No confidence" from the police union is a badge of honor and shows someone willing to stand up for his constituents.
Let's face it they are pissed because a) They haven't gotten a pay raise just like the other town employees and Joe said that we need the money for other items b) we have hired an outside Chief who isn't part of the hometown clique and may actually change (and improve?) some things and c)Joe raised questions about emergency response policies after these guys wrecked 5 cruisers in 3 years causing hundreds of thousands in damages, vehicle replacement costs, lost wages and medical expenses.
Doesn't sound all that reckless to me, sounds like good leadership for a change who doesn't Kow Tow to the Unions. Go JOE!!!!
With Tim Lee coming on board sounds to me like the "family" dog is going to get a good swat on the nose and finally house trained to remember who is ultimately the boss.
For the Thick headed union syncophants, that would be the People of this community.
Bring on Bob Miller!
Let's face the facts here. We all had better contracts and Mike G. was much more reasonable to work with.
Joe and Bill would rather hand your raise back to the upper social class that they are part of.
Bob will fight for the working man.
the public should be safe out there when a police car is speeding to a call( shop lifter is not an emergency)
This comment shows the ignorance of some of the people in this town.
The police do not speed or use sirens to respond to shoplifters. I realize it is hard for some to understand that real crime happens in Dartmouth but it does.
I'm happy to learn that I have joined the upper class. Now if I could just get someone to give me a lifetime contract for big money and a cushy retirement, I could really rest easy.
Naw, who would ever give someone a lifetime, guaranteed contract?
Oh, that's right, Bob Miller would!
Is that the type of better contract you are referring to?
the "family" dog is going to get a good swat on the nose and finally house trained to remember who is ultimately the boss
Nice way to speak about the people that risk their lives to save yours. You should be very very proud of yourself.
Amazing how low some people can sink. Perhaps the police don't dirty the rug like you do at home!!
Bill, this contract issue has been beaten to death. They were not lifetime contracts they were just cause contracts.
Oddly enough the private sector you rave about has the exact same just cause contracts.
Seems you are contradicting yourself in an attempt to help Joe. Just be who you are and don't talk out of both sides of your mouth.
Well it looks like some of the 1500 or so voters that will vote for Miller read this blog. Some of the 4000-5000 who will vote for Michaud read this blog too. Of those 1500, probably 100% are either on the town payroll, have relatives that are, or friends. What does that tell you? Most of the 4000-5000 voters that will vote for Joe are objective taxpayers. What does that tell you? The joke will be on Miller. Good riddance!
Joe raised questions about emergency response policies after these guys wrecked 5 cruisers in 3 years causing hundreds of thousands in damages, vehicle replacement costs, lost wages and medical expenses.
"these guys"? are you even serious. A thank you for the brave men and women in blue would be much better than someone else blaming "these guys" when they have been found responsible in NONE ZERO NADA of the accidents mentioned.
Bob Miller sold the working man done the river with those no-cut, contracts-for-life that he grabbed for his political supporters, including one close, close personal female friend. People, wise up. He is certainly no "friend to the working man." If you consider Bob Miller a "friend," you don't know the meaning of the word "friend".
Mr Michaud could have saved the town $10,000. When the DPD told him they did not need new uniforms and to give each officer an allowance instead (meaning give each officer $400 and they are responsible for buying their own uniform if their current uniform gets damaged). Mr Michaud said NO. Hmm isn't that interesting? There goes ten grand because God forbid we give the police officers some cash. He would rather the town pay for uniforms they didn't need. This man is looking out for him self, not the town. He has a political agenda and we are just a stepping stone.
After all the motto is to PROTECT and serve I believe.
You are thinking of Los Angles , the DPD motto it Utile Duchi. Service through kindness or something like that.
greetings, Lets,hope and pray that good old Bob does not return to the Select Board.We cant afford any more 70.000$ plus grant writers. Who can? Who and why would someone push something like that through. Its mind boggling. what's the connection there. I know a few people including myself would like to know. If Bob returns, so does the madness!!!
Bob Miller complimented Joe Michaud after the last campain stating it was nice to run against an opponent that was a "gentleman and didn't sling mud." It was heard stated by him on many occasions at the PA that he wished he could work with Joe on different issues because he had good ideas and integrity. He said those things before the life long contracts to certain special employees were discovered.Some employees more SPECIAL than others. There is a lot personally and professionally that could be slung about Miller but Michaud hasn't said a word. Thanks again for taking the high road Mr. Michaud.
We did not lose the Executive Administrator. We did not renew his contract. If for no other reason, the fact he allowed his employee to have a special contract drawn up that was not in the town's best interest is enough. We had to resort to lawsuits because Mr. Miller and others had given the Executive Administrator a guaranteed renewal.
Not just cause, a guaranteed renewal contract. I obviously have not beaten that horse enough.
So go and read this post and find out what went on. It was an abuse of the taxpayer and the public trust.
The Budget Director retired as did the Police Chief. Not lost, retired.
I don't know a single person who has a contract with their private employer. A huge majority of private sector employees are employees at will.
First of all BILL and JOE MICHAUD...
The Town has never had a budget problem BEFORE JOE MICHAUD was elected to the select board and it has only gotten worse with JOE and BILL working together.
We have never had such high crime rate as we have since JOE and BILL have become default police commissioners.
And town employees have never been asked to take such large pay cuts before JOE and BILL have been in office.
Why? So JOE and BILL can get the fellow republican sheriff to patrol our town.
My questions to you are?
Where have all the details all gone?
Where has all the overide money gone?
And who's suppose keep you safe while you both advance your careers?
First of all BILL and JOE MICHAUD...
The Town has never had a budget problem BEFORE JOE MICHAUD was elected to the select board and it has only gotten worse with JOE and BILL working together.
Talk to anyone on the Finance Committee and you will find they all disagree with that statement
We have never had such high crime rate as we have since JOE and BILL have become default police commissioners.
Some categories are up and some are down. Where is the crime wave?
And town employees have never been asked to take such large pay cuts before JOE and BILL have been in office.
No town employee has taken any pay cut.
Why? So JOE and BILL can get the fellow republican sheriff to patrol our town.
I'm a Democrat
My questions to you are?
Where have all the details all gone?
What are you talking about? What do I have to do with details?
Where has all the overide money gone?
It has gone to keeping seven new police officers employed and to the library, etc.
And who's suppose keep you safe while you both advance your careers?
Safe from whom?
Bill,
I agree there has not been pay cuts to the employees but there has not been any cost of living increases either. At least in years passed when Health Insurance went up the cost of living increase went up just about the same to cover it. Now a town employee is making less then they did 2-3 years ago because of the insurance going up. Which I dont blame the increases on you but on the other hand dont say that there has been no cuts because if you take the insurence increase into account then the average employee has had there pay cut.
First of all BILL, get the facts straight. Police Commisioners or not, Who gives you the right to comment on an investigation BEFORE the investigation is complete. MICHAUD the select/lawyer put the cart before the horse.
FACT 1: The investigation was ongoing when HE was interviewed by Jim Phillips, POLICE Commish MICHAUD discussed an open investigation with the media. BIG NO NO in the police world. Shame on you Comish MICHAUD,
FACT:2 Comish MICHAUD implied that the Officer should not have responded with lights and siren, because in HIS Opinion HE felt it was not warrented. Well Joe, When you complete a 22 week academy and get 15 years experience in a blue uniform then maybe you can form an opinion on how to perform the police offers job. Until them keep quite with your opinion.
FACT3: Select/Lawyer MICHAUD, by forming a poor un-educated opinion, he potentionally placed the town at risk for a lawsuit when NO SUCH RISK WAS THERE.
FACT 4: 5 crashes in 3 years. 4 crashes occured when another vehicle STUCK the Police vehicle, the 5th was during inclement weather on rain slicked road. Not bad considering that during the same 3 years the Police dept. Logged over 1.7 MILLION Miles. All this with NO SERIOUS INJURY TO THE OFFICERS. The police vehicles were destroyed but the VEHICLES DID ITS JOB AND PROTECTED the patrol officers. Not a bad thing.
I think that our elected officials should actually ask questions FIRST before going half cocked to the media. YOU really look foolish when you do this. Maybe LT.Cr. MICHAUD can get a couple of Hummers for new police vehicles from the military. His green hummer sure gets around the south end of town pretty fast. Could be the police car of the future.
YES Bill only Joking before you have a fit. Joe does not drive fast,
In My Opinion:)
I guess it is OK and professional to call Town Employees "DEAD WOOD" on DCTV. I guess it is also OK to talk about "Spending the Money before the Unions Get" on DCTV. Lets see, Place the town in a position of liabilty with poorly worded comments. "Ataboy Joe your our man if anybody can screw up the town you surly can" Maybe that should be you election song. You are sure taking the Town in a new direction. Straight down the hill. I do not know why you have not been called up to active service. With all of you experience in government you could FIX the middle east. You could bring big Bill and Hire ne dictators and before long the war would be over. You are waisting you talent in Dartmouth. I know we will all be sad but hey, Dartmouths loss will Be OBAMAS gain. Time to go JOE!!!! P.S. Take the Sherrif and the Puppet master from Hathaway Road with you. Bill you can stay---- for one more year.
How quickly we digress,
This is about Joe Michaud, not police politics, a new chief, or any other imagined issue. The politics card is being played to distract everyone from the real issues. Joe Michaud chooses free public forums to further his own personal cause, not the towns. He will do anything at the town employee's expense. He and the BOS has every right to question the percieved excess of cruiser accidents and the policies thereof. HE does not have the right to do this on public radio before all the facts are in. HE made comments which could put the town in a precarious situation. HE does not have the right to degrade town employees on public television. Like mom used to say, if you can't say anything nice..... HE chose to violate good faith bargaining on television and on radio. HE also chose the timing for all this by opening his mouth. HE is desperately trying to spin this as political to cover it all up.
His asperations are clear, selectman, state rep, does his heart really lie with the town or is it with his own political gain.
Is that the kind of "leader" you want? I don't.
Whoever is quoting voter turn out has no idea what he or she is talking about. 1500 for Miller and 4-5K for Michaud. Are you serious. Michaud beat Miller by 51 votes last time. We will more than make that up this time. As for Joe not slinging mud, where do you think many of these anonymous posts are coming from. If Michaud had any integrity he would own up to the things he's said and apologise. These are not alleged quotes they are on tape. When he called the new lieutenants "dead wood" he was speaking as the chairman of the BOS on Television. He represents the town. I know one of those men had to explain that comment to his children. No one should have to explain to his children why the chairman of the BOS called him dead wood on TV. Even the President of the United States had the common sense to apologize after making a foolish comment about a police officer. Michaud does not feel the need to apologize to anyone least of all a citizen or his family. I'll take Miller.
This is just another example of dirty politics! I will be voting for Joe Michaud. Joe Michaud and the Select Board have every right to investigate the numerous accidents involving Dartmouth police. That is their job! The residents of Dartmouth pay for those cars. I respect the police and think we have a fine group, but this makes me take a hard look at the police union for stirring up such crap during the election. It will come back to bite you!
We didn't have a budget shortfall until Joe & Bill? Nice try. Joe had only been serving on the SB for roughly a year when we were told we needed an $8.5 million override. Bill hadn't even been elected yet.
The voters chose new town officials who came in to fix the problems the old board left behind. The new members worked hard and took a lot of criticism from those who have always benefited from the old way of doing things. People got angry because tough decisions had to be made to make up for the sins of the past. Now the same people who were responsible for the mess in the first place, claim "we didn't have these problems when I was on the board, everyone was happy". What you really mean is that town employees were happy because you gave away the farm and taxpayers were unaware of what was going on.
Lets face it. For many years revenue was flowing in because of all the growth in this town. Positions were created, salaries and benefits handed out to relatives and friends. Did any of this newly created revenue go to improving the town? How many capital improvements were taken care of? Why are our buildings falling apart and in desperate need of updating? Roads that haven't been repaired? In times of prosperity, these things should be done. Instead, we got things like a grants writer who we still can't quite figure out what she does and lifetime contracts for those who "matter".
To 3/16 7:34p.m. I'm sure you would love the issue of lifetime contracts to go away. The residents of this town would do well to always remember. It is representative of all things wrong when certain people in office are allowed to serve their own self interests at the expense of the community.
I think the Police union needs to be more transparent. The type of accusations and the timing thereof stink of the type of union negotiations that were conducted by people like Jimmy Hoffa. I would be embarrassed to be part of any union that would resort to these tactics. While I understand that unions are anything but non-profit, this is ridiculous. Big raises in this economy? No concessions? Please go on strike so we can get the union decertified and hire replacement officers.
Dartmouth police brotherhood union.
This once proud Dartmouth police brotherhood union was organised to protect it's members from the abuses incurred by town leaders, appointed town committee members who control the towns purse strings. These people, believed that police officers are nothing more than a group who failed to find a decent job in the private sector. Police people were nothing more than a political pay-off for from supporters, sign holders, supporting a candidate for elected office.
This once proud/feared police brotherhood union provided health insurance, college incentive credits, shorter working hours, increase in vacation days, a four and two work sheducal, higher salaries, along with 40 dollars per hour for third party work details. Everyone worked together for the common good.
This once Dartmouth police union is no longer a proud organisation. It is controled by shelf serving interest, with monitary advantages. Certain union members are protected, while others fend for themselfs...Ken Vincent, who once represented the police union, was able to have his salary increased by 5% for the K-9 officers. Ken Vincent was a member of the K-9 unit. Joe Vieira is another union leader who was able to increase his salary for being in charge of fleet maintance, and police safety officer. The above mention increases were above and beyond what the general membership received. This is not to imply that they are not deserving of additional monitay increases, but a union leader works toward the commond good for every member(s)
Dartmouth police brotherhood union has taken another step into the pit of no return.
Joe Michaud's ad in the Dartmouth Chronicle today outlines his record. Joe has lots to be proud of. So do the Dartmouth residents who elected Joe three years ago. Great job, Joe!
Setting the record straight.
The Joe Michaud vote, taken by the Dartmouth police union members of no confidence was not unanimous. The vote was in the majority, but several members voted against the motion. Members voiced concern that the police union should not become involved with town politics. Two months ago, at a Dartmouth police union meeting, a motion to endorse a candidate running for Bristol county sheriff was defeated. It's was the opinion of the majority that the police union should not be endorsing candidates running for political office. This information can be verified by contacting the union president.
What meeting did Joe say this deadwood comment at because I don't remember hearing it. Not saying it was not said but I just don't remember hearing it so if someone could post which select board meeting it was at that would be great. Thanks.
Naw, who would ever give someone a lifetime, guaranteed contract?
Like time contract Gagne had? how come he is no longer here if he had a life time contract. Yeah lets sped $100,000.00 to get rid of Mike Gagne and hire his replacement Mitch Miller at $10,000.00 more a year. What a GREAT idea Bill.
This once proud/feared police brotherhood
Hey brain trust end the after Brotherhood, Unions can strike Police can not!!! The article was from the Dartmouth police Brotherhood, nothing mentioned about UNION
union provided health insurance,
50% Town paid 50% Employee paid only Town in Southeastern Mass to pay only 50% as reqquired by LAW as the minimum.
college incentive credits,
Majority of Police recieve it.
shorter working hours,
3 8 HOUR shifts a day, the average person works 8 hours a day 40 hours a week, cops are people too.
a four and two work sheducal,
This is the basic work schedule of every Police Department in the Commonwealth.
higher salaries, along with 40 dollars per hour for third party work details.
Its $36.00
by 5% for the K-9 officers
Required by law its called the Garcia decision!
Joe Vieira is another union leader
Not a leader just a simple dues paying member.
Wow "Dartmouth Police Brotherhood Union" Get the facts straight. First of all You are no Dartmouth Police Union member. I love the people who hide behind the false names. At least join the fun by listing as anonymous. You would be respected more. I love the way you infer that Vieira gets paid more for being a safety officer or that he increased his salary fo being in charge of the fleet. He does not get paid more for the safety officers job. The fleet job was created and in place for at least 15 years before he got that job. He must of had some power to plan on a job he would get when he was not even on the police department when hat position was created. Vincents K-9 job was created in the early 1990's and approved by the selectboard back then. Please get the facts straight before you talk or write. We all have fun on this blog but at least use good information. please don,t do a Michaud and speak before you have the facts striaght. David F.
There have not been COLAs for town employees because A)we don't have the money and b) your cousins in the DPS (Dreaded Private Sector) haven't recieved COLAs either so suck it up or MOVE ON!! I'm sure there are any number of positions available to all of the highly skilled town employees out here in the DPS. And I can guarantee that they will be lining up for your positions. Only in the public sector can there be such a disconnection. Go Doris!!!
The Joe Michaud vote, taken by the Dartmouth police union members of no confidence was not unanimous???
I was there it was absolutely unanimous, not a single person voted against the motion. So stop LYING.
your cousins in the DPS (Dreaded Private Sector) haven't recieved COLAs either so suck it up or MOVE ON!!
Stop and Shop Just settled their contract with a raise.
The research, by Incomes Data Services (IDS), showed that average pay rises in the sector are now at 4 per cent which is due to higher inflation.
From 2007-2008 the average Massachusetts household income went from $62,365 to 65,401 an increase of over 3,000. During that time the dreaded unions got nothing. Remind me again how the private sector got no COLA!!!
The same people that bash the hard working men and women in this town seem to be backing Joe Michaud.
I for one will be voting for Miller.
FYI,
There was never any such thing as a lifetime contract in Dartmouth. What your attempting to refer to was a simple clause that provides an avenue of "just cause" in the event that the employees needed to be removed. This is the same privilege that any other union or none union employee enjoys and it was inserted in their contracts because they were not people but "bargaining units". And under the labor laws, such continuities needed to be in place for legal reasons.
In this case of the Executive Administrator the said person was removed without regard to just cause like any employee in any business can be.
The EA chose as is his privilege to challenge this decision. The town paid a settlement to make this problem go away. In all likely hood the SB realized this was a major error.
This could also happen to any at will employee in any industry.
The EA and any other town employee would agree that the language of the contract was far to week to even stop this injustice.
The current SB has set presidence and now no department head or position is safe from outside replacement.
FYI the former EA was quickly snapped up by the town of Mattapoisett and is making an excellent first impression. Our loss.
The Deadwood comment was made during the meeting that lead to Brian Leveque being appointed Sergeant. Michaud was talking to Leveque after his promotion and said that he was already thinking like a LT. and they should get rid of some of the "deadwood" they just appointed and make room for him. The comment can be heard in the last 5 minutes or so of the video from that night.
She needs to get out in the real world and WORK. She would have to work for some billion dollar corporation to get what she gets or thinks she is entitled to. Maybe The Donald could use her.
Private sector, if you get a salary or wage increase, that is it. In the public sector, the unions say we don't do it that way. First, we have cost of living adjustments. Then we talk salary or wage increases. Two raises instead of one. Gotcha.
The issue with the contracts for life, given by Mr. Miller and others, has nothing to do with just cause. These contracts had clauses which automatically renewed the contract (i.e. the contract term had no end, it renewed over and over without end, endless, lifetime). Mr. Gagne did not sue over just cause, he sued because his contract term never expired (as in lifetime, automatically renewed, get it?) The Select Board just did not renew the contract at the end of a three year term. State law and our town charter limits the term to three years. There are only a few contracts state law allows to be more than one year. Paralegal is not one of those. The Department of Revenue has said contracts purporting to be longer than one year (except when specifically allowed) are not enforceable because municipalities must appropriate the money each year.
The attorney who was hired to write the contracts said they "were not in the best interest of the town." As you say, most contracts, including the ones negotiated since, have just cause language. Why would the attorney single these out? Because of the never ending renewals! The record is clear, Bob Miller was at the root of these contracts.
I've read each posting and come away with several facts. The Dartmouth police union is not supporting Joe Michaud for re-election. Joe Michaud has no one to blame but himself. Too many times Joe has made a wise remark or negative facial expressions, while address a police issues. This has prompted union members to express their concern of no confidence.
Most police officers report for duty on time and perform a most dangerous job in a professional manner. Let us all agree that any profession that requires the employee to carry a fire arm is working in a dangerous environment. These officers are brave and deserve the respect of our selectmen and the community. People who use derogatory words to demeanor our police or selectmen are not acting in the best interest of humanity.
I believe Joe Michaud is a true supporter of our police department. He and the select board have a duty to examine any and all police policies. If a finding of correcting or tweaking of certain policies are required than it should be done. It's in the best interest of all, including the police officers, to have an overseer but not a criticizer.
It's been mentioned that the police union is supporting Bob Miller for selectman. I've not seen any news articles showing this to be true. Most of this propaganda is just that. People using this blog to slam Joe Michaud, the police union, or Bob Miller are performing a disservice.
Personally, I believe the selectmen, Joe Michaud included, are performing a type service that has not bee seen in many years. Dartmouth is moving in the right direction with the appointment of Chressman as E.A., hiring a new financial director, appointing a new police chief from outside the police department, and putting 4.5 million dollars in the towns surplus revenue account.
I do believe that some members have a dislike for Joe Michaud. I contribute this to Joe Michaud support of the Bristol county sheriff and his attempt to reorganise the dispatching services.
The police union has little reason to fear Joe Michaud's re-election. It's what is brewing that must redirect your ATTENTION. Not everyone likes change, but the biggest change is coming from outside the town. Batten down the hatches, Joe is the least of your problems.
Joe Michaud will be re-elected.
Brotherhood? Thanks to those officers who voted NO... They should get promoted with a raise... Only in Dartmouth. Thank God our military can't vote NO Confidence about the President. All political!!
"The current SB has set presidence and now no department head or position is safe from outside replacement."
Excuse me, why should they be "safe"? No one I know, nor have I ever had, a "safe" job. What do you consider "safe"? A lifetime contract, maybe?
Our former EA is now getting what he is worth, which is $40k less than he was making here. He was in over his head in Dartmouth. This became painfully obvious even before the economy showed signs of going down the tubes. Mattapoisett is a much smaller town so hopefully he will be able to handle the job there.
I don't think anyone will argue that public officials should have a lifetime contract. You can't take the politics out of politics but some positions should be relatively free from political influence. Job security in a contract helps accomplish this. If you want to attract the most qualified people you need to pay them and offer them security in their employment. If someone is not smart enough to take care of themselves they are not smart enough to take care of me. The BOS wanted more influence over department heads and if that's the new direction then I agree we are moving in it. BUT why if you hired the right person in the first place do you need to own the people who manage the town? Is it to get jobs for your friends? Is it to be untouchable? Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. I see a man (JOE) with bigger ambitions than the BOS. Anyone with eyes can see the objective is power and promises have been made. The ship is sinking but the band is still playing.
They get security. It's called a three year contract. That's three years of security. Sounds fair to me.
What do you consider "job security" to be?
Also, you can't be immune to political influence. You are either a decent person who does not succumb to political pressure and influence or you are not. You either work for your employer and do the best job you can or you work for yourself and your friends and relatives.
That's where character comes into play.
What people seem not to know is that our Select Board is the "appointing authority" not Police Commissioners in any way, shape, or form. The only actual Police Commissioners in the Commonwealth are in Boston, Cambridge, and Springfield. All other claims are an attempt for an elected official to feel more empowered. I also believe that Joe should go on WBSM in an attempt to educate the public as to the proper way to yield to oncoming emergency vehicles. I'm sure we have all seen police, fire, and EMS responses stalled by motorist indifference or stupidity. Just hope your not the one waiting for them to get there next time.
Miller = lifetime contracts for friends
Michaud = open, honest government working for the taxpayer
When the former EA was hired nobody else wanted the job. The former SB hired an outside firm to conduct a nation wide search for a suitable candidate. That firm found MG head and shoulders above the crowd and was offered the job. Although his salary seemed large toward the end of his career it was by all accounts very low in comparison to his daily duties. His duties included just about every aspect of everybody else's job in town.
By the was the EA handled all the contract negotiations so the SB didn't have to get their hands dirty. The hard decisions were already worked out. Maybe the current SB wouldn't be in such a bind if MG was still on the job.
We even had a little left over to comp the SB for their time unlike the current board who would rather spend money on pizza parties for house of correction inmates on our school grounds.
Vote for Joe Michaud and let him continue to work for the taxpayers of Dartmouth. Joe is fair and runs a good meeting. He is doing what is in the best interest of the residents/taxpayers of Dartmouth. Miller was in his good ole boy club. Everybody gets lifetime contracts and if everything was on the up and up, why did he do it behind closed doors???? All meeting minutes are available to the public in a timely manner. No funny business now that Miller and Gagne are gone.
The former Executive Administrator was rejected by the search committee multiple times. Mr. Miller and others kept putting him back on the list and finally the search committee quit over the whole thing. Only then was Mr. Gagne hired.
The paralegal and Mr. Miller handled the contract negotiations, not Mr. Gagne. The record clearly reflects that.
The town, while Mr. Miller was on the board, spent all the money from the rapid growth over the last thirty years and then, when the growth slowed, spent all the town reserves, and then, spent some of the water and sewer enterprise retained earnings which landed them in hot water with the state. The town is only just now getting out from under that mess.
If the contracts were not done legally and in secret wouldn't that be a reason to get rid of them?
Maryann Fererra lost her job because she had a disagreement with a member of the BOS. Her job was taken from her and she had to scramble to find a job at the DPW with a 40% paycut.
It was after those shenanigans that contract employees wanted something to protect them from rouge selectman.
Do your research Bill, there were vindictive selectmen/women firing people over incidents that happened years before they were elected to the BOS.
Why don't you tell us which former Select Board members were involved with the "vindicative" firing of Ms. Ferreira? Was this made public at the time? If not, why not? Here is a chance to put it all out there.
There is no guarantee that just because you work for the town, you have employment for as long as you want. People are laid off and fired from governments and businesses every day.
A 10-day suspension given Natalie Dias -- who claims she was exercising her right to free speech when she privately described two selectmen as being crooks -- has been upheld.
Michael J. Gagne, the town's executive administrator, found there was "just cause" for the unpaid suspension, after a hearing on April 11.
He said in his decision that her comments "impaired" the close working relationship which Mrs. Dias, an administrative clerk in the Office of Budget and Finance/Treasurer, and others must maintain "with every member of the Select Board, retired employees of the town and the general public."
Who did Natalie Dias make her comments to? Who was the person that reported this offense? Who was later fired after Dias was elected to the BOS? Mary Ann Ferreira!
No one said that town employees should have "jobs for life", but a hard working town employee who does her job very well should not be fired because the wrong person gets elected to the BOS.
After this incident contract employees were looking for some protection. I think any of us in a similar situation would do the same. Hence the "good cause" clause of the contracts.
The Select Board can not just fire anyone. They do appoint an Executive Administrator and that person hires (and fires) most of the other employees.
So the Executive Administrator is the one who took this action. You are contending Select Board pressured him to do so. If it were only one member, then why would an Executive Administrator do that? Obviously you haven't told us the whole story. What is the rest of the story? What Select Board members wanted this done?
State law limits funding by municipalities to annual appropriations. The state Department of Revenue has held that contracts purporting to be multiyear are not enforceable because of the annual appropriation requirement. There are a handful of exceptions which apply to collective bargaining agreements and a few positions which are specifically designated in Mass General Law.
Dartmouth had a hodge podge of nearly thirty contracts with varying terms and benefits which was inequitable and not easily managed. The DOR noted the unusual nature of that arrangement and recommended changing it in their review of the town in 2007. The Select Board took up the recommendation and decided to stop offering contracts to management positions. They would become employees at will, just like most people in the private sector. Subsequently, the management employees voted to form a collective bargaining unit and negotiations are underway with that unit.
Please don't pretend to be shocked that Selectmen pressure people and get what they want.
Mary Ann's removal was orchestrated by someone higher than Gagne.
OK, tell us who then!
Dias..thats who..Dias took it on the chin...and MF was th eone who complained about Dias's comments. This is why MF was...well..moved..payback...Dias paid her back for her opening her mouth. I didnt relaize some many people live under rocks.
Miller = Traffic enforcement camara's = $1.5 Million to the town each year and better safety.
Michaud = Outside chief, pay cuts and intersection accidents endangering our officers.
Bob Miller for Selectman
confidence was not unanimous.
I asked a Cop that attended the meeting your information is wrong it was unanimous.
The former Executive Administrator was rejected by the search committee multiple times. Mr. Miller and others kept putting him back on the list and finally the search committee quit over the whole thing.
BILL, I know that you are a new commer to Town, who needs a history lesson. It was Lenny & John who were the Selectman at he time that were in support of Michael getting the job. If you lived in Town for more than a few years you would know this. I also hear that hurricane Gloria was Millers fault, he was the chairman of the board, the year of the storm, that cost the Town Millions in property damage.
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