Letters To Snyder's Stoughton

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UNEDITED AND PRESENTED HERE IN THEIR ENTIRETY. (If identities are confirmed, we print--with confidentiality, upon request. )"

"Mark, I don't miss working for Stoughton at all!!!! Most corrupt messed up town I have ever been associated with! As I read your column and Stoughton journal I see nothing has changed! Good luck to all of you in Stoughton!!!!"-- Ronald Dobosz

"Hi Mark, I voted against the budget passed by Selectmen Walsh, Stagnone and Anzivino because it arbitrarily cut $1.4 million from the schools and $400k from the municipal side while setting aside over $1,000,000 in a rainy day fund. We are just coming out of 3 years of austerity caused by the worse economic downturn in a generation. This is the time to start re-investing in our community and absolutely the wrong time to cut school funding. We still don't even know what local aid will be from the state. Last year nearly $2,000,000 became available at the end of April, three months after our budget was developed. We can fully fund the budgets recommended by the Superintendent Rizzi and Town Manager Crimmins if we have the
patience and commitment to work together to find the resources. We can always make the cuts in May if needed."-- Steve Anastos, Stoughton Selectman

"Dear Mark, I enjoyed your column of December 9 and I thank you for mentioning Jim and his favorite subject,'Christmas Parade.' That was a pet peeve of his that some refer to it as a 'holiday parade.' In the early years of his chairing it (the 80's), it was sponsored by the Chamber and he had strong objections from a local businesswoman who insisted it be called the 'holiday parade.' I believe the Chamber did abide by her wishes, but she soon went out of business and moved out of town, so it once again became the 'Christmas Parade' and Jim stayed on as chairman. This was his favorite activity and he put a lot of hours and love into it, along with his family members and a few dedicated Chamber members. After closing our store at 5 p.m., we would have an assembly line filling bags or stockings with candy for Santa to distribute after the Parade. Some of my family members were with me at the Parade yesterday as is our tradition. Ironically, the news photographer took a picture of our granddaughter and great grandson, James, sitting on the curb enjoying the parade. I'm sure Jim was watching over it all and smiling. Thank you again and Merry Christmas."--Evelyn Callanan

"Dear Snyder, First, I want to thank you for the wonderful pictures and write-up regarding Al Jardin's Memorial. It was great to see so many people there. It was a wonderful tribute to my husband. Also, I appreciated your recent article regarding Christmas or the lack of calling it that due to the '"politically correct thing to do'. Whatever that means! I know that you are of the Jewish faith,and I found it remarkable that you would uphold the Christmas tradition. Our Christian beliefs are rooted in the Old Testament and the Jewish tradition. More Christians
should stand up and refuse to use the greeting of 'Happy Holiday.' So, Snyder, thank you for your article, God bless you, Merry Christmas, and Happy Chanukah."--Marie T. Jardin

"Hi Mark- I watched with sadness last night’s Board of Selectmen Meeting. Sadness for the School Committee and School Department who were unfairly portrayed as being poor managers and poor leaders. Sadness for the Board of Selectmen and Town Manager who are so caught up in the minutia that they don’t see the bigger picture - which is submitting the SOI is non-binding – it just gets us access to FREE technical assistance to gather information on the possibility of a new high school or new elementary school. This is the first step in a long process!! Sad for the community because if the high school loses its accreditation it hurts all of us – young and old. One of the key components of the value of your home is the quality of schools in your community and a non-accredited high school will plummet property values. For those who are saying we don’t need a new South School or High School – this process DOES NOT lock you into building either one – it gives us an opportunity to get FREE technical assistance on the projects. For those of us who love data, no SOI that we do will be 100% complete because that does not exist, until we get additional reviews and people look into the buildings infrastructure it is impossible to list every deficiency. According to the FAQ section of the Mass School Building Authority the SOI is a form that can be completed by cities, towns, and regional school districts that are contemplating filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The SOI asks the district to state what it believes are the deficiencies in a school building and how those deficiencies fit the statutory priorities established in MGL c.70B. It is the first form that a local district should file with the MSBA. The purpose of the SOI is to identify perceived deficiencies within a school facility. Specific remedies to problems that exist will be arrived at only after the district and the MSBA have collaborated in validating any deficiencies and in seeking the most appropriate educational and cost-effective solution. For further questions people can visit http://www.massschoolbuildings.org/building/prerequisites/SOI_FAQs. As for the Due Date being January 11 th, 2012, it is in no one’s best interest to wait to the last day. I compare this to the college application process – the due date may be February 15 th because legally they must have an end date. But as we all know, the applications in first ,get reviewed firs,t and in the pipeline for acceptance. In addition, what would happen if we forgot some important information and we did not realize it – by law – the MSBA cannot come back to us after the due date to tell us what we may want to tweak. So as I tell my kids, you do not want to wait until the last day. But I digress, the Schools and the Board of Selectmen need to work together and calling each other names or putting each other down on TV shows or at Meetings or on the web do NOTHING to help this town. For the Town Manager and School Superintendent, put your differences aside and work together. We are 34 days from the due date and this process needs to move forward. What will be the legacy of the Board of Selectmen? Do they move forward and support the SOIs which will give us access to free technical assistance, help the community, protect our property values and locks us into nothing? Do they trust and respect another elected Board to do their job and ensure that we get the best school for our community and the best education for the children who make up a large portion of our community? For the Board of Selectmen, maybe you do need to hear whether the community supports the SOI to move the process forward and an easy way to accomplish that is to allow the community to speak at the next Selectmen’s meeting."--Name Withheld Upon Request

"In the memory of David Parsons, I wished that you had shown more reverence for David's condition while he was still alive. You wanted to use the disrepair of his building as a news story while he was courageously battling cancer that had spread through his system. His primary focus, and those of his family and friends, was to help him regain his health and comfort in his time of need. If you claim to be a "journalist of some sort" you could have spoken to people and found out that the insurance company handling the claim on his building severely delayed progress. You also should realize that buildings do not get rebuilt quickly and there are a lot of negotiations, planning, and engineering that has take place in advance. You should have shown more professional and moral decorum, especially when you claim to know what is going on in Stoughton, and treated David with more sensitivity. You obviously knew he was seriously ill and for that, you shown have left him and his matters alone. I am certain that you would not the same treatment if the roles were reversed. Disparaging him and the condition of his building is ethically reprehensible and you need to adjust your moral compass. I might suggest that you demonstrate more respect and responsibility to your craft than trying to be the "gossip monger" of the town. I was one of David' s closest friends and your actions were way out of bounds in my opinion. I personally think that you should issue an apology and it may do you some good in retrospect."-- Sincerely; Paul Oliveira

"To my friends in Stoughton, I ’m happy to let you know that the supplemental budget passed yesterday includes an additional $195,841 for Stoughton. As a result of increased tax collections as well as prudent budgeting, we ended FY11 with a surplus, and are able to return additional funds to the town. We also allocated an additional $350 million to the state’s stabilization fund, as part of our continued efforts to increase our fiscal stability. Recently, Standard & Poor’s recognized these efforts, which included our recently passed pension reform law, with an upgrade in the state’s bond rating from AA to AA+. This rating upgrade saves taxpayers on future state bond offerings. Thanks for the opportunity to work on your behalf."--State Senator Brian Joyce (D-Milton)

Mark: I have received permission to forward the following e-mail sent last Friday (9-23-11) to Jeff Pickette at Patch. My evaluation was posted on Patch however there are some folks who called me and cannot access Patch. To that end will you please post this under your Letters segment on your site? Further, if you would , can you open the attachment so people can read it in printed form? Questions? give me a call and thank you. < Jeff> I read your coverage on the Selectman's evaluation of Manager Crimmins in today's Patch. Chairman Stagnone when providing us with the evaluation form requested narration by Members. I believe that the narration is paramount as it supports the scoring numbers. Having said that I am pleased to submit my accompanying narration by category This narrative was submitted along with my evaluation document to the Chairman."--John Anderson, Selectman

"Mark, attached is my individual review of the Town Manager. With the release of two Board members evaluations I believe the public should have access to all the individual reviews, copies are available at the town hall for anyone interested. I can not speak for the rest of the Board but my review was based on my own observations as well as discussions with town employees. Make no mistake, as my review score indicates the Town Manager has done a COMMENDABLE job, but there is still a lot more work to be done and areas for improvement. I look forward to working with the Board and the Town Manager to outline next years goals at our October 11th meeting."--John J. Stagnone, Chairman, Board of Selectmen

"Mark, My daughter Katie is a sophomore at Stoughton High School. Katie has autism and is in a special needs class with six other classmates. Today we went on a field trip to The Beantown Diner on Washington Street. The food was good, the portions were large and the price was reasonable (the total for 11 people eating full breakfasts was $75, an average of $6.80 per person). However, those are incidental in my story. The service, that is what I want your readers to know about. The young ladies who waited on us were simply amazing. The main waitress took the time to talk to each of the children and get their orders directly from them...she didn't just stare blankly at the "typical" adults and wait for us to translate for them. Then she learned each of their names and took a moment to talk to each one, making eye contact and making each child feel special. My daughter is non-verbal and talks with a device called an alt-chat. The waitress waited patiently for my daughter to type out her response to her question and was very kind. Then both waitress stopped to ask us questions about the kids and their program... On the way out, not only did our waitresses stop and say Goodbye to each child, the two men cooking behind the counter as well as at least one patron stopped what they were doing and made a big deal of saying goodbye to the children.
Today, the workers and patrons of The Beantown Diner showed real love of community and citizenship. They saw these kids, saw they were all "different" and instead of looking away or pretending everything was "normal" they stepped up and showed us all real love and affection. I love living in Stoughton. Today I was particularly proud of my town."--Cindy Albert

"Dear Mr. Snyder - I was not surprised that Mr. Anastos gave Mr. Crimmins an outstanding rating in all categories - he brought him in as the highest paid town manager in the State at a time when the economy was poor and without even advertising the position - so of course he had no choice but to say he was outstanding. I would have hoped that Mr. Anastos could see that there is room for improvement in the Town Manager's job performance but he was biased. Maybe, you could go back to Mr. Anastos and ask him these questions? When Mr. Crimmins was brought in he was supposed to bring the town together and it appears after last December's issue with the school budget and then again the antics at town meeting with criticizing various people and town meeting members - that is not the case - so how do you justify your rating. All of the town employee contracts expired last year and he has not settled any of them - why not - if he can bring people together - than these contracts should have been done months ago - so how do you justify your rating. In terms of bringing in money, Mr. Crimmins sold 2 house lots in more than 15 months of office - one of them to his friend - a local developer at a reduced price than what the town was asking for - so how do you justify your rating. The Town Manager's budget presented to the Selectman was balanced on the backs of the Schools and he did not even communicate this information to them in advance and then after Town Meeting - 4 months later - he has several new positions and has still not hired many people - so how do you justify your rating. Also, he was the only Department Head in the entire budget submitted that guaranteed himself a 5% raise in the following year. According to Department Heads that I have talked with, he has made the procurement process a nightmare - and documents stay on his desk costing Public Works, Fire and others time and money - so how do you justify your rating. Mr. Anastos - your review was biased, ask many employees and we are not happy with his his management style and poor communication skills - he does not ask nor does he like being questioned. In the end, your fabricated and biased evaluation will cost the townspeople money by not fairly or accurately judging the town manager. Sincerely."--Robert Sousa

"Hi Mark: I have been receiving calls from residents asking for more information regarding the summary of the performance evaluation of Town Manager Crimmins posted on your website. The summary had ALL of the numerical scores (from ALL 5 Selectmen in ALL 5 categories) but NOT the corresponding comments/narrative that explain the scores. Instead, a compilation of comments was posted. I believe that a performance evaluation should include an explanation with each score that is given. I did that in my evaluation. These evaluations are public documents. I was the Chairman of the BOS during most of the evaluation period, I feel I should make my complete evaluation available to anyone interested in reading it."--Thanks, Steve Anastos, Stoughton Selectman

"Mark, Great opinion piece in the last Stoughton Journal. We are a public works contractor with our office and maintenance facility in Stoughton. Our power went down during the storm and we didn’t get it back until last night (after much kicking and screaming). Three times over the past week I had a different National Grid supervisor drive up to my place to access the situation and I was told by all three that a pole crew would be there momentarily. Obviously they were doing nothing more than trying to give the “customers” lip service. One of them even stated that he saw the lights on in my office building so he assumed the electricity had been restored – all this while he was standing right next to the 75 Kw generator we had hooked to our building for temporary power. Absolutely crazy! Stoughton is a great place to do business but it would be a whole lot better if they could figure out a way to get rid of National Grid. Keep up the good work."--David Zoppo, President, R. Zoppo Corp.

"Mark: I have spent countless hours trying to find any type of recommendation from DOR on assessors, BoS and the like completing home reassessments for the purposes of data collection and tax revenue. My findings so far, and I am not an accountant type or attorney as you know has found NOTHING about 9 year cycles or any other type of cycle. Moreover, the law is very silent about going into peoples homes. As important the DOR has just recently completed a study on in-house versus contracting out reassessing homes for communities. The findings are on the DOR site. It is very interesting. Why should the taxpayers be paying salaries, plus benefits, plus mileage, plus buy-backs etc. for all of these contracts when it coould do it with the private sector by contracting it out. As a matter of fact it would be more efficient and potentially cost the town no retirement benefits for these types of employees. I think the Townis missing the boat."--Name Withheld Upon Request

"I love the Town Spa, but it’s not just about the pizza; it’s about memories and nostalgia. Getting Spa pizzas was a treat event in my family when we were growing up and hanging out at the Spa was a rite of passage as a high schooler. Many folks can and will argue that the pizza tastes different now in the “new” ovens because they haven’t been seasoned like the old ones or that it’s just not the same, but they are missing the point. It’s not just about the pizza, it is about the experience. What other location in the town of Stoughton evokes such strong and positive memories? Why do so many folks insist on a visit to the Spa when they visit after moving away or are home from college? Why do many SHS reunions – official and unofficial – happen there? The Town Spa evokes memories of our childhoods, of old friends, and of a simpler time. Plus, their linguica and onion pizza is just the best!"--David J. Breen, Clinical Associate Professor, Boston University School of Law

"Hi Mark: I would appreciate my name not being used, something I would not typically request but feel as though the way this Town works that it could be used against me. The issue is the upcoming parcel and home visits from the Assessors Office that are part of the "cyclical approach required by the Dept. of Revenue". First, the DOR does NOT have the legal authority to have an assessor come into your home. I have no intentions of allowing for it AND recommend the same to my neighbors and friends. Assessing your home from outside is more than enough and meets the guidelines. They can however utilize your most updated information that you as a homeowner have noted with your insurance company. Its appauling to me that the Town of Stoughton would expect that I allow them into my house to make a check off of what they think about what the lay out of my home is and then make an economic decision on the price of my granite countertops, granite floors etc. (I really don't have either of them). Its even more ridiculous to think that homeowners should allow for it. The DOR's landscape on this is that the Town "must make a reasonable attempt." I will not do it...ever. I hope most Stoughtonians do the same....take my advise. Last year two families on the Morton St. side of Town that I personall know let the Assessors in and saw increases of $600 plus while the rest of the neighbors saw increases of $75-125 each. What was the difference- 2 families let the Assessors into their home. I don't think the Assessors are bad people. No, I believe the system is broken. Lastly, lets not have the Town Hall employees tell us about a 9 year cycle- NO SUCH THING. Do some digging Mark...you will find some serious issues on this matter."--Name Withheld Upon Request

"Mr. Snyder, I am limited in what I can respond to without violating the confidentiality of a student with special needs. I can comment on the fact that at no point in time have we lost a child. The district has moved to a new transportation company. The district and the company worked very closely together to set up the summer and next year's transportation as smoothly as possible. Thank you for you concern. Best. "--Heather Tucker, Administrator of Special Education

"I would like to publicly commend Stoughton Animal Control Officer, Mike Gormaley. Late this spring, we realized an unwanted guest, in the form Rocky Raccoon, had decided that our attic would be a more comfortable home than the tree's outside. Not knowing where to turn, I reached out to Mike for assistance. I found Mike to be accessible, knowledgeable, understanding, compassionate and a overall a huge resource. He was reachable, both by e-mail and by telephone, conversing with me on more than one occasion during his off duty time. His advise was spot on, enabling me, not only to evict our guest without having to hire an expensive pest control contractor, but also to find the Raccoons front and back doors. Once his entrances were sealed up, Rocky found it impossible to return, and eventually moved out of the neighborhood entirely. Mike is a huge resource for the residents of Stoughton. I am glad he is here. Thanks Mike. "--Norm Wortzman

"Mark: I forgot to commend Mr. Yaitanes on his suggestion that the State might create other CPA like funds. He said: "The schools need money, do we start an EPA? Education Preservation ACT at $ 50 for average homeowners? Or a FPA Fire Preservation Act for a new Fire Station, Truck or Ambulance? Or a PPA to Preserve the Police Dept. Or DPWPA to Preserve our DPW?" We should all write to our legislators and urge them to do that. The effect would be a 35% reduction in local taxes because each of these Acts would provide the Town with at least 35% matching fund for schools, Fire stations, Trucks, Ambulances, The Police Department, and the DPW. What a deal that would be. Our local taxes would be reduced by 35% and all of the non-deductible fees would disappear. My congratulations to Mr. Yaitanes for his constructive suggestion. Just like the CPA, these special taxes would really be tax savings disguised as a tax."--John Morton

"Dear Mark: I have read the two letters from Mr. Yaitanes regarding Stoughton's participation in the CPA that was approved by the Town Meeting and by vote of the Stoughton citizens about three years age. Mr. Yaitanes' argument against the CPA then and now boils down to "ITS A TAX." That is not news. Of course it's a tax. It is the only tax that provides a return to the homeowner of more than 100%. M r. Yaitanes compares the CPA surcharge to a "2 1/2 override. There is a huge difference. First, a 2 1/2 override provides no match from the State. Second, a 2 1/2 override provides no relief for the homeowner taxpayer. Under the CPA, a homeowner receives a reduction in the surcharge because the first $100,000 of the homeowner's assessment is exempt from the charge, while the first $100,000 of a commercial or industrial property is not. Under a 2 1/2 override, there is no relief for the homeowner taxpayer. Even with the reduced match ( which is now in the 25% to 35% range) the return to the homeowner for each dollar paid into the CPA fund is more than $2.00 in matching funds. The balance is made up from the CPA surcharges paid by commercial and industrial property owners. That is a huge return on investment. Mr. Yaitanes also asks "who pays for upkeep once Glen Echo Property is purchased and renovated." The answer is that CPA funds can be used to improve properties purchased with CPA funds. In addition, there is presently a bill before the state legislature that would increase the match to no less than 75% and would allow participating municipalities to use the funds in connection with pre-existing recreational land. The bill was reported favorably out of committee and moved to the legislature for a vote. The CPA is one of the best things that ever happened to this town. The voters know it and anyone who does the math knows it. While Mr. Yataines complains about the $76.75 that he claims to spend on the CPA each year, he does not mention the $170 + that he pays in a non-tax deductible fee for rubbish pickup and the non-deductible fees that he pays for certain programs within the school. The CPA surcharge is tax deductible and yields - to the homeowner - a 100% return in matching fees. A taxpayer in the 20% tax bracket has to earn more than $130 to have enough left over after federal payroll deductions to pay a $100 fee. That same taxpayer needs to earn less than $80 to cover a tax deductible $100 real estate tax. The CPA funds were used at this town meeting to pay for six projects that the Town would have wanted to approve even without the CPA funds. It is as if the Town received a state matching grant of 35% for each of those items - and the money committed to these items freed up other funds to be used for more routine budgetary items. This "shifting" of expenses to the CPA helps to avoid the more costly "shifting" of municipal services away from tax deductible real estate taxes and into non-tax deductible "fees" for essential services. All taxes are not evil. Taxes are the inevitable price we pay for living in an organized, peaceful and safe community. While we should strive endlessly to assure that our tax dollars are spent effectively and efficiently, we should also do all we can to get the maximum bang for every tax dollar paid. The CPA really gives bang for the buck."-- John Morton

"Mark, Did you know that the CPA funds cannot be used to maintain the recreational land purchased? CPA funds won’t help us keep up our recreational facilities. It just allows us to buy new recreation land – which will then need to be kept up. So who pays for upkeep once the Glen Echo Property is purchased and renovated? Where will that money come from? I have read that the average cost to a homeowner of the CPA is less than $50 per year but I am paying $76.75 per year. How much do you pay?... Go look. The CPA is a tax. It is not an asset to the town. It is just a way for someone to get what they want by calling a TAX another name. Yes a TAX to the average homeowner with approx 35% funds being matched by the state which will be less and less every year. The schools need money, do we start an EPA? Education Preservation ACT at $ 50 for average homeowners? Or a FPA Fire Preservation Act for a new Fire Station, Truck or Ambulance? Or a PPA to Preserve the Police Dept. Or DPWPA to Preserve our DPW? When the voters voted for this, I was surprised since Proposition 2 1/2 Over Rides have always been voted down. The CPA is just another way of robbing the taxpayers. Now we will be stuck with it forever since the funds will be used for Grants and Loans. We already pay enough in town, we didn't need this tax and now we are stuck with it unless by some miracle this Glen Echo deal falls through. Then, we can vote this added expense off of our tax bills and hope that the powers that be can manage and spend our tax money in a responsible way. I am the sole supporter of a family of 6, I need that $77 here at home for the MFPA. My Families Preservation Act."-- Phil Yaitanes, concerned citizen

"Mark: Congratulations on surviving your first town meeting as chairman of Precinct 2. You did a fine job even though you could not get 100% attendance from the precinct. I guess we all can't be great and as the old Brooklyn Dodgers used to say 'wait till next year'. Anyway, the reason for this e-mail is to ask you to investigate the change of POND VIEW VILLAGE from an OVER 55 complex to an open NO AGE RESTRICTIONS complex as advertised on the front page of the Pennysaver. My quest for an answer to this change in status took me to the building department on the second floor of town hall where I was told that an agreement was reached between the Zoning Board and and HAC (Housing Appeals Committee). It seems that the Zoning Board had rejected the builders request to have the complex changed from an over 55 situation to an open situation and that the builder won his appeal and now we are faced with the possibility of a multitude of people moving in that are under 55 with their pets and kids. Where is the justice to those that bought thinking that they were moving to a nice quiet area and what about the neighbors and adjacent neighborhoods along with the potential traffic increase on Turnpike Street. Just thought you would want to look into this now that you have plenty of time since town meeting is over. Talk to you soon."--George Dolinsky

"Mark, Kudos to the town meeting representatives from precinct 4 regarding the purchase of the Glen Echo property. Obviously much time and effort was involved in the preparation. I would like to correct one statement that was made by Mr. Morton. He stated that the potential purchase of the Glen Echo property was "exactly the same process that was used for the Libby and the McNamara properties". While the Trust for Public Land was indeed involved in the negotiations for the Libby property, it was not for the McNamara property. That project was discussed in the office of a local attorney who was representing the developer seeking to purchase the land. The chairman of the Board of Selectmen, at that time was me, along with Mr. Morton, finalized the agreement that evening. The Board had given me certain parameters to abide by and after lengthily maneuvering on the part of both sides, the deal was consummated. That Board of Selectmen was highly involved throughout the entire process.The vote to purchase that land was then passed UNANIMOUSLY by town meeting. I am happy the article for the purchase of the Glen Echo property passed at town meeting. I simply wanted to clarify the actual events that occurred during the purchase of the McNamara property."--Dick Levine

Hi Mark: The CPA was one of the best things that ever happened to this town and the voters were smart enough to know it. This year at town meeting the CPA funds were used to support six different initiatives that the Town would likely have approved anyway. Even with the declining match from the State, the effect of the CPA was as if the town received a matching grant for more than 35% for every one of those items. The average cost to a homeowner of the CPA is less than $50 per year but the return to each homeowner is more than $75 in matching grants due to the fact that homeowners enjoy a $100,000 deduction on their assessed value before the CPA surcharge is applied and a large portion of the CPA base (on which the match is computed) is paid by commercial and industrial real estate in town. Without the CPA, the Town's budget will continue to be balanced by paying for services with non-deductible "fees" such as those we now pay for trash pickup, and a multitude of school programs and services, previously covered by the tax-deductible Real Estate Tax. The town should keep in mind that the average wage-earning homeowner has to earn more than $130 to pay a non-deductible fee - while that same homeowner needs to earn only $75 (after taxes) to pay a $100 real estate tax. That is a savings of $55 for each $100 paid in fees. After five years following the initial adoption of the CPA by a city or town, the town can - upon proper petition by citizens - place on the ballot the question as to whether the town should continue to participate in the CPA. Glen Echo would have to be paid off, but if our town votes to opt out, the surcharge diminishes each year, disappearing when the bond is paid off. It will be a much smaller charge than the modest charge currently in place. The state match began to drop when the economy went south and real estate activity slowed in late 2008.
There are changes in the Community Preservation Act law currently moving with approvals through the legislature that would broaden the funding and uses for CPA funds: The changes would mandate the state to a minimum 75% match; Permit communities to rehabilitate existing parks, playgrounds, athletic fields and other active recreational assets with CPA funds; and add a new optional exemption for the first $100,000 of property value for commercial and industrial properties, mirroring the current optional $100,000 residential exemption. I have had the privilege to walk Glen Echo and it is not "mostly wetlands." It is a stunningly beautiful place with existing trails, flat clear, dry land to re-build on, and a swimmable lake. We are lucky to have this resource for the entire town and not only for a privileged few, for instance, if a housing tract were built on it or a 40B. It will save the town money in the long run. I am attaching a short presentation on Glen Echo used at town meeting."-- Deborah Sovinee, Town Meeting Representative, Precinct 4

"Mark, I haven't written in a while but I feel I must. A few years ago, I was on your show (I miss your show) as an opponent to the CPA Community Preservation Act TAX. John Morton and company were using their skills telling how wonderful the CPA was to the town and that if we put in a dollar the State would match the funds by a dollar etc etc. I said then that they wouldn’t and every year the state would match less and less. Nobody listened. This week I watched Town Meeting and there he was... Mr. John Morton, Talking about using the CPA to buy The Glen Echo Property. I must add that the 100 % matched funds that he bragged about are around (if not less) than 35% now and will be less next year! I read that the majority of our town meeting reps voted to get a loan using the CPA funds to buy Glen Echo. The good fact about the CPA is that if the funds aren't being matched, we can vote it out after a few years. I think Mr. Morton left out something as he did when he sold the townspeople last time. Once we use the funds to secure a loan, the CPA can't be voted out. The voters were fooled last time, this time it was town meeting. When the fund matching comes to a halt, it becomes a 100% TAX. If Glen Echo can be purchased without loans...GREAT! The Town of Stoughton should NOT be buying what we can't afford anymore. The fact that most of Glen Echo is wetlands is hysterical, who cares who owns it, it can never be built on and remains open space forever for free!"-- Phil Yaitanes

"Mark, Frank Crimmins has again shown his nasty side to Town Meeting. And the Selectmen have acted like little children. "no one talk to us", I saw several meetings where John Morton was explaining what was going on with Glen Echo. I think Crimmins is pushing the Selectmen to take over everything including the School Commitee. I do not think the purchase of Glen Echo was was a good idea, we have more pressing items that need to be addressed but it is done, so lets live with it. I hope in the future we get some on up there to rent boats so we can go fishing on the pond, I rember going there for dances at the hotel. It might be my memory playing tricks, but I think we used to come from Boston by streetcar to Glen Echo. Lets all enjoy Glen Echo and make it an asset to the town. I hope that the TM and TBOS realize that they work for the town, and if their feelings get hurt, to bad. Mark, I think you know the Email address, so don't put my name on this, I fear retribution. Thank you, you are the only voice of truth in the town."--Name Withheld Upon Request

"Dear Mr. Snyder: A very bad pattern is starting to emerge and it is the Town Manager's and Board of Selectmen's lack of proactive, positive communication and respect for the other VOLUNTEER committees in town. Let me cite just 3 specific examples to highlight my point: First, was their cutting of the School budget without any communication with the School Committee and then they continued by having meetings to cut the School budget just before Town Meeting and to this day no one has explained why. Second, is their ongoing disparaging comments about the Finance Committee and the Chair of the Committee. Third, last night they tried to insinuate that the Mr. Morton and the entire CPC Committee had acted without any authority and behind close doors to cut a deal that no one reviewed or had any authority to act on and then tried to convince us that they were left out of the loop. Glen Echo has been discussed for many years and for the Town Manager and Chair of the Board of Selectmen to say they know nothing about the deal is concerning because what else do they know nothing about. Did it ever occur to the Town Manager to pick up the phone and call Mr. Morton to ask what was going on? Did it ever dawn on the Board of Selectmen that all they had to do was put Glen Echo as a scheduled agenda item every 2 weeks so the Town Manager could give an update? Did it ever occur to Mr. Stagnone to call Mr. Morton and check in about Glen Echo? Wake-up gentlemen,, Town Manager Crimmins you are PAID professional and it is your RESPONSIBILITY to reach out to various VOLUNTEER committees and ensure that there is open communication on behalf of the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Stagnone, I will cut you some slack because you are brand new in your 'Chair' postion but learn from your mistakes and STOP trying to publicly humiliate the Chairs of other Committees - it makes you look petty and has no redeeming value."--Sincerely, John Carlson

"Mark, I am amazed at the amount of borrowing that was approved by Town Meeting, that they felt was more important than the town having an ambulance in operating condition. I hope that some time in the future they don't have to wait while an ambulance comes from Easton or Canton or Avon, five minutes can be the difference in living or dieing. We all have different priorities."--Leo E. Mellyn

"Dear Mr. Snyder: I read with great interest your opinion column this week entitled "A Compelling Argument for TASERS." I was particularly dismayed and disappointed by the comments of Scott Greenwood, a civil rights attorney in Ohio, who proports to be a "civil libertarian." I am a civil rights lawyer in California and was co-counsel in Heston v. City of Salinas case (USDC for the Norther District of California - San Jose) - the first ever (and still the only) plaintiff's products liability/wrongful death verdict against TASER, Intl. I am currently litigating numerous other wrongful death cases against TASER, Intl., across the country including Piskura v. City of Oxford, Ohio (USDC for the Southern District of Ohio) which involved the tragic death of a 26-year old graduate of Miami of Ohio who was tased in the chest and died a short time later. What is particularly disturbing about Mr. Greenwood's ill-informed comments is that he fails to address the known riisks associated with use of TASER electronic control devices including shots to the chest in the area of the heart and repeated and prolonged discharges. He seems to imply that the devices are safe because he suffered no ill effects when he recieved a 5-second discharge (probably to the back and harldly replicating real world conditions that police encounter in the field). While my colleagues and I are not anti-TASER per se, we, nonetheless, strongly believe that TASER, Intl, has not been forthcoming regarding the potential risks associated with its devices. In fact, the contrary is true. The training materials produced by TASER, INtl., have for years indicated that its devices pose no cardiac risks. I personally have taken the depositions of countless police officers and in every single case, they have testified that they were completely unaware of any serious health risks associated with use of the device. Indeed, during a recent deposition for a death case in Las Vegas, an officer testified that as a result of being involved in an incident where he deployed his TASER and the subject (a medical doctor) went into cardiac arrest and died, he would never use his TASER again except "if I was getting my ass kicked." TASERs can be useful devices in very llimited circumstances. However, until TASER, Inc. produces legitimate training materials which farily and adequately disclose known risks, they will continue to be placed in the hands of ill-trained and ill-informed police officers. In my view, this is a receipe for disaster and a wrongful death lawsuit waiting to happen. Finally, Mr. Greenwood evidences his ignorance by suggesting that TASERs can reduce injuries to both officers and suspects. Statisitics supporting this argument have long been touted by TASER, Intl. But, consider the source and who funded the research. Mr. Greenwood has obviously been drinking TASER's cool-aid. An independent study by Drs. Lee and Tseng at UCSF showed a marked increase in in-custody deaths after the introduction of a TASER program at various police departments in California. You may have also heard about a study that was announced about a week ago from the same researchers indicating that studies regarding TASER safety are significantly influenced by the research autjhors and their connection to TASER, Intl. I would be happy to e-mail information about this research if you are interested. Ultimately, we believe that police departments and the public-at-large should be fully informed about TASERS and their potential risks before any decision is made to impliment a TASER program. TASER, Intl., does a disservice to both by hiding the truth about its devices and risks associated with their use. Best regards."--Peter M. Williamson, Esq.

Dear Editor: As an animal trainer, naturalist and animal rescue team leader, I believe in a balance of population control through hunting and trapping and the preservation of the natural beauty that surrounds us. One of the balances I believe that has worked so well is the split of hunting days versus non hunting days during hunting season. This split has long allowed hunters to enjoy their activity 6 days a week and the population to enjoy nature without fear of potential conflicts with hunters one day a week, specifically Sundays.. This split has been the law in Massachusetts for 100 years. Senator Timilty is chair of the Committee that will determine the fate of bill to allow hunting on Sunday. I hope this bill, H. 2399, does not advance. A survey found that 86% of Massachusetts residents agree with the restriction on hunting on Sundays. According to data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1.7 million Massachusetts residents aged 16 and older took part in bird watching, photography, hiking, and other wildlife activities unrelated to hunting. The same data shows only 1% of Massachusetts residents hunt. A bill to allow hunting on Sundays would cater to a minority of Massachusetts residents, not the majority of the public who highly value the one day of the week that they can enjoy the outdoors during hunting seasons. In Massachusetts, landowners must post his or her private land if they do not want people to hunt or trap on their land, rather than hunters or trapper being required to receive permission. If anything, the need for the prohibition on Sunday hunting is as important as it has ever been. With the prevalence of Massachusetts' citizens interested in wildlife-watching, and the number of hunters decreasing so dramatically, it is patently unfair to deny Massachusetts citizens access to areas where they may enjoy wildlife-watching activities one day a week. It's clear then that only a tiny fraction of our residents want this law to change. Some argue that the blue law ban on Sunday Hunting should be repealed, just like the bans on shopping and buying alcohol on Sunday have been. However, unlike these two repealed bans, repealing the ban on Sunday hunting will jeopardize the safety of and will take away a highly valued opportunity from a huge number of our residents - specifically, 1.7
million residents that currently enjoy our woods for non-consumptive purposes. Many of these residents have valid safety concerns, as injuries to non-hunters have happened recently in our neighboring States. Many others just want to enjoy nature without hearing gunshots or worrying about coming upon a wounded animal. As surveys show Just 1% of our Massachusetts residents hunt, and already this small number of our population have the opportunity to hunt six days a week. Non-hunters, though clearly representing the majority of Massachusetts
residents, are already at a disadvantage with the way the law is now. I would never support a bill on banning hunting or restricting hunting activities as Massachusetts has done a terrific job of balancing the need for population control, the activity of hunting, and the ability for the population at large to enjoy our natural resources. I urge each of you to please call Senator Timility’s office and ask for him to not support H.B. 2399. The senators office number is 617 722-1222 or e-mail at James.Timilty@masenate.gov. Respectfully submitted."-- Christopher D’Arpino,
South Shore Disaster Animal Rescue Team

"I would like to say let's support the police with everything necessary to include providing them with a less than lethal option. We asked these brave men and women to go out into the streets and protect us. We call upon them when we are in need and they happily respond to address whatever life crisis may be present. They perform their duties proudly, with extreme professionalism and always place the safety and well beings of others first. Does it not make sense that we should offer them the essential equipment and proper training to ensure they remain unharmed and so they too can return home safely to their families. I commend the SPD for your dedicated service and unwavering commitment and want you to know that my family and I are very grateful. We recognize the difficult job that you all do and we thank you for it. In closing, I encourage my fellow citizens to also stand behind the men and women that we rely upon and support the purchase of this equipment. It's a small investment monetarily with a large return if an officer finds themselves in a situation that can be resolved without the use of deadly force."-- Peter Brown

"Hi Mr. Snyder: Long time reader - first time writer: I think Mr. Anastos may have missed the mark about public education and why it is important for the entire community. I respect and fully agree with Mr. Anastos's decision on pulling his child out of Stoughton schools and sending him to private school which better fits his specific needs. However, most of us in Stoughton do not have the income level that Mr. Anastos has, and therefore, our child must stay within the Stoughton school system. Does that mean that for us less fortunate, we should tell our child that he does not deserve a quality education, small classrooms and individual attention? If Mr. Anastos truly was interested in supporting the schools - maybe he should think about what he pays for his child and then multiply that for all the children in the Stoughton school system who may have similar needs or even more physical and educational challenges that require specialized teaching or smaller classrooms and we have no other place to go. I respect Mr. Anastos for his decision but I think he forgot his role as Selectman which is to think about every individual within the community and to do right by all of us and some of us have no other alternatives and we also want what is best for our children. On another note, this is exactly the reason I respect the Finance Committee, that committee seems to be able to take into account everyone's needs and try to find solutions to serve the entire community rather than one particular group - I may not always agree with their decisions - but at least I can say that they care about the Town, Schools and putting money away."-- Peter Farrell

"Dear Mark, I could not agree with Ms. Boykin more. Last night's meeting was confusing, distracting, and it seemed most members of Town Meeting did not fully understand that by defeating both motions we did not fund the stabilization account.I am prepared to do exactly what Ms. Boykin suggests, because I think this needs to be done before we continue on. That is the reason I had motioned to table so that proper explanation of the actions and consequences could be shown to the meeting body. Perhaps the motion will pass with a lesser amount from PH retained earnings."--Dori Frankel, Precinct 5

"Dear Mark – I am writing in because there seems to be quite of bit of confusion regarding what will happen with the stabilization account now that both motions were defeated last night and its impact on the bond rating. What I learned from last night is that everyone agreed that money needed to be moved to the stabilization account. And we now have to move forward on that premise. Also, that the primary reasons for not moving the public health funds to the stabilization account was because people were afraid that either those funds would be re-directed away from the stabilization account to other programs or that the public health department would be at a loss of available funding to meet the needs of their constituents. The only 2 reasons why the Finance Committee recommended the transfer of the Public Health retained earning funds are the following: 1). Last year’s Town Meeting voted to pursue this special legislation and 2). the suggestion of the Town’s auditor, Moody’s and independent bond counsel who suggested to the Town that this would be a good thing for the town as a whole and not hurt the VNA . That issue is no longer on the table. So how do we move forward now and accomplish what many people agreed to and that was to transfer the free cash and tax levy funds which is $924,593 to the stabilization account. Otherwise, the fears of many Town members may be realized and those funds will be gone and no funds will be transferred to the stabilization account by the end of Town meeting. As Mr. Rorrie mentioned last night, the only way we received such a great interest rate was the fact that we could piggy-back on the State’s process. Otherwise, our rates would be higher and our debt service payments will increase. Given the number of capital items on the horizon, whether it is a Library, a School, repairing Town and School buildings, and that those costs cannot be solely paid by free cash or tax levy. We need to think about further burdening seniors, families and our children. I am hoping that at tomorrow night’s meeting, a motion to suspend the rules and to reconsider Article 16 and that 7 people will stand-up to ask that we –reconsider the vote so that we can move forward. Sincerely,"--Holly Boykin, Chair, Finance Committee

"Mark, as a Fin Com member I am disturbed by what has transpired since our last public hearing on this year's budget. I will try to list them but I know I will leave some out as I don't always remember everything: 1. After our public hearings new money was "found". I wish I could find money. 2. The Fin Com leadership restored most budgets to requested levels using the new found money. 3. The selectman again tried to move some money from the school dept to pay for new needs, some long overdue needs, in some of the other municipal depts. 4. Some well meaning adults have accused some selectman of trying to sabotage the school dept. I find this hard to believe as everyone is aware that schools have the most direct impact to property values.
5. Some of the accused have felt the need to defend themselves. Sometimes tempers have gotten the better of both sides and things have disintegrated. What I would like to see is both ends of Pearl Street stop this self destructive action and look for ways to work together. It is possible for our elected and appointed officials to all play nice with the limited set of resources that we have. It's time to put this to an end. In the August/September timeframe our elected officials should start planning not only for the 2013 budget but actually try to plan beyond that. Maybe in my next letter I will rant on the perception of union negotiation by our elected officials, sometimes you say no and sometimes you say yes. Thanks."-- Bruce Dolinsky

At the Town Meeting of May 9th, an observation and statement delivered to Town Meeting Representatives was made by Mr. Mark Snyder inferring that there was potentially some bias wherein all members of the Board of Selectman and the Town Manager do not have children in the Stoughton Public Schools thus not having an vested interest in the School Department. Nothing could be further from the truth. I will remind all that Member Walsh is a is a thirty year plus retired teacher in the Stoughton Schools. Selectman Anastos, prior to moving to Stoughton 24 years ago, was an elected member of the Avon School Committee. The Town Manager, Mr. Crimmins also served as a Selectman and was and is a supporter of the Schools by virtue of his office. Their commitment to education is well substantiated. With reference as to how it relates to me I humbly submit the following. I am a product of the Stoughton Schools. While a student here, my father was a member of the Stoughton School Committee serving for twelve years. School issues were topics around the table at our house at that time. I grew to appreciate the Schools through the eyes of a School Committee Member, the issues of the times that Committee faced, along with being a student. My career took me to Hanover New Hampshire. While there I had three children who attended the Hanover Public Schools. I was active in many school related activities as most parents do. Upon my return to Stoughton due to employment opportunities, I ran for and was elected to the Stoughton School committee to fill an unexpired term and re-elected upon completion of that term. The suggestion that I have no interest or support of the School Department is unfounded and incorrect. It is my belief that not having children in the schools is not an impediment to the qualifications of being a Selectman or a Town Manager whose interest must be for the Town as a whole which includes the Stoughton Public Schools. I recognize and appreciate Supt. Rizzi's statement and focus where by she believes that the Stoughton Schools should be a 'World Class Department'. The Schools are the crowning jewels of our Town and are part of the driving force that makes Stoughton the community we can all be proud of. I believed it when on the School Committee and I hold the same belief today."--John D. Anderson, Vice Chairman Stoughton Board of Selectman

(Editor's Note: My statement at town meeting was "I'd like to see a motion to cut the schools made by someone who has children in the schools." In that way, they're children would pay the consequences of their reckless cuts. Ms. Walsh voted against their motion, as did John Anzivino. Both have got applause from this writer for their actions. I never said that people without children in our system don't support the schools. Most people are intelligent enough to know that a failing school causes property values to drop like rocks. I don't call into question anyone's credentials, and all this is just another smokescreen. Anderson's last letter (on Patch) complained that they couldn't meet about increased revenue because they got the information so late. Then, we find out they got a memo on February 9 from the town accountant, two months before they claim to have heard about it. FACT: Anderson, Anastos and Stagnone voted to cut the school budget by $923,000. FACT: The Town Manager cut TWO MILLION dollars from the school committee's proposed budget. End of story. It's not personal for me. I just support this town, in all it's glory. It IS personal to THEM, as anyone might have heard last night on the town meeting floor.I'm just talking facts--Mark)

"I would like to invite all students, faculty, administration and parents for a presentation about our recent DECA field trip. I have requested use of the media center Wednesday May 11th at 6:30 pm to share our experiences with everyone who was so helpful during our International Career Development Conference in Orlando. I know it may seem that the students are out of school lots of days during the year but, I would like to showcase what the trip was like and what is gained by this wonderful program known as DECA. Each student will present what they did and what they learned during this conference. There will also be a slide show of pictures from the trip. I hope to get a large crowd for this meeting to showcase this program and what it can do for the students of Stoughton High School. Thanks and I hope to see you there."--Mr. Eddie Rodrigues, Business/Information Technology Department, Stoughton High School

"Hi Mark: As you know I brought this issue to your attention quite awhile ago. With the town abuzz with more cuts to the school budget, can someone please get the answer to the question, Why didn't the school department get price quotes for special education transportation? The school department signed a contract with one vendor for a savings of $100,000. I know for a fact, at least one other vendor would have saved the town a minimum of $50k more. If a price quote had gone to other vendors, perhaps Stoughton could have saved even more. When we are looking at cutting a million dollars from the budget 50 to 100 thousand cut from transportation is a significant amount. Many people in town know about this issue. Why can't we get an answer?"--Leslie Cain Tamarkin, parent of four children in the Stoughton schools

"Hi Mr. Snyder: My wife came home furious tonight after hearing from friends that the Board of Selectmen and the Town Manager have scheduled a 'non-televised' meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday night at the the High School to discuss next year's budget and to vote more changes that they will present to Town Meeting Members an hour later. As an aside, I can understand why the Selectman do not want to have that meeting televised - after how Selectman Anastos berated the Chair of the Finance Committee - my wife leaned over to me and said it is quite clear that he has an issue with woman and that it shows his inability to work with women. We both agreed that he was lucky that my wife Diane was not the one being yelled at because she would have laid into him more than the Chair did and I would have stepped in and told him to be more respectful and show some class. I volunteer for many groups and this is a slap in the face to the volunteers who put hours into the budget and review of articles to make changes like this - once again this has the taste of a back room deal to be done without any public comment and only an hour before the meeting. Mr. Snyder - can you tell me what didn't the Selectmen get from their original budget request that would warrant all of this now - at least this way I can tell my wife to calm down and that they have a legitimate reason. Otherwise, I will have to agree with her that the Selectmen's meeting the other night was a staged TV show and the vote to go with the Finance Committee budget was a hoax. If the Selectmen are so devious to continue down this path, I am sure that other people at Town Meeting will put them in their place that this is not appropriate nor what the Town needs to move us forward. I also would have hoped that Mr. Crimmins who we were all told would bring us together would have informed the Selectmen that this was not in their best interest to do this way or at this time. I guess Mr. Crimmins really is not interested in bridging the gap between the various factions in Town."-- Sincerely, Don Sager

"Dear Mark: On behalf of the Stoughton Historical Commission, I would like to ask for your help in clarifying a point/quote made in your article 'Glen Echo Deal Falls Through', dated April 25th on Snyder's Stoughton, Stoughton Patch, and Wicked Local. Your last paragraph in the article quotes Selectman Steve Anastos, who said, 'I'm not surprised. We expected the appraisal to be lower than two million dollars. We'll have to wait to see what the next step will be. But, I hope town meeting will look favorably to use CPA money for necessary repairs to important municipal buildings that the historical commission feels deserving of CPA money, like Town Hall.' The Stoughton Historical Commission would like to let your readers, and the Town of Stoughton, know that the Commission did deem the Stoughton Town Hall to be an historic building, it did not discuss, nor does it endorse, diverting CPC funds from the Glen Echo purchase to fix Town Hall. As well, the classification of Town Hall as an historic building took place AFTER the CPC spending determinations were completed. T he Commission would also like it known that in a letter to the Community Preservation Committee, dated December 10, 2010, we identified Glen Echo as our #1 priority. Thank you so much for allowing us to clarify Selectman Anastos' comments in your article."---

Sandy Spector, Chair; James Barron, David Lambert, Heather McGinley, Dwight MacKerron

"Dear Mark: I have attached a copy of what appears to be the capital improvement plan contained in the Town Manager’s Budget Message posted January 3, 2011. This does not appear to be the document required to be produced under the Town Charter. The Town Charter requires (a minimum) 3-year plan, so a capital plan for the town should include projected needs for all departments for 2012 through 2015, at least. Only the Recreation Department entries meet this requirement. Notably, the capital plan for the Council on Aging ends in 2011, the Library’s capital plan is dated November 20, 2006, and there is no capital plan included for large departments such as the Police, Public Works, and School Departments. Foreseeable capital items on this year’s Town Meeting warrant do not appear anywhere in this budget report, which they clearly should if those pages are supposed to be the capital plan. At a minimum, we should be able to look ahead at by at least one year for the capital items that are needed or desired for the next. Developing and updating a comprehensive capital plan is not easy. The sooner capital planning becomes part of a transparent budget process, and part of an overall master plan for the Town, the better off we will be. Thank you."--Bob O’Regan, To wn Meeting Representative, Precinct 1

"Hi Mark, Please let Mr. O'Regan know that Town Manager Crimmins produced a capital plan in his comprehensive budget report that the BOS adopted and was posted on the Town of Stoughton website on January 3, 2011 under the Town Manager reports category. This plan is neither perfect nor complete but it is the first Capital Plan produced by the Office of Town Manager and submitted by the BOS in many years. Please feel free to use it as a starting point as we collectively move the Town of Stoughton forward.
Also, I would like to commend TJ Recupero for his thoughtful presentation of ideas. Hopefully, his dissertation can become part of an expansive and productive discussion regarding the future of Stoughton."-- Respectfully, Stephen G. Anastos Sr., Stoughton Board of Selectmen

"Dear Mark: This year’s Town Meeting warrant includes 95 articles, some proposing millions of dollars for capital expenditures in very tight fiscal times. For years. Town Meeting has requested that the Annual Report include the capital plan that is required by the Town Charter, even to the point of unanimously passing a resolution a few years ago. Without the benefit of a capital plan, which should include prioritization of capital projects as part of an overall plan for the future of the Town, capital expenditures seem to be made in an unfocused, haphazard way. A legislative body like Town Meeting is ill-equipped to fish through warrant articles to set priorities, or to made decisions on capital items this year when Town Meeting is left in the dark about upcoming capital needs and their priority. Many capital items in this year’s warrant are worthwhile projects, but we do not have the money to pay for them all. The Town residents and Town Meeting do not have guidance in the Annual Report on how any of them fit into any sort of plan. There is a capital planning committee that has been at work for two years, which is needed and my comments are not addressed toward their work. In truth, the capital plan should already exist, so the capital planning committee’s current work could result in revisions to make a better plan. My point is that we should not lurch from year to year ignoring the capital plan requirements of the Town Charter. There may be no other choice but for Town Meeting to insist that the other branches of town government comply with the Charter in the only way Town Meeting can act – decline to consider a capital expense request that is not set out in the capital plan. There should be room to consider emergencies and even for Town Meeting to be able to consider worthwhile requests that come up outside the capital plan – but as the exceptions, not the rule. Petitioned warrant articles should not be affected by any rule Town Meeting adopts in this regard. I have attached a proposed rule that will be offered at tonight’s organizational Town Meeting. If any Town Meeting representatives have ideas on how to improve on it, I would welcome the comments."--Bob O’Regan, Town Meeting Representative, Precinct 1

"Hi Mark. Hope everything is well. Just a personal note about something I read in one of your blog items that caught my eye. It's something I've heard repeated many times, and each time I read or hear it, I react like that Abbot & Costello's "Niagara Falls" skit. Slowly I turned... and so forth. You wrote: 'Getting vacant land back on the tax rolls at first seemed like a good idea to this writer. But--and it's a big but--it also depends on what is built on these parcels. Housing is usually a losing proposition for the town. The cost for municipal and school services normally outweighs the income from real estate taxes.' I would challenge anyone to a friendly debate on that issue. In truth, take all your municipal services (water, sewer, trash, plowing, etc.) and new homes provide a net gain to the Town budget. Real estate taxes are not the only financial benefit from new development. Chapter 90 funds, for example, are distributed on a per mile basis, and they increase with the construction of new town roads. Water and sewer costs system-wide decrease, because of how the fee is calculated. When more users are added, the price is spread over a larger group. Also, billed under an enterprise fund mechanisms, they could be, at worst, break-even accounts. Even where they run deficits, that cost is, I believe, excluded from our Proposition 2 levy limit. Although it isn't operated as an enterprise account, last time I looked, trash collection was a net income generator. It brings revenue into the budgeting equation. We also don't consider that new developments pay inflow/infiltration fees that allow the Town to inspect its sewer lines for leakage and keep the Town's bill from MWRA in check. New homes mean all sorts of cool fees. Sewer development fees; engineering fees; Inflow & Infiltration fees; inspection fees; building permit fees, all of which, combined for a modest sized subdivision, could easily exceed $100,000. And, all of which provide a direct off-set for budgeted amounts for municipal employees. Beyond which, in many towns (and sometimes in Stoughton) developers pay a private engineer to review or inspect a project, and that's all off-budget. Then, of course, there are tax revenues. Proposition 2 1/2 (and I can't believe we STILL call it Prop 2 1/2) has two components - a levy ceiling and a levy cap. The levy ceiling is based on the value of all taxable property in Stoughton. So, if, in theory, no new taxable property is added and if property values didn't increase; OR, worse still, if no new taxable property enters the system and deflation occurs, the levy ceiling either remains the same or declines. Good for the tax payer; bad for the budget. Adding new taxable property into the system always expands the levy ceiling. On the other side of Proposition 2 1/2, the levy cap only allows us to increase property taxes 2.5 percent each year. However, excluded from this calculation is 'new growth', which gets added into the system for purposes of the levy ceiling, but is excluded from the calculation for purposes of the levy cap. It's a one-time double-hit on the plus-side of the Town's tax revenue balance sheet. I'm talking exclusively about residential development, but the caveat in this whole discussion is that you can't rely solely on residential development to satisfy your budget. Not with the limits of Proposition 2 1/2. Commercial development gets all of the wonderful benefits that residential development gets, but with the added benefit of generally not adding much to the expense side of the ledger. Which is why towns need a proper mix of residential and commercial real estate. By way of example, one of Stoughton's abutting towns has a fairly small commercial real estate inventory. Not surprisingly, you see several Prop 2 1/2 over-ride questions on the ballot every year. Conversely, another abbutter to Stoughton has a larger commercial real estate inventory, as well as a healthy amount of residential development, and that town's budget remains fairly well balanced. Stoughon, by the way, has done pretty well. Although, it's a continuing battle. I saved the best for last, of course. This is the one that people always hang their argument on: schools. As the argument goes. and I've heard this many times in towns not named Stoughton: for every new house we build, we lose money because the cost of educating each child in the Stoughton school system is $11,000, and we only collect $5,000 in taxes per home. I heard this very statement on the floor of Town meeting many years back, when it was argued that it would be cheaper for the Town to buy a large parcel of land rather than allow 20 homes to be built. But this is wrong. And here's the reason why: The central issue isn't cost-per-pupil, because that's a back-end calculation. We reach that number by dividing the total school budget by the total school enrollment and I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. But the true issue is: what does each new student add in new expenses into the system. Stoughton has eight schools, K-12. The student population doesn't remain constant; it fluctuates. We don't add $11,000 when it fluctuates up, and we don't subtract $11,000 when it fluctuates down. That $11,000 has many components, some are fixed costs and others are relatively fixed. The cost of opening those schools each morning for an entire school year is a fixed cost. Which is to say, it costs us the same regardless of the number of students added into, or subtracted out of, the school system. Capital improvements and maintenance, likewise, bare little relationship to the student population. Barring any sizable changes, of course. Administration, much the same. I am sure that there is some number of new students added into the system that would prompt a need for more administrative support, but it's such a small portion of the total budget, I would suggest that it's negligible. The real issue is teacher salaries. And, I want to make clear that this isn't about school budgeting or teachers; it's about residential development. Teacher salaries are what they are, and near as I can tell from all that I've read, they're perfectly in line with standard municipal budgeting. But teacher salaries and benefits do represent the lion's share of the school budget. So, if there's an increase in education costs related to residential development, it would necessarily be tied to the cost of teachers. Stoughton's student/teacher ratio is somewhere around 14/1, just about dead-on to the state average. There is some point where we would add so many new students into the system that we need new teachers just to maintain our ratio. It would impact K-6 first. If we add 20 new houses into a neighborhood, we could conceivably flood enough elementary students into one of the six elementary schools where we would need another class and another teacher. Not likely, but conceivable. And that's the bulk of the cost of a new residential development. If we need one new teacher, and if the added cost to the school budget is around $60,000 (for example) do the real estate taxes for 25 new homes cover the added cost? They certainly do. And then some. Assume $5,000 per home in taxes for 25 new homes yields $75,000 in taxes [tax rate ($13.57) x home value ($400,000) = tax yield ($5,428)]. PLUS, the levy ceiling expands, increasing the total tax base. PLUS, the one-time 'new growth' exemption allows us to tax beyond the levy cap. PLUS, in theory, in a vibrant and well populated community, business services are added to meet the needs of the population. Here's the other important point for 2011, and then I promise I'll wrap this up: I haven't checked on Stoughton's enrollment trends, but I know that state-wide, now that the echo-boomers are out of the school system, enrollment statewide is on the decline. The recent census told us that Stoughton's population is also on the decline. If Stoughton High had 500 students in 2010 and 25 new houses are built in 2011, adding 22 new students into the K-12 system (the 2000 census told us that we average .88 school-age kids per home), demographic trends suggest that there shouldn't be any appreciable increase in student enrollment. If any at all. The total population is going down. Corresponding to that, the student/teacher ratio is, at worst, holding steady. So, barring any large new influx of students, the point that new residential development is a net loss for the town is largely unsupportable. More than 60% of the Town's housing stock was built prior to 1970. Because our local economy is so indelibly linked to real estate values (as opposed to, say, sales tax), it is critical that we have taxable real estate stock that is constantly improving and, where possible, expanding. That's not happening. In truth, we do have a problem with residential development in Stoughton. And perhaps this is an issue for another day and another email. The problem isn't in the new homes we've added. The problem is in the number of new rental units we have added in our sprint to reach our Chapter 40B quota. Go to the Assessor's webpage and run a search of the number of new single-family homes built in the last four years. I'll bet you could count them on two hands (I don't know the answer). Over the last several years, Stoughton has added hundreds of rental units. Which isn't bad unto itself. However, if we are looking to keep a community identity, where people are vested in the community with an ownership interest, and where they have a personal financial interest in constantly improving their real estate value, we should not have rushed to stack new renters. This is my final point, I promise. The sentence of yours that I originally disputed several paragraphs above concerned the financial impact of residential development. But, in fairness to you, that one sentence was tucked deep inside a longer article discussing the Town's purchase of open space lands, and whether keeping certain Town-owned real estate had financial benefit. I want to make this one last very heart-felt point: the Town should acquire land for open space, and I am very much in favor of doing that. It should because it makes the Town more livable. It adds diversity to the Town's real estate stock. It should because there is real value in aesthetics and natural preservation. If that's the reason, then say that. My grandfather came from Dorchester to Stoughton to swim in Glen Echo decades and decades ago, because it was a beautiful and pristine oasis in this area of the Commonwealth. That's one of the several reasons my family eventually settled here, I'm sure. Preserving that land is a good thing, and I have to believe that's why the Open Space Committee identified it for purchase, and not some speciious municipal budgeting reason . If I'm right, and if that's the reason, then I'm fully on board. That's all. As you can see, I had a few thoughts. You don't have to agree with any of them and we'll still be friends. I hope you're well."-- T.J Recupero.

"I would like to respond to a statement made by Stephen Bates regarding Mark's decision to discontinue his television show. Mr. Bates said "Unfortunately I honestly believe that this is just another case of egos getting out of control." As Mark's director for over four years, I can say with certainty that this is far from the truth, at least not in Mark's case. May I remind Mr. Bates that we recorded "Snyder's Stoughton" at the Comcast studio in Easton for many years, and although at times there were glitches, there were absolutely NO difficulties with people getting along or with anyone on Mark's crew needing assistance and having assistance denied. This was not the case at SMAC! Mark's parting words on his last taped show very clearly explained what was going on there. There's no need to rehash. Everything stated in Mark's column this week is accurate and would be substantiated by his crew if we were asked. If anybody's ego was getting in the way of Mark and our crew's ability to continue to produce Stoughton's best and most-watched local access cable television show, believe me, it was NOT Mark's! Sadly, he made the right decision and his crew stands by him 100%."--Cindy Pazyra, Snyder's Stoughton TV Show Director

"Hi Mark: Seeing that I supervised the build out of the studio and also on the board of directors I thought it was important that I respond to the previous post from Leo R. Mellyn. I personally do not know Mr. Mellyn and I feel that this is just another letter from someone that does not know all the facts in the case. Hopefully this will shed some light on his questions that he had asked. The project did go out to bid and was advertised in the Stoughton pennysaver to all General Contractors as well as independent trades to submit a price. We did provide a set of plans to 3 local General Contractors to bid the entire project that had responded to that advertisement. The LOWEST bid came back at approximately $ 335,000.00 for the complete project. At that time the board of directors realized we could not afford to have it done with a general contractor. I own a local General contracting company in town so I offered my services for FREE to oversee the project and subcontract each trade individually. ALL of the board members including the 2 employees VOLUNTEERED for FREE to complete the demolition and many other portions of the project. Realizing that Stoughton has many talented contractors in it we were able to use mostly Stoughton companies and keep the money in town. I thank you for pointing out the wonderful board room and kitchen that you mentioned in your letter. The board room walls have a "leathered" finish and was DONATED. The estimated cost for that type of work would be over One Thousand dollars…and we got it for free. The value of the kitchen cabinets with all that detail including 3 piece crown molding are Three Thousand Dollars…We got them for One Thousand Dollars…The beautiful granite counter tops have a value of Twenty Five Hundred Dollars including the under mount sink and faucet….We got them for FREE..that is right….Another Stoughton company donated them….The hung ceiling company was also from Stoughton and donated all of the upgraded cost associated with the recessed tiles. The engineer from Comcast told me that he has been to hundreds of studios in Massachusetts and he said this is the finest one he has been in. The final cost of this project came in around $ 191,000.00 All of the board members spent hundreds of hours over a 3 month period at the studio so we could SAVE $ 144,000.00. Unfortunately I honestly believe that this is just another case of egos getting out of control. There are other shows that have filmed at the new studio and we do not have any other complaints with them. I am sure that this will all get resolved and hope that the Snyder Show will resume. I understand that you are frustrated , and with most new ventures comes frustration. I would end with, if anyone has any questions regarding the construction to please contact me directly, my numbers are listed below."--Stephen F. Bates, Bates Remodeling, LLC, P.O Box 706, Stoughton Massachusetts 02072, (O) 781-341-2414, (F) 781-341-2002, (C) 781-760-5520

"Mark, I was saddened to read that on April 13^th you recorded your last TV show at the SMAC studio. To the person, everyone knows how much you have given of yourself to enlighten the public on every political and social issue. Although your TV program was only one of the many ways you kept us informed, it was one of the most enjoyable. From giving every candidate a forum to voice their vision for our town, to the many new restaurants and their owners who showcased their food on your program, you never failed to deliver. Your program will be greatly missed. My husband, Dennis and I want to thank you for all you have done and continue to do for all the residents in Stoughton."-- Sincerely, Lorraine J. McCarthy

"Mark, sorry to hear about your show. Sounds like some people at the local cable access company are not performing in a manner commensurate with their salaries. Where is the SMAC board of directors in this matter? Are they doing their jobs? As you know, I am one of the many silent residents who use your show, your column, as well as the others, to keep abreast of the happenings around town. Hope things work out and you get back on the air soon."--Name Withheld Upon Request

"I was at the Town Hall both yesterday and today and couldn't help but notice that there is a new sign in the front of the building. The sign reads, EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH.
I found the sign to be quite silly. I also wonder how many government offices offer this type of incentive program. It seems out of place, like something that I see at a bank, super market or big box store. Which then led me to question of the validity of such a program in our local goventment. ~How are people selected? ~What are some of the other “perks” associated with WINNING the Employee of the Month title? ~Who is getting paid to complete forms and sift through them each month? ~Who paid for the sign? ~Why is the space empty? Am I completely off base to think it is absolutely ridiculous that my tax dollars are being spent this way, especially during budget cuts?"--Heidi Tucker, Stoughton resident, tax payer & regular voter

"Hi Mark: We are on the eve of an extremely important election and I cannot help but feel I need to reach out to you and remind the voters why I am the best candidate to serve on the Stoughton School Committee. I bring decades of proven service to both our children and the Town and have always maintained that our children's futures and their best interests begin when they are toddlers. My vast experience and the ability to serve coupled with a results oriented personality makes me the most viable candidate. I have personally witnessed how best to represent our children and community. My many satisfying years of Town involvement have two points of keen interest: First, it best prepares me for this challenge, and Second, I have an understanding and appreciation that difficult decisions are often required but there are always ways to accomplish and achieve success. I am an independent voice unaffiliated with other political groups in Town, therefore my viewpoints and stance is derived from you, the PEOPLE on behalf of our children that I represent. I will always remember that there needs to be a chain of command starting with the voter, to the School Committee, to the Superintendent's Office, to the teachers and support staff. Challenging times await us and issues need addressing. Therefore I am asking for your vote tomorrow, April 5th 2011."--George Dolinsky, School Committee Candidate.

"Mark, when the people of Stoughton first elected me to the School Committee, I came with an extensive academic background, and vast experience as a manager, scientist, and educator. Being a good School Committee member requires mastering yet another steep learning curve. Over the past three years, I have worked hard and gained a deep understanding of how public school systems work. I researched every important issue thoroughly before voting, brought important issues to committee deliberation, and never hesitated voting my conscience. I have always advocated for the best interest of the school system and our Town. I am truly proud of my services as a Stoughton School Committee member for the past three years. I believe that our schools’ primary goal is to increase achievement for all students, so that every student can reach her/his fullest potential. Since our revenues are limited, especially this year, we must focus on improving our system’s efficiency so that there are more resources available to increase student achievement. In order to do that, we must eliminate waste, share services with other Town departments, seek more opportunities to regionalize, and make collective bargaining more effective and equitable. We must enable our teachers to give Stoughton children a world-class 21st century education. We must also reduce fees parents pay, and resist fee increases. Furthermore, as the board is charged with overseeing the school system, we must work to have a more accountable and transparent School Administration, and hold the Superintendent accountable for her decisions. I have enjoyed working with my fellow committee members tremendously, and I look forward to continuing my work towards achieving excellence in all Stoughton Schools. I will continue to improve accountability, transparency, efficiency, safety and security in the district. I have lived in Stoughton for 29 years. I have a third grader in Stoughton Public Schools and our younger son will start kindergarten this fall. As a parent and a homeowner, I have a vested interest in improving our school system. Therefore, I am volunteering again to continue my service to Stoughton as a School Committee member. I thank Stoughton voters for the honor of serving as a school committee member for the past three years and I hope that they will give me one of their votes on April 5th."-- Dr. Erdem A. Ural, School Committee Candidate for re-election

"Dear Mark, I would like to remind everyone to vote this Tuesday, April 5. Do not think your vote does not make a difference. It does, especially in small, local elections like this one.
In April 2010, I was appointed to the School Committee and in just 11 months I have already: -Become Chair of the Feasibility Committee for School Buildings looking at repair vs.replacement for the buildings identified in the Facilities Master Plan. -Organized the first of many field trips to other schools to learn about their building programs. -Served on the Race to the Top committee looking at how best to use the education funds allotted to us by the state. -Helped to implement a long-term contract for the superintendent, securing long-term leadership for the schools.
-Supported the MMSI grant that created additional AP and Honors courses at the High School. -Reached out to parents through PTO’s urging their greater participation in town government.
I have run a positive campaign based on my ideas, suggestions from parents and educators, and my passion for public education in Stoughton. Every resident in Stoughton benefits from a strong and vibrant public school system. I hope that you will consider me for one of your two votes for School Committee on Tuesday."-Sincerely, Deborah Sovinee, Candidate for School Committee

"Hi Mark & the People of Stoughton: On March 28th I was at the taping of the Dick Murphy Show School Committee debate. The Show started with Deb Sovinee calling me a liar. That statement cannot be further from the truth and was completely uncalled for and based on unfounded conclusions. Let me provide some of the background to Deb’s accusation. At the Snyder Show debate, Jeffrey Pickett asked a question that went something like; there are two open seats which of the other candidates sitting here would you most want to work with….While my opponents gave a politically correct type of answer, I answered the question truthfully. As part of my reason for selecting one over the other I stated, 'I have an issue with a School Committee Member missing the vote on the School Budget.' Deb gave her reasons for missing the vote which included a business meeting, breaking speed limits, and just missing the vote. Furthermore, at the League of Women Voters debate, Deb opened her closing by saying that she has not missed a School Committee meeting. I guess at this point I was shaking my head. I was doing that because I believe that statement was misleading and I said so at the opening of my closing statement. While true she made every meeting, she missed the vote on the school budget (a budget which is 2/3 of the total town’s budget), which is one of the most important jobs a member of the School Committee has, not only to the children but also to the voters of Stoughton. Deb brought the minutes to the Dick Murphy debate, which proved she had made every meeting but it also showed that she wasn’t present for the School Committee vote on the budget. She claimed that I made a decision not based on the facts. She could not be more incorrect. She missed the vote on the budget, a plain and simple fact which was supported by the very minutes she provided. I spoke to Tom Colburn, Chair of the School Committee, who told me on more than one occasion, (I also called him after the Dick Murphy Show and he confirmed what he previously told me), that Deb had requested to be late to the meeting so she could attend a meeting on the Glen Echo issue that was important to her. Tom elected not to delay the vote as this is one of the most important jobs of the School Committee. But why she missed the vote, a business meeting or a Glen Echo meeting is not all that important to me, she missed the school’s budget vote. I answered the tough question Mr Pickett asked, not by sidestepping the issued put in front of me, I made a decision to select another candidate to work with on the School Committee. In these debates, including the Murphy debate, I did not ever call Deb a liar. As I said, I did not have an issue with her missing a meeting; I had an issue with her missing the budget vote. Additionally, the opening of her closing remarks at the League of Women Voters debate was misleading, while she certainly has been at every meeting, she fail to point out that she missed the budget vote and the discussion on the budget just before the vote was taken. The shaking of one’s head is not calling someone I liar, so I do not believe Deb’s attack was warranted. But Deb was not done attacking at this debate; she then threw a jab at STOYAC, claiming that they were not paying their fair share for utilizing the School’s gyms. STOYAC, however, paid over 40K for the use of the facilities. Once again, it appears Deb is misleading the voters of Stoughton. Are these desperate attempts to redirect the voters from the fact that Deb missed the School Budget vote, a primary responsibility of the School Committee? These actions are just some of the poor decisions and irrational behavior Deb has demonstrated in her 10 months on the School Committee. This time the voters of Stoughton will decide our fate on April 5 th, I only hope they consider me when casting their ballot. Very truly yours." -- Jeffrey A Benson, Candidate for School Committee

"Mark, we live in a great nation. we give millions if not billions of dollars to countries all over the world. We give money to Iraq, Pakistan, Afganistan, Eygypt, Isreal,Lybia, Brazil, Columbia, Sudan, God knows who else. Most of them don't like us at all ,would throw us a rock if we were drowning. Then today I read in the paper, that we seniors living on Social Security will go into our 3rd year with out a cost of living adjustmet, because the increase in Medicare cost will negate any increase we get in a cost of living. What a great Nation we live in ,when the lives of people in foriegn nations are more important than our own American Citizens. Lets meet the needs of our people before we try to take care of the world. The most important thing President Obama was elected for was to protect the Citizens of the United States of America, this is first and foremost, but it doesn't seem to be working that way."--Leo E. Mellyn

"Mark, I want to make one correction of John Morton's remarks regarding the groups which have given written support for the purchase of the Glen Echo property by the Town, using money from the CPA. It was the Historical Commission which sent a letter naming the purchase of Glen Echo being its top priority, not the Historical Society, which has taken no offical position as of this time. The Historical Commission is a Town-appointed board, the Historical Society is a separate organization, founded in 1895, "preserving the worthwhile past" in the Town-owned, Lucius Clapp Memorial, the former Public Library. Mr Morton traces the history of the Glen Echo Property back to the days of the trolley car, but its recorded history goes back to 1657, when the Dorchester town meeting created the 6,000 acre Ponkapoag Plantation, to be set aside for the exclusive use of Indians with an Indian Meeting House at York Pond, (now Glen Echo) and an Indian cemetery at Indian Lane (in the present Canton.) In 1895, Elisha Monk purchased the Glen Echo property from its last Indian owners and (along with the Stoughton Historical Society) erected a stone marker at the southeast corner of the original Ponkapoag Plantation, a marker, which still stands today in the woods, southwest of where the paper road, Glen Echo Street crosses Glen Echo Boulevard. More than half of the land to be acquired is within the bounds of the old Ponkapoag Plantation. Current lot lines revealed on the Town Of Stoughton's excellent GIS maps at http://gis.stoughton-ma.gov/GISPropertyViewer/Map.aspx clearly show (if you know where to look) the corner of the old Ponkapoag Plantation. The Historical Commission is in the process of updating the Town's Historical resources on a GIS map, which one day will be on line, and will show more than one hundred buildings and sites of historical interest, including the marker mentioned above. A number of the arrowheads and other stone artifacts in the Historical Society's collection are labeled as having been acquired near York Pond/Glen Echo. Obviously, the area is a significant historical resource. I have barely scratched the surface of relating the two and half century history of the Ponkapoag Plantation. For more information on Ponkapoag Plantation, including its location on the Map of the 12 Divisions, visit the Stoughton Historical Society."--Dwight MacKerron, President of the Stoughton Historical Society, Member of the Historical Commission and its representative on the Community Preservation Committee

"Mark, parents have contacted me with questions about the misinformation that has circulated regarding the Stoughton Education Foundation and Beaton Scholarship Fund.
Here are the facts: The Stoughton Education Foundation has NO PAID EMPLOYEES. No one receives any compensation for their work on the foundation. It was founded two years ago by former Superintendent of Schools Anthony Sarno, current Superintendent Dr. Marguerite Rizzi, and School Committee Chair, Tom Colburn. Its purpose is to mimic the model used by some private schools to provide funds for things needed outside of the regular operating budget such as after-school offerings, parental enrichment, technology equipment and support. The initial pool of money,
$9,000, was generously donated at Tony Sarno’s retirement party when he asked that donations be made to this fund in lieu of retirement gifts for him. The second fundraiser was the travelogue party for the teachers who went to Australia with Oprah. Three hundred dollars went to the Stoughton Education Foundation. They are still in the process of raising money. This extraordinarily generous initiative deserves everyone’s support. It benefits our schools and children and by extension the entire town. The Stoughton Education Foundation and Dr. Beaton Scholarship Fund are completely unrelated. The Beaton Fund was founded on a $1,000,000 donation and is administered by an independent trust. With input from the guidance department at the high school, it
provides scholarship money to SHS seniors based on need and accomplishment. The amount varies from year to year based on the economy since the principle must stay at $1,000,000.
Finally, Anthony Sarno provides as-needed consultation to the school system, for which he is paid at the relatively low hourly rate of $125.00/ Hr. - based on his long successful
tenure here. This is standard practice to have a mentor for superintendents. The mandatory mentoring Mr. Sarno offers is something we are lucky as a community to have and contributes to the smoothly running continuity of the school system. The cost of this is paid for by a federal Title 2a grant - not out of the operating budget - and is part of what is required to fulfill professional development obligations to support our superintendent. We are lucky to have these funds and initiatives in our school system."-- Deborah Sovinee, Stoughton School Committee

"Dear Neighbor, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation have released a Draft Environmental Impact Report, wherein MassDOT identifies the so-called Stoughton Rail Alternative as its preferred route for providing commuter rail service to Southeastern Massachusetts. Construction of this rail link would have a significant impact on towns along the route, including Canton, Stoughton and Easton. The Patrick Administration estimates that the project will stimulate some $500 million in annual economic growth and create 3,500 long-term jobs by 2030. They have created a project website, www.mass.gov/southcoastrail.com. I am reserving significant comments until we have an opportunity to review the 2,500 page document and so that I can hear from the affected residents and elected officials in my district. I did speak with Governor Patrick and members of his administration today, however, and I made it quite clear that Representatives Kafka, Galvin and I will do all that we can to ensure that if and when this project goes forward, the quality of life for the residents of Stoughton is not unduly impacted. In addition to quality of life concerns, I will be reviewing the environmental impact of this proposal, including along the Hockomock Swamp Finally, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets, as well as a member of the committees on Ways and Means and Transportation, I have very serious concerns about our ability to pay for this estimated $1.5 billion project. With a per capita debt that is among the highest in the nation, we simply can’t take on another public works project of this magnitude without a clear funding mechanism in place. Such financing does not currently exist. I will continue to keep you apprised of developments on the South Coast Rail Project and advise you of upcoming public meetings. I invite you to submit your comments to me, which we will forward to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and to MassDOT."--Brian Joyce (State Senator D-Milton)

"Mark, I would like your readers to know that the broadcast quality of both Snyder's Stoughton and Community Forum this week was not up to our expectations, nor was it what we anticipate SMAC TV can do in the future. Obviously, with the new studio equipment, it may take some more practice for the administration to produce the quality we are used to seeing. Both shows this week were on important topics. Snyder's Stoughton produced a debate between the four School Committee candidates, and Community Forum produced an interview with Pat Basler, our Stoughton Library Director. Thanks to the viewers for continuing to watch and learn. We anticipate SMAC be able to solve the problem with the lighting for next week."--Dori Frankel, Host of Community Forum

"Hi my name is Eddie Rodrigues over at Stoughton High School. I am sending you this email to ask if you could help my DECA program with some fundraising. We have 7 students who will be traveling to Orlando April 29th until May 4th. This is a great opportunity for these kids who will be competing against kids from other states and countries in business competition. These kids have made it through district and state competition to make it this far and now we need money to get us there. By the way to make it out of states you have to place in top 4. I would hate for this opportunity to be wasted because we don't have the money. At this conference our kids could receive scholarship and internship opportunities on the spot. We will be "canning" outside of Roche Bros Sat and Sun 10 to 4 this weekend. Any little bit helps and if people wish to donate any money they can send cash or money order to my attention at Stoughton High School 232 Pearl St. Stoughton, Ma 02072. Thanks for your help." Mr. Eddie Rodrigues, Business/Information Technology Department, Stoughton High School (e_rodrigues@stoughtonschools.org)

"Dear Mark: Thank you for including the press release regarding the proposed purchase of the Glen Echo property on your valuable web site. The more that people know about the property, its history, its value and its potential uses the more enthusiasm there is for its preservation. The property includes about 97 acres with thousands of feet of undeveloped waterfront on the Glen Echo Pond. The pond is located at the end of Glen Echo Boulevard in North Stoughton. A few years ago, a former Board of Selectmen authorized the Trust for Public Land to negotiate on behalf of the Town to try to conclude a purchase and sale arrangement that could be presented to Town meeting for consideration. Acting on that authority, the TPL has expended enormous time and resources to put together a Purchase and Sale Agreement that will be presented to the upcoming Annual Town Meeting for consideration. The TPL has absorbed all of the costs associated with the negotiation of the P & S Agreement - thereby saving the Town considerable expense. The Glen Echo property is listed in the Stoughton Open Space plan as the number one priority for preservation. That Open Space Plan was approved by the unanimous vote of a former Board of Selectmen and by Town Meeting. The process of negotiating a purchase and sale agreement for the property has taken more than eight years. The negotiations with the owner were interrupted for more than a year when the Algonquin Gas Company became involved in a three way negotiation with the Town, and the Land Owner for the acquisition of a gas pipe line easement over the property. I was on the committee appointed by the Board of Selectmen to negotiate that arrangement on behalf of the Town. The arrangement which was finally reached would have conveyed to Algonquin a gas line easement on the property and transferred the ownership of the site - subject to the easement - to the Town for no cost. Those of us on the negotiating committee thought that we had reached a "win-win" outcome. Unfortunately, the recession came crashing down on all of us, and the demand for gas and electricity substantially diminished. I understand that plans for a gas fired electrical generating station were shelved and therefore the need for the expanded gas line disappeared. Algonquin therefore scrapped the project and swallowed a multimillion dollar investment in licensing, permitting and un-executed land acquisition purchase options. The good news is, that if Algonquin ever decides to reactivate the project at some time in the future, and if at that time the town owns the Glen Echo property, all of the negotiations and all of the mitigation dollars will go directly to the Town - rather than to a third party. I would expect that the land value will only increase from its present lows, so the Town would then be in a position to more than recover its purchase price should the situation move in that direction at some time in the future. There are some in town who argue that the property should be developed for "High End homes." One member of the Board of Selectmen recently said to me (by phone) and to another member of the open space committee (in a separate phone conversation) that the property should be developed into executive estates to "Attract a better class of people to Town." I was quite upset with this remark for several reasons: First, I have no problem with the "class of people" that are already in town. Our Town is richly diverse and include hundreds of citizens who are deeply involved with town governance and very much concerned about the quality of life and the future of the community. We have excellent schools, and our town services are well managed. Second, study after study across the nation have concluded that residential developmentcosts cities and towns more than it yields in property tax revenues. A study in our town several years ago concluded that every residential structure in Stoughton costs the Town more than $3,000 per year above the amount that the property generates in taxes - and that number increases every year with inflation. More recently, an informal survey of taxes and costs involving one of the "High End" developments in Stoughton indicated that the very expensive homes in the neighborhood cost the town about $60,000 more per year - in the aggregate - than they generated in taxes. The short of the story is that it costs less to purchase and protect residentially zoned property than it costs to support the houses that might be developed on the property. Third, there is overwhelming support for the acquisition of the Glen Echo property among our citizens. The reasons are compelling.

*The Property has historical value dating back to the time when trolleys brought vacationers from Boston to vacation at the Glen Echo resort, and thousands of folks enjoyed swimming and boating on the pristine waters of the lake. The lake remains pristine and the old beach is still in place. With a small amount of clean-up it can be restored to its former grandeur. The acquisition will preserve some vital green space in a portion of Town that has seen enormous development over the past decade.

*The property still has an extensive network of hiking trails that follow the shore line of the lake and extend into the more remote uplands. There will be little or no cost associated with the development of recreational hiking trails on the site. The property already includes a road-way into the former hotel and beach area as well as a cleared area abutting the beach that was used - and can be used - for parking and active recreational uses. In fact, six acres of the land abutting the beach will be set aside for active recreational uses consistent with the uses that were allowed in the property's heyday as a prominent vacation destination.

*The availability of Ames Pond as a swimming area is threatened by diminishing water levels and the proliferation of invasive plans. The Glen Echo property will assure that the swimming and other recreational opportunities remain available to all of us, should Ames Pond continue to deteriorate.

The acquisition of the Glen Echo property - if approved by town meeting - will be financed with a bond to be repaid from Community Preservation Act funds and therefore will not affect the tax rate nor will it compete with other projects from the General funds of the Town. The CPArequires that a portion of CPA funds be used for the conservation and preservation of open space and recreational resources. What better use of this portion of these funds than the acquisition of Glen Echo? The overwhelming feedback that the Community Preservation Committee received when it evaluated the Glen Echo proposal was that it is essential to acquire and protect that property. Written support for the acquisition was received by the CPC from the historical Society, the Conservation Commission, the Recreation Department, the Open Space Committee and from two members of the Board of Selectmen. No other project before the CPC received this overwhelming level of support. Given that some of the money in the CPA fund must be spent on conservation related matters, there was little doubt in the mind of the CPC that the Glen Echo acquisition was the place to put the money. The CPA fund is being replenished at the rate of more than $700,000 per year. The fund currently holds about $2.0 million in cash. The acquisition of the Glen Echo property will require that the committee set aside a portion of that amount to cover the bond amortization expense. The exact amount of the reserve cannot be determined at this time because it depends on the interest rate that the bonds bear. It is clear, however, that the bond amortization expense will be a relatively small portion of the funds in the CPA account, leaving substantial amounts to cover other vital projects. Any cost associated with the recreational development of the property after it is required can be financed in whole or in part by CPC funds - to the extend recommended by the CPC Committee and approved by Town meeting. The CPA specifically allows the use of CPA funds to improve conservation and recreational land acquired with CPA funds. The Purchase and Sale Agreement has been structured in a way that allows the TPL - on behalf of the Town - to apply for a grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for $500,000. The TPL successfully applied for a similar grant when the Town acquired the Libby Property on West Street. Should this grant be received, the cost of the acquisition will be reduced to 75% of the agreed price. Taking both the matching grant - if received - and the state match of CPA funds, the net cost to the town will be less than 50% of the acquisition cost. In short, the Glen Echo property is part of the heritage of the Town of Stoughton. The property should not be locked up behind rows of fences and "NO TRESPASSING" signs posed by some alleged "better class of people." This magnificent resource should be available to all of the citizens of town. My thanks to you for the service you do for the Town in maintaining this web site."-- Sincerely John Morton, Chairman, Community Preservation Committee

"Mark, The Veterans' Office received a call from Carol O'Connell who is a troop leader for Brownie Troop 80517. Along with troop leader Melissa Nelson they have dozens of boxes of Girl Scout Cookies they want to send to our troops overseas. We sent out a number of "Care Packages" over the holidays, but I can't be sure that all of the addresses are current. So, I'd like to ask that anyone who has a Sailor, Soldier, Airman/woman or Marine serving our Country to please email their name and address. Doesn't matter where they are serving; the Veterans' Office along with Brownie Troop 80517 will be sure to get some delicious Girl Scout Cookies and other good stuff out to them. Please email to vetagent@stoughton-ma.gov."--Mike Pazyra, Veterans' Office

"Mark, just read on a Stoughton blog about the Dr. Beaton Scholarship Fund, I know that 99% of the stuff there is foolish, but this looks like something of interest. Is it true that the School Commitee is paying a consultant $250.00 an hour to administer the fund? See if you can find out what this is about, $250.00 an hour, if true seems a little steep, according to Topix there was motion to change it to $125.00/ hr. and this caused a fire storm. See what you can find out."--Leo E. Mellyn

"Hi Mark: I am the parent of two children in the Stoughton school system. I have one child at the OMS and one at the Dawe School. I am a very active parent. I've been heavily involved with the Dawe PTO for many years . So, needless to say, I've done a lot of volunteering over the past several years. I just want to say how disgusted I am with the letter written by Susan Cogliano, the STA President, that was published in today's Stoughton Journal and on your web site. I did hear of the letter, but today is the first time I had the opportunity to actually read it. I understand that the teachers are frustrated but, clearly, they are going after the WRONG people to try to move their contracts along. Whenever I read that they are telling teachers not to volunteer for things like the SCHOOL FAIRS I lost it. I know you are a former Dawe parent and I'm willing to bet that you were involved with the Dawe School Fair during your years there. In that one day alone, approximately $10,000 (that's 1/3 of all monies raised during the entire school year) is raised for the school. We rely HEAVILY on teacher volunteerism to make our fair successful. Do they realize that if we don't have enough volunteers we may not be able to have the fair? Do they realize how much this would hurt the kids at the school because there won't be enough funds for the programs and activities that we have so proudly been able to offer to them in the past? Not to mention the generous stipends that we kindly give to each teacher every year to defray some of their classroom costs and the WEEK of teacher appreciation meals, gifts and activities that take place the first week of May. Can't say I'll be rushing up to the school to volunteer that week!! Let me tell you, I don't think that I could even attempt to add up the countless number of hours that I have spent volunteering for the PTO. I am just ONE of the MANY who put their hearts and souls into volunteering. And, yes, volunteering means we don't get paid one red cent for any of it. And we never complain because we love our kids and would go to the ends of the earth to make sure they get as many extras as possible during their school years. And we do it all without a contract. Imagine??

I can't say I even feel badly about the teachers not getting their step raises. Did I read correctly that according to Susan Cogliano 'teachers are typically hired at relatively low salary levels' and 'teachers understood they were going to receive their step raises when they were hired'? I read the list you published a couple of years ago and almost died when I saw what some of their salaries were! I work in the private sector (maybe I should call this "reality") and have not gotten a raise in FOUR years. When I was hired, I, too, thought I was going to receive my raise every year. Funny how one assumes that, huh?? The way the economy has been, I am just grateful to have my job. My health insurance has declined over the past few years. Rising health insurance premiums have forced my company to offer a lesser Blue Cross Blue Shield plan with deductibles and higher co-pays. Again, I'm glad to have the insurance just like I'm glad to have my job. Why does it seem that these teachers are out of touch with reality? I read somewhere that someone was complaining about how their co-payments used to be $5 and are now proposing $15. MINE ARE $30. Better than paying out of pocket for the office visit!! I wish I got the gold BCBS plan along with summers off, school vacations off and every holiday known to man off. Not to mention that their day ends at 3:00 on Mondays and Fridays and at 3:30 on the other days. That would have saved me THOUSANDS in after school/summer vacation care over the past 10 years. I am just one parent, but, I have met many people over the past several years and I know that what I'm feeling is felt by many parents across the board. Don't get me wrong, I have loved each and every one of my kids' teachers but they need to know that it's time to join the rest of us who live in "reality". We haven't gotten raises, our health insurances have declined and, yes, lots of us are on salary and work a lot of extra hours, sometimes without pay, to get our jobs done. We must all come to terms that times they are a changin'. Thanks for listening to me!" (Name Withheld Upon Request)

"Hi Mr. Snyder - I am glad that Sue Cogliano, STA President has finally spoken but I was not too thrilled with some of the comments that she made. According to Ms. Cogliano, the fact that these were "volunteer" positions meant that this was not a work action and the teachers could stop them at any point in time. However, the fact is that their abrupt departure did jeopardize the hard work of all of the students in those clubs and that simply is not true. Every student who voluntarily joined those clubs and did the extra work is being hurt by the STA action. Someone also needs to tell the STA, that the fact is in today's work environment, most of us perform more duties that are not part of our job description voluntarily and none of us get extra pay or even a high-five so I do not understand why Sue Cogliano thinks that the teachers deserve more than what most workers get today. Also, it is my understanding that since there is no contract because it expired on June 30th, 2010, the teachers are not automatically supposed to get the steps and the State Courts have voted on this issue. If they want them, stop taking action that hurts the students and negotiate a fair contract which represents that Stoughton does not have the funds to pay raises. When funds were available, the teachers got great raises, now that no money is available, I ask that they do the honorable thing and take no raises."--Sincerely, Alicia Cohen

"Mark: Here is a quote from the Stoughton Journal story on the new HR Director: 'This position could definitely save the town money,' McNamara said. 'But the focus is on improving employee morale here in town, and helping our people to work smarter instead of harder.' I distinctly remember sitting at Town Meeting and listening to the Town Manager say over and over again that the hiring of a HR Director was going to save the town money. In addition, I have listened over and over again to members of the Board of Selectmen say the same thing. I would like to know why it is that in the FIRST interview with a member of the local press, the new HR Director references the town possibly saving money but states that his main focus will be on employee morale! Is that the job of a HR Resources Director? Do we need to be paying this person $80,000.00/year to boost morale? Further, I'd like to know how he's going to get people to work 'smarter.' What's his plan for that? I suppose that from now on, the Town Manager, in his reports to the Board of Selectmen, will no longer be endlessly repeating that so-and-so is 'very busy, working hard and doing a great job.' From now on he will say that they are 'very busy, working smartly and doing a great job.' What a joke."--Angry Female Resident, who requests her name be withheld.

"Mark, Congratulations to the officers that revived the person who had a heart attack with the AED. I'm sure Al Lipkind is smiling."--Dick Levine

"Mark, Please publish this for all the folks in town to see. I think under the circumstances our public works department is doing a good job trying to remove all the snow. Let’s give them a big hand, too many people are upset with them when they are only trying to do their job. Just saying"--John Sawyer

"Hi Mark: I am writing in regard to the message about special education clubs. While I sympathize with writer and her child and can relate to the situation I would like to point out that this kind of special needs programing should be part of the comprehensive services for special needs in the school day. Does Stoughton provide this programming ? The social skill development should not be left to a club. It should be part of regular programing just like math or speech and language. If social skill development is part of the IEP and the club is the means to provide that service then it is required that Stoughton find away to provide that service if it is no longer available. Is the use of this club the main way special needs children learn 'social skills to function in the world' ? Is it the only club that they were involved in ? These are some of the questions that need to be asked ? Special needs students need to participate in the 'life of the school.' I do not understand what is going on with the teachers either. I do know that the no confidence vote and the teachers current action should have all townspeople, not just parents, concerned. I did not see the school committee really ask good questions and get beyond defending themselves and the superintendent. The bottom line is that many teachers voted for it. To me the fact that any number of teachers feel this way should give us all pause. To concentrate on the percentage belies the point that something is not right. To get any teachers to vote this way is unbelievable. The teachers want to teach and want to do what is best for their students. Until the right questions are asked and the simple blame game sound bites stop, we won't get any answers." I'll join the crowd and ask that my name be withheld.

"Hi Mark: Who can investigate the Sam's Getty Station, Stoughton ? His prices are the highest of any station in the area. He raises prices too much & too often. Friday it was $3.199 per regular and then Saturday AM he had $3.239 posted. He also has cars o sale on the property. This is a neighborhood business ?? What is the latest news regarding the Woodbridge condo/apartment issue ? Two buildings on the property that is seen from the street look like they are ready to collapse. Thank you."-- Ellie (last name withheld by request)

"Hi Mark, I too would love to support the teachers but am completely in the dark as to what is going on. What I wanted to add to your article is this... Not only is it the Academic clubs and such that are affected but also Special Education clubs. My son has Special Needs and is a member of the 'Buddies Club.' This club takes SpEd kids from ODMS & SHS and pairs them up with Regular Ed kids. I am in awe of the turn of Regular Ed kids who come and help the SpEd kids learn social skills that they will need to function in the world. Because this club meets at SHS, it has been cancelled until further notice. I have always backed teachers then I was in need of SpEd. Stoughton has done right by my child and made me proud to stand for the teachers.
Please ask the president of the STA one question for me. 'How do I explain this to my child?' I too like you want to understand."-- For my child, please with hold my name

"Hi Mark: By the time the selectmen came around to voting on the school budget last night (sending it to FinCom), I noticed I wasn’t the only one confused. When Selectman Walsh asked for a motion to send the budget to FinCom, all 3 members asked “which budget? The one we received tonight, the one we received last Friday, or the one we received before that?” At this point, I’m not sure what they agreed to send to FinCom. The gentleman who spoke (I believe he was from the school committee) told me they agreed to a budget with a $2 million cut for the schools. The piece of paper that was handed out at the start of the meeting contained some points about the budget and the town. Two of the points were: School spending this year (FY2011) is $35,400,000 and projected (FY2012) is $35,200,000. All other departments (police, fire, DPW, library, veterans, etc) this year (FY2011) is $16,500,000 and projected (FY2012) is $16,700,000. I may need to go back to 3^rd grade math, but to me that comes out to $51,900,000. The budget they agreed to send on (if I heard correctly) was $68million. What is the other $16.1M for? Where is the $2M cut in the school that people are talking about? Where can we get a copy of the school budget proposal (the link on your web site is dead)? Is the meeting next week open to the public?"--Kevin Monahan

"Hi Mark: Not sure if you heard about the 2 fathers fighting inside the South School yesterday morning (1/25) at drop off. The 2 men had an altercation due to one parking in a handicap spot and was not handicap. The altercation escalated into quite vulgar words and then into an outright fist fight. It was very traumatic for these young kids to see this. Luckily, someone called the Police and they stopped the fight. Many teachers tried to stop it to no avail. The students were horrified to watch this going on. My biggest concern is that the School never said a word about this to the students or families and just pretended it didn't happen. Don't you think a note should have went home with students? My daughter was afraid to go to school today and students need to be reassured these jerks that acted like idiots, is an isolated event. This is just not acceptable! Thank you."-- A Concerned Parent of the South School (Name was Withheld Upon Request)

"Dear Mark: We woke up yesterday to news that the Governor is not cutting state funding for education, and his reasons include the obligations of us all to educate our children well and the importance of good public schools to our economy. This is the policy discussion we need to have in Stoughton, not a diversion over which board has ultimate authority to propose the school budget – the Town Charter settles that point pretty clearly. In light of postings over the past week, in an effort to reduce some of the conflict that has developed about who gets to propose the School Department budget and whether the Superintendent of Schools is accountable to the Town Manager just like any department head, as one selectman incorrectly commented, concerned citizens can read parts of the Town Charter about responsibility for the school budget and diffuse the conflict with knowledge on how the system is supposed to work. As a community, we seem to be addicted to unproductive conflict. The cure is more citizen participation at all levels, so a quick look at the Town Charter might be a good start: For the Board of Selectmen, under Article 3-3 B, the Selectmen shall: “Be responsible for the preparation of the annual Town government budget and, except for schools, submission of that budget on or before the third Tuesday in January to the town meeting Committee on Finance and Taxation for approval by Town Meeting Representatives. The Selectmen shall make an annual report, which shall be published as part of the annual Town Report, setting forth the matters considered by them during the fiscal year preceding that in which the report is published and making such recommendations as appear to be necessary or appropriate respecting the finances of the Town and the measures to be taken with reference thereto. The selectmen shall place in the annual report a statement of the past year's accomplishments of each department. For the School Committee, under Article 5·2. “The School Committee shall have all of the powers and duties school committees may have under the constitution and General Laws of the Commonwealth which are not specifically assigned to some other office by this Charter, and shall submit the school department budget to the Town Manager on or before the thirty-first day of December for inclusion in the annual town government budget.” Of course, we should consider the recommendations by the Town Manager and Board of Selectmen carefully, but the public power struggle over who controls the school budget and whether the Town Manager may require the Superintendent of Schools to submit a budget at any level is an unnecessary distraction from the important policy questions that the budget crunch triggers. We should not be satisfied that the Board of Selectmen and School Committee, or at least representatives from each of them, have been unable to engage one another on this important issue. The initiative needs to come both boards, and from the rest of us."--Bob O’Regan, Town Meeting Representative, Precinct 1

"Dear Mark, I would like you to publish this thank you for me. After work, during the big storm, I thought I might be able to get through the mountain of snow left after the street had been plowed during the day, so I gunned it. Bad choice. I was stuck in my Focus. I had been ill for nearly a month, had just finished cleaning off and digging out my car at work, so I think you can understand my reluctance to dig again because I didn't know if I could take it. But, I got out of the car (I don't know how because half of door was buried in snow) and started to dig, falling down, coughing and ready to give it up go in the house and call the person who services my driveway. I dark maroon pick up truck went by and then backed up. It contained a young man and a woman. The young man shoveled and pushed with me at the wheel. He was successful. The young woman was concerned and wanted to help me into the house. I do not know who these kind people were, but I greatly thank them for their help and concern. I hope they get this thank you."-- Roberta A. Camacho

"Mark: It is not my style to respond to situations by way of letter or editorial however I realize after Tuesdays Board of Selectman Meeting, this will be the best platform for me to issue a response. I want it to be perfectly understood that this is not a rebuttal but a method for me to offer my thoughts as a Selectman that I was unable to present Tuesday night. After a disappointing and misleading statement voiced by both Superintendent Rizzi and Member Sovinee at the beginning of the meeting the agenda moved forward to our regularly scheduled agenda. Upon completion of the agenda the Board agreed to review the School Budget adjustment. In the absence of School Committee Chairman Tom Colburn, Vice Chairman Alan Mills was recognized to address the Board of Selectman representing the Superintendent of Schools and the Stoughton School Committee. During his statement he chastised the Vice Chair of the Board of Selectman Cynthia Walsh who is a 30 year veteran and retired teacher of the Stoughton School System,the Town Manager and me also a former member of the School Committee. I had served with Mr. Mills on the Stoughton School Committee and I witnessed a side of Alan that I had never seen previously. After his dissertation I had attempted to ask some questions and make a statement but was unable due to his repeated vocal tirade interupting and challenging anything I said. Rather than request of the Vice Chair of the Board of Selectman to make a ruling against his action and realizing it would be fruitless to enter into a verbal argument, I remained silent. This was done by me as an act of kindness and consideration and not of weakness. It was my considered opinion not to inflame his tirade. Let me now offer some of my thoughts that I could not render at the meeting. We live in a challenging time, Federal debt is 14 Trillion dollars and climbing, State Budget has not been finalized and we expect State Aid to be down by $1 million. Revenues to the town are anticipated to be less. No one, Board of Selectmen, School Committee, or Finance Committee are oblivious to these facts as we all share the same information. One only needs to drive by gas stations which post over $3.00 per gallon on their signs. This increased cost affect homeowner budgets as well. When we purchase gasoline, our household budgets are affected. In each family only a certain amount of funds are available. Thus it is with the Town of Stoughton with increased costs and reduced revenue. The issue at hand is funding. It is not targeting the Schools, it is a question as to how much money is available for all Town departments which include the School Dept and how we maintain services for all 27,000 residents of the town both young and elderly. At a recent Selectman Association meeting I attended a presentation offered by Town Manager Jim Malloy of Westborough that was intended to assist Selectmen in budgeting. The title was Performing Budget Triage , Strategies for FY11 and Beyond. I found it satisfying to know that Town Manager Crimmins, on his own, was already employing many of the best practices presented. One of the most significant is the creation, as recommended, of developing a finance team consisting of the Assessor, Treasurer/Collector and Town Auditor for the purpose of preparing the actual balanced budget and on-going and continual review. Further it was stated in the presentation that the Town Manager's role to is understand everyone's role by working with all department heads including the School Department and develop a balanced budget based on the community's priorities. These meeting have been on going for months with all groups on alternating Thursday mornings. As part of a dept. head meeting it was requested of each department to reduce their budget by 5% All but the School Dept. complied and as stated by Supt. Rizzi the School Department returned with a budget incorporating a 4.56 % increase. One wonders how with the constraints of Prop 2 1/2, this can be accomplished. So to accomplish the task at hand, we need to find additional sources of revenue. Suggestions would include decreasing health insurance costs through collective bargaining with the school and municipal unions. Seek all available grants. Reduce our borrowing so debt payments go down and seek new and meaningful development that will increase our tax base. Mr. Mills kept repeating that the budget process has not changed in 40 years and should not be altered. One final thought from the afore mentioned Triage and I quote, financial crisis provides an opportunity to innovate and make positive changes that may be more difficult to implement during better economic times. 40 years of past practices is not a best practice!!!!!"--John D, Anderson Stoughton Board of Selectman (Past Member Stoughton School Committee)

"hi I am shirley maltzman we met several times here and there for different things.................now I want you to know about our little club(about 14-15 knitters} we have made hats for the soldiers to wear under their helmuts...............red and white scarves for the special olympics(lots and lots} afgans for the homeless children which they get to keep when they leave (absolutely beautiful} mittens mittens and more mittens for the children and now bertucci rest found about us so we have been invited to lunch their treat we shall be treated like queens(sorry, no men. but they are welcome} should call ruth lappen in stoughton and she will speak to you and maybe she would be willing to come and talk to you...........Mark I am jordans' grandmother and we have met////I also placed a little article in the penny saver as it will be 3 years and jordan will be 22 I have been very sad since then but I keep trucking iff you get a chance read it on the 19th of jan issue.you are a good guy oh just a note...............besides walgreeens has given us prizes as well as bertuccis' invite and cvs has given us lots of prizes for our weekly drawing..............also olive garden have done the same.............we donate all our time and yarn on our own........sometimes people give us some.........we are a loving and giving group...............just thought I would give you some new nfo........................shirley e maltzman representing the knollsbrook knitters in stoughton ps I also kn ow shirley farber bob the wonderful selectman wish he still was."

"Hi Mark, Thanks for posting prior item (re: legal opinion). With respect to having people discuss the budget, you should be advised that the enclosed letter was distributed to the following distribution list in November: Fin Comm Chair Holly Boykin; Chairman of BOS, Stephen Anastos; Chairman of School Committee, Thomas Colburn; Superintendent Marguerite Rizzi, PhD; Kathy Silva, and William Rowe. For whatever reason, this group could not find a way to coordinate a meeting. There was virtually no email traffic or discussion about meeting until AFTER the School Committee voted on its budget. For whatever reason, the week following the School Committee vote, there were several requests to meet. The School Committee budget with an increase of 4.56% over FY2011 had already been put to a vote. You can draw your own inference from the facts. Regards."--Francis T. Crimmins, Jr., Town Manager

"Mark: I see that Jerry Cibley recently wrote to you describing you as his 'media friend' and requested of you, 'let me know your thoughts'. In those constructive regards, I would like to perhaps be a bit more complete as to my understanding of the surrounding facts and hopefully bring your readers to a more comprehensive point in understanding also for the purpose of protecting and hopefully preventing accidents and saving lives. Jordan Cibley died on May 13, 2007 a result of crashing the car he was driving into a tree at a time he was not wearing a seat belt and his blood levels contained a substance contained in a commonly prescribed medication at an elevated level for an 18 year old child. It is an unconfirmed and unsubstantiated theory of his father, Jerold Cibley, that Jordan died a result of the use of a cell phone while talking to his dad. His dad was not in the car with him at the time of the accident so he really does not know. It was a fact that the police reported that upon their arrival at the accident scene, the seat belt was not activated and the subsequent blood tests are what they are.I fully appreciate the dangers of distracted driving but to be complete and to the extent that Jordan's accident perhaps may have more purpose, I wish to remind parents and drivers that 1. do not telephone or text your child when you are fully aware they are operating a motor vehicle and could be distracted, 2. it is the law to always wear a seat belt when in a moving automobile, 3. be aware and respectful of notices and warnings on prescribed drugs and medications, 4. do not operate a motor vehicle while taking drugs or medications that could impair judgment and 5. and perhaps most importantly, not every child at the chronological age of 18 is necessarily matured to the point of being a responsible driver.I am Jordan's step father and I am married to Jordan's biological mother, Donna."--Kenneth L. Kaplan

"Hi Mark: I caught your posting about the School Department budget and references to the town charter, so I wanted to put together some information for those who may not be familiar with the town charter. Folks should bear in mind that, as budgets have tightened over recent years, the School Department and School Committee have consistently come before Town Meeting having prepared a budget like the one adopted in December (an aspirational budget), but they have also given Town Meeting lists of how programs and positions would be affected at various funding levels. This has been very helpful and a good, cooperative process. Based on comments I heard by the Superintendent of Schools at a public meeting last week, it is my understanding that the School Committee’s budget as voted in December was a start along this path. It would appear that this message has not been heard in Town Hall, but the forthcoming meeting among with school, municipal and FinCom officials should solve that problem. Under Article 5, section 2 of the Town Charter, the responsibility of the School Committee is to “submit the school department budget to the Town Manager on or before the thirty-first day of December for inclusion in the annual town government budget.” The Town Charter does not give authority to amend or alter the budget as submitted by the School Committee to any other town officials -- except for the vote of Town Meeting. Under Article 7 of the Charter, the Finance Committee is required to prepare a budget report in a format that allows space for their own and the Selectmen’s recommendations. We should expect that this how recommendations for the School Department budget should be presented from either FinCom or the Selectmen, according to how they vote, so that they reach Town Meeting properly under Articles 4, 5 and 7 of the Town Charter. Such recommendations would no doubt be helpful. But it would be unfortunate if the actual budget requests for the School Department are not presented in the Warrant exactly as voted by the School Committee. It is very important to bear in mind that, after basic public safety, there is no more important piece of town government to the short- and long-term health of Stoughton than the public school system. One needs only to compare Stoughton against communities with more and less healthy school systems to see how excellent schools affect the quality of life for our children, public safety, overall quality of life in the town, business location and expansion, and assets for retirement derived from higher property values in towns with better schools. We have seen cooperation between the School Department and Town Hall in balancing respective needs as well. One clear example is the town planner position, which had support from the School Committee although the position is on the municipal side of the budget. During the discussion on the floor of Town Meeting, the School Committee was asked if it supported the position even though the cost would need to be paid, in part, with a reduction of funds for the school budget. Their response was the town planner is key to the future economic development of the Town, and that means the schools. None of this sort of adjustment was reflected either in the budget submitted by the then-town manager or the School Committee. These are concepts I hope we keep in mind. Thank you."--Bob O’Regan, Town Meeting Representative, Precinct 1

"Hey Mark, Wanted to wish you a Happy and Health New Year. I also wanted take a moment to reflect and express my gratitude to the Board of Selectman. I feel this current board and some may disagree are doing a great job. These are the individuals who set the vision for what they want the Town of Stoughton to become now, and in the future. They have some major issues to deal with in this upcoming year. Southcoast Community rail, budget constraints, union contract, there are too many to list. Let me make this abundantly clear I don’t agree with every decision they make and when I can I let them know that whether that’s by a vote or a simple conversation. But I think each issue is discussed and when they make a decision they make it for the Town of Stoughton, rather than a select group of individuals. Let me remind the residents that their job is a volunteer position. They don’t get paid for the countless hours they put in, and some may even work more hours at their Selectman position then their full time jobs. They sacrifice family, friends, and money for the benefit of the Town, I just think this gets lost in the shuffle when we start to get into the individual issues. As we begin this new year I would recommend to all the residents to get involved, let your voice be heard. Volunteer on a board, help out at the schools, or contribute to a cause for the Town when you can. As always if you feel the towns not going in the direction you want get out and vote, or to quote you Mark, if you don’t vote I don’t want to hear you complain, get involved it’s your town. To all the resident of Stoughton may this be the best year yet! And to the Selectman thanks for all of your hard work." --Name Withheld Upon Request

"We all know what the "B" stands for! The first half of the word is bull____. Anyone with a scintilla of Common Sense should be equipped mentally to fill out the last four letters! Just how much leeway should the law endow to these out-of-state developers to dump on towns like Stoughton? Why not just take that final step and raffle off the town to the highest bidder!
The Westbridge 40B development is a case in point. The name itself seems innocuous and so very, very British. That's probably why a scam promotion by a Florida builder chose the same name for its successor corporation after declaring bankruptcy and walking away with millions in deposits by prospective homeowners. What protection does the public
have against unbridled greed and thievery? Apparently very little. And the politicians who sidle up to this chicanery just as long as it's not in their back yard...and they know who they are.
Back in the early 1980's Stoughton selected five individuals to serve as Directors of the Stoughton Industrial Development Financing Agency. I was one of them. These five Directors remained involved throughout the life of the program. They never harmed the citizenry of Stoughton; they managed to enhance their daily lives. It has reached a point where people generally have given up hope of being heard because many of those in charge just aren't listening."-- R. Warren Ross

"Hi Mark- As requested, here is the draft audit report that was presented the other night at the Finance Committee mtg. There are a couple of additions/changes that will be included in the final report that we are hoping to have next week. At that point, we will be posting the entire report and the appendices on our page of the Town's website.
We are hoping that the Selectmen and School Committee will use the report to strengthen their own organization and the town as a whole. The report also helps create a common dialog on projects that they can work on together in the future and if they need any of our support come to us for discussion - but we are hoping that the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee take the lead.. As requested by Steve Anastos, the Finance Committee will be putting together a list of recommendations to give to the Board of Selectmen.
Thank you."--Holly Boykin, Chair, Finance Committee

"Mark, I take back my previous letter regarding the finance comm. I just watchd the finance comm. meeting regarding their audit of the town. With a background of over 40 years of accounting in both private and publc accounting, I can not believe what I am hearing about the town finances. Not keeping payroll records, unbelievable. I will say thank you to Holly for the audit. Looking forward to see the report on line."--Leo E. Mellyn

"Hi Mark, I am hearing that the there is a motion before the selectmen to stop all town services (i.e. snow plowing, trash pickup etc.) on unaccepted town roads in town. Is there any truth to this? I would have to think that there would be serious health and safety issues that would expose the town to legal action by many residents.What the town seems to forget is that many of these roads were never meant to be private/unaccepted. They ended up that way because the town let scumbag developers do what they wanted with little or no oversight. We live in Ledgebrook Estates and are now on our second developer (and I use that term lightly). The town agreed to not release any lots to the developer until the roads and infrastructure were completed, but then released lot after lot in backroom deals (never informing the residents) until there is nothing left to hold AND our roads and pump station are unaccepted. There are people who live in our neighborhood who have lived here for almost 20 years like this. All the while the town is sitting on bonds that could be pulled to complete the roads and get them accepted. I would be interested in finding out what the truth is.Thanks."--Brian McGivern

(Brian---Selectmen have assured me that they will NOT stop offering services that are currently offered to taxpayers on private ways. If they were going to do such a thing, private hearings would need to be held. And, if money were involved, Town Meeting would also have to vote on it.---Mark)

"Hi Mark, Remember not too long ago the Town of Stoughton cracked down on all of us who did not license our dogs? The Stoughton Journal wrote a whole article about it and you mentioned it in your column. Well, I decided that for 2011 I was not going to put it off and pay another fine. I called the town on Thursday December 9, 2010 and asked if I could license my dog for 2011. I was told that I had to wait until Monday, December 13, 2010. I just went to the town hall on Tuesday December 14, waited 18 PRECIOUS minutes in line, only to be told that they are not accepting dog license applications and payments until Monday, December 20, 2010. REALLY? With the big production made last year to get people to license their dogs they have no procedures in place to take the applications and money a few weeks in advance? Why would they not take my money? I was there ready to pay and I am told I have to come back. How about a deduction for wasting my time? Does this make sense to you? Thanks."--Bernadette Richards
(Town Clerk Cheryl Mooney responds, "Our bylaws are very specific. We need to print out the final list for the year. The licensing period is from January-April, but we try to start early. I'm not sure who gave her the wrong information. But, she was given the bylaws, as was everyone we licensed last year. We know some people go out for state for awhile. We gave everyone a copy of the bylaws, and we highlighted all the forms. The dog licenses expire on December 31, 2010. There's a four month licensing period. May 1st, 2011, there'd be a penalty.")

"Mark: I just caught up on my reading and was reviewing your 9 questions to Steve Anastas article. I was surprised to hear about the plaque made honoring the Selectmen that have served the Town. I think that was a nice gesture by the Town. A lot of personal time has been given by these people in the name of service to the Town. I am a bit disappointed to have read about it after the fact and would actually enjoyed attending. Over the years my family has been involved in Town Government. You and I served on the Finance Committee together as well as Town Meeting and my Great Uncle Fred Pye was Fire Chief years ago but my main disappointment comes with feeling slighted a call or card could have been mailed to me about the plaque, or even a quick phone call as my father and grandfather were past Selectmen. I know my Uncle Larry put together a Family reunion this year as he is the last surviving Son of Edward C Lindelof, a Selectman and business owner from the old days. Our family is one of the 100 year families in the town. But like everything else some things are easily forgotten and that is unfortunate. I certainly wish Steve and the current board well as they are doing what they feel is best for the Town to keep moving forward and my best to Frank Crimmins, another Town knowledgeable guy with deep roots here."-- Jim Lindelof

"Hey Mark, Hope all is well! Wondering if you could do us a favor and publish the event for the SHS athletic fundraiser, A fundraising event for Stoughton HS Athletics will be held February 5, 2011 at the Portugese National Club from 6pm-11pm located on 38 Wyman St. in Stoughton. The event will consist of food,raffles, silent auctions, 50/50 and the band "THE STANDARDS" will be performing featuring Jack Raeke whom many of you know within the town. Tickets are $20 each and are on a first come first serve basis as tickets are limited due to capacity. Tickets can be purchased or monetary/gift donations of any kind can be made by contacting Bob Evangelista @ 781-297-3754 or mail monetary donations by check made payable to Stoughton High School Athletics to 30 Central Dr. Stoughton, Ma 02072. Like many towns in addition to Stoughton, because of the lack of state funding many towns are struggling to maintain their Athletic Departments at the High School level and are becoming dependant on local groups to assist in maintaining and making each sport self sufficient. This fundraiser is being established to raise monies associated in reinstating three assistant coaching positions(Football,Softball, Baseball) that were going to be cut due to budgetary constraints. Those positions have since been reinstated and now need to be funded. Whether you have a child that attends Stoughton HS or not it is important as a vested resident(s) of this town to support all the extracurricular activities the High School has to offer and not just sports. If we don't maintain our school systems we will all will be impacted negatively eventually in one way or another. I appreciate your support in advance."--Bob Evangelista

"Dear Mark: I would appreciate it if I could use your forum to announce that I will not be running for the Stoughton Redevelopment Authority in 2011. The little path in the woods that I walked many years ago has been developed into the Metro South Commerce Center, the largest tax revenue source in Stoughton. Mission accomplished. There is much more that the SRA can do and there are good people that can help to accomplish those projects. I thank all for their support and assistance over the years."--Roberta A. Camacho, Ph.D., Vice Chairman, SRA

"Hi Mark: I want to thank everyone who attended the “Friends of Phil” event on Sunday at the high school in my honor. It meant a great deal to me to spend an afternoon with so many friends, family members and former colleagues. I especially want to thank my niece, Teri Mangiaratti, Joni and Chuck Bloom, and the other members of the committee for all the hard work and many hours that they spent planning the event. Special thanks to magician Pete Haddad and hypnotist Jim Spinnato, whose performances I am still getting calls about. Also thanks to the many people, including you, who donated such terrific raffle prizes or who sent something because they could not attend. It is difficult to put into words how much the day meant to me. Along with the cards, letters, e-mails and Facebook messages I have received since my injury, Sunday's benefit made me smile and reminisce on my career. It was very heartwarming to be in the company of so many people who were there for many reasons. I have very fond memories of Stoughton and I am lucky to have worked at the high school my entire career. Stoughton is a special town, and it will always occupy a special place in my heart. Again, thank you to all those who took the time to attend on Sunday, it was great seeing you all there. Fondly."--Phil Iacobacci

"Hi All: Sorry for the abundance of messages but I have some great news for everyone! I have recently been informed that Mr. Iacobacci WILL be attending the event and is looking forward to seeing as many former students, and their families as possible!! I really hope everyone can make in it to say hello, it will mean the world to him!
ALSO... From what I have heard some of the Stoughton Alumni who are now in college do not plan to attend the event because of financial issues. We know that seeing former students will mean everything to Mr. Iacobacci so the fundraising committee is willing to help! They would like to offer tickets to college students for half price! That’s only $10.00 a ticket! BUT you MUST still buy your tickets in advance by mailing a check to Stoughton High School by November 20, 2010. If you don’t have a check book we recommend you ask a parent to help you out! Tickets must be bought in advance for the show! Checks can be mailed to: Friends of Phil Iacobacci, c/o Stoughton High School, 232 Pearl Street, Stoughton, Ma 02072. Also please remember to include your name with the check so we can put you on a guest list for the day of the show. Your ticket will be at the front door for you when you arrive. If you do plan to do this, please let me know, that way I can get started on the guest list! Thanks again everyone for all of your support and generosity. Hope this idea will help get more former students at the show! It truly will be helpful to Mr. Iacobacci to see everyone coming together to support him! Let me know if anyone has any other questions!"-- -Kim Gada

"Hello Mr. Snyder. I was wondering if you would be interested in doing a piece on the Saint James Parish Hunger Drive. For the past fifteen years, the church youth group has gathered food from the town and have passed it on to food organizations for families in need. Every year ends with a successful and plentiful donation. If you would like to come down and take a look, the event takes place at the church, 560 Page St, from 9am until late afternoon. I suggest coming early so you will be able to witness the incredible efforts from both the parish and the town community. I personally think it would be great publicity. Thanks a lot."-- Adam Kenney.

"Mark:While I understand the need to protect our young people from bad influences and surround them with positive role models, firing Robert Gelly is simply ridiculous. The man is not a bad influence. I grew up with Robert and want to publicly praise him for taking time out of his life to coach Stoughton football, particularly in these trying economic times where everyone worries about job security and paying bills. Bob has been passionate about Stoughton football ever since he was a child. A 10 year old DUI with no conviction is hardly a reason to punish him, especially when he has been coaching for over two years. Saying that she didn't have actual knowledge is nonsense, if she didn't know it until now, then she should have known it. She waived her right to object a long time ago. We all make mistakes, even Dr. Rizzi, Firing Robert Gelly is a fine example of a mistake that can be reversed and foregiven, simply be reinstating him to his old position. Do the right thing Dr. Rizzi, reverse your decision."-- Michael L. Georges, Esquire

"Dear Mark: I just wanted to thank those who worked hard to get Fire Station #2 up and running. I believe the one constant in this entire project was Fire Chief David Jardin who has worked tirelessly to make this happen. His determination, leadership, and work ethic do not go unnoticed by this taxpayer. Thanks to all and Chief Jardin. This is yet another reason why I live in Stoughton, MA. Regards."--Joseph Baeta

"Dear Mr. Snyder-I am the grandparent of 3 children who attend Stoughton schools and also a former teacher so I watched with interest last night the School Committee meeting. I wanted to hear specific examples from the Teacher's Association of what has occurred in the past 2 years to warrant their action of "No Confidence" for the Superintendent. I heard nothing except for the fact that the Superintendent was supposedly dishonest about how grievances were dismissed and that there were 10 filed over the past 2 years, that the MCAS scores of the students was the result of the hard work by the teachers and not Dr. Rizzi and that this had nothing due to with contract negotiations. My age may be getting to me but can we take a step back for a minute and discuss the "No Confidence" vote. If only 1/3 of the Teacher's Association voted for the "No Confidence" vote and 2/3 of the members took no action then how can the vote be legitimate - it seems more to be a bullying tactic by a select group not getting their way. As a former teacher, I also worked very hard and did not have the pay, benefits and other advantages that teachers of today have but I did it because I chose to educate the youth and knew going in that it would not make me a millionaire. Awhile ago, you listed the salaries of the school teachers and I was shocked to see the amounts some of them are making for 9 months work. I mean listening to my grandchildren and working on various homework topics with them - I think some teachers may need a good kick in the pants.

"Mark: I am sure you got the notice about Ketamine from a press release, but I wanted to inform you that Ketamine is not a hallucinogen. The category that Ketamine falls under is dissociative anesthetic. While it does mimic the effects of PCP (also a dissociative anesthetic), it does not typically make you hallucinate. The effects of this horrible drug give one an increased pain threshold and will cause violent behavior."--John Bonney, (Stoughton Police Department)

"Dear Mark: Attached please find a *pdf file of a presentation to the Board of Selectmen on behalf of the Southcoast Rail Advisory Committee. This group came to the conclusion that we should take action now to renew the downtown. We also urged the Selectmen to make planning and implementing redevelopment of the downtown a priority for the Planning Board and the town departments. One layout for the downtown that we worked with dates back to 1954 or so. Many of the issues we confront now would not exist had this plan been followed, and many of us believe that the character of the downtown would be vastly improved. The hope is to learn from the history. We can accomplish this – if we can just get out of our own way. The Planning Board followed up at its meeting on September 30^th, and it will be scheduling public hearings soon. We will not succeed in bringing back life to the downtown if these meetings lead only to more meetings. This concept study from the Southcoast Rail Advisory Committee is just a start. Residents of the town need to participate and help the Selectmen to turn the elusive goal of a revitalized downtown into a reality. Other communities have done it. I hope your readers will review these concepts and suggest ways to improve them during the public hearing process. Town residents have many talents to bring to this process, some of which are evident in these concept plans. They were drawn by architects Mark Joyce and James Barron who live in town and volunteered their time and talent. The Town really needs the same kinds of contribution from residents who have different talents and skills so we can make the kind of improvements we all agree are needed. If your readers have expertise in fields such as finance, design, real estate development and marketing, construction, or an area they know is necessary, please ask that they get involved to help make our town a better place to live and work in. Thank you."--Bob O’Regan, Member, Planning Subcommittee, Southcoast Rail Advisory Committee, Town Meeting Rep. Pct. 1

"Mark, see if you can get a billboard, such has Sharon has on RT 27 just out of Cobbs Corner, where we can show the awards our schools have received. There must be some place where we can show our school awards."--Leo E. Mellyn

"Hi Mark, I would like to say thank you to all the wonderful hard working men and women who helped with my campaign for State Senate. The lessons learned while canvassing the Norfolk, Bristol and Plymouth district were invaluable; I will be ever humble for the experience. It is my sincere hope that if nothing else, my candidacy, will serve as a catalyst toward political accountability. “It is not the function of our Government to keep the citizen from falling into error; it is the function of the citizen to keep the Government from falling into error.”-- U.S. Supreme Court. With sincere and heartfelt thanks I remain respectfully yours."-- Richard Livingston.

"Mark, Just wanted to let you know that we found the owner of the bird. Thanks so much for putting the photo up. It played a role in reuniting them. Dave thinks you may want to post a photo of the bird with the owner to show the happy ending. Her name is Irene Faria. By the way the birds real name is Maxi (as in mmm, mmm, Maxi's deli)."--Robin Hall

On Sunday, September 26th at Hopkinton State Park there will be an annual Food Allergy Awareness walk. The organization is Food Allergy and Anaphylactic Network (FAAN) which not only provides life threatening food allergy awareness to the general public including schools and restaurants but also works with the medical community toward the research and ultimately cure for those with these life threatening food allergies. There is a walk conducted in every major city in the country last year raising over 1.9 million dollars toward this cause. The walk will be at the main beach area at Hopkinton State Park once again on Sunday, September 26,2010. Registration is at 9am and the actual 2.5 mile family/stroller friendly walk will begin at 10am. There will be many allergy friendly samples of food and various products in addition to a live entertainer singing songs about living with food allergies, a disk jockey, clowns, bouncy house and face painting. It is a very family friendly special day for everyone! Please let me know if you need additional information. Thank you so much for helping me publicize this very special and important event! Take care!"--Roberta Fishman

"I just had jury duty at Wrentham District Court. I arrived early and was able to count the unassigned parking places. They number only 43. If you have ever been to Stoughton District court on any given day that the court is in session, you will find that the parking lot is full, and there are cars parked on the lawn, on the driveway, and on Pearl Street. The Wrentham District Courts backs up to a residential neighborhood and fronts to East St, a busy through street. I have no idea where the people with court business are going to park. It took me over 30 minutes to get from Stoughton to Wrentham without traffic. Could you imagine the overtime for the police for court time, to say nothing of the time away from their job in Stoughton? How many officers do we have to hire in Stoughton, or how much overtime to we have to pay for the additional officers to cover for the trips to court? Like many of the thing that the state mandates, the money that it saves, gets shifted to an expense for the cities and towns.Regards."--Dick Power

"Hi Mark. This morning I read the 'thank you' e-mail to you from Laura Mone regarding your support of the Sea Base Scouts' car wash fundraiser. No one knows better than I how much your support means to not only our organization, but to all the different town organizations who continually volunteer to contribute to the betterment of both the young and the old. To those of us who have a limited budget to 'get the word out' about our fundraisers...you are a blessing. I also want to let your readers know of the continued help Boy Scout Troop 516 has given to the seniors of our town. Year after year, these wonderful scouts with the help of their Scout Leader, Mark Racicot and their parents give up their Friday after Thanksgiving vacation day to deliver a bucket of salt & sand mix for the icy walkways and driveways of Stoughton's senior citizens. I ask all in the community to support Troop 516's fundraiser. If you cannot make their Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, October 10th, please consider sending them a donation. Whether the donation is large or small, the amount doesn't matter. The smallest amount can make the biggest difference. As chairperson of Friends For Seniors Annual Charity Golf Tournament, I know this first hand. Let's all get out and support Boy Scout Troop 516! And again, Mark, thank you for your continued support."--Lorraine J. McCarthy, Secretary, Stoughton Friends For Seniors

"Hi Mark, Thank you for mentioning the Sea Base scouts' car wash fundraiser in your column. It was a success. Many people said that they saw it listed in Snyder's column. Our next community-wide fundraiser is our Pancake Breakfast on Oct. 10 from 8:30am to 12:30pm. I have attached the petition letter which contains details about how to become a sponsor of the event. The pancake breakfast benefits the scouts of troop 516, Stoughton who are attending Sea Base, a high-adventure aquatic experience in Florida this April. The VFW post 1645 has graciously offered their hall to host the event. Tickets are $5 each, children 3 and under are FREE and a family is capped at $20. It would be great to see that listed in your column as well.I was also wondering if you may have any free airtime on your local programming show. Maybe some of our scouts and an adult representative can be featured in an interview preferably before our pancake breakfast. Please let me know if you have any availability before Oct. 10. Thank you."--Laura Mone

"Mr. Jacobs, I have been in Stoughton for 51 years, I am a long time resident. What we need is for people to forget the past and to move on."--Leo Mellyn

"Mark, I would like to be amongst the first to congratulate Matt Colantonio on his promotion to Principal of Stoughton High School. I had the opportunity to get to know Matt when he coached my two youngest sons for the Stoughton High Wrestling team. I found Matt to be an extremely intelligent, high energy, confident and knowledgeable coach, who had an ability to reach each of his student athletes at whatever level was necessary for them to achieve to their highest potential. Matt brought a once stagnant Stoughton High Wrestling program to a high level of achievement in a very short time, sending several of his student athletes to the state tournament each season. I was further fortunate in that my two youngest sons had Matt as an English teacher during their time at Stoughton High School. Matt brought the talents which were so evident in his handling of the student athletes on the wrestling team, to the class room as well. Without doubt, he was able to get the most out of his classroom students, just as had he had done with his student athletes. Of all the Stoughton School Department teachers, coaches, administrators and staff, and there were far too many to count, who had a profound influence in shaping the young lives of my children, and who were in large part responsible for them becoming the successful young adults they are today, I hold Matt at the top of the list. Congratulations Matt. Good luck. I have no doubt you will do a great job. Stoughton High is lucky to have you."-- Norm Wortzman

"Mark, First I must say that I have enjoyed working for the town over the last year and a half and have had the pleasure of working with dedicated and professional staff as well as devoted volunteers. Many people may not realize how hard people in Town Hall and on Town Boards work to better this community. Some of the issues that will face a new town planner will be the continuation of the South Coast Rail Project, a new technical assistance project examining the downtown commercial and residential market, the recodification of the zoning bylaw, and moving forward on a town master plan. It is also my hope that the position will be solidified in its expectations and role that it plays inside town hall. With the vacancy and decision not to fill the Assistant Town Engineer position, the planner is needed to fill a void in the engineering department through the administration of applications to the Planning Board for subdivision and site plan review. My decision to leave Stoughton has not been easy, but in the end, employment security now and into the future for my family was the leading factor in my leaving for Weston. I am leaving Stoughton with experiences that I am grateful to have acquired and hope that the town moved forward in a positive direction."--Joe Laydon

"Mark, what is going on with the Fincom wanting to take over the functions of the Town Manager and the Board of Selectmen.?? I just watched the rerun of the 7/15/10 Fincom meeting it seems that Holly Boykin wants to run the town."-- Leo E. Mellyn

"Mr Snyder. Can you print this open letter to Stoughton High principal Brett Dickens? I have signed below, but for the sake of my child, please withhold my name: "While I am aware (much to my dismay) that your entire guidance staff has taken the summer off, I, as well as many other high school parents of upset frustrated SHS students, find it unconscienable that nothing has been done to address the full schedule mess that virtually every student in your school is facing! Almost every student has an incorrect schedule for this coming year! Entire core classes are missing. Electives that weren't requested were assigned. Per instructions of the hapless secretary, forms were filled out weeks ago requesting that blatant errors be corrected. When do you plan to address this problem that we were told occurred because the schedules were 'hurried'? How can we have any confidence that there will be enough staff and time to properly address this serious situation, if you allow it to fester throughout the summer? I predict chaos! (I urge other parents to call the high school, call the superintendent of schools, and DEMAND that action be taken NOW)." (Name Confirmed and Withheld Upon Request)

"Hi Mark, Just wanted to give congratulations to all who had anything to do with this year's events at the Fireworks. It was spectacular this year. The 35 minutes of fireworks were the best ever. Also, a big thank you to Ikea for their part."--Marie Jardin

"Mark: july 4th,my son and i went to pages as we do 3 or 4 times a week. my son purchased a lb. of "fresh scallops" for us.back home,i got to them with just two left.ate i quickly,then realized something was not right.smelled the last one,and said oh oh bad.and were they.both of us all night,sick as dogs.next day,still sick,called asked to speak to someone in charge.the guy who answered said he was. told him what happened and said he should check any they had left.he says ok and hangs up. i called right back and said at least you could have offered my sons money back.he said we would have to talk to the owner the next day.well for ten bucks they can stick it.they just lost a customer of over twenty yrs. wanted to let you know about it thank you"-- rick bulman

"Mark: I hate to promote the hatefest known as The Local News, but I had to write. On this week's show, Jack Dembrowsky referred to the Veteran's Agent as a "carpetbagger", and others referred to the Memorial Square Committee as a bunch of "fools" and "buzzards." They were upset because the Memorial Square Committee had rejected the application of their friend, Dr. Golden, for a memorial square, based on the policy in place. The selectmen chose at their meeting not to override the committee's decision. A few years ago, the Board of Selectmen approved a list of qualifications for memorial squares, to eliminate 'who you know' type of selection for the honor. The Selectmen have the power to override the Memorial Square Committee's decisions. Mr. Pazyra is the hardest working veteran's agent I've seen, in my many decades in this town. And, the Memorial Square Committee members are the farthest thing from "fools." The Committee consists of: Selectwoman Cynthia Walsh, a lifelong resident who has missed one selectmen's meeting in 34 years; Mike Beaudette, a two-time AMVETS Commander and Veterans Graves Officer; Charlie Large, a WW II Veteran, survivor of Kamikaze attacks on the U.S.S. Ticonderoga, and someone involved in town veteran issues over 50 years; Ed Carroll, a Vietnam Veteran and former Stoughton Fire Chief; Paul Flynn, a Vietnam Veteran awarded a Purple Heart and former Veterans Services Officer for the Town of Stoughton; Jim Kelly, retired Sgt. Major of the Army, who served under General Petraeus training the Sgt. Major of the Iraqi Army; and Michael Pazyra, current Veteran Services Officer, and a former member of the 8th & I Marine Corps Ceremonial Platoon. Who are the fools?"--(Identity Confirmed and Name Withheld Upon Request)

"Dear Mark: I would like to remind the taxpayers that during the past two fiscal years the Town has slashed the COA, public Library, not hired safety officers- police and fire, but had plenty of money to give into the politics of useless positions such as an $80,000 per year Town Planner and an $80,000 per year Human Resource Director (not including any benefits- vacation, medical coverage etc.). Now my friends on FinCom voted 11-1 (and many I do consider friends) to spend $40,000 on a report that whatever the finding they can not utilized as part of any collective bargaining action with any of the unions. Most importantly they are comparing salaries and benefits that come from two very different parts of the workforce. Imagine in two years $160,000 $200,000+ and yet the BOS are complaining about not having money. There's $200,000 they could have used or better yet there is $200,000 that wasn't split 68 percent (schools)/32percent (town) because the school department has cut over $2million during that same time...things that make you go hmmmmmmmmm!

"Mark: As you are aware, there presently exists a vacancy on the Stoughton Redevelopment Authority ("SRA"), that is scheduled to be filled at a joint meeting between the SRA and the Board of Selectmen to be held at the Selectmen's meeting next Tuesday, July 6. The SRA and the Selectmen have recently extended the deadline for applications/letters of interest until next Monday, June 28th at 4:30 p.m. Letters of interest and resumes may be submitted to the Selectmen's office at the Town Hall, or by email to the Town Manager at twnmgr@stoughton-ma.gov. The ad for the extended deadline appears in today's Pennysaver, but I was hoping you might also be able to share this with your readers. The appointment will be for a term to expire with the 2011 annual town election, at which time candidates can run for the two-year unexpired term. Thank you Mark for your assistance in helping to spread the word about this vacancy."--Barry R. Crimmins, Chairman, Stoughton Redevelopment Authority

"Mark Snyder: Hello my name is kristin, my Dad Jim Schilling works at Ahavath Torah Temple. Thank you for helping us out. There will be a Brockton Rox game on Friday, June 18th vs the Worcester Tornadoes at 7:05 pm. The tickets will be $10 each and half of the profits of the tickets I sell go towards my expenses, which is $2,000 in order to participate in the JettRide. Elizabeth and I will be throwing out the first pitch of the game. There will also be items raffled off that evening.I will be biking along side my bestfriend Elizabeth Chauppetta who's 14 year old twin brothers Troy and Andrew suffer from Duchenne MD, we've decided to embark on this grueling journey leaving from California on June 24th and arriving in New Jersey on August 28th, approximately 3,700 miles. We will ride with several other 13-20 year old who all have a connection to this debilitating disease, spreading the word throughout the country. Tickets can be purchased by reaching me, Kristin Schilling at 781-424-0850 or xoschilling14@aim.com Elizabeth and I thank you so much for all of your effort and help. Sincerely, Kristin"--Kristin Schilling

"Hello Mark: My town sends out the paperwork for the dogs with the 1^st tax bill in the spring . I fill out the form send my 10 bucks and they mail me the license."--Peter Bishop

"Loved your “My dog was an outlaw” column and I still love “I fought the law and the law won,” though you don’t hear it much even on the Oldies stations. Thanks for that. I am a dog lover."--Pamela Getz

"Good Morning: I had a meeting with the FEMA Community Relations Specialist on Friday June 4, 2010 and as they near the 60th day, and Stoughton is well into recovery. Community Relations'efforts focused on homeowners, renters,businesses and non-profit agencies affected by the severe storms & flooding (March 12 to April 26, 2010) resulting in a Presidential declaration, DR 1895-MA on March 29, 2010. FEMA totals of assistance to Stoughton Residents - 485 registrations Totaling $ 809,170.00 distibuted as of May 28, 2010 . Individuals with questions or issues concerning their FEMA application should be directed to the FEMA Hotline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Thank You."--David M. Jardin, Fire Chief/EMD

"Hi Mark. A tiny, innocent Stoughton resident needs your help to publicize urgent information. People who regularly drive past Harris Pond, (off Central), will notice that one of the baby swans/cygnets is injured and lame. I contacted N E Wildlife Center who gave me the following advice: 'Monitor the cygnet but do not intervene until the cygnet appears to be declining at which time it will need to be rehabilitated.' I also notified Animal Control and passed on this information from the Wildlife Center. Neither Lloyds nor New England Animal Hospital, in West Bridgewater, has a vet who is licensed to treat wildlife. Therefore, if anyone notices that the little guy is 'declining' or in distress, please notify New England Wildlife Center, as soon as possible, at 781 682 4878. Please do not assume that someone else will call. This special family has made its home in Stoughton. I know that sometimes we have to let Mother Nature take her course, but we don't have to stand back and let it happen, unnecessarily, if we can help. Thanks Mark."-- Mary Dennett

"Dear Mark: Kudos to the Conservation Day at Bird Street conservation area! So many people put so much thought and energy into a wonderful event. There were displays on Stoughton history, recycling, wildlife, natural history; jewelry for sale, free lunch, and many great activities from walks through the land to wildlife demonstrations and finally, a fascinating demonstration of how the Stoughton Police use their canine unit. It was a wonderful day that our town should be proud of!"--Deborah Sovinee

"Mark: Now that you got me exploded on national scene (yuck!), I would like to alert your readers to two upcoming and important School Committee events: 1) On May 25, 2010 at 7:15 PM, the School Committee will hold a public hearing on the FY11 School Budget. This is a retake of the original hearing held on April 27, 2010 as it was not properly posted. I was disappointed only two citizens appeared for the original hearing. Now that we have a second chance, I urge all interested parties to come to the hearing and be heard (or forever hold their peace). 2) On May 26, 2010, Stoughton School Committee will be honored to hear Mr. Glen Koocher (Executive Director of Massachusetts Association of School Committees) talk about "New Member Orientation" starting at 6:15 p.m., and "School Committee Updates" starting at 7:00 p.m. Glen is an excellent insightful speaker and also is a 12 year veteran of the Cambridge School Committee."--Dr. Erdem Ural, Member, Stoughton School Committee

"Mark: Brass War Plaque-We of Stoughton honor our war dead on Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, and Independance Day. Why doesn't anyone clean up the Stoughton Town Hall 6' square brass war plaque honoring the Stoughton war dead from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, W W I, and W W II? This plaque is in deplorable condition. There must be someone out there who can figure out how to clean this up! How about the town's chemistry or physics class? How about someone getting on the internet? In the year 2010 there must be some way to clean off this once beatiful plaque honoring Stoughton's war dead from these four wars. Thank you."--Barry R. Stewart

"Mr. Snyder: I am so sick of people blaming the Town Manager, School Committee, Selectmen and Finance Committee for their decisions. It was the Town Meeting Members who voted to raise my taxes and for the Human Resource Director and if anyone they should be replaced. Just because the tax passed - I didn't see anyone forcing Town Meeting Members to approve the Human Resource Director - the choice was the Town Meeting Members and they blew it. Then the tax issue - where the heck was the hard questions for the School Committee or the Selectman - they just chose to be silent hoping that someone else would take the lead so they could stand up later on and say " I didn't support the tax" but as soon as it became available they spent it quick. To Town Meeting Members, take the blame because it is your own fault - you have a choice - no one is forcing you to vote for or against an issue or spend my hard earned cash. If you feel pressure then speak up or quit but stop blaming other people for your actions." Kevin Richard, Stoughton Taxpayer

"Hi Mark- There seems to be some confusion with the salary and article for the HR position since both the $80k and $85k figures were batted around. The salary discussed is a maximum of $80,000 per year and the $66,700 approved for Article 24 is for the 10 month period starting September 1, 2010. The $80,000 is comparable to other towns - for example, Canton's HR Manager is paid $75,000 per year."-- Holly Boykin, Chair, Finance Committee

"Hello, Mark: Thank you for Snyder's Stoughton! I may not agree with you on everything but do appreciate your keeping us informed and thinking about our town. It looks like you took some flak for printing the salaries and it looks like that dissuaded you from continuing along those lines which is too bad. As you said, it is supposed to be public knowledge and I applaud you for making it so. Take care."-- Steve Wilkinson

"Mark-We wanted to bring you and your readers up to speed on the Town of Stoughton Emergency Response Plan and how it works. On Saturday May 1, 2010, The Stoughton Public Works Department responded to a series of internal communications between off duty personnel regarding a possible contamination issue with the MWRA supply. Our priority from the first phone call was to protect the health and safety of our residents connected to Stoughton’s Water Supply. As soon as we confirmed that there was a water quality issue with the MWRA supply, we engaged staff on duty to shut down the Island Street Station. The Management of a water supply utility is a complex operation, which requires careful planning of procedures not only for daily activities, but also for maintaining quantity and quality of water during adverse conditions. An Emergency Response Plan is a vital component for an effective and safe water supply operation. The Town of Stoughton has always and continues to implement such a plan. The scope of the problem was determined after discussions with MWRA and Town officials. The problem was investigated and the situation was evaluated to determine the level of emergency. A response was engaged, and finally a determination of who should be contacted was made. All of this was in accordance with the Town of Stoughton Emergency Response Plan as revised on December 18, 2009. Section 8 of the plan addresses Emergency Action Planning for System Contamination. Once the threat was defined and isolated, notifications were given to the following in accordance with the Action Plan: Police, Fire, Health, applicable Staff and Personnel.There are several other criteria, which were explored in detail and deal with Operational Response, Analysis, and Public Notification, Evaluation, and then Remediation. However, as we were able to isolate the threat prior to entering our water supply the situation was handled and then administered accordingly. This policy as approved by our Board of Selectmen was followed and worked. Once again, we thank the dedicated employees of the Town, Public Officials and the MWRA who worked cooperatively and effectively. Thanks, if you have any questions, please let me know."--Jonathan Beder, Asst. Supt. Public Works

"Hi Mark, Totally agree with your take on the Town/DPW notification delay...totally unacceptable. Also, I was told the town does not have Reverse911. The schools have a similar system that the Town can use but it only reaches households with school children. I checked with family and friends without school aged children and none of them received the call. Could you check on this? This is also totally unacceptable if true. The town needs a way to reach all households. In fact, there was just a news piece recently that the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office has a Reverse 911 that towns can use if they don't have there own. It seemed in many towns the Police took the lead role. I am disappointed in the new Police Chief, the new Town Manager, and the DPW."--
Chris Lynch

(Chris, I was equally disappointed in the lack of media notification, but I can guarantee one thing---the police wouldn't have been involved in the press conference, if there was one, for this situation.---Mark)

"Hi Mark, FYI, I completely agree with your position re: Stoughton DPW notifying the media about the water crisis this weekend: I personally didn’t hear about it until 11:15 pm Saturday night when I happened to be watching the news, and Stoughton was indeed on the list of effected cities and towns at that time. I never received the reverse-911 call, but I have a private well so maybe DPW doesn’t think people with private wells need this important info! My mother has cancer AND is on town water, I don’t think SHE ever got the reverse-911 either (she certainly had not at 11:15pm on Saturday when I phoned her to warn her of this condition, which would have been LIFE THREATENING to her!). Saturday was a beautiful, hot day. Most people were not parked in front of their televisions watching for “news alerts”, and certainly nobody ever checks the Channel 6 thing. When I hear of breaking Stoughton news that I need more info on, I always check your website – so I was surprised not to see anything there Saturday night. I’m sure many, many people in Stoughton and surrounding cities and towns were OUTDOORS on that beautiful Saturday, and most likely drinking the water – the town REALLY should have done a better job of getting the word out. I know in some cities and towns the police and/or fire departments drove up and down streets announcing the warning over their PA systems, that probably would have been a good thing for Stoughton to do, people with compromised immune systems could have DIED from this, and healthy people might have gotten seriously ill."--Mike Coffin

"Mark, I was going over the town salaries, as usual the schools keep every thing secret. just the names no job titles. What really struck me was janitors being paid between $53,485.00 and $62,566.00, more than some of the police and firefighters, some thing is wrong here. I'm not knocking the janitors, but who approves these pay levels?? Being paid more than people who risk their life everyday, no more of these pay rates. Hopefully our new town manager can get some sanity back into pay rates."--Leo E. Mellyn

"Mark, there is a small group in the town that likes to knock our town employees, To them I would say, thank you to what ever town employee that set up our MRA connection with a shut off, we are the only town in the MRA that does not need to boil our water. The town of Canton also has wells but they need to boil water, to who ever you are thank you for the shut off valve. To Town Mgr. Crimmins, good is great. We have the best town in the Commonwealth."-- Leo E. Mellyn

(Leo, I don't think anyone is criticizing the DPW workers. Taxpayers have a LEGITIMATE complaint about the lack of communication, which caused residents to panic buy water, when they didn't need to do it. THAT is the only problem. We were fortunate that DPW's MWRA shutoff was well-timed!---Mark)

"Dear Mark: I wanted to comment on the recent election turnout. First and foremost, if we continue with the current system we should be making significant change to WHEN we vote. For example, ALL April elections should be moved to the November election calendar. Why? First, it will be during a regular state election time period- Governor's race, Presidential race, Congressional race, you name it, bring out higher numbers because of the interest in other elections. Second, it will save the town thousands of dollars ($10,000 or so) by not having the 2nd election, whereby only 16% vote and on average less than 30% for the past 20+ years with few exceptions, if any. The Town of Stoughton is a great place to live and a great place to raise children. However, we have undergone some very difficult times over the course of the last few years regardless of the side people have been on. Voter apathy is not new to Stoughton but the difficult political landscape of Stoughton is keeping people from running. I don't care that 16% of the voters control the Town as one previous writer stated. Maybe someday an election will not be considered an election unless at least 50% of registered voters vote- that will get people's attention. I'm not sure I agree that this should be the way but thinking differently about things is what is needed...ask the Tea Party (although I don't agree with them, they have become a political movement based on what they believe is missing from elected officials and they are acting on it- discourse will get better because of it.) So, in the end I think that the taxpayers should ask for two things to improve participation: Change the town election to the general election in November (imagine 60% of Stoughtonians voting for Selectmen in November during the Governor's race); a simple change in the Town Charter. 2. Change Town Meeting into a competitive race by having only 11 seats per precinct (instead of 21) and requiring members to go after votes instead of the popularity contest it is now. Other ideas- add more precinct voting areas to allow for people to get to a voting area easier; make the election a 2 day process; look for a weekend (other towns do this although I take issue with an election on the sabbath- either Saturday or Sunday); eliminate primaries all together especially since less of 20% come out; etc. I love Stoughton, but recently I haven't been excited about most not all candidates for office although I greatly admire their desire to run. I think you should have a show on how to move us forward when it comes to elections...a local university or college must have someone with experience in this type of thing as well as the local Democratic and Republican Town Committee leaders. All politics is local and local politics is what is most important. Keep up the great work!"--Joseph F. Baeta

I work for the non-profit organization Brockton Family & Community Resources, Inc. -- Dave Madoff's charity for which he is Chairman of the Board. This week both Dave and Donna suggested I reach out to you to help spread the word about BFCR's upcoming annual fundraising event, an "Awesome 80' Prom Night" on May 8th at the Shaw's Center in Brockton. BFCR, Inc. serves individuals and families from over 45 southeastern Massachusetts communities whose lives have been impacted by trauma at home, school or in the community. For more than 30 years we have provided a continuum of free, confidential domestic violence and prevention services for children, adolescents and adults. For information on our programs please visit www.bfcr.org. This year we're side-stepping the usual gala-sort-of-fundraising-thing and putting on a fun and quirky "Awesome 80's Prom Night" where one can come totally decked out in Retro 80's attire...or NOT! Thirty 6 Red, the red-hot band from Foxboro, will get the crowd totally jammin' and dancin' all night long, we'll serve fabulous epicurean delights from the many food stations, and offer our 80's signature cocktail along with the usual libations at the cash bar. For all the event details and ticket information, please visit http://www.bfcr.org/events.htm. We're hoping you will spread the word about the event, and encourage people to participate in our innovative online auction which runs in conjunction with our Awesome 80's Prom Night event. Check it out...

www.biddingforgood.com/bfcrinc. We're still looking for donations for the auction and sponsorships (see the attached sponsorship letter), so feel free to pass our letter on to individuals and/or businesses who may be interested in supporting our cause.I'm dropping an invitation in the post to you today...I do hope you will be our guest on May 8th! I look forward to hearing from you soon! Best regards," Karen B. Slaby, Director of Fundraising, Brockton Family and Community Resources, Inc.

"Mark, I’m shocked by the reported 16% turnout to vote yesterday! It’s outrageous that so many people can live in our community and not give a damn to cast a ballot. How can we be so apathetic, uninvolved and unaware of our own local government and the process of representation? How can we regard the most basic right as an American citizen as a nuisance or conflict with daily activities? Stoughton has taken its share of lumps recently, but shouldn’t this be more of a reason to get out and change things? John Stagnone and Jerry Capazzoli love this community and took the hard road of campaigning to serve this town FOR FREE. They gave up months of their daily lives for our vote, by standing out in the rain and cold holding signs. Going to events meeting people and discussing how to improve Stoughton. Working on plans they would present to turn things around and make us a strong community not just fiscally, but morally with ideas to strengthen our schools, care for our elderly and protect our natural resources. With all this, we couldn’t muster more than 16% of registered voters? I’m ashamed. I’m angry. I’m utterly speechless to try and explain why we don’t do the easy part to go out and make our voices heard. I’m excited about the recent changes in Stoughton, from our newly hired Town Manager and Police Chief, to the dedication I witness from our town employees in every department. I just wish this dedication can be rewarded equally by going to the polls and showing support for the 16% of us who care about Stoughton and its future. If people are not as excited about the changes as I am, or are unhappy with the direction of Stoughton, come out and vote next time. Get involved, stay informed and be a part of your town. The future of Stoughton for all of us depends on it."--Robert Germain

"Mark, you were right, the voter turnout was disgraceful, we have young men and women dieing in foreign lands so that people can have the right to freely vote. It is a shame, but one thing we can count on is that the non-voters will be the most vocal complainers. What does it take to get people out of this apathy."--Leo E. Mellyn

"Mark - I grew up in Stoughton and graduated SHS in 1978. We have over 20 Facebook friends in common (including my sister, Amy Griffing). I will be bicycling across the country (almost 4,000 miles in 50 days) this summer for the American Lung Association. It would be great if you could help cover/publicize my ride and encourage other area residents/businesses to join this great cause. I enjoy your web sites and think it would be a great way to spread the message. Coverage in your Chronicle column, TV show, and/or radio show would be a big bonus. You can learn more about my ride and follow my progress at http://www.markstrek.com. I also have a FB group - Mark's Trek Across America (http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=304207338101). I would really appreciate it if you could join the group and then invite your friends to do the same. I will be in Stoughton on May 1^st for another American Lung Association ride I am doing in New Hampshire on the 2^nd. Perhaps, we could get together while I am in town to talk about my ride. Let me know if you are available. I think my ride would be a great local story for you and look forward to meeting you. Thank you for your help. Please contact me with any questions via FB or mkoltz@comcast.net. I also sent this message to your Facebook account/email address."-- Mark Koltz

"To the residents As a member of the planning board and candidate for selectman I would like to correct Mr. Capozzoli’s comments about the proposed zoning changes for North Stoughton. It is true that I have spent over the years many hours writing, reviewing and speaking for changes to our zoning by-laws, that is what active board members do. The process used by the planning board was to DRAFT recommendations for changes to the current zoning in North Stoughton to correct a zoning violation approved by the Zoning Board, of which Mr. Capozzoli was a member of. The Planning Board advertised in the Stoughton PennySaver, Snydersstoughton.com and mailed to each town meeting representative as well as abutters an invitation to attend an informal forum to talk about the proposed zoning articles. Then the board followed the legal requirements for advertising the public hearing process. The zoning articles in question have NOT been voted on by the planning board, so I am not sure how my opponent could say that the articles have the board’s endorsement or mine for that matter.This is just another example of Mr. Capozzoli not understanding the facts.Should anyone have a question about the process, or the articles, they can call the town planner 341-1300 x201 or myself (341-0153)."--John J. Stagnone; Planning Board member and candidate for Selectman.

"I would like to notify all town residents and especially, the North Stoughton residents in Precinct 1, of upcoming re-zoning articles that will be presented before Town Meeting, beginning Monday, May 3, 2010. Being presented are Articles 70 thru Article 74 (5 articles) known as the Highway Access Business District, which is currently zoned as neighborhood business. See attached file with maps and articles. I am opposed to this re-zoning as this re-zoning not only impacts North Stoughton but also the entire town’s egress to Route 24. It will turn the residential neighborhoods into another Technology Drive. I have received numerous phone calls regarding the re-zoning of North Stoughton from precinct 1 residents who will be directly impacted. Many residents are upset about the fact that they were not notified of the re-zoning. When hearing about this they were told only the immediate abutters were notified. If they had been notified then their concerns regarding infrastructure and public safety in a densely populated area would have been considered. The maps show the area of re-zoning, which includes parcels of land on both sides of Page Street (One area includes Page Street up to Cabot Place) down both sides of Route 139, Turnpike Street towards the Armory. Please see copies of the maps for specific areas to be re-zoned. This re-zoning will affect the local roads in these neighborhoods that can barely handle the traffic flow in its’ current state. The town needs a permanent fix to the sinking of a portion of Route 139 before the town can even consider articles that would increase traffic flow in this area. As a member of the planning board, you have heard my opponent speak of the hundreds of hours he has spent drafting articles for town meeting that would better the future of our town. Now that the news has hit the streets and the residents are upset that they were never notified, my opponent wants to withdraw these articles, but it’s too late. Where was the transparency here? Isn’t this the same process he was so much against when hiring a town manager? No matter what precinct you are from in this town, please contact your town meeting representatives and ask that they vote against these articles. For more information regarding the specifics of lot, building sizes, including 40B construction in these articles, contact the town hall and request a copy of these articles or contact your town meeting representative for a copy. A copy of these articles is attached for your convenience.If any resident has any questions, please feel free to call me at 781-344-7067. Please vote on Tuesday, April 6. Thank you."-- Jerry Capozzoli, Selectman Candidate

"Hi Mark, I wanted follow up on a question for Mr. Capazzoli that he raised in a recent open letter on you site. Mr. Capazzoli was inquiring about the broadcasting of Finance Committee meetings. The first Finance Committee meeting that was broadcast ended up not being useable because the dais in the Great Hall has only five microphones and there are seventeen Finance Committee members. As a result, a majority of the audio for the broadcast was un-intelligible. The Finance committee Chair, Holly Boykin did make a request to have all the Finance Committee public hearings broadcasted. SMAC followed up in an email on the committee’s request, to let us know that a 30 day notice is needed for broadcast requests. This is understandable given the logistics required to coordinate programming, scheduling and the staffing resources needed especially when considering a request for a series of meetings as in the case of the Finance Committee. Mr. Capazzoli makes a valid point regarding the need for our residents to be kept informed of the committee’s work which is why all Finance Committee meetings are open to the public and are posted in accordance with Open Meeting rules. I was glad that I happened across Mr. Capazzoli's question while reading letters on your site Mark and would happy to follow up with any additional information or questions for Mr. Capazzoli. Regards."--Rick Hill, Vice Chairman, Stoughton Committee on Finance and Taxation

"Dear Mark,    I am sending you this bit of history that I'd like to share with you and the Journal readers.    I am surprised that the Stoughton Journal did not carry the obituary
of David S. Cutler which appeared in The Enterprise/Community Newspaper. David Cutler died on February 28. In September 2006, when I wrote the History of the local newspapers
in Stoughton for the final issue of the Stoughton Chronicle and News-Sentinel when it was absorbed by the Stoughton Journal, I gave credit to David S. Cutler for fulfilling the late General (Rev.) David Mahn's ambition to "launch" a Stoughton Journal with the Canton Journal.    From 1979 until 1986 David Cutler was printing the Canton Journal for Davd Mahn at the Duxbury Clipper, Mariner Newspapers. In 1984 or '85 David Mahn had been negotiating with Walter Reeves of the Sharon Advocate to bring the Advocate back to the Canton Publishing Co after
about 100 years. He'd ask me to do some research into the newspapers in Stoughton.    I found that some of the first issues of the Stoughton Sentinel when Lemuel Standish took over the weekly paper in 1882 were printed by the Canton Journal. In 1926, coinciding with the town's 200th Anniversary, the Canton Journal published the Stoughton Examiner, and the name was legally property of the Canton Publishing Company, so I suggested to Dave Mahn to use the Examiner name if he were to publish a Stoughton paper. He preferred to promote the association with the
Canton Journal's heritage.    At the end of 1986, when certain Federal Tax breaks were coming to a close, David Mahn accepted the offer from David Cutler to add the Canton Journal to the Mariner newspapers. For about a year the Canton Journal continued to have its editorial offices at 484 Washington St. before moving to 12 Revere Street. For awhile the Stoughton Journal concept was put on hold.   There were two other young law students from Stoughton who, separately, in the mid-1980's were discontented with the existing Stoughton newspaper and entertained the idea of publishing a new Stoughton weekly paper. One of those law students did stain his fingers. The new Stoughton Sentinel ran for seven weeks in 1987 with Dr. Thomas
A. Recupero as publisher and his son Thomas J. "T. J." doing the edtorial work. While the Sentinel did not have the capital and staff to endure, David Cutler had the resources to bring Stoughton a real, local newspaper. In the fall of 1989, the Stoughton Journal made its debut.    The story of David Cutler which is in that obituary should be recorded on the pages of the Stoughton Journal."-
Howard Hansen, Stoughton Historian

"Hello All! I am writing you in hopes that this letter of thanks will end up in the correct hands! My son, myself and his father attended the annual Easter Egg hunt this past Saturday at Cedar Hill Golf Course. My father-in-law was also there with 2 of my son's cousins. We were on the 6+ side, while the others were on the 2-5 side. After we collected our eggs and goodies, we went to meet up with the rest of the family. We spotted my father-in-law with one of the 2 children that were supposed to be with him. He informed us that at the start of the hunt, his 5 year old grandson (who is autistic) had taken off and he was unable to find him in the sea of children. I then flagged down a worker who immediately radioed the others to inform them of the situation. Almost instantly, many golf carts went out and about a dozen or so workers were looking for him. After a painstaking 40 minutes, my nephew was found crouched in a corner near the club house, scared out of his mind! I can't thank all those involved enough for their persistent hard work! Thanks so much!"--Keri Getchell

(Letter to Residents of Stoughton, to Snyder's Stoughton)) "On March 9th, the residents of Stoughton decided the final two candidates for Selectman. Thank you for voting me one of them. I have been a resident of this town for 68 years and for 50 years I have worked to make this a better town for all to live in. As a selectman, I want to let the residents know that I will be an unbiased voter on the board. I will work diligently to make sure the Board of Selectmen conducts its business with transparency in and out of the Great Hall, with full discussion of the issues. I will allow the public the opportunity to speak on every single agenda item. I will listen to each resident that comes before the board; I will then discuss the issue with the other board members and then and only then, render a decision that is in the best interest of Stoughton. I did not solicit any endorsement from any preliminary selectman candidates, as I do not wish to be beholden or indebted to any individual or special interest group. I will only serve the residents of Stoughton. Now that the new Town Manager, whom I supported, has been appointed, I will continue to support him in his endeavors to move our town forward. The Town Manager has aggressively stepped up into his position and immediately began meeting personnel, identifying the issues and began to resolve some of the town’s major outstanding issues such as the work on Route 139-- all this in only a months time! That process outweighs any other. Just like the new Town Manager, I supported the decision of hiring the new police chief. This shows that the town is moving forward and I intend to be supportive in his decisions to bring his department forward. Since the beginning of my campaign, I have made my opinion known that the Armory in North Stoughton was not the logical answer for the home of the Stoughton Media Access Corporation (SMAC). Now that crucial time has lapsed, I understand that SMAC has just recently decided that the Armory is no longer feasible for a cable studio. Although they have signed a temporary agreement with the Town of Easton, as it stands, there is still no permanent location for the cable studio to produce our local shows. The question is: why wasn’t there a plan for an alternate location? As a selectman, I will work with the SMAC Board of Directors and it’s Executive Director to help locate suitable alternatives in the hope of finding a permanent home for our cable studio. As are most residents of this town, I am against the South Coast Rail Project. Currently, the plan calls for two tracks to pass right through the middle of Stoughton, causing many safety concerns at our many grade crossings throughout the town. This project will split the town in half making it difficult for our public safety departments to cover the entire community. Although the plan currently states that this is to expand commuter rail services, most have already come to the conclusion that this will also be a freight rail. If and when this project is approved by the federal and state government agencies, this town will need a strong mitigating plan to be put into action in order to minimize the huge impact this project will have on our community. There are many communities out there that this project will affect, but for right now, we have to be concerned with Stoughton! I, along with many town residents,am at a loss trying to comprehend why only one Finance Committee meeting was televised, which conveniently was about the Town Managers budget and not any of the subsequent town budget meetings. In my opinion, all Finance Committee meetings should be televised, especially when approving the annual budget. The Finance Committee is a necessary and vital component of the town’s budgetary process. The town’s residents not only have the right to know, but also deserve to be informed of the ongoing matters of the Finance Committee. All residents should be able to view and be informed of the budgetary process and see how it may affect them. In reading recent submissions from past and present candidates, it amazes me on how people only see things through their own eyes. I have been quoted as saying that I will cut taxes! I never once stated this. What I have said was that I would be opposed to yearly increases and 2 ½ % overrides. This is certainly not a promise to cut taxes but a promise to make sure we are not wasting the town’s money on frivolous set backs and political agendas. It’s been stated that I only want to represent a portion of the town voters. Just like my opponent, I have been reaching out to all the residents of this town. Is he going to knock on the doors of 27,000 residents in search of their support? Well neither can I, because that’s unrealistic! But I will promise the residents my campaign will reach them one way or another. Just because we have not crossed paths during this ground campaign doesn’t mean we are not working hard at it. Maybe he is not doing what he keeps telling people he’s doing? In this campaign, I have been telling the residents that I would like to work with my fellow board members when elected. But if I only mentioned one thing that I would work on, that would still be one more than my opponent has stated. He states that he will work for this town, but he hasn’t said on what and whether or not he will work collaboratively with the rest of the board. Does that mean he will only work with certain members? If this is the case, I think it is he who is only representing a portion of the town! I have said it throughout my campaign; Stoughton is my home and it always will be. That is why with your help, I will promise you that my actions as a selectman will be in the best interest of the residents, being one myself! I ask for your Vote on Tuesday, April 6, 2010."--Jerry Capozzoli

"I DO NOT KNOW IF YOU EVER DID AN INTERVIEW WITH PARIS KAMPANELAS AND HER STARLINERS FROM THE PARIS CABARET/STARLINE ROOM DINNER THEATRE ON MONK STREET, STOUGHTON, MA - I HAD THE PLEASURE OF GOING THERE YESTERDAY AFTERNOON TO SEE JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT – WHAT A SHOW!!! THERE WERE, I BELIEVE, 12 YOUNG PEOPLE FROM THE STARLINE ACADEMY PERFORMING WHO WERE FANTASTIC A WELL AS THE STARLINERS WHO ALWAYS GIVE YOU AN ENGERGIZING SHOW - THIS SURE BEATS GOING INTO BOSTON WHEN WE HAVE TALENT RIGHT IN OUR OWN BACK YARD - ALSO THEY HAVE A VARIED DINNER MENU WHICH IS EXCELLENT PLEASE GIVE THIS YOUR CONSIDERATION."-- DIANNE RADVILAS

"Mark: On April 1, 2010 Comcast will no longer be responsible for broadcasting of local programming on channel 9. As part of this transition from Comcast, Stoughton Media Access Corporation (SMAC) is running a pilot test this weekend, starting at noon on Friday. Both Comcast and Verizon customers will be able view all the same programs, shown the same time of day. We are working on building our programming schedule to include more shows. In addition to the regularly scheduled programs, residents will be able to watch a video submitted by a resident as well as titles Catch and Release, and Culinary Journey. Residents and organizations that have announcements that they would have sent to Comcast should now be sent to Stoughton Media Access Corporation's executive director Stephen Innis. They can submit announcement by e-mail to sinnis@stoughtontv.com or they can mail them to Stoughton Media Access Corporation, 10 Pearl Street, Stoughton MA 02072. - John J. Stagnone President"-- Thank you, John (Stagnone)

:To Jeff Benson: If you go to Town Hall they have a marvelous thing called an Absentee Ballot, wonder of wonders. If you wanted to vote you could have, don't complain be cause you didn't."--
Leo E. Mellyn

"Mark, I saw your note in the Journal for a new teenager taking papers out for town meeting rep which is wonderful and just wanted to make you aware that there may be more folks who have stepped up to get involved. I am not a teenager but I am a new candidate for town meeting rep in Precinct 2. I am a member of the Stoughton Youth Commission and committee member of Troop 516 Boy Scouts. I believe in getting involved."--David Walsh

"Dear Mr. Snyder: I'd just like to let you know how offended I am at your article in the Journal this Friday 3/12. I am a graduate of Stoughton High School (class of 2006) and a student at Berklee College of Music. I am currently doing my student teaching. I just wanted to let you know how horribly offended I am. I did not vote last Tuesday because I was at school before 7 am and did not even get to my home to write my lesson plans for the next day until well after 9 PM that night. I guess that makes me "part of the problem" with this town. However, I can guarantee you that you'll find me playing concerts for the town over the summer for the Lions Club, playing at local nursing homes during the holidays, or spending my career educating children about the value of music and rehearsing student ensembles in the town I work in ( a neighbor of Stoughton). You won't however find me in the middle of one of the many police scandals in this town, nor will you find me toiling in some other corrupt scandal in town politics. I, like may others in town spend my days working to give children a place to go after school where they can be a member or team, not out roaming the streets murdering, robbing banks, breaking and entering, or any of the other choice activities that seem to be commonplace around Stoughton today. So forgive me if I feel that you have no right to make a condescending blanket statement about everyone who did not vote being "part of the problem" with Stoughton. I know of many Stoughton residents who work longer hours than I, because after all this is a WORKING CLASS TOWN. Maybe you should take a look in the mirror and stop trying to anger residents. Being scolded by you like a child who's misbehaved won't make anyone more likely to vote. It will however, make good citizens such as myself see you as a trouble-maker more interested in churning out a controversial article than analyzing real issues objectively. Maybe you are part of the problem and not the solution?"--Jeff Benson

"To the residents - Thank you for putting your faith in me, by voting for me March 9th. I have been working hard over the past 8 years to make Stoughton a better place to live and do business. I will put the interest of the town first – always have, and always will. I will need your support again on Tuesday April 6th. Thank you."--John J. Stagnone, Candidate for Selectman

"Hi Mark- I would appreciate your posting this on your website and having it read aloud on your next TV show. During your interview with the new Town Manager Frank Crimmins, it was stated that the Finance Committee transferred $23,000 from our Reserve line to cover the vacation pay for former Town Manager Mark Stankiewicz. That information is 100% false. The vacation pay was paid for out of the FY'10 Town Manager's budget approved by Town Meeting Members in May 2009. A transfer request was never sent by the Board of Selectmen to cover the vacation pay and therefore the Finance Committee did not act on the request. Also, the Finance Committee was not notified of the $23,000 payout until March 2010 when the Board of Selectmen sent us the transfer request to pay for the new TM salary thru mid-June 2010. Thank you."-- Holly Boykin, Chairperson, Finance Committee

"Mark, I just read Part 1 of the article written by Maria Papadopoulos for the Enterprise, and cannot believe that the newspaper editor or the reporter believed this is what is the most important news to report for our Stoughton. The format of the page even spells out statistics, then everything terrible that has happened for the last 5 years. It is with baited breath that I read tomorrow what is good about Stoughton in her Part 2. I emailed Ms. Papadopoulos but do not anticipate a response. Why even bother with Part 1, why not just do Part 2 ? This type of reporting is what perpetuates the negative image of our town for no purpose. A gentleman that came to my breakfast this morning stated it best: "What people will remember about Deval Patrick is the Cadilac and the curtins." Time to make a move toward the positive, and what's great about this Town and how we can make it improve. Even our young people realize this with the Youth Commission initiating a Pride of Stoughton Day on April 17th. Get with it, Enterprise."--Dori Frankel - Proud to be a resident of Stoughton

"Mark: Stoughton Media Access Corporation (S.M.A.C.) under the Access Corporation Agreement, S.M.A.C. is responsible for providing live coverage of all regularly scheduled Board of Selectmen, School Committee, and Town Meeting for the Municipality, to the fullest extent practicable and possible. S.M.A.C. is also required to provide live coverage of one additional public meeting per quarter, if requested by the Municipality, upon thirty (30) days written notice, to the fullest extent practicable and possible. S.M.A.C. received a request to cover the Finance Committee meeting. This request was forwarded on to our executive director to see if coverage could be provided, he was able to schedule a camera person for the meeting. At the time the finance committee went to take a break, the camera operator did not hear the chair say they were taking a short break and thought the meeting was over, so he stopped the live coverage of the meeting. Once he realized the meeting was not over, he resumed the coverage. At the same time he also stopped recording of the meeting, so when the tape was reviewed, it showed no interruption in coverage. While we regret that this had happened, it was an honest mistake. S.M.A.C. is looking into steps that will prevent this from happening again. We also provided a letter to the town manager asking him to notify all the town departments, boards and committees on how to request meeting coverage. S.M.A.C. has exceeded its minimum requirement of covering one additional public meeting as set out in the Access Corporation Agreement, by providing additional coverage of all meetings to date. S.M.A.C. has also covered several Selectmen meetings that were not part of their regular schedule, without receiving any request from the Municipality to do so. S.M.A.C. is glad that we have been able to provide all this additional coverage for the residents, since we took over this responsibility in December 2009. Our goal is to provide the residents with more coverage of its town government, when possible, as well as expand programming, reducing the number bulletin boards. Should any resident have any questions about coverage, want an event covered or have a tape that they want to share with the community they can contact Stephen Innis, sinnis@stoughtontv.com or they can contact me at 341-0153 or jstagnone@stoughtontv.com . Thank you."---John J. Stagnone, President

" Hi Mark- As discussed, here is a copy of my communication to Fin Com regarding the televised broadcast of our most recent mtg. The televising of the Fin Com mtg last week: It has been brought to my attention that members of the Stoughton Community are concerned that the Fin Com usurped our authority and stepped over the political lines by televising last week’s mtg and that 1-3 minutes of our mtg was not aired. Over the past year, on several occasions, I have been approached by numerous people about televising the Fin Com mtgs especially during budget season. Being a woman and knowing that the camera is not my best friend,I have avoided the issue like the plaque. However, a couple of weeks ago at the request of some BOS members, I agreed to have our mtg televised. In several calls with Steve, we discussed it, and on the morning of our Fin Com mtg during a phone call with Steve, I asked him again if he minded that we televised the mtg and if I should cancel it – I did not mind taking the heat. He said no – that it was fine and it would be a good thing so I went ahead. I have Verizon and therefore have not seen the mtg, however it appears that a couple of minutes of the mtg were not televised. The person working the equipment by accident hit the wrong switch and when he realized it he fixed it– I did not know it until I received an email asking me to detail for one of the SMAC Board members on how we came to televise the mtg and why there was a couple of minutes missed. I have handled that request by sending an email to SMAC’s Board Chair."--Holly Bokyin, Chairperson, Stoughton Finance Committee

"Dear Mark: Finally, the Town of Stoughton has gotten its act together! The naming of Judge Crimmins as Town Manager is not only a turning point for Stoughton it's the beginning of a new direction. One Stoughton for ALL. That is what Stoughton has in its new Town Manager- a leader for the people of this great Town. Keep up the great work."--Joseph Baeta

"Mark: A few weeks ago I attended the Southeastern Massachusetts Library System legislative breakfast along with a few of the trustees, the library director, the young adult librarian and several library patrons. The program includes short presentations by library patrons on why their local library is important to them. This year Stoughton had two groups of representatives speak, Gary Gekow and Steven Bothelo, spoke about the series of employment seminars given by Mr. Gekow at the Stoughton Public Library, and about Mr. Bothelo's experience in using these seminars to help him find a job after nine months of unemployment. Mr. Gekow has gone on to give his seminars at several libraries in southeastern Mass after starting his program here in Stoughton. The other group that spoke was teenagers who are all part of the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) at the library and the Monday Night Homework Center. Chinonye Okeke, Ariel Eloi, and Mason Boyle told wonderful stories of their experiences with the library, with TAB and with the Homework Center. All three were well spoken, articulate and great ambassadors for their schools and town. I’ve attended several of these breakfasts over the past few years and I am always impressed with the stories told by the patrons. I am also impressed with the level of support that this community gives to its library and to the other human service departments in town. While other libraries are facing decertification, large cutbacks in hours, and in some case library closures, Stoughton has been able to maintain many of its core services. It takes a lot of creativity, countless grant applications, and thinking outside the box to come up with programs and funding in this tough economic climate. On Friday, February 26 at 7:30, Channel 5’s Chronicle will air a story called “What’s the Word?” Chronicle was in Stoughton just over a week ago to tape at the library and they spent time with the teens that spoke at the breakfast and with Sheila Osborne who runs the Homework Center, they interviewed Mr. Bothelo, and they interviewed library director, Pat Basler. The focus of the story will be the Cushing Academy, a private high school where they have eliminates all books in their library, and also the Cambridge Public Library System. After hearing of the patron stories at the legislative breakfast they decided to come to Stoughton to tape additional footage. We don’t know how much, if any of the footage will make it to the final story."--Joyce Husseini, Library Trustee

"Hi Mark, Do you remember how exciting the Winter Classic was at Fenway? Do you remember how the hair on the back of your neck stood up when Al Michaels asked about your belief in miracles back in 1980? Do you remember the epic battle that took place last year at the Canton Sports Plex between the Stoughton Police and Stoughton Fire Department? I don't know which of the three I would choose, but of the three, the only one you have a chance to re-live is the Guns N' Hoses annual benefit game for the Friends of Stoughton Hockey. This year the FD will be without one of their top players as Jack Macomber is selflessly serving in Iraq. We all wish him a safe return. In the spirit of the Winter Olympics this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxmT9OLPCQQ will show people what excitement lies ahead. We hope to see you there on Saturday February 27, 2010. And as always, GO PD!"--

"Hi Mark, I heard from Rep. Kafka’s office regarding the bill Al Lipkind wanted passed. As you know well, Al was a great guy who did so much for Stoughton. I’m not really qualified to provide any type of written testimony to support this bill as my initial inquiry was only to see Al’s wishes carried out. Can you post something on this hearing and help inform readers that they can contact Kafka’s office to either testify or provide written support for Al’s wishes? Thanks for your help."---Rob Germain

"Mark, I am opposed to any transfer for the proposed funding on the finance committee agenda. I allege that the 3 selectmen that signed the contract with Mr. Crimmins violated the MGL Chapter 44: Section 31.They knowingly violated the salary limit for the position of town manager that was appropriated by the ATM. I allege that they illegally entered into a contract with Mr. Crimmins and put the town at risk for litigation. Also, it appears that the Mr. Crimmins does not meet the criteria specified in the Town Charter. Chapter 44: Section 31 is entitled "Liabilities in excess of appropriation forbidden; exceptions" The exceptions noted are flood, drought, fire, hurricane, earthquake, storm, etc. i.e. major disaster. Chapter 44 :Section 31B was repealed. Any legal opinion given by the town counsel to support this transfer is just that: an opinion. This opinion may lead to litigation and cost the town thousands of dollars to defend. It most likely cannot be defended. To supplement a salary line item by a transfer from the reserve fund is not an extraordinary or unforeseen need. This transfer request does not appear to meet the legal definition of extraordinary. The 3 selectmen purposefully and with full knowledge offered and signed a contract that exceed the line item appropriation for the position of Town Manager. To attempt to make the Finance Committee accomplices in their alleged wrongdoing is shameful.It is my expectation that the Finance Committee will do the right thing and let the selectmen negotiate another contract and, if so inclined, request more funding for salary items at the ATM.Please note that the TM salary is out of line with like communities. The additional benefits add several thousands of $ to the signed contract. The true price is probably closer to $180,000! This is extraordinary in these times when probably 60% of Stoughton taxpayers received no increase in salaries, no increase in social security, or lost their jobs.The 3 selectmen who signed this contract should be sent a message. I think they should all resign from office. How do their actions support their oath of office?"--David Camacho

" I just read, and am disheartened to hear, that SHS may have to eliminate track commencing in 2011 because the track is in disrepair. Although the track is considered a school facility it is one of the facilities that is available to the entire community at "no cost", similar to the Tennis Courts. Those who use these facilities realize the benefits of having these. I understand that times are tough, financially, for the community and money may not be available at the present time to fully repair the track. This does not mean that the SHS Track program needs to be eliminated, rather it
needs to be altered. I went to SHS and played Baseball and Football during a unique time. I played Varsity Baseball from 1963 to 1966 and Varsity Football from 1963 to 1965. During this time the D & E wings of SHS were being constructed. From 1964 through '66 there were no home baseball games played at SHS because the field was torn up. Therefore, my Soph, Jr and Sr years I never had a "home" game. In September of my Sr year the same was true for the football team, we played ALL our games on the road. Commencing the 1966-67 school year SHS was
again able to host home games for its teams. If money isn't available, at the present time, wouldn't it make sense to play on the road again and provide the student/athlete the opportunity to
participate in an activity they enjoy? Heck, its much better than seeing them on the street, isn't it? During this time couldn't the community look to possible sources for grant
money (Fed gov Stimulus funds, etc), have fund raisers to help offset the cost to do this project. Heck, why not go all out and redo the whole area, track, tennis courts and artificial surface the football field. Instead of being negative, be proactive, think outside the box, be creative. It can be done!!! Walpole, through private contributions did it, Canton did it, mostly through donations
(although Reebok helped). I no longer live in Stoughton, but, I still have great pride in the fact that I once played ball at SHS and if a fund raiser were to be held that would upgrade the facilities the student/athlete could use I would willingly give to see that they had the opportunity to use a first class facility. Think of the pride everyone would have knowing this was part of their community. Before placing an article at town meeting, see what can be done other ways to raise money. If you can't raise it all privately, it would be a whole lot easier to ask for less from Town Meeting than every bit of it. Again, think outside the box, be creative, be positive. Lets get off the negative routine. I'm willing to contribute, I'll bet others are also. Try it, you may be surprised."-- Peter Everett, Morrisville, VT

"Mark, I have to respond Joseph F. Baeta's e-mail to you. Apparently, anyone interested in open, honest, and transparent town government is a "no brain-er", but what would I know - I'm just a tax paying resident who is kept in the dark about the process of selecting our Town Manager. I don't know Mr. Crimmins personally, but I happen to believe that no one can walk on water. I keep asking myself, what was the urgency of not taking the extra time to a transparent and open process, if for no other reason than to help unify the town. Surely, a candidate as strong as he's made out to be, would easily be able to stand up to the scrutiny. The Enterprise Editorial entitled "Behind Stoughton's Closed Doors" really says it all. I also keep asking how answering questions publicly can possibly be unethical. Finance committee members are going to meet this Thursday night in the Great Hall and I hope, vote NOT to appropriate money that the town doesn't have. This is just my opinion, but I think we need to pack that finance committee meeting, to support members who will act from a position of fiduciary responsibility, and not political lobbying."--Rick Lynch

"Dear Mark: I am writing on behalf of this Town getting it right and hiring the Judge to the post of Town Administrator. Its a no brainer...this Town has been paying for people without his expertise and his integrity for years and look where it has gotten us. I believe the Judge brings us back to the days of honest leadership and a clear belief system; something Stoughton has not seen in decades. Lastly, this issue with the funding source is but one very simple vote from completion...although I understand the need for a FinCom vote the FinCom issue could be easily resolved by having the Judge agree to work 3.5 to 4 days per week for the remainder of the fiscal year and with limited vacation and other benefits etc. and prorate the salary like everyone else does for these type of situations. For 4 days per week you are getting the very best. The Board could then appropriately budget for FY11. FinCom should not allow for this to stop the best thing that could happen for Stoughton. I know how this works and I am sure that money can be found in the salary lines of Town Hall. Cut the fat elsewhere and bring the Judge home."--Joseph F. Baeta

"Mark, Please pass on to your readers that the Habitat for Humanity-Stoughton Local Partnership Committee will be hosting a battle of the bands on May 7, 2010 at the Stoughton High School Auditorium. "Stoughton Rocks for Habitat for Humanity" is open to middle school and high school students from any school. A panel of judges will screen demo CD's submitted by the bands that enter and choose five bands to play live on May 7, 2010. Applications will be posted at Stoughton High School and surrounding schools. "24 South" , a band with strong Stoughton ties, will act as our house band and will be playing in between competing bands. Stoughton's own Solstice Studios (owned by Ed Basile) has donated the Grand Prize of 4-hours of recording time. Rich Spillberg, SHS Class of 1984 and formerly of WARGASM, has donated his expertise and will produce and engineer one song for the winning band at Solstice Studios. This should be a great night of music for a great cause. If anyone has any questions, or to request an application, they can reach me at shawncroke@hotmail.com or 781-341-0818."--Shawn Croke

"I just finished reading all the information this week in the Stoughton Journal regarding the hiring of Judge Crimmins and I am appalled at the way the town is reacting to what could be the best possible answer to the town's fiscal and legal and future concerns. Judge Crimmins is worth every penny of the 158,000.00 negotiated for the position. He is available, competent and brings more to the table with his experience and education than any search committee or unknown applicant who may come forward. Our other Officials i.e. Police Chief , Fire Chief have already been compensated over the years in the same ball park with well compensated Assistants and Deputies. Our Town Manager only has Reggie who continues to be invaluable to oversee the ENTIRE TOWN and ALL Departments and Agencies. I felt the analogy of the new salary for Mark at 142,000 ( no benefits included ) and then saying Judge Crimmin's salary is above average based on a study that should include benefits was misleading. When I then read that $$$$ should be made available for fourth of July Parade as an expense but NOT go forward with Judge Crimmins because of $$$$$$$$$$ I had to write."--Arlene Newman

"Dear Mr. Snyder: I am a new Stoughton resident and watched in disbelief tonight's Board of Selectmen mtg. Until recently, I worked for the City of Boston, where I was a union steward and moved up through the ranks over 30 years. I have been following closely but quietly the chaos in town unfold. I don't know any of the players but do know this - the Mayor of Boston's salary is $170k per year and he has a lot more employees and a much larger budget than Stoughton. As a matter of fact, last year Mayor Menino took a 3% cut to show his solidarity with Boston employees who were being asked to make concessions during tight fiscal times. Even the Mayor of Brockton, next to us has a salary of $131k. If this was happening in Boston, the Unions would have been banging the drum for recalls and shouting off the rooftops to local news and tv outlets but in Stoughton they all remained quiet. That Chairman should be ashamed of himself for making a professional appoinment into one of the most blatantly prejudicial I have ever withnessed. I can see the next Headline - STOUGHTON SELECTS TM AT $158K - $12K LESS THAN THE MAYOR OF BOSTON AND $27K MORE THAN THE MAYOR OF BROCKTON!"-- Richard Thomas, New Resident and Former Union Steward in Boston

"Mark: I’ve been following the issue of replacing the town manager. Again, this town has a division of opinion of how this process should be accomplished. It is my understanding that this process began last November. No motion was ever made to form a search committee.A few weeks ago, in a 5-0 unanimous vote the selectmen authorized Chairman Anastos to investigate the possibility of hiring Francis Crimmins to fill the town manager position. Throughout this process, which was all done openly, none of the other selectmen offered a better solution. No citizens came forward with any solution. It is my understanding that the police search which has been going on for approximately six months will end up costing the town roughly $20,000. With the exception of Mr. Anastos, none of the other selectmen were willing to step up to work to find a solution to this town vacancy. With all that’s going on in town, we need to fill this position as soon as possible. With the town’s financial situation, this should be accomplished with as little expense as possible (without sacrificing the quality of whoever gets hired). It would be very easy for Mr. Anastos to take the easy route, and procrastinate. He took charge of the situation, because nobody else would. Rather than being critical of Mr. Anastos, I am thankful that he is putting in the time, and doing what others have stepped back from."--Dave Nankin

"Phil, thank you for your kind comments about my letter. The report I mentioned was based on data for the entire state and almost ¾ did not have an Asst. Town Manager. About 5 months ago, Billerica hired a Town Manager at $130k and they have a population of 40,000 and a budget of $122 million. I wish that objective data would support the proposed salary of $155-$160k but it does not. I want Judge Crimmins to succeed - that way the Finance Committee volunteers will not have to develop the entire budget with limited input from the BOS which has been the case over the past couple of years. It is never “fun or enjoyable” to be the person who says we cannot afford that or ask the “hard’ questions but that is the role that I am in and I want to honor the people who have given me that responsibility. At Town Meeting, I am often running around in the back of the room trying to identify strategies to save the Town money and fund staff positions. I know people see me because one time I made the mistake of being a little too loud and several heads turned and gave me the same look my Mom does when she is not thrilled with my actions."-- Holly Boykin, Chairperson, Finance Committee

"Stoughton residents: I appreciate Snyder's Stoughton allowing free political discourse, as the costs involved with Pennysaver ads can be burdensome! Mr. Stagnone is correct that he was the only candidate who stated his position on the Board of Selectmen's process used to recruit a new town manager for Stoughton. If you are wondering why others chose not to, I can explain my own position on the matter. I will not jump into a fray without having complete knowledge of what processes have occurred that I might not be privy to. Only 5 people get a package of information every week. Did I like the outcome this matter? I will reserve judgment , wait and see whether Judge Crimmins takes the job, and how well he does at it should that come to light. Part of the job of the BOS is to make policy, so let's be clear and concise on this matter. There should,be in place a policy which describes how the BOS proceed in filing vacant positions for Department Heads, Chiefs of Police and Fire, and the Town Manager. As in the private sector, there should be job descriptions for every position for which they hire. Without same, there is no basis for evaluation of the employees at any further date. On another topic, or did I mean Topix, let me state clearly that I am running my own campaign. The fabulous Mel is my treasurer. I am my campaign manager, and no one else. Though I run a camera on Mr. Snyder's show, and the controls on Community Forum, no one is running Dori Frankel. Those of you who know me know that I speak my own mind, never have been a puppet for anyone. WTP is a defunct organization that served its own purpose years ago, and the critics of same should move on to another topic, or did I mean Topix.

"To the Residents: Recently I commented on what I felt was a lack of a process by the Board of Selectmen for filling the Town Manager’s position. I was very concerned that by not having adopted any process (such as a job description and application deadline), all of the progress that the Selectmen have made in the past 2 years in moving our town forward could be lost and this would overshadow any candidate coming into the position of Town Manager. As events have unfolded, my position on this process represents the views of the vast majority of townspeople who made them known at the Selectmen’s meeting on Tuesday and elsewhere. Raising my concerns may not have been very popular with some, but it is my position and it reflects what I would have done if I were your Selectman. We know from recent history in town that past practices that were less than “open and transparent” led to costly and embarrassing mistakes. Should I be elected as your Selectman, you know how I would have proceeded on this important issue. No other candidate for selectman publicly weighed in either way on this discussion. The decision about who will be the next Town Manager has been made. As a town, we must not let our disagreements keep us from working together. If Judge Crimmins accepts the offer to be our next Town Manager, I am sure we will be able to work together and continue to move Stoughton forward."--John J. Stagnone, Candidate for Selectman

Holly Boykin makes a lot of sense in her letter but the pay scales that Holly wrote of do not show if those towns pay an assistant town manager. She wrote that "the Town of Watertown performed a study reviewing the salary structure and benefit package for Town Managers. They found out the average salary and benefit package for a Town Manager was $151,681". That means that there are some higher and some lower. I know that Mark S. now has an assistant in Plymouth. How much does his assistant get paid? Does that decrease the manager's salary since it cuts his workload? I think that this study assumes that the averages are statistically the same. They are not. With studies like this, there are too many variables that have a direct effect on the result. An assistant town manager also gets a high salary. I am sure that in order to reach their average, they listed salaries of managers only and didn't take into consideration that most have assistants. Just something for everyone to think about since we don't have an assistant in Stoughton."-- Phil Yaitanes

"Dear Stoughton Residents and Business Owners: At a recent Department Head meeting, I was asked by someone why the Finance Committee does not simply go along with the Board of Selectmen budget as presented to us. My reply, was that the Town Charter required the Finance Committee to be a separate entity and to provide a method to ensure that there were checks and balance in developing the budget and Town priorities. I also replied on a more informal note, it is also the place where Department Heads can come and give us information that for some reason was not provided to the Board of Selectmen. So why should I speak up about the Town Manager position , it is because I owe it to every taxpayer and resident in the community that we get the best bang for the buck , that we act fairly and impartially in terms of process and salary compensation is fair and reasonable. More importantly, that the decision does not create a precedent whereby future decisions and salaries are set at a level that we simply cannot afford. As a former mentor once told me, what makes hiring in the public sector different than hiring in the private sector besides lower salaries is that we are using other people’s money to pay for that position. Therefore, you must follow an objective criteria in the hiring of that person and ensure that certain steps are followed because it is those standards that will either standup in public scrutiny or create public discontent. Always remember, that whatever decision you come to as a public official should be able to stand up to the “it if looks likes a duck, smells like a duck and quacks like a duck it is a duck” if not then it should not be used in hiring someone especially if it sets a poor precedent.

In January, 2009, the Town of Watertown performed a study reviewing the salary structure and benefit package for Town Managers. They found out the average salary and benefit package for a Town Manager was $151,681. This translates into an average salary of $120,000 and a benefits package of S30,000. Both the salary and benefit package offered to the new Town Manager is higher and therefore will lead to a poor precedent and have a rippling effect when hiring other people and in contract negotiations. Also, just 2 months ago our own Town Manager left us for a new position in Plymouth, one of the largest towns in Massachusetts, where his base salary is $142,000.. In the near future, we are going to be hiring a number of Department Heads and we owe it to the community to make sure that we can simply state the logic behind the decision and to ensure that it was a fair process. Otherwise, we could hire a local CPA to become the next Town Treasurer and pay them the going marker rate or even worse someone whose only experience was Chair of the Finance Committee. I have also learned a lot in this process, most importantly that we need to have a simple process to identify what are the Town’s priorities, to develop salary schedules based on comparable data and most importantly to emphasize to my Finance Committee members that our decisions must pass the test mentioned above. There also needs to be better communication between all of the leadership branches of town, Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, School Committee and Town Meeting Members so we can move the town forward and unified when not only the Town has a surplus but more importantly when we are facing deficits. I have had the honor of working with very committed volunteers and residents through extremely difficult fiscal times. My role has always been to keep us moving forward and to make sure whatever decision we made could be clearly explained and that there was an objective criteria used to develop it. It doesn’t mean that we always agreed but at least I could explain it to you in a method that you could understand.

When Judge Crimmins transfers into his new role as Town Manager, he will have to face a daunting task, to move us forward while managing a deficit of at least $2million as of today and without getting lost in the Town’s politics. I am starting to learn and accept to say “It is what it is”. I am hoping that despite our disagreements, we can unite together to weather the fiscal storm that the Town is facing. Otherwise, it will cost the town not only financially but more importantly further divide the community. Good luck Judge Crimmins, the Finance Committee looks forward to working with you on the budget for FY’11 and for years to come."--Holly Boykin, Chairperson, Finance Committee

"Dear Residents: All of our Board of Selectmen(BOS) meetings are open to the public and broadcast on the local access cable channel. The BOS discussed
finding a replacement for Mark S at our November 12th meeting and subsequent meetings. The only thing we agreed to do was put an ad in
the Beacon ( a publication for municipalities) which we later learned ( at our meeting on December 15th) did not occur. No agreement was
reached on hiring a search firm, forming a search committee or defining any formal process. All Selectmen are free to make motions, propose solutions or discuss whatever they choose. No motions were ever brought forth defining a hiring process for the next Town Manager. With no formal agreement on how to proceed, I offered to seek out and contact potential candidates( to assess their interest) including town managers within the region. All members of the BOS were free to do the same. Over the course of two months I spoke with dozens of potential candidates. On January 19th at a regularly scheduled meeting of the BOS I revealed the name of my preferred candidate, Judge Crimmins and after much discussion and deliberation, I asked the if the members for permission to proceed with negotiations. All members were allowed to express their views and the members voted unanimously (5-0) to proceed. In the final analysis the BOS fulfilled their responsibilities under the Town Charter and complied with all open meeting laws. Five members together charted this course of action and no one acted alone. Perhaps we would have
taken a different path had the ad been placed in the Beacon and perhaps we would have received many resumes but we'll never know. I can tell you that I spoke with many town managers, town
administrators, lawyers, consultants and other elected officials during the recruitment, there wasn't as much interest as I had hoped for and in my opinion Judge Crimmins was the best candidate I met with. I have thought a lot about what happened the last ten weeks. I think the BOS should have been more attentive to this matter, perhaps more diligent. We all share responsibility for our collective decisions, we share the credit equally and we share the blame equally as well. I suspect we have all learned something from this adventure, I know I have. In the final analysis though, we have recruited a very capable leader in Judge Crimmins, someone that we all can believe in. The BOS are five volunteers trying to do their very best for this
town. I admire and respect the work that each one does and I am proud to serve with all of them. The BOS may not have provided you with a
unanimous vote on our new Town Manager but I know the character of this board. We will come together and rally unanimously around our new Chief Executive. The time for second guessing is over, it is time to build a better future for Stoughton." Steve Anastos, Chairman, Stoughton Board of Selectmen

"We voted these people in office, let them do their job. One writer is "disguested" with what went on at the meeting, (One misspelled word and I just can't read any further, my eyes keep going back to the misspelled word). I always thought that the town manager was an appointed position by the highest executive authority of the town (Selectmen). Why would the Board waste our time looking for, what Mr. O'Regan referred to as "attracting and hiring the most qualified person for the job"? Does he expect a line of Harvard graduates and Judges to apply? Mr. Stagnone gave a link to your readers because he was doing research on the process for recruiting a town manager, WHY? Again, I say it, let the selectmen do their job. I agree with Mr. Mokrisky's comments on Judge Crimmins. I will quote him- "Fran Crimmins exceeds those requirements. He has been a Selectmen, served as Town Moderator not to mention his college education. Fran is a person who knows Stoughton. He knows the people, the issues and the problems that occurred in the past". If these people really believe that there will be a better candidate than Francis Crimmins and prefer the Town of Stoughton to spend thousands of dollars on the "process" searching for one, then they will be in for a surprise. The best candidate is already in front of them. On the hundreds of meetings I have watched or attended, I always cringed when the town manager would say to the Selectmen... I will have to check with Town Council and get back to you...Cha Ching! Let the selectmen make the decisions that we elected them to make."-- Phil Yaitanes

"Hi Mark-I am beginning to think we have a love fest with the Crimmins family. Just last year, this same Board of Selectman put in another Crimmins family member as Acting Town Clerk. Judge Crimmins sister-in-law is a Town employee and I believe his wife also works for the Town in some capacity. I stilll have yet to hear from the Board of Selectmen on how they plan to handle the conflict of interest that will arise when his brother, Barry appears before them. What was also interesting to watch was that most of the people that spoke up for Judge Crimmins were the old 'Townies' and the people who spoke about having a professional process were 'new' members of the community. The most hypocritical item and a slap in the face to Town Residents was the actions by 2 members of the Board of Selectman - Anderson and Anastos who tried to have us hire an HR Manager on 2 different occassions over the past year to professionalize the Town. They gave in to political pressure and would not even make sure an ad was placed and then scapegoated the Town Manager for not putting it in. I mean there are 3 secretary's on the 3rd floor and no one could place an ad in the last 2 months. Imagine if Town Meeting had approve that position, then the process they used to select Judge Crimmins would have never been done - I guess today they are happy that we don't have an HR Manager."--A. Miller

"Dear Mr. Snyder: My condolescences to the Town of Stoughton. In the past 7 years, I have watched my family's property values decline while Stoughton's name has been blasted by the media for placing endited officers on paid leave, having police officers convicted of crimes, probes by the FBI for criminal collusion , town services dwindle and school programs decline. Last night, we set a new precedent by not even making the candidate be interviewed in a public process. Chairman Anastos misled the community by stating that the Judicial Code of Conduct forbid him from interviewing in public which in reality is NOT TRUE. We heard clearly that Judge Crimmins CHOSE not to intereview it was a personal decision because he is a local judge. However, he SHOULD have been interviewed with the caveat that we did not discuss pending cases before the Court. A TRUE LEADER is not someone who just thinks about today but how their actions will impact tomorrow. The 3 members who voted for Judge Crimmins showed their poor leadership skills by cowering behind Town Charter and Town Counsel to justify their role in not having a professional process, a potentially outrageous package - his salary may be $150-$160k but add in all of the other perks and it is a $200k package despite what Chairman Anastos would lead you to believe and also the touting out a group of old Townies to talk about how it was forty years ago and why their dear friend Judge Crimmins should be the Town Manager.

"Dear Mr. Snyder: I am disguested by what went on at the Selectmen's mtg tonight. Two of the most earnest remarks were made by Ms. Monroe and Ms. Boykin. Ms. Monroe stated that an ad could be place to run online in the Beacon tomorrow and applicants could move quickly thru the process as allowed by the Town Charter. Mr Anastos misled people by stating that an although not required by town charter he had chosen to placed the ad in a February 12th paper issue and give 30 days for applicants to fit into the timeline he wanted. Mr. Anderson compounded the problem by identifying the fact that we were hiring a new Police Chief in the next week probably which means that the selected applicant would start in early March. Even with the timeline Mr. Anastos made the Police Chief would be operating without a town manager for about a 3-6 weeks. Ms. Boykin was on target with her comment that by selecting a candidate with a 3-2 vote, we would be moving back to the days of prior boards who were not productive and we now have added to the fuel that we are a town still divided. I could tell by her words that she was striving to have the Board identify a method to positively move the entire community forward and unite behind the new town manager. I noted also that in Ms. Fleming's comments she neglected to say that although Mr. Farrington and herself were selected in similiar fashion - all of the Selectmen stood united in their support. Judge Crimmins does not have united support from his soon-to-be new bosses."--

"Mark, I am shocked that a few people are questioning an appointment that the selectmen are deciding on for town manager. The candidate is one of the most highly respected residents in the town and surely will beat out any competition for the position. The main point that I feel should be made that these people that are against this appointment because of the high salary offer. I feel that they fail to see the big picture here. They should look at what the town has paid in legal costs in the past. This salary increase is "peanuts" compared to what the town will be saving in legal costs from town council having a man with this level of legal experience as town manager. I am for the appointment without the added expense and the process of searching for a better candidate."-- Phil Yaitanes

"Mark: I am asking for your help on an issue that is really a problem in the center of town. I believe we really need to put up those signs that say that it is state law to stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk. I spoke with acting chief T. Murphy last summer about this and he said they didn't want to do it because people tend to hit the signs (note the irony here) and that they were working on changes in the center. The changes are not helping. Because the center is so congested and "every man for himself" attitude, it causes even the most passive driver to become agressive upon arrival and departure of the center. As a pedestrian that walks to the train station every day, this then causes drivers not to want to stop anywhere "they don't have to", such as at a crosswalk. There have been so many pedestrians hit lately, just yesterday 2 people were killed in different accidents.I have also e-mailed the town hall with no response. I would really appreciate your help with this, just posting it on your website would be a start, and any suggestions would also be appreciated."--Jean Burns

"Please come out tonight at 6:30 p.m. (1/26/10) to Town Hall and let your Selectmen know that you do not approve of the process (there is none) to appoint a new town manager. A special, short-notice Selectmen's meeting was posted on Friday for this meeting on Tuesday. It is the minimum time allowed under the Open Meeting Law. Why the rush? As residents, voters and taxpayers, we have not been told what has been done to define the search criteria to fill this position, how the search would be conducted, or whether and what backgrounds any applicants presented. Whether or not you know any of the Selectmen, call them and e-mail them to let them know you would like them to stop and create a real hiring process. We have seen and are paying the price for short cuts taken before, and in saying this I do not mean to suggest whoever made the decisions wanted to hurt the town at all any more than I think those involved now want to do so.
The qualifications and hiring criteria have never been announced. The position has not been advertised or posted. For too long, we have not let town officials know when we disagree with decisions or how they are made We have let the mistakes happen that have cost us dearly. The way the votes appear, the town manager could be appointed by the vote of only 1 person (2 -2 tie, chairman votes to hire) and without any public process or interview. This should NOT be allowed to happen. Out of deference to his successor, Mr. Mokrisky should take himself out of making the decision. A reasonably-timed search process would allow the search to be completed for interviews and vote immediately after the election. We have not been told any reason why we should compensate this candidate with an unprecedented package worth $200,000 +/- or exactly what that will produce for Stoughton. So, we can expect the contract will actually cost us much more than that -- it's how things happen. By comparison, the Mayor of Gloucester (pop. 28,000) is full time with similar duties as our town manager. Salary: $95,000. Neighboring towns pay in the range of $130,000 for professional town managers. We have not been told any reason why we should pay this candidate $200,000 +/- or exactly what that will produce for Stoughton. No one questions the personal character, education, love for the town, and gifted personality. What we have not seen are skills and talents connected to the job of managing a municipal government that has the challenges we face: negotiating contracts with 7 unions by Town Meeting; budget deficits; health insurance costs that are running away; pressure from the state with railroad expansion and 40B projects; and more. As residents, voters and taxpayers, we have been provided no information or analysis about the benefit to the town in proceeding this way. Instead, to question the process and ask for information produces a response directed at the personality of the candidate and not the public and business decision of this hiring process. This coming year Stoughton faces a $3.8 million budget deficit. We owe $600,000 in unfunded payments related to last year's payroll. Insurance and step increases place us further behind the ball. This large payroll increase will boost our required contribution to the Norfolk County Retirement System. This will upset the salary scale throughout Town Hall. Please show your support for good government in Stoughton. Come to this Selectmen's meeting. Protest any action on the town manager appointment until a competent job search is done. This could be completed within a few weeks. This candidate's name could stay in the mix. We can't know who the best person is for the job if we do not let anyone apply for it! WE NEED TO BE THERE. Thank you."-- Bob O'Regan

"Dear Mark: The following is a sentence from the December 31, 2009 Massachusetts SJC decision."It is essential to a democratic form of government that the public have broad access to the decisions made by its elected officials and to the way in which the decisions are reached" (emphasis added). Foudy v. Amherst-Pelham Regional Sch. Comm., 402 Mass. 179, 184 (1988). In a decision announced this morning, the state Supreme Judicial Court admonished the Wayland School Committee for discussing the “professional competence” of its schools superintendent in an executive session under the Open Meeting Law (G.L. c. 39, 23B), where the law explicitly requires such discussions to be help in an open session. See, DISTRICT ATTORNEY FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT vs. SCHOOL COMMITTEE OF WAYLAND (SJC No. 10406). More significantly, however, the Court ruled that emails between individual school committee members preceding the executive session violated the OML. The emails were kicked off by the committee’s chairman, and constituted an online discussion of the superintendent’s job performance. The Court ruled that even emails exchanges that were not between a quorum of members still violated the OML where the evidence showed that the committee engaged in the email exchanges purposely to circumvent the OML. This is the first appellate-level decision applying the OML to email communications, but is more important for the principle that even communications between a non-quorum of board members, whether electronically or face-to-face, can still violate the OML if the intent is to circumvent the statute.The question is, with whom did Mr. Anastos discuss the Town Manager recruitment proposal? Am I to believe that he never mentioned this to another BOS member before the meeting?"--David Camacho

"Mr. Snyder: This letter is in response to your opinion piece on the Senate election. You shouldn’t be surprised by the so-called name calling you endured on your Facebook page (you poor thing) because, from your explanation of the “perfect storm” that led to Scott Brown’s win, it is clear that you buy into some of the half-truths and downright lies propagated by those that want the current administration in Washington to fail. The proposed health care bills (have you actually read them?) that you claim the Democrats were trying to “shove down our throats” were heavily favored in every public poll. That changed only when a torrent of misinformation and lies was unleashed on the airwaves.

In these public declarations by Republican backers (including Mr. Brown’s own campaign ads), the bills were called a “government takeover of health care” and also claimed that, if passed, you wouldn’t be able to choose your doctor and, laughibly, that illegal aliens would be provided with coverage. All these things are patently false, and if you had read even the bills’ summaries you, and everyone else, would know that. Fear is a powerful thing, and if a candidate can scare people sufficiently he or she can coast to victory. So what if that fear is based on half-truths? Anything to win an election and impede Obama’s agenda, right?

A perfect example of this is Mr. Brown’s contention that when Ms. Coakley said, “We have to get taxes up there,” she meant that she favored raising tax rates. In reality, that quote was taken from an exchange where Ms. Coakley was talking about attracting more businesses to the Commonwealth in order to increase the Massachusetts tax base. Mr. Brown knew Ms. Coakley was not a call for raisng our taxes, yet he spread this lie in his ads and when speaking in public. When a lie is spoken out loud often enough, people start to think it is the truth. THAT is a big reason that Mr. Brown won the election. Shame on you for condoning that practice."--Andrew Lippitt, Stoughton

" Mark: In doing research on the process for recruiting a town manager, I found this link to the MMMA's recruitment handbook. This handbook has a lot of good guidance on how to proceed with recruiting a town manager. This ties into my position on how I think we should have gone about filling the town manager's position and may be of interest to your readers."--John Stagnone

"Mark –Some information posted on your site was called to my attention, so I would appreciate the chance to spell out my concerns with the town manager selection process. Dropping a 'bombshell', as you put it, with the name of an individual, regardless of how well respected he is, has prematurely placed this person into a public discussion before the Selectman have told the residents or any other interested applicants what qualifications they have set to fill the position and how they will go about doing it. It leaves us to ask whether they have set any qualifications or have a strategy to fill the position. Townspeople should not have to ask this question. A well designed, focused search process should not take too long. It is worth the effort. The concern shared by many others across town, I have learned throughout today, is dissatisfaction with an ad hoc selection process for the town manager. Shortcuts and flawed decisions have resulted in many of the problems that have embarrassed us and that are costing our treasury dearly. I assume those making the decisions did not want to hurt the town at all, but good faith is not enough. It is an unacceptable response by one Selectman that they do not owe the public a duty to set and explain criteria and process for making a decision because of language in the Town Charter. This points out two basic responsibilities: the Selectmen must exercise good judgment when making decisions within their power, and ensure public confidence when doing so (which does not mean we all have to agree). Public confidence relies on the public being informed of a process by which decisions are made and the good judgment shown by elected leaders in making them. These are interdependent. With all the town has been through, we need to see the Selectmen take these steps consistently. Selection of a town manager, which is such an important decision, is precisely a time when these principles should be on the greatest display. It is truly unfortunate for an elected public official to suggest that the Town Charter makes the official unaccountable to adopt, explain and follow an open, public, clear and competent decision making process.
Despite your quip that these concerns may be “textbook” government, in fact they go to the heart of why many residents of the town are so disappointed with – if not disgusted by – town government. Many of us remain hopeful that our new Board of Selectmen will work to correct this, and since 2007 we have elected “reform” candidates. Shortcuts that could seem reasonable in other places or at other times are unsuitable here and now. They suggest the same old way of doing business. It is a mistake to trivialize the importance of good process to good decisions and public confidence in them. As for comments about the Senate election, the lesson there is about open government and “reform” candidates following through with their promises to the voters. The election vented anger with how Democrats have abused the super majority in both Washington and on Beacon Hill. Applied to our situation, the election means that decisions must be made openly and with full public disclosure.So, if the Selectmen decide, in an open meeting, to state the selection criteria, post the opening, and also permit any or all of them to speak with and recruit potential candidates, that would be progress. If they also decide on a rapid, focused evaluation of candidates, this would be a good step. But nothing is more important in this selection than for the town and every candidate to believe that the selection was based solely on merit, in a fair and open process, designed for the purpose of attracting and hiring the most qualified person for the job. I do not believe this can be accomplished without a change of course. Saying so is difficult precisely because of my high personal regard for the individual mentioned last night. Thank you."--Bob O'Regan,Town Meeting Representative, Precinct 1

"Dear Stoughton Board of Selectmen: It has come to my attention that the building inspector in Sharon is of the opinion that the land to the west of the edge of the pavement of Bay Road from Plain Street to Mountain Street (Sharon side) is owned by Sharon. He feels that Stoughton maintains the actual road, but Sharon owns the land in the right of way. I feel this is incorrect because the old maps and laws clearly show that Stoughton owns to the old stone wall to the west of the edge of pavement. This should be of concern to Stoughton because it is unlikely that the building inspector is the only Sharon employee who feels that Sharon owns the right of way between Bay Road and the homeowners’ property. If Sharon thinks it owns the property but does not: (a). It is possible the Sharon tree warden could authorize the removal of Stoughton trees and they would be removed before Stoughton could do anything. (b). Sharon could authorize the laying of water pipes on Stoughton land. (c). The building inspector and other employees in Sharon are incorrectly enforcing Sharon Town bylaws on Stoughton property. (d). Sharon could be planning to widen Bay Road on the Sharon side. If Sharon owns the property: (a) Why does Stoughton pay to remove overhanging tree limbs, etc. on Sharon property? (b). Why does Stoughton have to pay for a guardrail on Sharon property for the recently collapsed culvert? I feel that it is particularly important to resolve this issue with the looming Brickstone project and for any future actions that might be taken on this strip of property along Bay Road. Thank you."--Cheryl Weinstein, Coach Lane, Sharon

"Mark, Although I don't do this often I felt it of the utmost importance to respond to your website article regarding the Selectmen's Meeting last night.
Last night Senator Elect Scott Brown a Republican made history. He was elected to a seat held by Ted Kennedy most likely the best known Democratic Senator in the country for almost 47 years. How did he do that? By knowing his base. He reached out to people, not voters, he ran to represent people like himself and overwhelmingly earned their support. I read the statements of John Stagnone and Bob O'Regan with great displeasure and the conclusion that they simply don't know the people of Stoughton. They criticize "the process". For the record there is no law, rule or regulation that states the Selectmen must use "a process". The Town Charter is the document, which governs the operation, which the Selectmen must follow when appointing a Town Manager. The Town charter states a Town Manager "shall be a person specially fitted by education, training, and experience to perform the duties of said office. Fran Crimmins exceeds those requirements. He has been a Selectmen, served as Town Moderator not to mention his college education. Fran is a person who knows Stoughton. He knows the people, the issues and the problems that occurred in the past. We need a person who knows Stoughton, who can bring people with different views together, help our town heal from the past and move forward. John Stagnone and Bob O'Regan can continue to talk about "process". I want to talk about getting Stoughton moving forward and bringing people together to work for the good of all. If Fran Crimmins is interested in the position, he has my vote. It's time to stop beating things to death and put "People First not Politics."Our town has gone through some very troubling times in the past years. Some of the damage that has been done in some cases may never be repaired. People have been hurt personally, employees of our town have violated the trust of "the people of Stoughton". Individuals have been accused of wrong doings not be documentation but by rumor or what they believe in. It is time for Stoughton to pick themselves up and take a stand. Its time to move out the people who do not want to make."--Joe Mokrisky, Selectman

"Mark: Through the 80’s and 90’s and the early 2000 years, Stoughton H.S. baseball was one of the most successful and respected programs in the state. The program achieved two state titles, five league championships, and sixteen MIAA tournament appearances including seven out of eight seasons from 1996 through 2003. These years also produced a Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame coach with 400 wins. More significantly though, a plethora off grateful and respectful players who knew how to play the game and who attributed their success, both on and off the field, to being involved in Stoughton High’s baseball program were produced. However, times have changed. From 2004 until the present, Stoughton H.S. baseball has fallen on hard times. The program has had six straight losing seasons, some with only one or two wins. It has become a barely competitive program with a gross lack of interest. Are the problems poor coaching? Is it a lack of talent? Is it possibly an attitudinal change by today’s student – athlete? I believe that these are all contributing factors but only to an extent. In my opinion, I think the problem exists more so because of the egotistical, selfish and disruptive endeavors of two power hungry 'townies' that, hence forth, will be referred to as 'the Curmudgeon' and 'the PuppyDog'. For ANYTHING to be a success all of the parts have to work together; all of the participants have to be on the same page. In every town or city across the country, the residents want to see the high school baseball team (or all the teams, for that matter) be as successful as possible. Not in Stoughton! The above mentioned twosome has done more to undermine the efforts of the high school coaches than can be imagined. They have created a virtual war between the high school, the American Legion program, and the Senior Babe Ruth program. The infuriating part of all this is that the Curmudgeon and the PuppyDog unconscionably, use the players as pawns. They tell the players that the current coach isn’t knowledgeable enough; that he doesn’t know how to do this or how to do that; that they will be the coaches next year because they are smarter. The Curmudgeon has gone so far as to tell the players, as he puts it, “the School Committee is in my back pocket”. I have learned that the PuppyDog has now started a petition to have the H.S. coach removed and is making frequent visits to Stoughton H.S. to promote himself to the new Athletic Director. This is intolerable. In the summer, they discourage the better players from playing American Legion baseball so they can put together a championship caliber team that competes in an inferior league, a league with teams made up of high school Varsity hopefuls, players not capable of making a schools Varsity, or players just looking to have fun without the commitment. Most of the states American Legion teams are made up of schools better players and those who fit into the coaches’ next seasons plan. Most are coached by the high school coach. In fact, some states have the high school coach also coach American Legion as a job requirement for continuity. The Curmudgeon, who ironically received an award from the MBCA a few years ago for service to youth baseball in Stoughton, also undermined the schools Fall baseball program by introducing a second team so “ more kids can participate” when actually, he wanted to coach a member of his family as well as lay the groundwork for what’s happening now. This divided the players instead of bringing them together and created awkward and difficult situations for the H.S. coaches. The current Stoughton H.S. baseball coach has a difficult task ahead of him. He tries hard and knows he has a lot to learn but with the Curmudgeon and the PuppyDog working behind the scenes and undermining everything he does, it might be an impossible task. The PuppyDog volunteered to coach the returning Varsity players in the aforementioned Senior Babe Ruth summer league and would run the H.S. system, play the returning players to the Varsity as well as those expected to move up. He then proceeded to do exactly as he and the Curmudgeon pleased and began their campaign to create doubt and lack of confidence in the H.S. coach. Their self promotion plan began in earnest. They couldn’t “man up” and face the coach and tell him how they felt and what they wanted to do. This is a technique used by the Curmudgeon many times. A good example is when he went behind the scenes to have the town government approve naming the Varsity baseball field at Stoughton after one of his cronies who had never even stepped on the field. This infuriated the players, parents, teachers and even some town officials as they were waiting for the coach who had been responsible for the previous era’s success to retire so they could approach the town administrators about naming the field after him. This injustice affected the Curmudgeon very little as it just solidified his blustering and power hungry way. Baseball is a very hard game to play. It is the ultimate skill game requiring strength, speed, agility and tremendous hand – eye coordination. Regardless, just about every parent who lived thinks they know all about baseball. Why? When their children are able to go outside and have acquired a little bit of coordination, the first thing they do is play catch. THAT is the beginning of baseball. Also, being the national pastime and every fathers dream, all the children play Little League and Babe Ruth, get their required three innings of play and get to listen to the parents tell them they were great, they are a lot better than so – and – so and the coach doesn’t know what he’s doing. As a result, we have the Curmudgeon and the PuppyDog. The Curmudgeon talks a good game, especially behind the coaches back, yet asks questions and makes remarks that make me wonder if he knows whether the ball is pumped or stuffed. The PuppyDog, as far as I know, never even played baseball. Yet these two carry on and on about what they know, what they can do, how much they’ve won and on and on until nausea sets in. I for one, who has been on more diamonds than these two have seen in stores, predict that if they were allowed to coach the Stoughton H.S. team, they would be so outclassed and outcoached in the ever tough Hockomock League, that they wouldn’t win a game. The moral of this story: If you want to help, help. If you think you can do a better job, apply if and when the job opens up. Be upfront not a behind the scenes coward; don’t use the players to undermine the coach under the guise of wanting to see them improve. Get on the same page, skills and techniques wise, from Little League all the way through high school for continuity and success. Support each other. After all, everything should be done with the players in mind, not ones self. Forget YOUR League Championships and MY winning percentage All of the baseball programs previous success was, without a doubt, the result of the players working hard every day, buying into the coaches philosophy and methods and the TOTAL support of all those involved from the “outside”. The former coach will readily admit that he didn’t throw a pitch or swing a bat or score a run to contribute to the success. It was all about the players. Stoughton H.S. was on the baseball map for twenty six years. To see those days return, those involved who really care should dedicate themselves to providing all the support they can. This has to be done without the likes of the Curmudgeon and the PuppyDog, of course." Bob Ashley ( Stoughton H.S. baseball coach 1980 – 1990; 1994 – 2007)

"Hello Mr. Snyder. I'm contacting you this evening because we're still fighting the developer on Pondview. This Thursday there's a meeting at the town hall, and we're concerned that the outcome of the meeting may affect Stoughton Schools. As you may know, Pondview was created as a Local Initiative Project, or LIP. This designation is supposed to give more control to the town, because it is a partnership between the town and the developer. This project was approved for residents Over 55, with the understanding that such a designation would discourage families with children and would encourage retirement-like living. It has 79 detached homes, but there is no individual ownership, instead it's an association. The developer is still asking to remove the Over 55 restriction. I believe that this will encourage families with children to buy these houses, and I am VERY concerned about the effect that this will have on the schools. The schools already have money problems. Fees for school buses. Fees for Marching Band. Fees for athletics. Classes being cut because of teachers being cut. Now I read in the paper that the schools will have to cut more, and still this developer wants to change the rules to which he agreed and encourage kids in a development that was never intended for them. Can you offer any guidance about how we can try to get people to attend the meeting? This is likely the end of the public comment on this issue. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday night at 7:30 PM at the town hall. It is the Zoning Board of Appeals. Please let me know if you have any suggestions that you can offer."--Vik Solem

My cousin Sebastian whom went home to Haiti on college break from Salem State wrote on his facebook today, 'many of my friends and family are dead'. Yesterday he wrote, 'I am alive right now but I am not sure how long I will be safe'. Like thousands of Haitian's my cousin and his mother whom are both American Citizens are sleeping outside at night due to fears that their home will continue to crumble. Unfortunately, the internet message from my cousin has been the only communication we have been able to receive like thousands of others in the US and abroad whom are worried about their loved ones. My husband's Aunt and uncle who owned a successful catering company in Haiti and whom were able to stay in their home shortly after the earthquake, had to flee their home yesterday when it began to crumble. Due to the lack of electricity in Haiti they are unable to provide meals for themselves and or their countrymen, 'unable to provide food, something they have done on daily basis for decades before the earthquake'. Today, I also received word that a cousin and her daughter may have died. Like so many, my husband and I are still missing many members of our family fear the worse. The most devastating part of this is that the earthquake hit the area of Haiti where many diplomats, physicians, teachers, and professionals live, so it is presumed that not only did Haiti lose their physical structure but also the many essential individuals needed to provide help and maintain financial, health, and educational stability. Banks, gas stations, electricity, super markets have been destroyed. Please, since much of the infrastructure has been destroyed the best means for help is via financially through credible and reputable sources. HOW TO HELP . In addition if you are a nurse or physician, American Airlines, will fly you for free to assist directly with the severe medical needs that many in Haiti desperately need. 212-697-9767. I sincerely appreciate any help that you are able to provide. Please forward to others who may be able to assist."--

Gabrielle P Abelard PMHCNS,BC, Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, Abelard Psychotherapy & Associates, Stoughton

While waiting in the 1 ½ hour line to pay our respects, we observed Stoughton High’s hockey team along with their coach, Dan Mark, exit from the Dockray Thomas Funeral home in Canton. It was a touching moment to see the rivalry left on the playing field and to see Stoughton’s young men show a force of compassion for a family suffering from such a devastating loss. In light of the constant negative news concerning our town we would like to let others know how proud we felt at that moment to say we are from Stoughton and of our young men who were expressing concern for the grieving family of a hockey rival, yet comrade. We also would like to note our appreciation and respect for Dan Mark and other dedicated teachers and coaches of the Stoughton schools who help to instill in our children the morals and values we know our town maintains."--Debbie & Bob Barry

"Hi Mark: On behalf of the Board of Selectmen, I wanted to send along our thanks to all the folks who helped make the Selectmen Holiday Party for Volunteers a
success. Thanks to Mike Sammarco (the best chicken and meatballs) and his gang Dennis Gada, Alan Venterosa, Lisa Leif, Nancy and Chris Patterson. Thanks to Avon Food Company for donating the food, to Nelson Rodrigues and Home Remodeling for donating the beverages and to Carlos Arruda and Dunkin Donuts for donating the coffee. Thanks to Denise Brahm-Lochiatto for her assistance and to our lovely, smiling bartenders Jessie Pozner, Krissy Berteletti and Christina Anastos. Thanks to the financial contributors (who asked to remain anonymous)
and to all that brought items for the Stoughton food pantries. A very special thanks goes to John and Val Russell from the Russell Insurance Agency for generously catering the entire affair. Lastly,
we want to thank you Mark, for providing a medium that allows us to highlight the good deeds and the good people of Stoughton. Happy New Year, lets make it a good one!!"-- Steve Anastos

"Mark: Last night the BOS within their consent agenda was the approval of Stoughton's Affordable Housing Plan to be forwarded onto DHCD for their approval. Stoughton is one of a handful of cities and town's in the State to have an approved Housing Plan. As Chairman of the Housing Policy Committee I would like to recognize and thank, Robert O'Regan, Dan Pessia from the Zoning
Board, Arthur Slate and Peter Buckley from the Housing Authority, Joseph Scardino, chairman of the Planning Board, Deborah Sovinee from the Redevelopment Authority, John Anzivino Board of Selectman and Joseph Laydon our Town Planner. Thank you."--John Stagnone

"Mark, I have just read Mr. Anastos response to my posting regarding the absence of some selectman marching in the Veteran’s Day Parade and it is clear that he believes I was challenging his patriotism. I want to make clear that this is NOT the case. I never intended for my post to infer that any of them might not support our veterans or our veteran’s agent, or the full funding of the budget – and I am sorry it was interpreted that way. And, I do understand that some companies work on Veteran’s Day. Mine has in the past as well, and I did attend the parade. My post was, in fact, much more innocent than that. I simply thought that if more of our town leadership made a showing it might inspire more residents or participants to attend as well – especially at an event that honors so many of our own. I apologize if I offended Mr. Anastos, as this was never my intention."--Diane McAuley

"Hi Mark, It is wonderful that the YMCA is helping out the community but how sad that the funds were not there to keep it a Jewish Community Center. Strange that people are coming forward now to expand but nothing just to keep it as is. Still miss the center."--Beth Rawl

"Hi Mark, Please let Mrs. McAuley know that I share her high opinion of our Veteran's Agent Mike Pazyra and the work he does on behalf of Veterans. I also appreciate and support the brave men and women who serve or have served our country including many members of my own family. The members of the Board of Selectmen are volunteers and sometimes our work schedules get in the way of our volunteerism. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the parade because my company worked on Veteran's Day. My absence does not diminish my deep respect for Veterans and Mike Pazyra was quite gracious and forgiving when I informed him that I would not be able to attend this year's parade. While our country and community deals with the worst financial crisis
is a generation (and services and positions are cut) the Veteran's budget was fully funded for fiscal 2010 and I will fully support Mike's funding request (on behalf of our Veterans) for fiscal 2011."--
Steve Anastos (Stoughton Selectman and proud and grateful American.)

"Dear Mark: I would like to take this opportunity to inform you of the events we are planning in conjunction with the Annual Children’s Holiday Parade on December 13th. I would be grateful if you could mention this information on your website, and on your television program on Comcast Channel 9. The parade route will be the same as last year. The parade starts at the high School, left onto Pearl Street, right onto Central Street, right onto Washington Street into the Center, where the reviewing stand will be located at the corner of Washington and Freeman Streets. The parade then continues out of the Center on Park Street to Faxon Park. Local letter carriers will be walking the parade route to collect ‘letters to Santa’. At the conclusion of the parade, Faxon Park will be a very busy place. Walgreen’s will provide free photographs with Santa and each child. The Gibbons School PTO will be collecting used coats and the Community Events Committee will be collecting non-perishable food items for the local food pantry. We will also be collecting new, unwrapped toys for the USMC Toys-for-Tots. Anyone wishing to participate in the parade should contact the Parade Chairman, Rich Jasmin, at (781) 443-2352. Thank you for your assistance. If you have any questions, or require any additional information, please do not hesitate to call me at (617) 590-2441."---For The Community Events Committee, Kevin J. Stetson

"Mark, I want to thank you again for helping me raise money to save my dog's life. He is like a new dog! Your an angel! Have a wonderful holiday and be safe!"--Rockman Family

Hi, On Tuesday, I visited the offices of six Congresspeople in Washington to lobby them regarding legislation involving the US-Israel relationship. I am writing to you concerning my visit to the office of Rep Stephen Lynch, our elected legislator, who represents Stoughton, and other nearby towns. Despite Rep. Lynch’s prior consistent support for Iran sanctions legislation, at this time Rep Lynch is one of a minority of Democrats who has not yet signed on as supporter of the legislation pending in the current Congress. During our meeting, his foreign policy advisor mentioned that the office has not heard from constituents requesting his support for Iran sanctions, and that the congressman would be very interested in receiving mail on this subject. My special request to you, as a constituent of Rep Stephen Lynch, is to write a brief letter to him today, or before the end of the weekend, asking that he sign-on as a co-sponsor of Iran sanctions legislation. Your letter should be brief, and timeliness is very important. Details follow below my signature. Many thanks for your interest and action. Volume of letters will make a difference. Best regards."---David Goodtree
(The Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act authorizes the president to implement specific sanctions to pressure the Iranian government to end its pursuit of illicit nuclear technology. The bill currently has the support of 336 House co-sponsors, include the majority of Democrats and Republicans, the Democratic Majority Leader and the Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. What you can do: Send your letter via US mail or fax, not email, to the following address. A separate letter from your spouse or significant other is also valuable (you are both voters!):Rep Stephen Lynch, 221 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 or Boston office fax 617-482-2011.).

"Someone was missing from the picture of everyone taking credit for finally opening Bay Road. That would be ex-selectman Scott Carrerra who came up with the exact same solution the week after the road washed out at a televised Selectmens meeting.How long ago was that now??? I know the town is starving for good news (most of us are still in mourning over Cheng Du) but painting this as a success is a little far fetched."---Tim Tullis

"My name is Shaul Kushinsky. Currently I am a Life Scout working on my Eagle Scout Leadership Project. It involves building guitar carts and shelves for a closet in the Stoughton High School Band Room. To secure the funds for the materials I am holding a bottle and can drive (those with a return deposit). It will be hosted at Ahavath Torah Congregation, 1179 Central St, Stoughton MA, on Sunday November 22 from 1:00-4:00 in the afternoon. Please call me at 781-341-1435 with any questions or to arrange another drop off time. I would appreciate any donations.
Thank you."-- Shaul Kushinsky, Life Scout, Troop 54

"I would like thank Mike Pazyra and whoever helped him put together the Veteran’s Day Parade yesterday. Mike has done so much for the veterans in this town and deserves more recognition than he gets. I hope next year the size of the parade suits the occasion more! It was a bit small, but heartfelt nonetheless. I am a bit bothered by one thing. Veterans Day is November 11^th every year, it’s not like the date changes – but I really was disappointed to see that only two of the five selectman were able to show up and march. It should be on all their calendar’s every year, no excuses. Ms. Walsh and Mr. Anderson braved the cold and Mr. Anderson’s speech was excellent. I hope that we see them all next year! It’s really the least we can do for those who serve."--Diane McAuley (Proud Daughter of a Marine)

(Editor's Note: John Anzivino & Joe Mokrisky joined Walsh and Anderson at the Veteran's Square Dedications.)

"HI Mark- As always, I appreciate you writing about the great causes in town and the plug in your column but wanted to let you know that I am a latecomer to the party. The Gridiron Club has been planning this event under the leadership of Debbie MacNamara and Coach Burke. It might have been better to put Debbie's phone number and contact info in your column but hopefully the volunteers who have worked very hard for far longer than me will not get upset by my contact info being used. I also know that Julie Linehan, Rose Eckler, Coach Burke's wife, Joe Pascarelli, Frank Jardin and a whole lot of other people deserve their name in praise more than I do. As always, Mike Sammarco will do an amazing feast for those attending."--Holly Boykin

"Mark, the Mass Bay Commuter Rail will be working on School Street between Canton and Cushing this Saturday 11/14 to repair the railroad crossing. You may wish to inform your viewers so they can plan accordingly."--Jonathan Beder,| Asst. Superintendent, Stoughton Public Works Department

"Hi Mark: The Black Knight Gridiron Club is holding it's 1st annual Fall Classic on Saturday, November 21, 2009. The day begins with a flag football game played under the lights at Stoughton High's Anthony Sarno field at 4:00 p.m. Any former SHS football players who wish to play can sign up and/or get information at www.stoughtonboosters.org. The cost to play is $100.00. Each player is given five tickets to the event to sell at $20.00 a piece (covers admission to game and dinner) thereby negating their own cost. Following the game is a dinner/auction to be held at 7:30 pm at the Stoughton VFW on Washington Street. All monies raised will go toward establishing a scholarship fund for graduating seniors and to also aid the current program. I appreciate your help in getting the word out about this great event. Thank you."-- Debbie McNamara

"Mark, Here's an idea to throw at you. Temporarily change the full time Animal Control Officer position to part time, thereby saving money on pay and benefits. Now take that freed up money to fund a much needed study into the Police Department. Once complete, the position could be returned to full time status and the impact on Town services would be minimum if even noticed. I know the A.C.O. position is important but the study is far more important and needed badly (I know-I work there)."--(Name Withheld Upon Request)

"Mark, Stoughton veteran agent Mike Pazyra noticed that I had a combat service connected problem and sent me to the Brockton Veteran Center and V.A. I am so grateful for all he has done. He is a caring person that does a great job. I am now getting the help I needed. Mike works hard for the vets!"--James Sebastiano Noe, U.S. Army Retired, 3rd Infantry Division, Korea.

"Hi Mark. We just wanted to thank you for help in making Brads Playground even more fun for the children in our community. With over 400 walkers, it was a huge success. Our family is always overwhelmed with the generosity of the people in this great town. Thank you for helping us honor our sweet boy through the smiles and laughter of the children that will enjoy his playground for years to come."-- Ken and Lisa Lessa

"Take a ride over to the infamous Bay Rd. culvert - the Stoughton DPW started work yesterday morning - I caught some visual movement when headed up Bay Rd and started to turn on
Castle Drive - stopped and went down to the barrier - Backhoe busy digging up the roadway. Subsequently returned to my trip over the speed-bump heaven on Castle - Word has it Sharon spent over $20K to put in these new speed bumps to control (meaning Pi$$-Off) the outside world. Hope the Sharon PD collected enough fines for "rolling stop signs" on Castle, Bishop and Chessman to pay f or the stupid bumps. Thx for your ongoing interests in this section of Stoughton."-- Dick Etling

"Dear Mark: As you know, Chapter 40B is not the answer to providing affordable housing in Stoughton. Chapter 40B creates more problems than it solves because it forces high density projects on us without allowing the community to have a say in its construction. Chapter 40B projects in Stoughton include Woodbridge Crossing, Quail Run, Page Place, The Villages at Ames Pond, Stage Coach Village, The Villas at MetroSouth, West Stoughton Village, North Stoughton Village, Pond View Village, Goddard HIghlands and The Villages at Stonegate. These projects represent 1267 units approved under Chapter 40B. The Coalition to Repeal 40B is pleased to announce that it has filed a citizen initiative petition for the repeal of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40B, Sections 20-23 with the Office of the Attorney General. Across the Commonwealth, tens of thousands of residents have voiced concern over this ineffective, often-abused law that the state claims is used to create affordable housing. Now is the time to place this issue on the ballot for the fall of 2010. Now is the time to let the people of Massachusetts put a stop to unbridled, forced development.There will be people collecting signatures over the next few weeks starting this Saturday outside of the Stoughton Post office and next week outside of Town Meeting. It is time to stop the abuse. Thank you."-- Barbara Anzivino

"Mark, In August of 2006 we built and dedicated The Bradley M Lessa Memorial Playground on West Street in memory of our son. We are proud to say that Brad's playground has been a resounding success with the families in our community. It is heartwarming to see the children and their parents and grandparents share in what has truly become our labor of love. In an ongoing effort to enhance the playground we have received permission to add 4 new pieces of playground equipment. However, we need to raise the funds to purchase this new equipment. We thought a fitting way to help raise these funds would be to have a "walk" which would include the very families that have been enjoying the playground. A fee of $15.00 per person includes lunch and a contribution towards the new equipment. The walk for Bradley M Lessa Playground
Columbus Day, Mon. Oct. 12th. Walk begins at 10:30 A.M. Start at Gibbons School, Morton Street, Walk 1.8 miles to Bradleys Playground. Finish with a bbq Lunch.
We would apppreciate your help in spreading the word. We think it will be a fun family day! Much Thanks,"--- Lisa and Ken Lessa

"Hello Mark, I am a faithful reader of your column. My husband and I have been going to the meetings at Town Hall when the Woodbridge Complex subject was supposedmto be discussed.. Do you know when the next meeting will take place ? I did not place a date on my calender if it was announced. Thank you."-- E. Block

"Mark, It occurred to me that you might be interested in hosting a radio discussion about how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. Guests could include environmentalists like me, and developers like Brickstone who are proposing projects that would add to the problem of climate change, while refusing to submit to LEED certification.Sharon has already approved a new mall that will produce 9,520 tons of CO2 every year. Now we are contemplating Brickstone's 624-unit high-rise apartment complex and 150-bed nursing home, apparently with no consideration of the impact on climate change that threatens the grandchildren we profess to care about. Perhaps developers should be required to offer rebates to induce people to purchase Priuses instead of gas-guzzlers to offset the greenhouse gases they will generate. A Prius generates about 3.7 tons of CO2 per year. A Honda Accord generates 7.6 tons. So the Prius saves 3.6 tons per year compared to the Accord. By that math, the mall developer should provide enough rebates to cause 2,644 people to switch from Accords to Priuses to make up for the 9,520 tons of CO2 the mall will belch annually. Of course, that doesn't account for all the CO2 produced in manufacturing and shipping all the products that would have to be sold at the mall to keep it in business, but it would be better than nothing. lease give me a call if you're interested!"-- Paul Lauenstein, Sharon

"I couldn't agree more with Dan Roos on his observations of Stoughton Center traffic light changes. I live in Stoughton Center and getting through from north to south is a major pain these days but...wait...these changes were made before school started. Can you imagine what the traffic on Pearl Street and Porter will be like at school dismissal time with the new lights? and just to let the readers know, if you are heading North on 138, take a right on Walnut and then a left on Park...the 27 north traffic light is much faster with minimal wait."--Phil Yaitanes

"While I'll applaud any attempt to correct the town center traffic issues since the not so recent re-design... I do not understand why the SOUTHBOUND right hand lane thru the center has become the lane for cars going on 27 South? Why can't the left lane serve BOTH 139 & 27? The dedicated left turn only lane (basically the length of the traffic island w/ room for 1-2 cars) for 139 is great, and the minor widening of the road to allow cars to pass and continue onto 27 is GREAT... however, cars are now (correctly or not) avoiding the left lane for 27 thru the center and keeping right as if the 139 left turn only lane ran all the way back to Porter??? 27 South traffic is blocking 138 South and Wyman while they wait for green onto 27!!! 139 S has a light for pedestrian traffic only (when the cross button is pressed) but since the addition of the 139 left turn only area, traffic on 138 is stopped every time the 27 light is red... the recent change has only made things worse!!!!"-- Dan Roos

"I never indicated in my previous e-mails that there was a 'glitch' with the Bay Road culvert project. I said that I could not guarantee that the late September schedule could be met. Like all construction projects, problems with weather or other factors can impact the construction schedule. Since the project is being performed by the Town of Stoughton, in Stoughton, I recommend that you contact the Town of Stoughton's Town Engineer, Ben Feehan, at (781) 232-9263 for more details."--Peter O'Cain, Town of Sharon, Town Engineer

"Hi, Mark! I've been hearing about the Fox 25 Zip Trip coming to Stoughton and I can't believe that there hasn't been more publicity about it around town except what you've written about it! What a great event for our town! I think it will be an opportunity for people all over their viewing area to see that Stoughton is really a great town, filled with interesting people, fabulous restaurants and a rich history! I am assuming that you will be one of the featured guests, along with some of the other people in town who are so much at the heart of the "everyday" Stoughton. I hope it will not become a politicized event, with elected officials and town employees representing the town. I hope to see David Lambert, some of the local merchants whose businesses have become destinations (Town Spa, Nocera's, Ikea to name a few), you (newspaper column, tv show, website that we all visit daily), and some other people around town who give Stoughton its flavor and vitality! I for one plan on taking a walk over there on Friday morning to get a glimpse of the Fox 25 News Team and enjoy the positive vibe that this event will bring to our little town! "---(Name withheld upon request)

(Dear Name Withheld, Thanks for writing. I am not scheduled to be a guest. The only one that I know who IS scheduled, is Joe Mokrisky, from the Board of Selectmen. But, I will certainly be there, as I am a big fan of the Fox 25 morning show.---MARK)

"Mr. Snyder, I am writing to you in regards to your article about SFC Jared Monti dated 29 JUL 09 on wickedlocal.com. I only wish you had addressed SFC Monti as a Sergeant First Class (SFC) from the beginning of the article. Sergeant First Class is his correct rank, he was promoted posthumously although his rank is SFC so when referring to him it should be used. I mean no disrespect towards you or your column, I just feel that he should have been referred to by his correct rank in the article."--- Respectfully, SPC William Farwell, 387^th Ordnance Co (EOD) MAARNG

"Mar: I just want to rant about my excise tax bill. I paid it in full in January. I bought a new car in March.I finally got a new excise tax bill. I paid it to the tune of $375 and went on vacation.I come back from vacation and get all my mail. In the mail is my returned check for 375 and a letter saying well, there is more due for not paying on time, less than 10 dollars or something like that.Two days later, which is today, I receive a warrant demand, Give me a flippin break, they SEND back 375? Is the town that fiscally fit that they either want it all or nothing??????? Instead of sending a note that hey you owe 10 more? In these financial times, I think that the town needs to revisit this policy.If Heather? can find time to send me a letter with the check back, she certainly can send me a notice for the 10 bucks and followed by a warrant thing in TWO DAYS??????????Give me strength. I think its all a ploy to get more and more money from the taxpayers. Now the warrant is another 22 bucks. RIDICULOUS!!Thank goodness I didn't pay it yesterday, I was waiting to do my bills today (saturday). Otherwise I would have gotten the check back YET again????? They all need a dope slap. I cant imagine poor senior citizens trying to pay their bills and only have half and want to send that and can't. Just trying to pay what I owe and get a kick in the teeth. Not that the extra 30 bucks is going to break me, its more the principle of the thing. I'm sure I'm not the only one that this has happened to.SENDING BACK MY CHECK? IM STILL SHAKING MY HEAD.If I had the time, I wish I could go there and give them the Now 410 totally in stinking pennies! Thanks for letting me get it off my chest!"---Debra E Miller

"Hi Mark: On June 23, Stoughton and Sharon Selectmen met to discuss the failure of the 2 by 2 foot culvert on Bay Road at Walter's Way. I was there that evening, as I know you were. Snydersstoughton readers, who were watching at home, may like to see the Sharon version of the meeting, on www.sharontv.com. Under 'Meeting Replays' click on July 14 Board of Selectmen, then fast forward to 01.09.30 until 01.11.38. (The previous hour was all about the Brickstone/Sharon Hills development and you can read their documents regarding the second amendment to the Agreement on www.townofsharon.net <http://www.townofsharon.net> ). Also on www.townofsharon.net <http://www.townofsharon.net> under 'Castle Drive July 9 update' there is the statement "pending litigation seeking Court directive to immediately compel the Town of Stoughton repair Bay Road to provide for normal traffic functioning.." Perhaps if the Town of Sharon used their $100,000 to fix the source first, it would make better sense. School buses from Stoughton, Sharon, and Southeastern Regional travel over that exact spot twice every day. When we gamble with a pre-November fix, which Sharon wants, the lives of those students are the stakes. Inconvenience for Sharon residents surely comes second to the safety of our/their children? Bay Road will be fixed, but it should only happen when the residents of Stoughton can afford to do it properly. We should not be forced into reinstating Bay in time for Sharon's November Town Meeting vote on the Brickstone/Sharon Hills development!"-- Mary Walsh

"Dear Mark: I, along with my 16 Republican colleagues in the House and 27 Democrats, recently rejected a reckless budget, as it was light on reform and heavy on taxes. The Budget also harms local cities and towns, as well as public safety. Disappointing 110 Democrats and the Governor approved it. The misguided solution to the fiscal crisis was to increase taxes on sales, meals, telecommunications, alcohol, satellite television, hotel stays, nursing home residents and fees at the Registry. We also break the promise of lottery revenue being dedicated to education and consume another $199 million from the state’s stabilization account. The budget also borrows from the 2011 Federal Stimulus funds to put it into balance. This is very disappointing and sets up another structural budget problem for next year."---State Rep. Jeff Perry (R-Sandwich)

"Hi Mark, Didn't see you in attendance so I thought I would update you on Sharon Hills: At a meeting last night (Tues 14th, July)at the Sharon Library conducted by the Sharon Selectman, and attended by several planning board members and approximately 50 - 70 concerned residents, the Sharon Hills development group disclosed their preferred traffic route for the proposed upcoming constuction off Mountain Street. The development group also disclosed having just increased their pre-construction contribution to the Town to a total of approximately $ 700,000. The developers went on to suggest that the main trucking to the site
will come via Neponset Street through Canton and then to Cobbs Corner, then to Wilshire, Deerfield, and on to Hampton to Mountain Street. They also suggested that the construction will represent an increase in
traffic of about 200 large trucks per week equating to a 3-5% increase on Mountain Street (???). I don't undertand those calculations. (I was not able to verify what they said by their plan but this is what I
remember.) Along with various vegetation cutting, time-delayed deliveries, and radio contact to keep larger trucks off of Mountain at the same time, the development group is calling this plan their 'traffic
mitigation plan'. (I can only imagine what some people are going to call it.) By all accounts, Selectman, Sharon Hills Brickstone Management, and of course the residents who were in attendance admit that this new plan
runs contrary to the developer's original promise upon which the original proposed permit is predicated, namely that the developer would NOT use Mountain Street for construction access. It is truly curious
that they are proposing this. The Selectman asked that the power point presentation given by the developer last night be sent to them so that it could be uploaded onto Sharon's website. The developer proposed 3 full-time officers to route traffic during the first 18 months of construction. This should be interesting! I do not understand the project's path. How does one propose changes of this magnitude without it appearing to be bait and switch to virtually anyone who sees it? Contrary to the adage "It is what it is" this proposal "is what it isn't"!"--- cheers, Steve k

"Dear Mr. Snyder, You write so many events that happen in the town, but I did not see anything in the Journal about Christine Quinn's last day at the COA, or that she had done such a fine job while there.
We had a wonderful party for her at Nocera's in their back room. Many of her supporters were there. Karen Hall, the new director, was also there. We had a great time. Chrstine received a gift, a beautiful
bouquet of flowers, and a presentation by Carolyn Borst. We will miss Christine and are grateful for all that she had to go through at the hands of all who did not support her. However, we welcome Karen Hall
and will certainly support her as she takes on the difficult task of directing the Youth Commission and the Council on aging."-- Marie Jardin

(Dear Marie: I am many things, but psychic is not one. If I had been informed of the Nocera's event, I'd have posted it, and probably gone. I wish Christine Quinn nothing but the best for her future.--MARK)

"Mark - I am a 30 year resident of Sharon who has been in the forefront of the fight to preserve Rattlesnake Hill since old man Striar was alive (I've lost count of the number of years). I fought to preserve the
land through his original small nursing home idea, his children's idea of a golf club community, a golf club alone, a 40B, a CSD, a standard subdivision and finally through the sale to Brickstone.
Your heart is in the right place, Mark, but your tone and words suggest black and white thinking about SHARON which alienates many Sharonites who share your views. Please remember that the Selectmen
are neither the town nor the townspeople and that about half the residents in Sharon (by my guess) would like to kill the present project. Please be aware of this and respectful of the many residents
who have put years, dollars and mental and emotional energy into preserving Rattelsnake Hill from any development when you write your articles. You need us and we need you. Working together and communicating, not trashing us, would be a better strategy. Rumor has it that Brickstone has a new plan for routing construction traffic for their project. They plan to present it at Selectmen's meeting next Tuesday, July 14 at 8:15 PM at the Sharon High School Library. In spite of past promises to post such plans on the town website in advance of meetings at which they will be discussed, the Selectmen's office says that they have not been able to get the plans from Brickstone yet. I think they may be proposing a route down Bay Road from Cobb Corner to Deerfield or Wilshire, across Hampton to Mountain St. Pressure from residents to post the plan has not yielded results. I was wondering if you had heard or could find out anything further about this new plan and could post it on your website. If so, let me know and I will spread the word to interested Sharonites. Thank you."-- Leslie Koval

"Hi Mark, I am a regular reader of your column. You do a great job of covering the local issues with a generally fair and balanced view. Kudos to you.
I must say, however, that I was a little troubled by your characterization of the residents of Sharon in your article in the June 26 Stoughton Journal. I think it was offensive and unnecessary. Maybe you can reconsider your characterization. Your friend,"--- Ken S.

(Hey Ken, I have many friends in Sharon. The article was aimed at the politicians in your town, and the residents who think of Stoughton as nothing but a shortcut to work, and have disrespected us at numerous public meetings. They know who they are. The same ones who support the mammoth Brickstone project, which will not enhance Sharon, but will definitely hurt the people of Stoughton, by crowding our streets, and potentially polluting our wells.---MARK)

"Mark, I agree on all counts, you are absolutely dead-on correct, when you stated in The Stoughton Journal, June 26, 2009:
"What's with all the talk of construction, and "this construction season?" Could it be so that Brickstone can get off the ground, and the construction vehicles can clog Stoughton's streets, and leave the lovely 'hoods' in Sharon pristine?" Sharon certainly is not doing anything out of the kindness of their hearts for Stoughton. Enjoy your column, keep it up. Long time Bay Rd. resident,"-- P. Reid

"Right on Mark, if Sharon is so concerned about Bay Road , let them hire contractor and repair it, if our town meeting doesn't want to fund it. Just because some people in Sharon want to have public streets made private and the stupid Sharon attemps to block public streets with their road work. Fix the thing right the first time. I was surprised by the vote to make the selectman's meetings on the 1st & 2nd, that's what the Charter calls for. I was also surprised by Miss Walsh's comment that the meetings were too long, she know the length of the meeting before she ran for election . The Town Managers Report is a joke, it almost a report of what we read in the penny Saver."-- Leo E Mellyn , Prec. 6

(this letter was also sent to a number of elected officials:) "I’m writing to support Senator Brian Joyce in his bid to present legislation creating sensible testing for Massachusetts drivers over the age of 85. The tragic death of a four year old girl in Stoughton over the weekend could have been avoided if such legislation was already in place. Though details are not yet known in this particular case, it is being stated that another driver had stopped to let the family cross, while the older driver kept going, seemingly unaware of the circumstances happening outside of their vehicle. This is unacceptable, and has caused the death of an innocent young child.This legislation should not be viewed as age discriminatory, but necessary to protect everyone in the commonwealth. If any driver is unable to perform the basics necessary to operate a vehicle safely, they should be removed from the road without question. Families who’s loved ones may not have the heart to tell an elder they are unable to operate a vehicle would be better served to have the state make that decision for them through yearly mandatory testing. I would personally pay more taxes to pay for this testing to avoid any fees going to the elder drivers. Please support Senator Joyce in his important legislation necessary to protect against another senseless death by a drivers who should not be behind the wheel of a vehicle. Thank you."---Robert Germain

"Mark: I would like to clarify some misinformation, not malicious by any means. Yesterday, June 7, my daughter took my grandson to a birthday party of one of his classmates. At this party my daughter was talking to another mother who asked her if she were the daughter of the prior Physical Education teacher at the Gibbons School. My daughter told her, that, yes she was my daughter. This mother told her that she had heard that I retired because I could not get along with the principal, Dr. Tanner. This information is far from correct and not true. My retirement had been in the planning stage since 2001. Both my wife and I agreed upon 2006 as the proper time that I should retire. In 2003 we purchased 11 acres in Morrisville, VT and in July 2005 (before Dr. Tanner was Principal) we broke ground on our retirement home. We moved in two weeks after I retired, and, I can't believe that almost 3 years have passed already. My 35 years at the Gibbons School was perhaps the most enjoyable time of my life. I looked forward to each day. I truly felt that I was fortunate enough to have a job that I enjoyed going to. The students were a joy to be around and I felt helped keep me young at heart. Unfortunately, 35 years does take it toll on a person. At the end of my career, after a day at school, I was coming home tired and I felt that it was the right time for new, young blood to come in. Even though I truly enjoyed what I was doing, it was time for children to experience new ideas, methods and a younger person to revitalize the program. I also wanted to experience what it would be like to control my life instead of someone else doing so. Both my parents passed away in their early 40's and never got to experience retirement. I wanted to make sure that I was going to be able to do so. I was fortunate enough to be on the committee that chose my replacement. I feel that we chose the right person in Ryan Donohue to take over the program. His youth and energy towards the program is at the level I was at back in 1971 when I started. His approach to the task at hand is totally opposite the way I taught and I'm glad that the students are getting a more modern approach to the subject matter. I was old school, he's new school. At the time I retired, I had a good working relationship with the staff and administration. I did keep my school life and personal life separate, thats the way I wanted it. I just wanted to set straight any false information, rumors or anything else that may be going around town regarding why I retired. Bottom line, I retired because I felt it was the right time. There was never any animosity towards anyone. I still enjoyed what I was doing. I wish everyone well at the school. Thanks for letting me share this."-- Peter Everett, Morrisville, VT

"Hi All: At June 9th’s Selectmen’s meeting there is going to be an OPEN hearing for residents to voice concern over Brickstone starting at 7:30 p.m. This meeting will also have signups for interested parties who want to participate in the Brickstone Advisory Committee. Your assistance would be GREATLY appreciated if you could all do what you do best…rouse the troops to attend this meeting and voice opposition to this development encroaching on our roads, water supply and way of life. I regret that I will be traveling on business that evening, but as you know, I have said my piece already and intend on giving my full support to the selected Advisory Committee members. Now is the time for people who wanted to be heard by our elected officials! Please tell everyone you know to attend this meeting. Thanks!"-- Robert Germain

"Dear Mr. Snyder: The last town meeting was a fiasco as was the first regarding the COA budget. The moderator said that if there was new information that he would consider opening up the COA budget. One of the town reps shouted that there was new information, however the moderator chose not to act on it and went on to discuss a fire engine. No one was permitted to speak even though a town rep had given his time to a few seniors. The moderator had the names. Each time that the budget came up it was quickly changed to something else. The action was unethical, backed with collusion, deception and scheming. This was not a new plan to get rid of the COA director, but there was no just cause to fire her. How convenient that we now have a budget crises. What a perfect excuse. I can't believe that the selectmen let the moderator get away with this without saying a word. Mr. Anderson just sat there. Where is his allegiance to the COA? Wasn't he the chairman of the board of the COA. Didn't we support him when he was chairman and during his campaign? The only one who had the courage to speak up was Mr. Levine. Good for you Mr. Levine. We are most grateful. Too bad that you are not on the board now. Get with it Mr. Snyder, write the truth. This
was a set up from the beginning. The Town Manager,selectmen, and moderator were pawns of a dissident,vengeful group. They and the elected officials have destroyed a person who was placed on this earth
to do good. I hope that they can live with it! What a witch hunt!"-- Marie Jardin

"Hi Mark, Well written and said Dick. Thank you so much for representing the people of Stoughton and not the political agendas."--Diane Tynan

"Mark, Stoughton Town Meeting ended last night after six full evenings of presentations, debates and votes. The Budget was balanced, many articles were dismissed, a few were passed, and the 168 elected town meeting representatives cast their vote in the best interest of the town…that is, unless you’re a senior citizen. Last Wednesday, almost 50 senior citizens of Stoughton came out and sat in the High School Auditorium waiting to be heard. They followed directions and gave their names to the Moderator to be called on. Yet they could not speak. On Tuesday night, they came out again and finally, at 11:00 p.m. a town meeting representative requested the body reconsider the previous vote, which approved consolidation of the Council on Aging and the Youth Commission. The COA Director would be laid off, and the Youth Commission Director will run both operations out of 2 locations and develop a plan with both Advisory Boards to complete the physical merger by the end of December. Town Meeting members were told this would save money. The vote to reconsider this decision was raised to allow the senior citizens who use their Senior Center to have a voice in the decision. They were not given the opportunity. The 'new information' that the meeting never heard was that both Directors were asked if they could live within their reduced budgets this year without layoffs, and they both said yes. Somehow this information was never shared on the night of the vote to consolidate. The cost of impact bargaining with the unions for at least 2 employees was not discussed. The cost of renovations to the building to accommodate private counseling sessions for troubled youth and their families was not revealed. The past Chairman of the COA, now a newly elected selectman, did not speak up for seniors. Town meeting representatives who serve on the COA board were painfully silent. I have been involved in many town meetings, and always felt that in the end, the TM Representatives usually get to the truth. Democracy at it’s finest! This year they failed. We all failed. A serious decision that will impact seniors in this town for years to come was made without their input. This was disrespectful. We did not give them the courtesy of a few minutes of our time. We did not hear their opinion because they were not allowed to speak. Shame on us!!"--Dick Levine, Town Meeting Representative, Precinct 6

"Hi Mark: Sorry it took me so long to get it to you, but here is a *.pdf file of the request to the Selectmen to direct preparation of a master plan in time for the 2010 ATM. I have also included a printout as of today that shows the Commonwealth Capital Scores across the state. Stoughton shows as 0 score for FY09 and FY08, with a declining trend from 67 in FY05 to 53 in FY06/07. One big reasons for the 0 score is that Stoughton did not apply in the past 2 fiscal years. This is not a good thing. I understand the Town Planner is already working up an application for FY10, so we can see some improvement just by having a person whose job responsibities include paying attention to these details. But, as described in the letter, we can and should do much more. Thanks again."---Bob O'Regan

"Hi Mark, I just heard that many families got an phone call from the O'Donnell Middle School stating there is a confirmed case of the swine flu. The message stated that the school will remain open. Have you heard anything regarding this?"--- Concerned Parents

(Dear Concerned Parent: Of course The O'Donnell Middle School will remain open. It's a mild case and is no more dangerous than any other flus that have been going around all year. Would you suggest they close the school and have kids come back in summer or weekends?I think that Dr. Marguerite Rizzi die the right thing, contacting all parents, explaining the situation, and telling parents the best way to deal with the situation. Now, kids, wash your hands, and parents (if your child is sick) keep them home! End of problem!---MARK)

"Mark: Obviously, Town Meeting Representatives are a little lost when it tabulates the cost savings for removing positions from the budget. Lets take an example of the Building Department Secretary. 1. How do th TMR's think this office will function when there is only one town official in the office and he is out on the road 40% of the day? 2. The person cut from the budget does not disappear. She merely chooses to replace another person in another department at their rate of pay. Perhaps a difference of $9K a year. Big savings! That person then bumps someone else, etc. etc. and the bumps go on. 3. There is no attrition in this equation. 4. Why would TMR's think that one person running the Youth Commission and the COA can do as good a job for both agencies as two full time persons did before? And, at the same rate of pay?
And yet TMR's still vote to pay a moderator who then can collect health insurance when no other elected town employee gets the same benefit. I have stood up for years at Town Meeting and requested equal treatment for all elected officials, and have been shot down repeatedly. Sentiment should not come into play at Town Meeting. I smell some grievances coming from union employees which will only increase the costs of decreasing these and other positions in town hall."-- Dori Frankel, Precinct 5

(Sent to Town Manager, Selectmen, and Snyder's Stoughton): "Ladies and Gentleman, I would like to appear at the early part of the Next Selectman's meeting on June 9, 2009. This is to discuss the issue of increasing the cost of health coverage to town retired teachers from town payment of 90% to 75%. As the Town Manager stated at the last Town Meeting this could save the town of Stoughton $2, million dollars. Ladies and gentleman, we need this issue resolved as soon as possible and we need to get the ball rolling NOW! I don't have a lot of time with energy to discuss this matter due to some medical issues that will be done to me in the next 3 weeks. Please allow me to come before you to discuss this. Yes I am asking it to come to 75% Town cost, not 50% as the retired town employees pay. The reason I am not asking for 50% shows my consideration of the retired teachers and that GCA has set that as there price. Please call me and allow me to speak, I have talked to the school committee on this issue to but only now realized that the Selectman hold the strings and need to ACT NOW."-- Al Lipkind

"Mark, you missed the whole point, this has nothing to do about budgets, the idea was to get rid of the Director-Council on Aging. If the main idea was to save money, then we would have kept the Dir. of the C/A at $68,217.00 and let the Dir. of the Y/C go at $81,760.00 a savings of $13,543.00. This was not about money, it was about personalities, I'm surprised that you didn't pick up on this. They could have been consolidated and still save money, this really wasn't about the money."-- Leo E. Mellyn

"Mark: The Kathleen M. Bedrosian Scholarship Tournament was once again a resounding success this past Friday night. Over $1400.00 was raised for the scholarship fund for Stoughton High School students! Teams from all the elementary schools, middle school, high school, police department and fire department competed. The O'Donnell Middle School Alumni team defeated the Fire Department for the championship in a thrilling match. I would like to thank Papa John's for providing the pizzas at a discounted rate. I would also like to thank the following volunteers for making the tournament possible for the 13th consecutive year: Ken Gay, John Gunning, Hollie Blaustein, AnnMarie Leonard and Julie Linehan. I would also like to thank Chad Kelley for his assistance setting up the high school gymnasium."---David Guglia, Assistant Principal, O'Donnell Middle School.

"Dear Mr. Maillet: Mealpay is a service offered by the Stoughton Schools to families for the purpose of keeping their child's lunch account current, by avoiding sending cash to the school. If you choose to send cash with your child, the fee is not a factor. As you know, all credit card transactions have fees assessed to them. In fact, everything you purchase each day has the credit card fee built into the price. The statement below was part of the letter from Mealpay all of us who use the service received. As you can see, the fee structure has nothing to do with the school department. The fee associated with MealpayPlus does not go back to the district. MealpayPlus uses the amount to pay for credit card processing costs, development and support costs as well as hosting the website. It also covers all expenses in regard to security of the website.
I understand your frustration and I shared my dissatisfaction with MealPay when I was informed of the increase. As a parent, you have the right to use this service or not. The foodservice department constantly strives to improve the services we off to the parents and students of Stoughton."-- Regards, Edward Gilbert, Director of Food Services, Stoughton Public Schools

"I'm mad and I am not going to take it anymore. Why should we have to pay an increase to mealpay for Stoughton school lunch, I bet there is a law that says that Federally subsides lunch can not have a fee attached to it and an increase to 4.5% is an outrage."---Allen P. Maillet

"Mark, I was at the ZBA meeting tonight on Woodbridge Crossing. The letter from WC was read with their change in 2 and 1 bedroom units. A motion was made to postpone the hearing until June 25, to give the developer more time to present his new proposal. I asked several times to be recognized, which I was not, so I spoke anyway. I told the ZBA that they were responsible to the taxpayers of the town, not the developer, at no avail, I was told I was out of order, I said they were out of order. I think we need a new ZBA, some of them have been on to long. This should have been denied and make the developer refile for a new case. How did you like the last sentence in the 2nd paragraph "the demand for 2-bedroom units as residents seek more economical living arrangements by splitting housing costs." I can't believe they wrote that, more than one family in an apartment. The longer this is drawn out the fewer and fewer citizens will be at the meetings. I think we will be visting family in Maine on June 25, other people will be on vacation. I'm beginning to think this a complete bag job. 156 two bedroom apartments mean at least 100 children for the school system as well as more cars."---Leo R. Mellyn

"Dear Parents and guardians: Please be advised that the Stoughton Schools Food Service Department will stop accepting credit card payments through the Mealpay Plus system this Friday, May 8, 2009 at midnight. All prepay payments to a student meal account must be paid with cash or a bank check (made payable to Stoughton School Lunch Program.) Personal checks are no accepted. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. The reason for turning off the service is to avoid a 4.75% fee all Mealpay Plus users would be charged, because the district is going to start accepting bus fees. The reason for the % fee instead of the flat fee is; Bus fees and meal fees are processed differently through MealPay. All payments made to a child's meal account before Friday evening will carry the standard $2.00 flat transaction fee. The payment system will be back to normal in the fall. if anything is different, we will be sure to post information on our district website and each of the schools websites. Thank you for a wonderful year."--Edward Gilbert, Director of Food Services, Stoughton Public Schools (781-297-1051 ext. 1)

"Hi Mark, I am just responding to the letter written by the Town Meeting Representative. He/She stated the letter was signed by a COA Board member so why are they saying that 'if Chris wanted to save her job she should use her own resources'? It was not her who sent out the literature or am I missing something here. Do departments send out information or prepare information when they have an article coming up at Town Meeting? Could this really be illegal? I ask because I really do not know."-- Diane Tynan

"Dear Mark: I am a Town Meeting Representative. Today I received an envelope containing three items: a letter from Sharon Farrell, the acting Chariman of the Council on Aging Board of Directors, a letter from Andrea L. Miller, a probation officer of the Norfolk County Probation Department, and a page of testimonials on the Council on Aging from various people who utilize the Senior Center. The letter from Ms. Farrell was printed on official town stationery. It was basically listing various services that the Council on Aging provides and various numbers of residents serviced. It also contained information on events sponsored by the Council during the year. The envelope was an official envelope from the Town of Stoughton Council on Aging. The envelope had a stamp; it was not run through a postage meter. It seems to me that it is inappropriate, if not downright illegal, for a town department to send this sort of mailing out. It is clearly intended to sway Town Meeting members' sympathies in favor of the Director, whose position is in jeapordy of being eliminated. It is not a coincidence that this letter arrived in the mail today, two days prior to the start of the annual Town Meeting. Can you please look into this? I can't believe that town resources (stationery, printing costs, and even time devoted to it) were used for this! It seems to me that if Ms. Quinn wants to appeal to the residents of Stoughton to save her job, she should use her own resources and do it on her own time!"---Name Withheld Upon Request

"Mark, It would be interesting to know how many of the Friends for Seniors, actually live in Stoughton. Marie Jardin is correct, this all goes back to the Bingo. An other local TV host has kept it going, he and his cohorts have been calling for Chris Quinns removal for years. They originally were after both Chris and Pat Bassler at the library. Looks like they finally found an allie."--- L. E. MELLYN

"Dear Mr. Snyder: Thank you for the nice words that you wrote in your column about the Council on Aging. I would also like to see the end to the division of the aged in Stoughton. However, you indicated that the friends for the elderly were excluded from the COA. That is incorrect. I was on the COA board for six years, and we never excluded anyone. We welcome every senior citizen in the town of Stoughton. As you know, it all started because the bingo group wanted to take over all the rooms. They would stand in back of those who were at the congregate meals because they wanted the chairs, and they wanted the doors that divide
the two rooms to be opened. Chris Quinn had a vision of how those rooms would be used for programs that would be healthy for the seniors. She wrote up some rules which the bingo group could not
accept, and they left the Senior Center with a great deal of hostility. That vengeance has last for seven years! The group has verbally stated to many that they would not step their foot in the COA until Chris Quinn was out. They have ruined her reputation, spreading gossip and maligning her in the coffee shops in the town. In addition, they are calling Selectmen constantly for every little reason,and thank God ,we have a few new ones on the board. The friends for the elderly do not do anything for the COA. It is most distressing that they are under the auspices of the church. We are supposed to love all our brethren. We now have a wonderful group at the COA Bingo. They are polite and respect one another. "---Marie T. Jardin

"Hi Mark, I read the letter from Dorit K Fland and feel compelled to respond. First & foremost – YES! THERE IS A JEWISH NURSERY SCHOOL on Ethyl Way in Stoughton and it had been in business since the 70’s. Shaloh House Preschool is and has always been an amazing school for children ages 15 months through Kindergarten. If your readers are looking for a warm, nurturing, developmentally appropriate, safe and happy place for their young children – send them my way. For registration info for the Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten or Summer programming call 781-344-6334 or email ShalohHouse@gmail.com. Additionally, it is true that the JCC had a place in town before the building they now lease to the YMCA, however; a building and an organization DOES NOT and should not define the Jewish Community of Stoughton and/or the local neighboring towns. There are two synagogues in Stoughton, Ahavath Torah and Shaloh House; we have two kosher restaurants on Washington Street and we certainly don’t require a building to define who we are as Jews and who we are as active and involved members of the community. The Striar JCC and JCC’s of Greater Boston did what they did and we are not going to turn back the hands of time, we can however; look at today and look toward the future to plan what we can do as a community to continue to thrive and grow as we have been doing since the beginning of time! The south shore is a great place to live and raise families with or without a JCC!"--- B'Shalom, Marilyn Rabinovitz, Director Shaloh House Preschool & Kindergarten

Dear Mark: I wanted to let you know that as of yesterday we are now at half of the cost of the surgery. Last week the vet agreed to do the surgery if we could atleast put half down. Ozzie is going in this afternoon and everyone is very excited and happy that he is going to get to live the long life he deserves to live. I want to thank you gentlemen for your support. Mark you really helped me get the word out and believe me it did. The Norfolk County Humane Society is going to help me with the rest of the balance that will remain after the surgery. We have been so busy moving but we are now finally settled in. I have also been doing volunteer work for the Norfolk County Humane Society of Canton and that has been keeping my days full. I am hoping to find full time employment soon. My unemployment is about to run out. Its very tough finding a job the way things are. When Ozzie is fully recovered from the surgery I would like to let everyone know. If its ok with you Mark, mabye Ozzie and I can make another appearance on your show to let everyone know. As being a part of the NCHS I will be fostering a dog from time to time. Let me know your thoughts on televising dogs available for adoption. Again, 1000 thank you's and I hope to hear from you soon. Take care."--Kari Rockman

"Mark, I would like to congratulate the Stoughton Middle School Hockey Team for defeating North Attleboro and Clinching the Grey Division Championship. The team plays in the Foxboro Sports Center Middle School Hockey League. The Team is: Jack Kane, Chris Gill, Nick Bruttanitti, Patrick Kane, Justin Phillips, Bret Lima, Kyle Connaughton, Kenny Carter, Cody Buckman, Drew Destefano, Jacob Rohrer, Zack Swartz, Johnny Catrone PJ Sheehan, Mitchell Wingert, Kyle Feist, Ryan McSweeney and Danny Goldberg."--Thank You, Buddy O'Neil

"Mark, With Precinct 8 being usually the lowest number of residents running for town meeting it makes me wonder if we should/could change the precincts to a total of 7. If I remember correctly, there are 21 seats per precinct, 7 seats up for election each year. So, we could keep Town Mtg the same size by increasing the total town meeting rep's per precinct by 3 each. I think that would help fill more of those seats that, currently in Precinct 8, don't even have enough people running."-- Bob Barbell

"Senator Brian A. Joyce (D-Milton) would like to alert his constituents of energy assistance still available through the Energy Bucks campaign until April 30, 2009. Energy efficiency services are still available to families at little or no cost, depending on their income. Typically, a family of four can qualify for some form of assistance of energy efficiency services if their income is less than $4,124 a month. This year, the Massachusetts’ federal heating assistance allocation nearly doubled from $114 million to $212 million, and funding for low-income weatherization increased to $13 million. Energy Bucks is an integrated campaign that creates “one-stop shopping” for energy assistance services, enabling Massachusetts residents to better understand and apply for programs that can help them manage their energy costs. To find out if you qualify for assistance, visit the Energy Bucks website at www.energybucks.com or call 1-866-LESS-COST."--Emily Unsworth, Communications Director, Senator Brian A. Joyce

"Dear Mark: Are you one of the lucky ones who received the very expensive, fancy and professionally created mailing from the JCC? They labelled the new Sharon nursery school the Stoughton/Sharon site; how insulting is that after they abandoned our community. Years ago the JCC was located on Central Street in the little brick building that is now office condo's. It is behind Walgreens though back in the day it was simply across the street from NHD. A simple brick building served the community well. How much money do you think they got for the sale of the building AND ALL THAT LAND when they sold it to the YMCA? do you think they got enough to buy a small brick building in town to continue to service the needs of our local community? Now they have the chutzpa to call the new Sharon Nursery school their Stoughton/Sharon site. We had a Jewish nursery school in town, now we have none. We had a Jewish Community center, now it is gone. We had a Jewish Day school, that left too. What do we get in return; a fable that they left because they didn't have the money to keep it open yet they seem to have a lot of funding to promote their new locations."-- Dorit K Fland

(Dorit--I DID get that mailer. And the "JCC without walls" is reflective of a " JCC of Greater Boston without Morals." But, the JCC building on Central Street was NOT sold to the Old Colony YMCA. It was leased with an option to buy.---MARK)

"Dear Mr. Snyder: I am hoping you can help me spread my story about my young German Shephard that I am trying to save. I have attached a flyer in this email that I have been posting all around Stoughton for the past few days. My 6 Year old German Shephard is very sick and needs life saving heart surgery. Other than the fluid in his heart that has to be removed, he is a very healthy dog. I have a flyer posted in the Stoughton Post Office, Beantown Deli, Mobile Gas, Sal & Katies, Cheng-Du, etc. Is there any possibility of you speaking to the public about my Ozzie to help us seek donations? I am currently seeking as many donations as possible and have opened a PO Box at the Post Office. I am hoping to get our story out there to encourage people to make small donations or even give advice as to how I can seek financial assitance with this. Again, I attached the Flyer we made up and if you could just take a minute to read it and look at our dogs picture, I would be most greatful. His name is Ozzie and he was born in Stoughton on October 13, 2003. The gentleman that gave Ozzie to me rescued Ozzies mom while she was pregnant with him from a very neglectful neighbor. Ozzie is literally a life long resident in the town of Stoughton and is loved by many. Please respond at your earliest onvenience with your thoughts on this. Thank you for any help you may be able to give. Happy Easter/Passover!"--Kari Rockman, P.O. Box 621, Stoughton, MA 02072

(Anyone who would like to help out Kari and Ozzie can send contributions directly to her.---MARK)

"Hi Mark: The Sharon Board of Selectmen has announced a Selectmen’s meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on April 14. Brickstone representatives are presenting an update on the project. The meeting is open to all 'interested parties' and surrounding towns. Their meetings usually take place at the Selectmen’s office at Town Hall but because of high interest, it may be moved to the High School Library or the community center. Stay tuned. Please get the word out, Best regards."-- Norm MacInnis

"The trash at Quail Run is a perfect example why we do not need another 40B development in our town. W e do not need any more people from Brockton or Boston that do not care about the town of Stoughton. I hope the ZBA will finally disapprove this. It is not the job of the Town of Stoughton to help the developer make a buck. It is the job of the ZBA to protect the town of stoughton. We do not need Woodbridge Crossing"-- Leo E Mellyn

"I need talk to you about the trash problem where I live at Quail Run. Do a drive threw. The compactor gets backed up and then the trash goes down the stairs and then it goes onto the ground and sometimes its goes a couple of feet long, all because someone does not throw it down the shoot! This happens at least 4 times if not more per month and they do nothing about it. Maintenance will come on Mondays (because this usually happpens on the weekends) and cleans it up. Thats it! Mark, I called Board oh Health and they said that they need pictures. I do not have a camera. We are going to get rats especially in the summer. We already have friggin seagulls! I have said stuff to the property manager and she does nothing. I would love for you to look into this. The neighbors are not going to do anything. Sometimes its the little kids that throw the trash down the shoot, but the are too short to see. The parents around here don't care but I do, its my view! Please Mr.Mark help, I am reaching out to you! Thank you. Right now its starting to go down the stairs. When you drive in, straight till you need to bare right and its on the left by maintenance office."--Name Withheld Upon Request.

"Mark has much as I regret I must ask that you do not publish my name. The treatment that Chris Quinn has received is proof of the retaliation that exists in the Town Hall. The town manager does not need a contract. The town gets no benefit at all. Phil Farrington served many years without a contract. Scott is right the TM is better now with the 4 to fire rule. John Carrol has been TM of Norwood over twenty years without a contract. The contract only benefits the TM, not the Town."-- Name Withheld Upon Request

"Hi Mark: I wish to take exception to the remarks made by Diane Tynan. There were several members of the Council on Aging Board of Directors present at the Finance Committee including the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Members present were COA Board Vice Chairman Sharon Farrell, Gyneth McGarvey, Warren West, David Nankin, Chairman John Anderson, former Vice Chair Marie Jardin, and myself. We have met with the Fin Com subcommittee and the full Committee several times over the last few years when the Fin Com felt it important to makes cuts to the Council on Aging budget. They know who we are and they knew we were present that evening. We felt that it was more important for the Fin Com to hear from the senior population concerning the severe budget cuts being made to the Council. Christine Quinn and the Stoughton seniors have always had the full support of the Council on Aging Board of Directors. The proposed budget cuts will have a devastating affect on the services to our seniors and frail elders who deserve the best services we can provide. – Jeanne M. Fleming, Council On Aging Board of Directors

"Good Morning, It was nice to finally meet you at the Finance Committee meeting. I have been thinking a lot about that meeting since it took place. I think it is outrageous that Christine Quinn was left to defend her position on her own. Where were her board members specifically her Chairman to speak for her and the efforts of the Council on Aging as a whole. I realize that there are some in town that do not like Christine. However, I do not think personalities should come into play when we are discussing such an important population within the Town. I personally would not want to work for a town that treats their employees with such little respect as has been demonstrated with the COA Director and Outreach Worker. Take Care."-- Diane Tynan

"Dear Mark: I wanted to send a very clear message as a Town Meeting member that I will NOT support any municipal budget that includes any substantial cuts in services to both the Council on Aging and the Youth Commission. I will not do so while the town maintains a $80,000 new position of Town Planner. Further, I will not vote (if appropriate) to put either Director in charge of the others department. I also hope that the COA Director understands that she can NOT and has NOT been the person who offers services to the bilingual Portuguese elders in town. Ms. Lourenco has been one person where this community actually does something for the elderly Portuguese who do not have the language skills to speak English for purposes such as doctors, legal matters, etc. So, how she can provide that service is beyond me. Furthermore, the current person can do it for both populations- English speaking and Portuguese speaking. Lastly, I ask the candidates for office to address with specifics how they will handle this mess...I say support the elderly and youth of Stoughton and can the Town Planners position. I hope my Town Meeting friends do the same.With Regards."--Joseph F. Baeta, Precinct 6

"Dear Mark: When we had the recall of the 2 Selectman over the police problem, it was in the paper, etc. until you were sick of it. Now, when someone runs for selectman who was recalled from the School Committee, no mention is made of this fact. John Anderson was recalled from the School Committee because he and the rest of the members that were recalled had a plan to mandate that students walk between the West and the Middle Schools when we went through that whole Junior High to Middle School name and philosophy change. That change was not well thought out, resulted in lowered test scores, and a great expense to the town. Do you think that as a selectman, Mr. Anderson will miraculously achieve some common sense? Leopards do not change their spots. He talks a good game, but his past performance is a predictor of his future performance."-- David Camacho, Former Member Stoughton School Committee, Stoughton Committee on Finance and Taxation

"Hi Mark - If you do not mind - I wanted to clarify a few things in your article and please feel free to cut and paste this email. 1). I appreciate the comment that you thought the audience was rude to the Chair on a couple of occasions. However, I don't think they were rude but impassioned which leads sometimes to a few outbursts. I did not take it personally and completely understood that it was pent up frustration because we were the first group that they had an opportunity to give comment to on the recommendation. A better process would have allowed the opportunity for them to speak to the Board of Selectmen prior to the Finance Committee. 2). Your linkage of the Veteran's Budget and it's relationship to Council of Aging Budget was not necessarily what I meant when talking about the Veteran's Budget. First and foremost not all Veteran's are elderly and so there is not direct link. However, my point is that as the Finance Committee ,we need to think globally about the impact of State and Federal Mandates on our budget especially in tough economic times.
3). The Council of Aging offers a tremendous amount of high-quality services! However, when I received letters of support from various Council of Aging groups across the State, I felt that I needed to gather some background information on various programs so if we did make adjustments to the budget that it was based on economic factors and on data from comparable Council of Aging groups throughout the State rather than political pressure. I was actually very surprised by the facts that came out of my phone calls and internet research.
4). Although, I did not make a comment last night about the alternative budget presented by Ms. Quinn, the Finance Committee will be unable to act on it. Due to contract provisions, the Finance Committee cannot recommend reducing union positions in half without allowing the opportunity for the Union and the Town to open up bargaining. Furthermore, if allowed to be half-time, that position will be allotted full Town benefits. It was also a bit perplexing to see that the position being cut was the dispatcher when probably the most utilized service of the Council of Aging is the transportation program.
5). Ms. Quinn mentioned that there are more than 5,000 seniors in Stoughton and on an average day about 100 seniors utilize the Council of Aging's Programs and Services. Therefore, on an average day the Council of Aging is reaching less than 5% of Stoughton Seniors. How are the other 95% of Seniors obtaining their support services on a daily basis? Therefore, an ethical question comes to play for me - in my role as Finance Committee Chair should I think about what is best for all of the Seniors in Stoughton or only the 5% who attend the Senior Center on an average day.
6). For your information there are also another 2 Departments in Town which as submitted by the Board of Selectmen would require their merger, Building and Engineering, if funding is not restored for an administrative position. The worst thing that the Finance Committee could do is not take an objective role in the budget process. We must recommend town budgets that are representative of the available funds and global community needs. If for no other reason than it represents one great part of our democratic process of checks and balances.   I am very happy that some members of the Stoughton Senior population had an opportunity to state their opinions to the Finance Committee and also understood why many of them left just as frustrated as when they arrived. I would also welcome any individual to provide us with their thoughts on various budgets and opportunities to increase our revenue to avoid possible cuts. As I promised last night, the Finance Commitee will continue to try and identify additional funds to help restore various positions and services."-- Holly Boykin

"Mark, I just read your story regarding the proposed budget cut at the Council of Aging and the campaign of mis-information being distributed by some people. I want to all of the seniors who enjoy the Senior Center to know, IT WILL NOT CLOSE, AND IT HAS NOT EVEN BEEN CONSIDERED!!!. I am appalled, but not surprised that there are people who will go to the extreme of intentionally mis-leading and scaring senior citizens. I have been contacted by several seniors who said they were told at the Senior Center it was closing. ITS NOT!!. The town is facing a 1.4 million dollar deficit and unfortunately meeting that deficit is not attainable without personnel cuts. I can't speak for all of the Selectmen, but I think it's safe to say that we all want to provide essential services and keep our town in the best shape possible. There are many people at the Senior Center, both employees and volunteers who do an outstanding job every day. I am confident that they will continue to do so whatever the outcome. Don't diminish their hard work and dedication by spreading rumors and mis-leading people. Its NOT FAIR!!"--Joe Mokrisky

"Mark, I see your headline that our current Town Mgr is a finalist for a job in Kingston. I wish him great luck in this endeavor. It is well overdue that Mark Stankiewicz and the Town of Stoughton part ways. A person in such a position making their personal political feelings known by flying a flag up the Town Hall flag pole is well beyond inappropriate. In response to a Grand Jury investigation one week before a recall election he suspended 6 members of the Police dept. From the Patriot Ledger, 10/29/04 "Town Manager Mark Stankiewicz said he placed ex-Chief Manuel Cachopa and the other officers on indefinite leave yesterday because their continued presence at the Stoughton Police Department is an impediment to the investigation.'' From the same Patriot Ledger article "'It's my responsibility,' Stankiewicz said. "Our overall concern has to be the health and safety of the 27,000 Stoughton residents.''' Mark, correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't Grand Jury Investigations CLOSED and no information is supposed to be shared outside of the grand jury proceedings? So, if the DA's office didn't give Stankiewicz information leading him to make this decision, who did? We, the People of Stoughton deserve better."--Bob Barbell

"Hi Mark! The Stoughton 8th grade travel team was defeated by North Andover, 56 to 52 coming in second place in the Massachusetts state championship. Stoughton defeated No Andover last year for the 7th grade championship. They met us again this year and got their revenge . The tourney consisted of 16 of the state best teams: only Stoughton and No Andover were left after the final round. Good sportsmanship was shown by both teams . The boys can still be proud of being Metro West champs 3 straight years in the division 1 Hockomock league."--Steve Kelly

"Dear Stoughton Officials and Interested Residents: As a member of the state’s Committee on Federal Stimulus Oversight, I am pleased to alert you to a significant announcement made today concerning FY10 education funding that could bring almost $600,000 additional dollars to the Stoughton Public Schools. As part of the Massachusetts Recovery Plan to secure the state’s economic future, Governor Patrick announced a plan to allocate $168 million in federal education recovery funds to ensure every district in the Commonwealth reaches so-called “foundation” spending levels next school year. The state’s historic education reform law established foundation budgets for communities, setting a minimum funding threshold districts must meet so that students receive a “fair and adequate” education. Based on the Chapter 70 figures in the Governor’s FY10 budget, 166 school districts were funded below foundation-level, including Stoughton. If this proposal is approved, these stimulus funds for education would ensure that all districts receive the amount necessary to reach foundation-level. For Stoughton schools, this means an additional $591,698 in state Ch. 70 funding. Given the dire economic situation at the national, state and local level; this is good news. However, the reality remains that after several years of economic growth and post 9/11 recovery, we face the greatest economic challenge of our generation and there are no easy solutions. I will continue to work with local officials to explore additional ways in which we can work together to assist Stoughton."--Brian A. Joyce, State Senator

"Hi- I was wondering if you can put this on your web site? We are organizing our 35 year reunion from SHS, Class of 1974. We are in the process of planning a casual gathering for our 35th Class Reunion. With that in mind we would like your input. If you would, please respond to the following:

"Mark, I would like to impress upon your readers, the residents of Stoughton, two important points concerning the Brickstone Mega-Development, and the hearing before the Selectmen this Tuesday: 1) The magnitude of Brickstone is like no other! It is really a small town with six 8 story high rise buildings, a150 bed nursing home, plus amenities. It will be built in the middle of wetlands, and conservation land with absolutely NO infrastructure to support it. No roads, water, or sewage! THAT BURDEN will be thrust upon Stoughton. It is the antithesis of Smart Growth, being nowhere close to public transportation, or main arteries. They are promising not even the minimum of new (Leeds) environmental standards. This will forever adversely impact us. Literally thousands of trucks and cars will be flowing directly into Stoughton. Hundreds of thousands of gallons of polluted PPCP laden water will be flowing directly into our water and wells, and the money to maintain the roads, and deal with everything else will be flowing directly out of our pockets. No amount of money offered by Brickstone as mitigation for this is acceptable. 2). We need to create a political imperative to unite in defense of the town. That is why the turnout to Tuesday's Selectmen hearing will have a direct correlation to how united we all are in fighting this. SEE YOU AT THE SELECTMEN'S MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 17 - GREAT HALL!"--Rick Lynch

"Hi Mark: For the last three years the Stoughton Police and Fire Departments have developed quite an athletic rivalry. Whether it be the gridiron, the softball field, or the ice, both departments have gone head to head to benefit our community. Next Saturday night things are going to change. The hockey teams from the police and fire departments have joined forces to face off against the police and fire departments from Canton. This benefit has a deeper meaning to those of us hitting the ice. This game will benefit the family of Boston Fire Lieutenant Kelley who was killed in the line of duty when the engine he was riding in crashed into a building. Attached is the article from this week's Canton Journal. As always, admission is free and donations will be accepted at the door. If people cannot attend the game but would like to donate to the cause, donations are being accepted at the Canton Fire Headquarters. The game will take place Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. at the Metropolis Rink on Rte. 138 in Canton. We are going into Canton's territory so we would love to have some Stoughton fans come cheer us on."--John Bonney

"This has got to be the dumbest thing I have ever heard, put the COA under the Youth Commission. Lets try it the other way the Youth Commission under the COA.. I will bet that more people take part in the Coa, than in the Youth Commission. Lets get a little common sense back in town. Also, regarding the recent article in the Boston Globe on the Moderators from Milton and Canton getting Pensions.. I there any chance that our moderator will get a pension due to his stipend. Ask this at the next candidate night. Get a yes or no,, not a non denial, denial. I am not afraid of saying who I am."--Leo E. Mellyn

"Mark: I learned recently that the senior class at Stoughton High School had lost their senior privileges due to an incident at a basketball game recently involving a handful of students. I thought it was unfair, to say the least. How can a school administrator punish an entire class of students because of the actions of a few? But, it's worse than that. Today, I found out that there were kids involved in this incident that were not seniors, and that they were not punished. I am appalled that the principal punishes close to 300 students in the senior class, and allows the students who were underclassmen to go unpunished! I have a senior at the high school. She has never misbehaved at school. She has never been assigned an after-school session. She has spent four years being respectful, following the rules, and doing what is expected of her. Yet, now she has lost earned privileges due to the actions of a handful of others, some of whom are bearing no responsibility whatsoever. My daughter wasn't even at the game! Neither was the majority of the senior class. The administrationat Stoughton High School should be ashamed of themselves. Making hundreds suffer the consequences for the actions of a few is wrong. Allowing some of those few to walk away altogether is a disgrace."--- Name Withheld Upon Request

"Hi Mark: Stoughton Board of Selectmen has agreed to put Brickstone Sharon LLC on the Agenda for the March 17 meeting, It has been on the agenda in Sharon for over two years! Although we are abutters, we have not been notified since the development will not be in our town. The proposed entrance, however, will be in Stoughton along with all the traffic. This is the reason Sharon wants the entrance on Bay Road.
As Stoughton residents, we welcome the opportunity to address our Board of Selectmen before Brickstone Sharon LLC comes to ask for an opening into our town. Our concerns have been ignored by this developer and by our neighbor, so we would like to be heard by our sworn officials. Please ask you readers to plan to attend this important meeting on March 17. We elected our Selectmen to represent us. The residents of Stoughton do not want Brickstone in our town. We did not vote to put the proposed entrance on Bay, and we own the road. The Sharon residents voted to put the entrance on Bay and they don't own the road. An entrance on Bay impacts the taxpayers of Stoughton while minimizing the negative effects on Sharon."-- Mary Dennett

"Dear Friends and Family: I recently decided to participate in Walk MS, and I'm inviting you to join my team! By joining my team, you will be signing up not just for a day of fun, but also for a celebration of the great things we can achieve when working together for a common cause. Each step we take brings us one step clos er to a cure - and closer to a world without multiple sclerosis. So what are you waiting for? Join my team today or make a donation on my behalf. P.S. Eighty-five (85) percent of the proceeds from the walk provide help for today and hope for tomorrow to 14,000 families affected by MS. Please visit www.MSnewengland.org. Click here to visit my personal page. "--Rhonda Vito

A very unique and special opportunity has arisen for our choral students. Dr. Christopher Kiver, one of the leading choral professors at Penn State University, contacted me last week to ask if he could bring his Glee Club here to SHS to perform for my choir. He then offered his services to work with the choirs in a master class. Dr. Kiver is an internationally acclaimed conductor and educator; having brought his expertise to multiple states in the US, and having been invited to work with choirs both in England and Australia. He truly is the best of the best and the fact that he offered to come to Stoughton FOR FREE is just astounding!!!! The kids are in for a HUGE treat. I have worked with his schedule and ours to make use of the choral students' time as efficiently as possible. His choir will perform for us during F Hour (Concert Choir) on Tuesday, and then he will be returning to work with the students during F Hour on Wednesday. He also offered to work with the Jazz Choir during G Hour. This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these kids to be offered his perspective, and a rare occurence that a professor of his calibur would do such a thing free of charge! We thank him for sharing his talents and are thrilled to welcome him here to Stoughton. I'm not sure if this is of any interest to you, but if so, here it is! Thanks so much!"--~Ianthe Marini (SHS Choral Director)

"Mark, I don't know who told you that Francis T. Crimmins, Jr. (or Sr.) was a state representative. He aspired to that office long after Stoughton was Gerrymandered out of its own district.
In the 1950s we were in an Avon-Stoughton- Sharon district. In the 1960s early 70s, before the reduction in the size of the General Court, Stoughton and Canton and Avon had a two-rep district. Both reps came
from Canton, Paul Schneiders and Michael Curran (?) In 1974 Stoughton had its own district. Francis T. Crimmins, Sr Charles Ahern, William J. Kelley, Jr.(Moderator), Thomas A. Recupero, Paul Goulston, Richard T. Murphy, Jack Dembrowsky and Charles Yaitanes had ambitions for this seat as Democrats. Henry Rist and Orrin Hansen sought the Republican nomination. In the Democratic Primary Paul Goulston surpassed Dr. Recupero by 28 votes. Orrin Hansen by 2 to 1 won got the Republican Nomination. The race divided the Democratic Town Committee. Jack Dembrowsky quit the Dems and ran as an "Independent". Richard C. Sawyer, who wrote for the Stoughton Chronicle, and a member of a strong Republican family also ran as an "Independent" . The reverse of the intention of decimating the Democrats by having a four way race failed. Pharmacist Paul Goulston, Steve Goulston's father, won the race by a wide margin. For the next four years Paul Goulston was STOUGHTON's real State Rep. The irony of this race: Jack Dembrowsky turned Republican; Dr. Recupero left the Democratic Town Committee because it was "too Liberal." Orrin Hansen became Chairman of the Republican Town Committee; Francis T. Crimmins, Sr. remained a Selectmen on the 7 member Board of Selectmen. In 1976, the LWV pushed for a reduction in the House and the Town of Stoughton was divided sharing Marjorie Claprood with Sharon, and Bill Vernon from Easton after the 1978 election. In 1980, Francis T. Crimmins, Jr. still working his way to become a lawyer became disgruntled with the Democratic Town Committee and decided to run for Selectman and lost the first time around. Not willing to leave politics, Frank Crimmins took a second shot at becoming a Selectman and won in 1982 when the BOS was reduced to 5 members. Frank Crimmins during his Selectmen years, passed the Bar and
opened his own law office. One year he tried to run for State Rep as an Independent and got Republican support. Ms. Marjorie quickly reacted with a mid-decade redistricting hoping to knock Frank out of the district, but failed to realize that Francis T. Crimmins, Sr. lived in Precinct 4, and FTC, Jr. lived in Precinct 7! Frank Crimmins defeated Bill Kelley by 105 votes as Moderator in 1985. In the 7 years of his tenure as Moderator, Frank Crimmins was challenged 4 times. He became Chairman of the Republican Town Committee and twice challenged Marjorie Claprood for State Rep. Both times he LOST. Ironically, Marjorie Claprood endorsed Attorney Frank Crimmins for his judgeship appointment in 1992."-- Howard Hansen, Town Moderator

(Howard: I stand corrected. I was thinking of Mr. Goulston, and confused two prominent families!---MARK)

"Mark, Please pass this along to the Selectmen. The Governor's 141 page Transportation Bill "An Act to Reform, Rebuild, and Renew the Transportation System of the Commonwealth for the Twenty-First Century" is attached and can also be found at www.mass.gov/youmovemassachusetts along with other info on the legislation and perspective of the administration. I have also attached a power point presentation by the Under Secretary of Transportation at the MAPC Winter Meeting on Tuesday 2/24/09 title: "Governor Patrick's Transportation and Economic Security Plan". The thrust of the Governor's direction (see Power Point Presentation) as it pertains to Stoughton and to South Coast Rail (SCR) is that 3 cents of the proposed 19 cents gas tax is for South/West/North Rail Projects. I understand that 2 cents of the 3 are targeted for SCR - although I don't find it in print. The argument that some make "Don't worry, there is no money for the project" does not (or will not) hold water. If the Town wants to act, it had better get its act together - and do it soon! Thank you for your help."--Lou Gitto

"Hi Mark: For two years, Stoughton residents have listened to the Sharon Board of Selectmen and Brickstone Sharon LLC discuss their plans for the development of a 300+ acre lot off Bay Road. To date, the proponents of this mega-development have shown a callous disregard for the Stoughton abutters. We heard how they want to widen the road on both sides at the proposed entrance and install a traffic signal. Now we hear that they are discussing "an 8" CLDI inter-municipal water line..the length of Bay Road," as defined in Sharon's January 23 Amendment to the 2007 Agreement to re-zone the property. The residents of Stoughton are wondering what the Stoughton Board of Selectmen has heard? The people making these plans for Bay Road are neither residents nor taxpayers of the town of Stoughton. More importantly, since Stoughton owns Bay Road and we own the properties on it, we are wondering when it will be our turn to be heard? Please ask your readers to contact the Board of Selectmen and ask that Brickstone be put on the Agenda so that Stoughton residents can hear their Selectmen's opinions and they can hear ours. Let's not have a repeat of NSTAR - when nothing was done until it was too late." Mary D

"Hello Everyone. The Avon 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer is coming to Boston this May and we need your help! Marci Levitan Bailey, my neice Amanda, and several others will be forming a team in Memory of Jessica Bartell. She was one of our classmates from Stoughton High...Class of 1988. Jessica passed away in January 1996 from Breast Cancer at the age of 25. Please help support our team. Each team member will need to raise the minimum of $1,800. Last Year, the money raised from the Boston Area Walk was distributed locally. Mass General Hospital/Harvard Comprehensive Cancer Center received $19.6 Million, Boston "Progress for Patients" received $2.9 Million, Dana Farber Cancer Institute recieved $250,000, UMASS Amherst recieved $510,000 in grants to research the affects of pregnancy and increased risks of Breast Cancer, and Boston Medical Center recieved $5.1 Million to help medical expenses for uninsured Breast Cancer patients. Boston is becoming a better place for Breast Cancer patients because of supporters like you!
Please pass the word! Anyone can be a sponsor for any amount. If you can only give $5.00 or $10.00 that's great! Please consider donating part of your Tax Refunds to a great cause! My Avon Walk page is ....
http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk2009/Boston?px=4538124&pg=personal&fr_id=1770. If you are interested in helping but prefer to send a check rather than use a credit card, email me at krissygaughan@msn.com and I will provide you with an address to send it by mail! Thank you in advance for helping put an end to Breast Cancer!"--Kristine O'Reilly

"Hi Mark, I am still trying to get some answers as to why Verizon is not broadcasting the locally produced shows that I watched on the Comcast Service. I have been dealing with this for several weeks now, and it is truly amazing that no one can give me a straight answer to my rather simple question. Even Verizon’s own people can not tell me why this can not be done, if you have any ideas on who I should call please just send me a quick e-mail. I do know that Selectman John Anzivino has also mentioned this subject at a meeting questioning why this can not be done, and he did not received a clear answer.
To me this just seems so simple, the shows are taped, so make a copy of the tape and play it on Verizon, or if possible simply share the broad cast signal with Verizon until the new studio is built. I am no techno wiz, so I may be really missing something , if I am please let me know what you think. I do know that all the parties involved should get together and resolve this ASAP, then clearly let the public know just what is going on and what we can expect in the future for service and when. I also think that Verizon should discount all the existing Stoughton accounts until the Shows are aired, because we were told that we would have all the local shows and this clearly is not the case. I do request that you do not release my name. Thanks."-Name Withheld Upon Request.

(To "T", as the Chairman of the Town's Cable Advisory Committee, I can tell you that MANY people have complained that Verizon LIED to them and said they were offering all the local access shows. It seems to me (my opinion, not that of the Committee necessarily) that if the Board of Selectmen put enough pressure on Comcast (that is looking for a renewal) to permission in Stoughton for Verizon to directly tap Channel 9 and rebroadcast it--until the Stoughton Cable Non Profit Studio is up and running--that this would be instantly solved. The Selectmen are the ONLY ONES that could exert the appropriate pressure to get this done. All the selectmen have listed numbers---call them!---MARK)

"Hi Mark: To all your readers, if you are against any increase in the gas tax, write to your contacts in the State House:
Brian.A.Joyce@state.ma.us, Rep.LouisKafca@hou.state.ma.us, or Rep.WilliamGalvin@hou.state.ma.us. Or, visit Governor Patrick @ www.mass.gov/governor/contact. On another item, Mark, the writer that found fault with your remarks about 'Jabour gone fishing'. If my memory is right, that person had difficulty with the police over a gun permit several years ago, talk about holding a grudge. There is also another very vocal PD critic that had a traffic ticket years ago over a broken tail light. Some people just can't move forward."-- Leo E Mellyn

"To the editor, Opinion page Headline in July 2005................"OPINION - Has Jabour gone fishing? Stoughton Journal July 22, 2005 by Mark Snyder." I guess Jabour did make a "catch".
Well now that Chief Cachopa has been convicted and Sgt. Cohen has been convicted and Sgt. Cohen pled the FIFTH in open court regarding his actions with Chief Cachopa, will Mark Snyder now do an
article on having the Massachusetts Attorney General do a full investigation of the Stoughton police since 1999 when Cachopa became acting Chief to root out all violations allowed by Chief Cachopa?
Injustice must be corrected everywhere it is found regardless of when it occurred. Not to do so allows injustice to be a threat to justice. When even small violations of a person's rights are allowed to exist anywhere, then such raises the threshold of what subsequent wrongs can be done. Mark Snyder, will you speak truth to injustice that has been done to innocent people by those acting under color of law and demand the Massachusetts
Attorney General to conduct a thorough investigation here in Stoughton, or have you "Gone Fishing"?"--Don Schwarz

"Hi Mark: Stoughton residents should know that Brickstone Sharon LLC is now proposing an 'inter municipal' waterline for Bay Road at the proposed entrance to their enormous development. According to the official town web page, there will be a meeting on Tuesday January 27 in Sharon Town Hall to discuss amendments to the Agreement. Of particular interest to Stoughton families is Exhibit D-2 2608 1-16 09, which can be found on Sharon's web page http://www.townofsharon.net posted January 23.The pertinent amendment is 7 A Bay Road Connection. I am wondering Mark if you, or any of your readers, are aware of the town of Stoughton being approached by either Sharon or Brickstone regarding this utility?"--- Mary Dennett

"Mark Just a note to let you and your readers know that our website is up and running at www.andersonstoughton.com and we look forward to a lively campaign. Thank you."-- John Anderson, Candidate for Selectman

"Mr. Snyder, I just watched your TV show for the first time last night (Friday) with my husband. We were having an early dinner, and a woman looked familiar (from Women of Wisdom), so we decided to watch it. The sunglasses were a bit disconcerting, but I have an interest in holistic health. After a short time, they played a tape of your visit to their establishment. Shortly thereafter, someone was giving you a massage. Did you know that your plumber's crack was visible? I almost choked on my food. Perhaps you should give a fair warning. My husband laughed. I was admiring your tan, but a bit put off by the whole butt thing at dinner. I can tell you that this Easton family will tread more carefully on the local access channel. All jokes aside, it was an interesting show. When is it on? I caught it by accident early last night."---Julie B. (Easton)

(Julie, sorry for scaring you. I actually DID give a warning at the beginning of the show. Here's the schedule for Easton, and other towns: (here)---thanks for writing.-- Mark )

"Hi Mark, I have received a number of calls and emails regarding the availability of local programming on Verizon. I spoke to Joe Mokrisky and he indicated the Education and Government programs were now available on Verizon FIOS. He also indicated the in-studio programs will be available once the studio is up and running in Stoughton. I also contacted Verizon and they indicated the Stoughton Government and Education channels are available on the following channels: Channel 26 is the Education Channel and Channel 28 is the Government Channel I thought you might be able to pass this along to the community. Regards."--John Anzivino

"Dear Mark: I am writing concerning the recent hiring of the Town Planner position by the Town Manager and Board of Selectmen. My concern is over the salary given to this new hire. Although I am sure that he is very good and the right person, my concern is on what Town Meeting agreed to do for this line item within the budget. I recall $60,000 and it wouldn't be that much because the new hire would not be on board until November or December because of the posting and interview process from July onward till the filling of the position. Now I read that the position is $80,000. At NO time was $80,000 EVER discussed on Town Meeting floor. As you may recall, the Town Planner issue went on for hours and days and concerns evolved around Town Planner vs. Town Grant Writer vs. a position that was responsible for both. Then one night in the lateness of the evening of Town Meeting discussions took place on Town Meeting floor around having the planner and it passed but it was that $60,000 was the salary and that it would be and I quote the Town Manager "it would probably be less because of the timing. " Now, it has exceeded the actual voted upon line item and unless FinCom has further agreed to the overspending where has the money come from? I don't recall $80,000 for a Town Planner. Its been sneaky since day one. By the way why even hire this position during difficulty fiscal times and please don't sell me a bag of goods? Oh, last in first to go should be how we treat this line-item. I will formerly introduce the elimination of this position on Town Meeting floor this spring. Somebody please justify $80,000. Thanks Mark for all you do."-- J. F. Baeta

"Hey Mark, Great article on the JCC situation. One of our two daughters went through early childhood education, and we were once members of the JCC as well. It goes to show you how apathetic, and pathetic, the JCC and CJP have become. I for one will never send my kids to a JCC camp, and nor should any temple in this area give to CJP again. Per usual, they lack the vision, and foresight needed to make themselves a viable
organization."--S.W.

"The Ames Pond Dam has been issued a Certificate of Non-Compliance and Dam Safety Order by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Below is the link to the report on the study done by Amory Engineers on the the Ames Pond Dam. One of the options mentioned in the report is to permanently lower the level of the pond. On page 3, the report states the dam must be brought into compliance by November 30, 2009. Also, attached is the letter sent to the Stoughton Town Manager from the Easton Town Administrator regarding the Ames Pond Dam."--Diana Germaine

"What great restraint you showed! Those three stooges you met with ARE the weasels you had written about. They have destroyed an entire community, and like Humpty Dumpty, you can't put all the pieces together again in different towns. They have to be united as one. They should all be forced to resign."--Wendy G

"Great write-up Mark, I kept waiting for you to call the unholy 3. flaming constipated ass holes, but alas, you have great restraint. It was difficult for me to sit there Sunday and look at a total waste of 600K in Yiddish donations/year which could have been much better spent on a 'real community meeting place'. As I told a black lady signing up for the YMCA at the old JCC, what the idiots don't realize, as she does, it is nice to go someplace where you are not a total minority, and be forced to overhear some moron cursing the Jews or the blacks for every problem they have/make. She just looked at me and laughed, and agreed. and said she liked it at the JCC because of the friendly people and never hearing racists or religious comments. Sukhole doesn't have a clue, and Barry is too old to continue the fight and to do the right thing by giving the younger generation an opportunity to experience a little bit of Yiddisha community. (no I didn't spell useless's name wrong). He is a disgrace to the title 'Rabbi'.. Keep smiling."-- Kenny

"Hey Mark, you wrote 'Snyder's Stoughton believes that Stoughton's No Place for Hate should either separate from the Anti-Defamation League or dissolve. Many people who have been involved in NPFH are great people, who want to see the diverse people of Stoughton form one community of tolerance and understanding. I'd like to see No Place For Hate gone, and another group with similar goals, but no ties to any religious organization, formed in its place. What do you think? Write snydersstoughton@aol.com.' Well, I agree with you on that one. I am an artist who created one of the ads for the group. I was shocked when I visited one of their gatherings in Philadelphia. they talk about no place for hate, but they themselves resembled a Jewish Ku Klux Klan. I was the only asian there aside black waiters. I guess they should give up the name, No Place for Hate, which is briliant. It totaly doesn't fit the description of their organization. Like you said, lots of place for hypocrisy indeed."---Oleg Djimbinov

"Dear Snyder's Stoughton: As you may have seen driving by the Asain Buffet on Rt. 138 Washington Street, the price for dinner has clearly been marked at $8.99. This is clear in not one, but two locations infront of the resturant. This place has horrible service, and is a filthy establishment and should be shut down by the Board of Health. My friends and I had a miserable dining experience. They were not on top of their game in any aspect of the resturant business. They did not only leave us thirsty, but they also failed to clear the table when there was a total of 9 plates when only three were eating. Then they proceeded to charge us $12 and change, with a total of $37.77. I was bewildered to see the price per person knowing how they advertised a decrease for their meals. We then went back inside after checking the signs to make sure they were still there, we kindly asked for our change. Then they showed us the small and nearly hidden sign stating that Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays is priced higher than the signs outside. Being decent customers that did not complain about the service (and poor quality in food) they refused to give us our money back and then started yelling at us. We would like the town of Stoughton and all who visit to know what a horrific view and experience this place, is when looking for a decent meal. Two ladies at the front threw me and my friend out angerly and shouting at us to never come back and that they do not need our business. I would like for me and my friend Zach Apotheker to make this known. Whether it be you putting this issue on your well respected website. Zach and I would glady discuss this issue maturly on Snyder's Stoughton. I appreciate all you can do to help this matter."--Tyler Dennis

"I refer you to the December 19 issue of the Jewish Advocate to read a couple of rational letters of explanation, one by Jeffrey Glassman and the other by Nina Schneider concerning the sale of the Striar JCC. Many of us were hurt by the manner in which we received the information but that does not excuse your advice to our young Jewish families to not send them to Camp Grossman. "--Edie Brown

(To Edie, who was a PR/marketing person at JCC: "Rational letters? My thoughts are MORE than rational. In fact, my column has received over 100 responses---ALL agreeing with it. It hit the local Jewish population with the truth about how they have been treated. The JCC's of Greater Boston and CJP have abandoned this area, with the excuse of "Jewish flight." They have SOLD OUT their own people! They will hopefully discover the South of Boston area has Jewish FIGHT, not flight. No one should lay down and roll over when Jews trample Jews over money. There are NO excuses to be made, Edie. The CJP and JCC's of Greater Boston only understand their wallet. If young Jewish families find other camps, besides the two run by them, they will understand the pain they have inflicted."--Mark Snyder)

"Dear Mark: On behalf of Firefighter Jim Brackett and myself, Firefighter Jim Rush, I wanted to say thank you to you and all your readers who responded quickly and generously to my request for donations for the Harry Landman Committee. To say the response was overwhelming would be the understatement of the year. For those who don't know, the Harry Landman Committee sends care packages to Stoughton residents in the military away from home at Christmas. During the first week of December the Harry Landman Committee mailed packages to Stoughton residents serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and other foreign posts. This Committee/Project has gone on for decades and will continue to go on thanks to the generosity of the people of Stoughton. I want also to include a special thank you to Veteran's Agent Mike Pazyra and the Allied War Veteran's Council for their donation and advice. Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah to all."-- Fire Fighter Jim Rush

"Mark, Just wanted to take the opportunity to thank the volunteers who put together the Holiday Parade this year. My friends and I participated by planning, decorating and riding on the Mario’s Roofing Float, and I’m not sure who had more fun, us or the crowd watching the parade. The committee did an excellent job coordinating the parade and they should be commended for the time and effort they put into it. Also, it was nice to see so many town residents involved and enjoying it! We’re already planning our float for next year!"--Diane McAuley

"Hi Mark, It seems as though what I have read on your site about the JCC being bought by the YMCA is all negative. I for one am very excited about it and am looking forward to the change. I have been a member of the Easton YMCA for some time, but love the thought of one opening closer to me. I looked into programs at the JCC for my family and especially my children and found the prices to be unaffordable for our income. The Y offers discounted membership according to income and discounted programs for members. My children have been taking swimming classes, karate, cooking, and a variety of other programs at the Y. They also have a large selection
of affordable summer camps for children with free bus transportation. In my opinion this is the best thing to happen in our town in a long time. I think that instead of everybody being upset, they should look at the positives
that the YMCA will bring to our town."-- Heather McGinley

"Mark: Your article, "Selling Out The Area's Jews--One Man's View”, was absolutely accurate. I commend you for expressing what many within the South Area Jewish Community feel. We were sold down the river by the arrogance of a JCC leadership from

"Mark, Best article you ever wrote ("Selling Out Area's Jews")-The truth!!!!!--M.L.

"Dear Friends, The great Unitarian preacher John Haynes Holmes of the Community Church in New York once wrote: “Most of us are fleshly beings. We live in the world of physical sensations and material objects. But this is the world in which we can most easily be reached and injured. We delight in the body—but the body can fall sick, and be wounded, and suffer pain, and grow old, and in the end must die. We cling to money—but money can be stolen, or lose its value, or swiftly disappear. We spend a lifetime perhaps in accumulating property—but property can be dissipated, or destroyed, and finally at death must be altogether surrendered. What wonder, then, in such a world, we are unhappy and most of the time consumed with fear?” But this is not our only world, Dr. Holmes reminds us. At Christmastime, that other world draws closest to our physical world, and the Word is made flesh and comes to dwell among us, and the very Earth is suffused with wonder and enchantment and the very glory of God. Then it is that we have our keenest inkling of this other world—the world of the spirit-- in which we live, and move, and have our true being. This is, perhaps, the sacred truth at the heart of faith—not just the Christian faith or the Jewish faith from which it arose-- but of all the world’s great fa