A Message from the Board of Health

Sturbridge Board of Health Chairman Linda Cocalis, would like all residents to be aware of an information bulletin issued by the Department of Public Health.

SWINE FLU Message from Commissioner of Public Health John Auerbach

While this is a serious matter and one that requires all Massachusetts residents to be aware and prepared, there is no reason to be overly alarmed and the confirmed US cases have involved relatively mild illness and all those affected have fully recovered.

There are steps that everyone can take to help prevent getting or spreading any type of influenza:

1. Become aware of the facts: We encourage everyone to visit the CDC's new web site at www.cdc.gov/swineflu. We also have some very good information on how to care for someone at home who has the flu~on our DPH web site. And DPH has its own regularly updated blog at www.mass.gov/blog/publichealth.

2. Practice good health hygiene: Disease transmission can be significantly reduced by taking the following actions:

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.~ Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Practice good "cough etiquette" by coughing or sneezing into a tissue, or into your elbow instead of into your hands.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.

We will do our best to keep you and the residents of Massachusetts updated as the situation evolves. Thanks in advance for your patience and for your help in spreading the message about the importance of prevention. Please check our web site, www.mass.gov/dph for updates.

6) Public Access to Information

Recently I announced that the Finance Committee had completed the process of posting their meeting minutes on the town’s website. As indicated in that announcement, Kevin Smith, Chairman of the FinCom had followed through on a conversation he and I had several months ago regarding same, and along with the Town Administrator undertook the necessary steps to address the issue of electronic access to public meetings. Surely, this will provide a great opportunity for residents to gather additional information with which to make informed decisions. Kevin Smith moved the ball on this all the way and he should be commended for this.

Subsequent to that discussion, I reached out to the Board of Health (BoH) to inquire about the possibility of electronic public access to their meeting minutes and was informed that the BoH would review the matter and determine the feasibility of such, but that they completed supported the idea. With the distraction of an election cycle pending and anticipated personnel changes in the BoH, it was believed that this issue could be best addressed post election.

Recently, BoH interim-Chairman Linda Cocalis and I discussed this issue and agreed that we would undertake all necessary steps to ensure that BoH meeting minutes are publicly posted to the town website as expeditiously as possible. Linda shared with me some of the website challenges the BoH is confronted with and I offered to provide any assistance I could to address outstanding issues. It is our hope that this issue will be satisfactorily addressed within the next month.

As indicated in Point 6 of My 7-Point Plan for the First 12 Months as selectman, “I am committed to pursuing the online publication of all appropriate meeting minutes by boards and committees representing this community and to have such initiated and available for public review within the first 6 months of the election”. Rest assured that I will continue to pursue this until we have addressed all “appropriate...boards and committees representing this community”.

I am most grateful for the support and diligence that this issue has garnered from both the FinCom and the BoH and am certain that such shall be the same with other boards and committees.

Finance Committee Meeting Minutes Now Online

Kevin Smith, Chairman of the Finance Committee (FinCom) informed me today that the FinCom meeting minutes are now being posted online. This is consistent with the FinCom Fiscal Year 2007 Annual Report, which called for more timely access to the meeting minutes of all town committees/boards.

Kevin and I had discussed this several months back and the issues preventing such from being addressed earlier have now been resolved, thanks entirely to the efforts of Kevin, fellow members of the FinCom and the Town Adminstrator.

This will provide greater information flow and transparency for residents, while simultaneously providing each of us with more timely inforamation with which to make sound decisions.

Town Meeting Broadcasts

As many of you are by now aware, broadcast capabilities for town meetings are currently unavailable. At issue, is the cost associated with properly configuring the Senior Center - $11,000 per the Town Administrator - in order to accommodate televised broadcasts.

That money is perhaps best allocated to address other more pressing economic needs within the community. The Town Administrator is working on viable and economical solutions to the issue, which hopefully, will be remedied in the very near term. In the interim, audio recordings and summaries of the meetings will be available on this site.

It is my intention to utilize this forum as a means of generating ideas, discussions, and guidance from the residents and businesses of Sturbridge. I invite all who visit this site to reach out to me either by email or though comment postings to the site.

As well I will make every effort to provide audio recordings of selectmen’s meetings so that residents can maintain access to the workings of their elected officials. Once we have the capability to tape the meetings, broadcasts will be made available via our cable access and various sites.

In terms of last night’s meeting there were several items that may be of interest to residents.

Board Reorganization
(00:00:30 on the tape)

The Board did reorganize last night with Mary Blanchard, Scott Garieri, and Ed Goodwin being nominated for the following positions respectively, Chairman of the Board, Vice-chairman of the Board, and Clerk. The vote was unanimous.

Burgess School Committee Interviews (00:04:50 on the tape)

Two interviews were conducted last night for appointment to the Burgess Building Committee. The interviewees were Mr. Jeff Bonja and Mr. Dale Caldwell. Additional interviews with other candidates who have submitted letters of interest are scheduled for May 4, 2009.

Zoning Article (00:58:00 on the tape)

Mr. Michael Bergeron and Mr. Anthony J. Grossi of New England Land and Lumber of Brimfield appeared before the board to request reconsideration of a previous Board vote on Town Warrant Article 17, which seeks to rezone approximately 110 acres of land on Route 15 abutting the Union, Ct / Holland, MA town line from Rural Residential (RR) to Commercial District.

Previously, the Board had voted 4-1 (Blanchard) to recommend “That no action be taken on the article”.

After reviewing the request along with the plans submitted, the Board voted 3 (Blanchard, Garieri, Creamer) -2 (White/Goodwin) to offer a substitute motion to “Approve the article as written”.

To be clear, this zoning change – if approved by a 2/3rds majority of voters at the Annual Town Meeting - does not allow for, nor does it permit the construction of a “truck stop” as was reported. Truck stops – per Sturbridge Zoning Bylaws - are not permitted in a Commercial District.

My vote last night was consistent with the position I had taken on January 13, 2009 when this proponent appeared before the Planning Board during a Public Hearing pertaining to this zoning request. The Planning Board’s vote was 4-3 to support the petitioner’s request.

By way of background, the petitioner initially appeared before the Planning Board on 11-18-09 during a Public Hearing to request support for a zoning change from Rural Residential to Commercial II. Based upon the plans submitted, the zoning change requested, (which would have allowed a truck stop), the lack of adequate buffers, and the concerns expressed by the abutters, the Planning Board expressed its unanimity in not supporting the petition as submitted.

At that time, the proponents withdrew their petition without prejudice and indicated their desire to work with abutters to find a more acceptable proposal.

Two months later (January 13, 2009) during a subsequent Public Hearing, the petitioners presented a new proposal requesting a change to Commercial as opposed to Commercial II. This new proposal eliminated the possibility of a truck stop on the Sturbridge parcel and outlined a series of increased buffers, which would protect the integrity of the neighboring zoning.

In light of the modifications made by the proponents, which addressed many of the concerns that had been expressed by abutters and board members, four members of the Planning Board were sufficiently moved to a point to where they could find no reason not to support the request. Thus, my vote last night reflected my position that sufficient safeguards are now in place to provide the appropriate protection to the neighborhood.

Worth consideration as well, is the following in terms of residential development: depending upon the community geography, density, zoning regulations, and type of development (i.e. subdivisions, multi-dwelling projects, age-restricted or unrestricted developments), the general cost of services to a town as it relates to residential development is between $1.16 - $1.60 for every dollar raised in residential taxes. Thus, a community generally takes in much less in tax revenue than it spends in addressing the needs of residential development.

Conversely, commercial and industrial development generally costs a community anywhere between .28 and .40 cents on the dollar for every dollar raised via commercial/industrial taxes. From a return on investment standpoint, the rezoning of the 110 acres requested by the proponent at the extreme edge of the town line is a much wiser approach, particularly in light of the safeguards in place.

New Business (01:40:23 on the tape)

I reminded the Board of my campaign commitment to voters regarding my 7-Point Plan for the First 12 Months of my tenure as selectman, and requested that the items be placed upon the upcoming agendas for discussion.

I also requested the scheduling of items from the Finance Committee’s Annual Report citing our responsibility from a policy standpoint to address those items and determine what if any action should be taken.

My Thanks to the Residents of Sturbridge

I would like to express my deep gratitude to the voters of Sturbridge for entrusting me with the honor, privilege, and responsibility of being elected to serve you. I am fully cognizant of the incredible gift you have extended me and my obligation to each of you within our community to ensure that I represent you with dignity, integrity, character principle, and humility.

There are many challenges facing our community and I am determined to fully engage them while ensuring that the practice of Principles over Personalities is the guiding litmus test for actions taken by the Board.

As a candidate for selectman, I traveled to your doorsteps, understanding that were I to be honored with your support, I would be directly accountable to you, the residents and voters of Sturbridge. Rest assured, I shall remain ever mindful of my service and responsibility to you.

There is little doubt that you will at times find disagreement with my position on issues - that is to be expected. I do hope, however, there will be little doubt as well that my positions will be grounded in principle and based upon the greater good as it relates to the needs of the many.

I will continue to reach out to you with neighborhood visits in an effort to engage you on community issues as I am committed to bringing town government directly to you. As well, I invite each and every resident to engage me directly with your hopes, concerns, fears and frustrations so that I may better represent you.

I am humbled to be of service to you and am determined to provide the leadership that you have come to expect from me. You have placed a great deal of trust in me, and I shall endeavor each day to ensure that my service remains worthy of that trust.

Finally, I wish to thank and commend all the candidates for the extremely positive, issue-oriented manner by which each conducted their campaigns; it was a true credit to their character and their commitment to this community. As well, I would like to congratulate Ted Goodwin for his successful and well-organized re-election efforts.

Gratefully,

Thomas R. Creamer

A Message From James Ehrhard

As you can appreciate, my losing by 14 votes has caused a number of supporters to ask that I request a recount in the Town Election that occurred on Monday. I appreciate all the support I received in the election and do not take their requests lightly.

That said, I cannot in good faith request a recount because it is not in the best interest of the people of Sturbridge. In these challenging economic times, the money that would be required for a recount is far better spent in support of our schools and public safety departments.

Additionally, with Jim Malloy leaving, the Board of Selectmen needs to quickly begin the process of finding a replacement. I will not allow a recount and the instability it would bring to the Board to cause a disruption of that process. The voters have spoken and I proudly support Tom and Ted as Selectmen.

There will be no recount.

Regards,

James

A Journey Through Sturbridge

The campaign officially ended for me yesterday at 4:45 p.m., as I visited my last and 2,327th household in Sturbridge. It has been an amazing journey and one that has inspired a great deal of personal growth and community awareness on my part. As I have previously written, one cannot travel the doorsteps of 2,327 households and come away unchanged.

I have gained a much deeper understanding of our community and our neighbors, while personally experiencing a more intimate appreciation of the hopes, dreams, fears, and frustrations of those who call Sturbridge their home.

Regardless of tomorrow’s outcome, I will treasure this experience as deeply as I do the many other experiences I have been privileged with during my life. Each journey that we allow ourselves to embark upon, is filled with opportunity; we need only muster the courage and the openness to witness and experience the prospects that lay hidden in life’s challenges.

I am grateful to all who have extended me the generosity and the courtesy of their time and their thoughts, for each of you, supporter or not, has granted me the opportunity to experience another facet of life, and for that I am eternally grateful.

There have been many streets traveled and many households visited, yet, I regret that time did not permit me the privilege of visiting every household. Perhaps that opportunity may yet present itself in another format, but for those I missed, please know, it was not for lack of want, but rather for lack of time and physical ability.

My journey to the 2,327 households (apartments and singled family residences) visited, took me to the following streets and neighborhoods in Sturbridge.

Audubon Way
Preserve Way
Deer Run Circle
Sidney Road
Mildred Circle
Cherry Brook Circle
Scotch Pine
Old Brook Circle
Evergreen Lane
Hunter Lane
Arnold Lane
Highland Lane
Meadow View Lane
Draper Woods Rd
Harding Lane
Lauren Lane
Brook Hill Road
Tannery Road
Colonial Drive
Sturbridgde Hills RD
Village Green
Betsy Ross Circle
Steeple View Rd
Cresent Way
Old Towne Way
Fiske Hill Road
Apple Hill Road
Walker Pond Road
Wallace Road
Fairview Park Road
Podunk Road
McGilpin Road
Streeter Road
Breakneck Road
Stallion Hill Road
New Boston Road
Brookfield Road
Cedar Street
Arnold Road
Clark Road & Ext
Westwood Drive
Harrington Court
Woodside Circle
The Trail
Lakewood Trail
Glendale Road
Paradise Lane
Shepard Road
Main Street
Shepard Road
Hillside Drive
Shepard Place
Ridgeview Road
Orchard Road
Farquhar Road
Blueberry Lane
Heritage Green
Chamberland Pkwy
Charlton Street
Grasshopper Lane
Snell Street
Podunk Road
Douty Road
Mashapaug Road
Cricket Drive
Leadmine Road (I-84 Side)
Shattuck Road
Charlton Road
Allen Road
Tantasqua Shore Dr.
Finley Road
Stearns Drive
Leadmine Road (Stallion Hill Side)
Bentwood Drive
New Boston Road
Old Farm Road
Whittemore Road
McGregory Road
Willard Road
Newton Place
Lake Road
Cooper Road
Hall Road
North Drive
Lakeshore Drive
Collette Road
Camp Road
Holland Road
Ridge Way
Glennridge Road
Forest Lane

Turley Publications-Tantasqua Town Common Endorses Creamer for Selectman!

Turley Publications - The Tantasqua Town Common, has officially endorsed Tom Creamer for selectman. The endorsement as follows, was published by the Editor in the April 9th edition of the Tantasqua Town Common.

EDITORIAL - VOTE FOR CREAMER

Residents will have many consequential votes to cast come Election Day. But one race is no contest While there are many candidates running for open and contested seats this election, Thomas Creamer stands out.

When Creamer first announced his bid for selectman, we’re sure many rolled their eyes. Back then, he was better known as a controversial blogger, antagonistic and overly-opinionated. But "Creamer the Candidate" soon emerged as someone possessing the character, ideas and initiative to help set Sturbridge on a path to prosperity.

There's one caveat in our endorsement of this candidate. Creamer needs to lose his personal blog, end his boyish bickering with the town administrator and other officials, and offer opinions that are well reasoned. If Creamer can make the needed adjustments, we endorse him readily. And here’s why.

He has a record of stepping up. Thanks to Creamer and the Residential Energy Assistance for Seniors Foundation he helped develop, local seniors with limited resources don't need to choose between paying their grocery bill or their heating bill. Thanks to Creamer and others, residents affected by December’s ice storm were able to find a place to stay, generators and emotional support. With two potential disasters at his doorstep – one economic, the other natural – Creamer didn’t just say something had to be done. He led from the front. He knows his stuff.

During the debates, when his words and demeanor mattered more than his record, he came very well prepared with reports and studies he referenced. Not once did Creamer use an ad hominem argument. He was articulate and reasonable, while still conveying deep passion for this community. So much attention has been focused on how to spur growth without losing our small town charm.

The issues of Route 15 development and installing water and sewer lines along Main Street have been debated at length with no clear answers. But Creamer arrived at the GBIS debate last Wednesday with fresh ideas to build our tax base by enticing national distributing and shipping companies to locate here.Throw abundant industrial zoned land, the crossroads of I-84 and I- 90 and the promise of expedited permitting into the sales pitch, and the proposal is an attractive one. The initial investment of building infrastructure would easily be offset by increases to local tax revenue and employment.

No one can reasonably argue that any one of the four candidates does not want to see Sturbridge prosper. No one can say the candidates want anything but the best for this town. But for all the talk of needing to jumpstart the local economy, to take direct action in face of a national recession, only one candidate came to the table with a viable plan to do so. He is ready to engage residents – his door-to-door campaign approach clearly demonstrates this.

However, an election should not be decided based on who knocks on the most doors, who gets the most signs placed on Route 20, or who has the best looking Web site. Voters should cast their ballots after much deliberation. Which is how we make this one endorsement while other seats are also being contested.

Creamer’s willingness to search for new answers and ideas, coupled with his sincere devotion to Sturbridge, is the kind of leadership the Board of Selectmen needs in the coming years.

We urge voters to add Tom Creamer to their list of candidate picks on Election Day, Monday, April 13.

Editorial Staff - Tantasqua Town Common

Endorsements for Tom Creamer Found in Local Newspapers

Creamer’s Actions Louder Than Words: Town Common – April 2, 2009 / Sturbridge Villager April 3, 2009

To the Editor:

It is with great pleasure that we endorse Tom Creamer for selectman. His tireless efforts in Sturbridge have been to the benefit of all residents. Tom is the cofounder of the all-volunteer senior energy program REAS Foundation, which has provided heating assistance to 50 Sturbridge seniors.

Tom co-wrote the Senior Tax Assessment Reduction Co-Op that is now being sponsored by Senator (Stephen) Brewer. This will allow residents to provide services to the town and have their work credited to a qualifying Sturbridge senior’s tax bill, bringing needed relief to seniors while obtaining cost effective services for the community.

He has also spent a great deal of time and energy working with surrounding communities in an effort to secure more funding for the Elderbus. This valuable service is a life safer to seniors who depend upon it for doctor’s appointments.

During this year’s ice storm, 72 Sturbridge families were without power for a week. It was Tom Creamer who organized volunteers, secured hotel rooms, warming stations and generators, to assist these Sturbridge residents. His efforts enabled many families to return or remain in their homes and helped reduce the stress.

When a fire ravaged the home of a Sturbridge resident several months ago, it was Tom Creamer who initiated a fund to help this Sturbridge family in need.

While others talk or claim credit for doing things, Tom Creamer is out busy actually doing them and making a difference in people’s lives. Tom Creamer is a leader, a person of action, and commitment. Sturbridge needs that now more than ever. We happily support and endorse Tom Creamer.

ROB AND STACY COURTNEY – STURBRIDGE


Creamer a Man of Passion, Zeal: Sturbridge Villager – April 3, 2009

To the Editor:

I write today in support of Tom Creamer for Selectman. Tom is a man of conviction who commits himself 100 percent to everything he undertakes. He immerses himself in the subject matter at hand, making sure that when he discusses an issue or topic he does so as an informed individual.

Over the many years I have known him we have generally agreed on most issues, but we have not agreed on all. Even when we have disagreed he has never allowed his arguments to devolve into emotional appeals or personal attacks. He stays on topic. He may present his arguments with passion and zeal, but the arguments themselves are always articulated with logic, fact, and calculated analysis.

There are those who may not agree with his position on an issue, or who many not always agree with his format or approach. That is a good thing as we need differing viewpoints and demeanors to cultivate meaningful dialogue on all the issues facing our community. We need to be challenged and questioned, forced to think critically about our viewpoint and further refine our position.

What I ask Sturbridge voters is this: Will your candidate drive meaningful discussions, ask probing questions, and not settle for simple answers void of verifiable, factual data? Will your candidate voice a call to action and then follow through? Will your candidate demand accountability from him/herself and others? Those are, I believe, the right questions to ask about the candidate you support. Tom Creamer is the candidate who can answer those questions with a resounding “yes.”

Will Tom win the next popularity contest or congeniality award? I don’t know, and quite frankly, I don’t care. This is not, nor should it be, the litmus test for our selectmen. We should expect more from those we elect, and since we are the ones to elect them, we should expect more from ourselves. Please vote for Tom Creamer for Selectman on April 13.

JENNIFER MORRISON - STURBRIDGE


Endorsements Offered in Sturbridge: Southbridge Evening News – April 1, 2009

To the Editor:

Last year voters granted me the honor of serving as a Sturbridge selectman. I am very grateful for the privilege and today I write as a voter myself.

Years before the national economy tanked, we witnessed a major decline in new business expansions in Sturbridge. Many businesses closed or moved to other communities. The responsibility for this decline is due mostly to our local leadership.

Too often, we have seen the stifling of economic growth based on unfounded fears of losing our town’s “character.” Nothing has been more damaging to Sturbridge’s character than the increasing number of empty stores and the loss of local jobs.

As a resident, I believe we’d all like more leisure opportunities beyond simply eating out at local restaurants or an occasional visit to OSV or the local playhouse. People want to be able to visit quaint shops, catch a movie at a local cinema, or play a little miniature golf, as we did when we were young. Little or none of that exists today, mostly due to leadership that has been short-sighted.

Residents and visitors need reasons to visit or move to Sturbridge. That said, I ask for help in moving Sturbridge forward. We need to increase our tax base so that we can lessen the burden on residents. We can protect our character and still thrive.

I grew up in Sturbridge and want to see my future grandchildren have the same quality of life here that I did. If we continue the path we’re on, we have little chance of revitalizing the Main Street most of us once knew.

For these reasons, I as a resident will vote for Tom Creamer and James Erhard for selectmen on April 13. These are the two residents most capable of helping to restore our local economy while protecting Sturbridge’s character. I respectfully ask for voter consideration in supporting these two candidates.

SCOTT GARIERI – STURBRIDGE


Creamer’s Record of Service Excellent: SEN March 31 2009

To the Editor:

We write to offer our endorsement of Tom Creamer for selectman. Tom has served his country with great honor and distinction as a decorated Marine, a Special Advisor and Technical Operations Director with the FBI, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Homeland Security. He also served his community in Worcester as a professional firefighter and as a community volunteer leader, receiving numerous awards from the United Way, the American Heart Association, the Massachusetts Legislature, the President of the United States, as well as many colleges, universities and other social organizations for his commitment to community service.

Here in Sturbridge, he helped create an all-volunteer senior energy assistance fund, which provides fuel assistance to Sturbridge seniors on fixed incomes. He also worked with Selectman Scott Garieri to develop a senior tax credit program, which will enable people to provide services to the town and in lieu of payment can have that service credited to the tax bills of Sturbridge seniors on fixed incomes.

Tom’s public efforts were key in the formation of our economic development committee, which had been sought by the Finance Committee for years. The FinCom recommendation received no recognition from elected officials until Tom began publicly raising the issue.

When families were powerless for a week during the ice storm, Tom Creamer and other volunteers stepped right into action to assist these residents. The same was true when a Sturbridge family was displaced by fire this past year.

Tom Creamer is a proven leader who has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to the residents of this community. He is our choice for selectman and we urge you to support him as well.

GREGORY AND MARIA PETTIS – STURBRIDGE


A Record to Believe In: Town Common April 2, 2009 / Sturbridge Villager April 3, 2009

To the Editor:

There is one candidate in the 2009 Board of Selectmen’s race who has the record to back up his platform. I have known Tom Creamer for almost a year-and-a-half and have been most impressed by his ability to take action, follow through and get things done.

At the beginning of last summer, Tom Creamer shared with me his idea for the REAS Foundation and asked if I would get involved. For those not familiar, REAS is an organization that provides energy assistance for seniors. The organization came together quickly and simply took off. REAS completely exceeded my expectations with respect to how a local community can come together to help its own.

There were many people and many reasons why REAS has been and continues to be a success. However, there is one person who really drove the success of REAS and that was Tom Creamer. His ability to engage the community, inspire enthusiasm about the REAS mission, solicit funds and create a solid organization was critical to the success of REAS. The REAS Foundation isn’t even a year old yet and has had the success most organizations of this kind only dream about.

If Mr. Creamer’s record with the REAS Foundation wasn’t enough to convince people of his capabilities as a selectman, then his actions during the 2008 ice storm may. Many of us will remember the ice storm that occurred in December 2008. This negatively impacted both Tom Creamer and many other residents in Sturbridge. Tom quickly pulled together key members of the community to obtain generators, discounted hotel rooms,
electrician services and more to help make sure families in the area could make it through the two-plus weeks it took for power to be restored.

There are many more examples of Tom Creamer’s record that demonstrate his ability to take action, follow through and get things done. No other candidate for the 2009 selectmen’s race has more fully demonstrated such ability to work so passionately and effectively for the betterment of Sturbridge. That’s why I will be voting for Tom Creamer for selectman on April 13th.

PATRICK R. BABCOCK – STURBRIDGE


Endorsement Offered in Local Election: SEN April 2, 2009

To the editor:

I am honored and privileged to know Tom Creamer. Therefore, it is with great confidence and pleasure that I endorse him for the board of selectmen for the Town of Sturbridge.

His passion for and commitment to our community, particularly the seniors and those in need, point proof positive as to why Tom Creamer is the logical choice for selectman for the Town of Sturbridge. His efforts and call to action in establishing the senior energy assistance fund, the tax reduction program for seniors on fixed incomes and his tireless effort working with other communities to increase Elderbus funding showcase his commitment to the residents of Sturbridge.

A few years ago Mr. Creamer had the foresight to recognize the deteriorating conditions and bleak economic pose that embellished Main Street Sturbridge. Tom brought to light the need to form an economic development committee before the situation could worsen. His unbridled vision and proactive efforts were instrumental in the establishment of that committee.

Mr. Creamer also coordinated efforts and worked endless hours with a group of volunteers during the December 2008 ice storm going door-to-door daily for over a week providing generators, support and compassionate assistance to residents in Sturbridge. Also, during this emergency Tom Creamer was able to secure reduced price lodging with the assistance of our area motels, for those who could not stay in their own homes.

Tom Creamer recognizes problems, provides real solutions, and follows through to ensure successful completion. This is leadership. This is what Sturbridge needs and why I endorse Tom Creamer and ask you to do the same.

I also ask that we make this one of the largest voter turnouts in Sturbridge history. Please cast a vote.

Calvin Montigny – Fiskdale


Throws support behind two candidates Town Common: April 2, 2009 / SEN April 3, 2009

To the Editor:

I am writing to endorse James Ehrhard and Thomas Creamer for the position of Selectman in the Town of Sturbridge. Both are open-minded, pro-business candidates who also understand the unique nature and character of Sturbridge.

The right choices must be made to ensure that we do bring growth to Sturbridge in order to broaden our tax base which will not only help reduce our future tax burden but which will more importantly provide a deeper well to draw from for the critical infrastructure projects which we will soon need, including the sewage treatment facility, water facility, Town Hall and Center Street School, and the new Burgess Elementary School.

Both James and Tom have proven to be thoughtful and judicious in their current Town positions and are well suited to steering our Town through the difficult and expensive times ahead. Please give them support on Election Day, Monday, April 13.

MICHAEL CIMINI
STURBRIDGE