National Grid's Vegetation Management Program

Greetings All,

National Grid has announced that it is implementing Tree Trimming within the Town of Sturbridge in an effort to conduct some pro-active and preemptive maintenance. This is certainly welcomed news. You may recall from previous correspondence that during my sworn testimony to the Department of Public Utilities I specifically called out National Grid for a lack of "vegetation management" and requested their vegetation management records for the Town of Sturbridge for the last 10 years. Equally, in an official letter authored by Selectman Priscilla Gimas and myself - which is now part of the Public Investigation Record - we again reiterated the lack of preventative vegetation management program and again called for release of all vegetation management records for the last 10 years.

Whether this official testimony - provided both verbally during hearings and by way of an official letter - has anything to do with the implementation of this "preventative vegetation management program" or is merely coincidental in its timing is an unknown; regardless, one would agree that this proactive and preemptive approach by National Grid is welcome news. The information released is as follows:

Lewis Tree Service, working under contract for National Grid will be trimming trees for utility line clearance on the following streets beginning on or about January 24th and continuing until completed.

Residents who have questions regarding this tree trimming are encouraged to contact the phone #'s that were printed on the door hangers left by Lewis Tree over the past few weeks. Pruning guidelines to be used by Lewis Tree were approved by the Tree Warden.

Tree Trimming streets:
Holland Rd and all side streets
Brookfield Rd (Rt 148) and all side streets
Arnold Rd and all side streets
Cedar Street and all side streets
Stallion Hill Rd, North end of Leadmine Rd and all side streets
US RT 20 from Stallion Hill Rd west to Brimfield Town Line and all side streets.

A Series of Debates for Selectman

Earlier today, I spoke with our Town Moderator who consented to moderating a series of 3 televised debates between candidates for the office of selectman.

The debates themselves will vary in format and will include questions pre-submitted to the Town Moderator the evening of the debates, phone-in questions from TV viewers, direct questions from those in attendance, as well as questions posed by the candidates to one another in a modified Lincoln-Douglas debate style. All will allow for direct rebuttal by candidates.

These formats will allow for substantive and meaningful dialog on all issues of concern and/or importance to the residents of this community, while providing a significant opportunity to truly vet candidates seeking your consideration.

I welcome the opportunity for critical review of my service to our community and I am certain that any candidates seeking election/reelection to the office of selectman will welcome this as an opportunity to advocate for their candidacy.

Tentatively, the debates will be scheduled in late February, mid-March and early April, thus providing opportunity for all residents to view, review, research, deliberate and determine who they believe best represents their hopes, dreams, and viewpoints.

Regardless of the outcome of the election – in terms of my own candidacy, I am proud to be organizing these debates on behalf of the community, as I believe that residents have the right to expect all candidates requesting the honor of your vote, be willing to participate in a process designed to provide residents with such an opportunity.

In organizing last year’s televised debate, I committed to a series of more comprehensive debates during the next election cycle - whether I were to be a candidate or not. As the time has now arrived, I look forward to fulfilling that commitment and participating as a candidate respectfully seeking your support. More information is forthcoming.

TRC

With Great Humility, I Seek the Privilege of Serving You Again.

Greetings All,

After detailed and deliberate consideration, and in recognition of the great privilege I’ve been extended these past three years, I have - with deep humility - decided to seek your support for another term as a member of your Board of Selectmen.

As many who know me can attest, and as reflected in many public statements made over the past 3 years, I have steadfastly maintained my focus as a one-term selectman, believing it vital to preserve a sense of urgency in fulfilling my obligations as an elected official responsible to each of you in this community.

I have always recognized and continue to do so with absolute certainty that I work for, and serve at the pleasure of, the residents of this wonderful community. To that end, I have always believed that any personal thoughts entertained by me in terms of reelection would serve as a disservice to Sturbridge residents, while equally proving to be quite selfish and presumptuous on my part. I firmly do believe in the words of Thomas Jefferson that "When a man assumes a public trust he should consider himself a public property". In that vein, I have always understood that the office I hold is yours and the privilege of holding it comes solely by way of your discretion.

That the time has now come wherein a decision is required, I am cognizant of the fact that the greatest honor I have been blessed with during my life has been in service to the residents of this community. Not a day has passed during these past 2 years and 9 months that has been absent of efforts by me on behalf of the residents of Sturbridge. This stems from my recognition that the honor of serving as one of your selectman is not one limited to Monday evening meetings, but rather an obligation and commitment requiring efforts that span 7 days each week, 365 days each year. I truly hope that despite any differences one may have with decisions I've made, that one has never felt a lack of commitment or effort on my part.

I am proud to live in this community and realize the great trust placed in those who are allowed the honor of serving its residents. Understanding such, I have - each and every day - undertaken my obligations and responsibilities to ALL residents with principle, integrity, objectivity, equity, and respect. I believe that those unwavering standards have contributed to a local government that is more transparent in its dealings, more accessible and responsible to all residents, more committed to decisions based upon honest and fully inclusive deliberations, as well as leadership that is cognizant of its responsibilities to ALL residents, as opposed to any particular few.
 
Thus, it is with great reverence for the office you have privileged me with holding these past 3 years that I announce my candidacy for reelection and humbly request your consideration in allowing me the honor of continuing service as one of your selectmen.

I invite you to contact me with questions, concerns, criticisms, and/or any thoughts you might have at trcreamer@gmail.com or by phone at 774-696-0903.