Budget Update

Being pre-occupied with other demands, I realize that I have neglected to update the community on recent budget discussions and actions undertaken by the Board of Selectmen. To that end, I have the following to report with respect to the proposed FY13 Budget. I have included in this report information previously provided in a report issued on 20 March 2012.

Personnel Increase in DPW: Motion (Selectman Ellison) to NOT support the proposed personnel/hours increase in the DPW;  2nd - Selectman Gimas

Allegations of Misconduct

Over the past several days, a number of substantial allegations have been leveled against the Board of Selectmen by a co-sponsor of a ballot petition seeking revocation of the Community Preservation Act. This citizens’ initiative will appear as Question 4 on the Ballot.  Local blogs are replete with allegations of misconduct being leveled against the Sturbridge Board of Selectmen.

As an individual member of the Board, not presuming to represent any formal position of the Board, I am compelled to provide a response. In so doing, it is important to note that I personally maintain a great deal of respect and admiration for those willing to challenge government in an effort to obtain the highest in legal, ethical, and moral practices from same. To that end, I am grateful for this resident’s efforts to demand the absolute best from us.

Celebrate Earth Day: Volunteer at a trail near you!

April: Celebrate Earth Day: Volunteer at a trail near you!

April traditionally brings on the first of several trail volunteer opportunities and this year is no different. Celebrate Earth Day, April 21st, by volunteering at one of several area trail projects. Donations and support for this volunteer trail day in the form of drinking water and food for lunch are welcome. Youth groups, families, service organizations are all welcome to participate. Pre registration is requested to allow for proper planning of projects, logistical support and to maximize the work organization. The various contact names and emails are listed below. 

A GREAT Opportunity to Support Two GREAT Individuals

I am honored to write in support of Maryann Thorpe for reelection to the Sturbridge Zoning Board of Appeals. Maryann is an individual of impeccable integrity and one who has served our community with honor and dignity during her two-year tenure. I was privileged to support her two years ago during her campaign for election for a vacated 2-year seat. She has proven to be a tremendous asset to the ZBA bringing a great sense of balance, objectivity, thoughtfulness, and judicial clarity. 

As a member of a quasi-judicial body (ZBA), Maryann has demonstrated an acute ability to ensure that decision-making is based upon the merits of the issue before her - consistent with the laws of our community and the State of Massachusetts - while ensuring that her personal feelings specific to any matter are left completely out of the issue. The ZBA is tasked with powers that at times resemble those of a court or judge and obligated to issue findings that are consistent with the law, not one’s personal proclivities. Maryann has been the model of judicial objectivity and serves as a power of example to all on the proper execution of her responsibilities and oath of office. I humbly and respectfully request your support for Maryann Thorpe on April 9, by voting to reelect her to this critically important position. 

In line with my unwavering support for Maryann, I am thrilled that her opponent of two years ago, Don Fairbrother, has decided to wage a write-in campaign for the remaining open seat on the ZBA. Don is a dedicated resident who has proven his objectivity, honesty, and resourcefulness as a member of our Cable Advisory Committee. His commitment to the residents of Sturbridge has been instrumental in moving our community forward in terms of public access and he continues daily to seek new and innovative ways to improve resident access to all public information. So too, he has proven to be an extremely balanced, thoughtful, and respectful individual who recognizes the obligation he has to our community.

As I wrote two years ago in my endorsement of Maryann Thorpe, Don Fairbrother is a man of character and one that I respect and admire; unfortunately however, I could support only one candidate and I proudly supported Maryann. This year, I am privileged and honored to be able to support both of these fine human-beings and I hope that all residents will enthusiastically join me in voting for Maryann Thorpe for the ZBA while simultaneously writing in Donald Fairbrother on the line below Maryann’s name. This is a great opportunity to elect two great candidates for our Zoning Board of Appeals.

TRC

Write-in Campaign for Zoning Board of Appeals

My name is Donald Fairbrother and I am initiating a write-in campaign for Zoning Board of Appeals for the Sturbridge town election on April 9th.  My desire to fill the position stems from my desire to contribute to the future of the community that has drawn us as residents. Based on my corporate experience, I feel that I can be fair and objective in the decision–making process of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

We moved into Sturbridge over 5 years ago after I retired from a 31 year career with an aerospace firm as a middle manager. I have been married to my wife, Linda, for over 45 years. We have three children and 7 grandchildren. Over the five years that we’ve lived in Sturbridge, I have felt a need to contribute to the town we chose to reside in. These contributions have been  demonstrated by my volunteer efforts, which include Personnel Committee (4 years), Cable Advisory Committee (3 years) and MA Broadband 123 town representative (2 years). I now ask the residents of Sturbridge to please consider writing my name in for the position of Zoning Board of Appeals on April 9^th.

Donald Fairbrother

Sturbridge 

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NOTE: Don is an incredibly dedicated resident who has served with distinction an honor as a member of the Cable Advisory Committee during the last 3 years. I enthusiastically endorse and support his write-in campaign.  

TRC

Budget Discussions: 03-19-12

Last night, the Board of Selectmen voted the following with respect to aspects of the FY13 Budget proposal.

Motion: (Selectman Blanchard) To Support 2% Non-union wage increases for all non-union employees (2nd Selectman Dowling), 

Vote: 3 in favor, 2 opposed (Selectman Creamer, Selectman Gimas). Motion carries 3-2

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Motion: (Selectman Blanchard) To NOT support staffing or hours increase in the Conservation Office (2nd Selectman Gimas), 

Vote: 4-0-1 (Selectman Dowling abstained citing lack of definitive information with which to vote for or against). Motion carries 4-0-1 to NOT support increase.

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Motion: (Selectman Blanchard) To NOT support increase in hours for the Building Inspector  (2nd Selectman Gimas), 

Vote: 4-0-1 (Selectman Dowling abstained citing lack of definitive information with which to vote for or against). Motion carries 4-0-1 to NOT support increase.

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Motion: (Selectman Blanchard) To Support the Burgess School Budget as proposed;  (2nd Selectman Dowling),

Vote: 4-1 (Selectman Creamer voting NO due solely to non-union wage increases and his desire to remain consistent with respect to his position of not supporting non-union wage increases for general government employees). Motion carries 4-1 to support the Burgess School Budget. 

315 for 310

This past Monday, the Board of Selectmen was presented with a Citizen’s Petition signed by 19 Sturbridge registered voters “To see if the Town will vote to transfer from Free Cash the sum of THREE HUNDRED FIFTEEN THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($315,00.00) to purchase property and buildings located at 310 Main Street in Sturbridge, or take any action in relation thereto”.  That article has been placed on the Town Meeting Warrant for your consideration, as required by law.

The building in question is adjacent to Town Hall (directly to the left) and has been an item of discussion for a number of years, particularly during the 2-3 year period surrounding the proposed renovations of the then Town Hall and Center School. As that particular period predates my service as an elected official, I cannot speak with any authority relative to the thought process shared by those involved in terms of the level of consideration tendered to the purchase of that particular property. As a current member of the Board, I can say that this issue has been raised by several residents and that such has been the topic of discussion/consideration for the past 18 months (approximate).

"Clarifying Misinformation"

In response to a letter submitted to the editors of local newspapers by two Sturbridge residents “clarifying misinformation” surrounding the CPA while specifically calling out 3 of my colleagues, I am compelled to share some thoughts. First, I sincerely applaud these two residents for their activism and efforts on behalf of our community; it’s evident that they take great interest in its well-being. All too often, one may identify issues within the community but simply will not have the time nor the ability to address them; to that end, these two residents have demonstrated their conviction and commitment.

Save the CPA - Vote NO on Question 4

We write today to offer a link to a website that offers information on the Community Preservation Act. The CPA is a fantastic program that has allowed Sturbridge to obtain state funding for our local projects and it is critical to our municipal fiscal health.

A ballot question at our Annual Town Election will ask you if you are in favor of revoking the CPA. We urge you to learn about the CPA because we are confident that an educated voter will vote NO on Question 4.

My Endorsement Letter for Dr. Susan Waters

To the Editor

It is with enormous pride that I write in support of Dr. Susan Waters for the Tantasqua Regional School Committee. Susan is an individual of impeccable character whose commitment to service is based not upon ideology or self-serving aspiration, but upon a genuine desire to serve her community with honor.

During one of the most challenging times in our town’s history, Dr. Waters was contacted by me – based upon her expertise and experience – to accept a volunteer position as our Town’s Volunteer Resource Coordinator. Despite the demands of a professional career, Dr. Waters immediately committed to giving every free minute of her time to help reclaim and recover our community. Each morning Dr. Waters initiated daily operations at the Volunteer Resource Center, coordinating staffing and volunteer assignments while maintaining ongoing communications throughout the day; this, in addition to fully addressing the demands of her profession. As each work day ended, Susan met with me and would spend the next 5 – 6 hours, reviewing the day’s progress, while identifying needs, addressing logistics and scheduling resources for the following day’s work. Weekends would regularly witness consecutive 12-hour days as Dr. Waters was on the ground coordinating volunteers and assets in support of recovery operations.

The "Fairness Doctrine"

Over the past week, several Town officials have referenced a desire/need to be "fair" with our employees by way supporting the Town Administrator's proposed 2% wage increase for all non-union employees. The Town Administrator himself classified his proposal as "fair and affordable". One member of the Board of Selectmen as well as a member of the Finance Committee have indicated the need for us to be "fair" in terms of compensating our non-union employees in a manner similar to that of collective bargaining employees. One Town official, while advocating an increase for a specific employee, questioned the fairness of this non-union Town employee receiving a salary that was not on parity with others in similar positions.

A Proposal for a Government Services Study Committee

As I continue to contemplate the budget proposals submitted by the Town Administrator in terms of increased staff and/or hours, I have determined it both appropriate and necessary to initiate an independent study of general government staffing. As previously indicated and publicly noted, the Town Administrator was tasked by the Board of Selectmen in November of 2010 to “evaluate the efficiency of Town Hall services and effectiveness of the current staffing in providing these services”. This evaluation was determined necessary in addressing future staffing needs and/or service increases or reductions. To date, this review has not been done and certainly events of the last year have impacted its undertaking to some measurable degree.

That said, further consideration has led me to believe that the assignment of this task to the Town Administrator is counterproductive for the following reasons: