Comments on Sturbridge Political Watch - Selectman Tom Creamer: Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness...

"A different demographic?" Why "dif...

2011-10-06T23:08:37.298-04:00

"A different demographic?" Why "different" and not more inclusive? "A years notice?" Why? What other events require a years notice? It sounds like someone is pouting and stomping their feet.

Maybe one outcome will be more voters or a differe...

2011-10-05T21:50:29.111-04:00

Maybe one outcome will be more voters or a different demographic but as the blogpost states, the whole movement behind the petition was so that senior citizens, who are uncomfortable leaving their homes at night, can attend town meetings on Saturdays during daylight hours.

I've heard from moms who help their kids with homework at night during the week that a Saturday town meeting will fit their schedules better.

Why a years notice?? That seems like overkill.

Town Meeting on Saturday will not have more peopl...

2011-10-05T19:54:03.574-04:00

Town Meeting on Saturday will not have more people attend just a different demographic. Good or bad they better give a years notice.

I really appreciate the last comment from the Anon...

2011-10-04T17:27:10.150-04:00

I really appreciate the last comment from the Anonymous soccer mom. The Selectwoman has a way of making people feel weird when they don't agree with her point of view, and when she gets a specific idea in her head, she has a really hard time seeing all sides of an issue, especially on sports issues it seems. Your opinion certainly brings balance to the argument. Thanks for your input soccer mom!

As a soccer mom I get the value of Saturday sports...

2011-10-04T00:34:54.469-04:00

As a soccer mom I get the value of Saturday sports...but...I'm a little disturbed that one selectwoman thinks it's too much to ask people to sacrifice a morning for a meeting...it makes us sound like a bunch of selfish spoiled brats...I'm actually insulted...I'd rather give the seniors and working families a chance to attend by having it on Saturdays...my boys will survive just fine.

Nice comment anonymous, very informative. Kudos to...

2011-10-02T20:54:13.140-04:00

Nice comment anonymous, very informative. Kudos to Tom for following through for residents who signed the petition.

I watched the replay of the meeting and was dumbfounded by some of the comments from selectboard members. Bloody noses, shopping, department heads having to come in are reasons not to have Saturday meetings? Really? Sounds a little selfish to me. Also sounds ridiculous.

Both Marys deserve a "Needs Improvement"...

2011-10-02T14:20:29.628-04:00

Both Marys deserve a "Needs Improvement" on this one.

Some town officials termed the petition language as "vague." However, the date and time were left open so that voters could choose the time and which Saturday they wanted. That might not be an elected official’s preference but that was the intention. I think Tom Creamer realized this and the positive steps he took to preserve the people’s voice are both admirable and empowering.

With the exception of the number of signatures required on a petition, the MA Secretary of State's website does not indicate there are any other requirements for those submitting petitions for town meeting; nor could I find any information there about bringing a petition to a ballot vote, to the moderator, or anyone else for clarity, revisions, perfection, etc. There is nothing stated in the town's charter or bylaws about having it reviewed first, and currently, there is no information on the town's website as to how and where to seek information in order to submit a petition.

So, for one Selectwoman, on her first pass at this issue, to ask voters to re-do the petition because it doesn’t fit into a neat little box, is completely unfair, narrow-minded, and out of touch. The average voter has not practiced law and is not a lawyer. Then the same Selectwoman would not support the petition, saying a Charter change is necessary and she thinks it should be a ballot question; that is clearly an attempt at making new rules to fit her own belief systems and agenda, and by her own admission, is completely contrary to the town’s current bylaw.

Hopefully, this petition will serve as an example to voters who are not familiar with the process that they should seek out the moderator or other assistance. But if a submitted petition is not perfect, then the avenue taken by Selectman Creamer is a respectful and respectable one: it values the voice of the people and empowers the process.

http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cistwn/twnidx.htm

May voters place articles on the warrant?

Yes, voters may “insert” articles in the warrant. They have to do it before selectmen “close” the warrant.
To insert an article in the warrant for an annual Town Meeting, at least 10 registered voters of the town must sign a written request. The written request of registered voters for the insertion of subjects in town meeting warrants shall not be valid unless the required number of registered voters not only sign their names but also state their residence, with street and number, if any. Voters do not have to include their addresses after their signatures, but it is a good idea.
If you want a sample of an article to use to draft your article, go to town hall and ask for a copy of the annual report, or check if your town has a website and publishes the annual report there. The annual report will have warrants from the previous year’s Town Meeting, which you can use as samples. For further assistance, contact the town clerk or town counsel.
Citizens may insert an article in the warrant for a special Town Meeting. Selectmen shall insert in the warrant for every special town meeting all subjects which shall be requested by 100 registered voters or 10% of the total number of voters, whichever is lesser.

I know many people who are out of work, one for 18...

2011-10-01T17:05:10.107-04:00

I know many people who are out of work, one for 18 months. He used to make over $100,000 a year and you know what? He would love a job in which he had to work an occasional Saturday.

Didn't town hall employees just get raises at the last town meeting? Didn't their insurance just get tweaked for the better? And what about time-banking? I believe they just got that benefit. Maybe I'm wrong on some of this stuff, but I would love to work a 35-hour week and get top pay and benefits. Also, I wouldn't mind working on a Saturday once in awhile, if it meant that I could keep my job.

My point is, in the scheme of things, our town employees got it pretty good. If they're not happy, they can look around for something else.

Let's not forget that the same Selectwoman who...

2011-10-01T16:45:21.103-04:00

Let's not forget that the same Selectwoman who thinks playing sports games is more important than accommodating senior citizens and other residents at a Saturday town meeting, had also suggested during a previous Selectmens meeting that the petitioners should go back out and recollect 112 signatures. Many, many thanks to Tom Creamer for taking the steps he has in writing these bylaws, or the petitioners absolutely would have had to do that. The Selectwoman obviously hasn't a clue as to what's involved in doing a petition and that was evident during Monday's meeting. She actually suggested calling all the people who had signed it - for cripes sake, their phone numbers are NOT on the petition! Is she implying that senior citizens have the time it would take to do that??? Many seniors still have to work to make ends meet you know!

This Selectwoman stated at a prior meeting she didn't support Saturday town meetings because it would be in June; then she didn't support it because it might be in April. Then she didn't support it because it should be done with a Charter change and ballot vote? Which reason is it?

Frankly, I could care less whether her kid gets hit in the mouth during a game - again, it's a choice and you know what you're in for if you play such sports. Her Mama Drama on film of the meeting was over the top! And further comparing the plight and needs of our seniors citizens with kids who choose to play sports is just outside the realm of reality.

It is becoming very evident that there is an agenda with that Selectwoman, and it isn't about serving ALL residents. I agree with Anonymous: it's crazy thinking that some people actually believe that playing sports is more important than their voting privilege!

Excellent article Mr. Creamer. Thank you for takin...

2011-10-01T09:34:05.557-04:00

Excellent article Mr. Creamer. Thank you for taking this up. I am not a senior but do have trouble attending Town Meetings because of work. My tax bill that just came increased by more than $400. Why? Because the voters who are able to attend Town Meeting don't have to worry about whether or not they will be forced out of Sturbridge because of cots. I watched the meeting on tape and was dumbfounded when one selectwoman went on and on and on about sports activities being so important and people shouldn't have to sacrifice going to games to vote. Are you kidding me? Playing games are more important than Town Meetings? What kind of values are that to be teaching kids? The other selectwoman doesn't think its fair to make town department heads come in on Saturdays? This is nuts.

Well said, Tom! Bravo! As parents we teach our chi...

2011-09-30T15:14:53.537-04:00

Well said, Tom! Bravo!
As parents we teach our children values. We teach them that all men are created equal, while explaining that equal does not mean born into similar circumstances. Life is different for each of us. The values we impart to our kids regarding duties, caring, fairness, and yes even playing sports, impact them greatly. If playing the best baseball, or being the best dancer and having the best-looking yard in town is a family's number one goal, then, yes, perhaps they will refuse to go to a Town Meeting on Saturday. Does their desire for the dance, the sport or the yard work give them the right to stay away from the meetings and do whatever they please? Sure. Why not? Does it, morally give them the right to attempt to prevent others from having meetings scheduled when they can actually attend? No.
What I fully expected and what I've found in your, posting, Tom, is this: There is a fear that if seniors show up at Town Meetings perhaps a little less money will be spent on sports, etc.
As was mentioned at the last BOS Meeting, there are people in town who live on $15,000 (or less) a year. Many of these folks have lived long and productive lives working with a for their fellowmen. Do they no longer deserve a voice? Do they no longer "count?"
One of the Selectpersons stated that she had a special place in her heart for infants and the elderly. Does she not realize that infants and the elderly are very different from each other?
A child needs guidance and help in his or her life. An elder may need a little help and guidance, too, but he has lived and learned and earned his right to vote.