talkWaterford

Seems like this guy who holds not one but two important posts in local government has gone-missing.   Not only has he been absent for several BOS meetings, the folks at the BMRDSC have not seen him since June.  The word on the street, is that although he keeps a Blackstone address, he seems to be actually residing in Uxbridge.

Come on now Kramer.  Time for you to leave public service.  The voters deserve better.  Election time is fast approaching.  If you can't make the committment, now is the time to leave, so someone can run for the two seats you currently hold.  I was going to say occupy, but that would be a stretch. 

This is a negotiation year at the BMRSD, Blackstone needs full representation.  Not to mention, our kids deserve better than what  you have to offer.

The Votes are in and we will see a new face on the Blackstone Board of Selectmen. Joe Marchand and Margo Bik have been elected to the board. Long time Selectman and current chairman Charles Sawyer has been defeated.

Diane Warren has won her battle for re-election as the Treasurer/Collector.

Seems that Chuckie and the big 4 are up to their old games. This time courting favor with the former firefighter turned- Deputy Chief in Mendon.

Our friend RiffRaff of Mendon reports that the next hire on BFD will actually be an old one. Seems that life playing second fiddle to the Chief/Chief in Mendon isn't what it is cracked up to be and it is now "time for this one to come home" as in that cartoon from the 60's.

So...

according to the BOS meeting a week or two back, and reported in the CALL the Town was going to straighten out its long dormant, poorly designed and implemented website, that was the brainchild of "Rockin' Ray". Here it is weeks later, and no improvement. Are we surprised? Dear Charlie and gang, when can we expect to see some improvements? Will this be before or after you sell our water to Ken and Kooties pal up at the old Tupperware? We can't wait to hear the excuses.

Based on past experience, one has to wonder if this selection of former (Elected) North Smithfield Administrator Ken Bianchi is in fact the best choice for Blackstone.

After suffering through the three year rein of terror from one former Rhode Island politician, has the Blackstone Board of Selectmen learned anything from this experience? Apparently not. Seems like the leaders of the town really just want to be part of Rhode Island. (Take a look at the Town Ambulance with its' Rhode Island license plates).

What ever happened to good honest government, and the Charter? Has that all been thrown away too, with the selectmen approving a salary that is $12K over the amount approved at Town Meeting? No wonder attendance is so poor at the annual meeting. It is obvious that it doesn't matter what the voters say, the selectmen do differently. (Not to mention anyone who would boo and heckle the director of the world famous music program shows you what you are dealing with).

Seems these requirements are a bit light? 2 Years experience to run a 17M operation? Can you imagine the interview questions?

Town Administrator
Town of Blackstone
The town of Blackstone (population 8,930, located in Worcester County) is accepting applications from qualified candidates for the position of Town Administrator. Under the auspices of a five-member Board of Selectmen and as outlined in the Town Charter, the Town Administrator provides administrative direction, financial planning and oversight of daily operations within an annual town budget of $17 million. The ideal candidate should have extensive knowledge in local government operation and financial management. Responsibilities include project management, budget preparation and presentation, the appointment and supervision of department heads, coordination of all legal and risk management services, collective bargaining, grant writing/administration and procurement and administration of personnel system. Requirements include a bachelor's degree in public administration, business or related field, master's degree preferred, with at least two years’ prior municipal government or business experience in an administrative capacity, preferably as a Town Administrator or similar management position. Residency in Blackstone required within one year of appointment. Full-time position with excellent fringe benefits, salary range DOQ/E. Reply in confidence with resume, cover letter and at least three professional references to Chairman, Board of Selectmen, Town Administrator Search, 15 St. Paul Street, Blackstone, MA 01504, by Nov. 8, 2006, at 4:00 p.m. (posted 10/24, exp. 11/24)

Selectman Irene M. Martel cited Mr. Houle’s more than 30 years of experience in municipal government. She said he would bring a “great deal of information and knowledge to the town and that’s exactly what we need.”

Rockin' Ray looking to take his "Call me Ray" series out to the 395 Belt! 

Here are some excerpts from the Worcester T&G story regarding "Rockin' Ray shows Webster the Way" tour.

(Former Northbridge Town Manager Coughlin was also interviewed last night as well)

“I hope to find a community where I can feel comfortable and spend the next eight to 10 years,” said Blackstone Town Administrator Raymond W. Houle Jr., who counts 38 years’ experience in the public sector. 

Mr. Houle said he likes Webster because of its size and diversity, and the challenges it poses to an administrator. 

One has to wonder who is minding the store at 15 St. Paul St.  For sure it is not the Town Administrator nor the five we have elected to lead our town.

This morning's Call reports that the town recently spent close to $10K to advertise for a new Town Planner.  Now we certainly support and endorse the position of Town Planner, but feel that to spend this sort of money for a $42K a year position is preposterous!!

To make matters worse, our man "Find me a new Job Ray"  goes into a detailed speech of how the town has to operate at a "bare bones" level.  This is an insult to the intelligence of the taxpayers of Blackstone.