talkWaterford

Sensational story in today's local newspaper. Seems there was a note on the door at BMR threatening a bomb in the building. Interesting to note that it was found by a member of the support staff, not the principal as stated in the paper. Also, the interim super is incorrect in his statement that there was no children in the building. We know 7:00 is early for him, but most clubs and organizations hold early morning meetings that were in full swing when the decision was made to evacuate the building. Best fact check there Doc, before you tell tall-tales to the newspaper.

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.

From the Arlington Advocate:

Voters may get a chance to decriminalize marijuana, ban dog racing and free themselves of the state’s income tax next year, but they won’t have a chance to kill the state’s affordable housing law.

A 2008 ballot initiative would have repealed key parts of the state’s 40B affordable housing statute, which allow developers to circumvent local zoning regulations if 25 percent of their units are affordable.

The Call reports today that the Annual Town Meeting REJECTED  the request of Blackstone/Smithfield Corporation's Condo project to connect to and purchase water from the Town.

There is a story on the Millville Blog that a town employee is suing the Chairman of the Millville BOS and others for harassment.  Also named in the suit is an Attorney "Costello"   We hear it is the same one as the Blackstone Town Counsel.  Could that be true?   Did Blackstone get mislead by those that wanted to deep-six Koppleman and Page?

Hmmm?

We figured that with Rockin' Ray gone we would now see some progress in our favorite town.
Seems however the gang and our pal the Police Chief are up to "no good" once again.

According to today's MDN Blackstone may be the first place in the state to install Cameras to monitor Red Light violations at the towns ONLY signaled intersection,  St. Paul and Main St.

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Rumor on several of the local blogs, out in the blogosphere indicate that there may be several Paramedics applying for the BFD position. How will the Chief justify his friend getting the appointment, when there will be more qualified applicants?

On another front, it is also reported that the Chairman of the BOS has strongly endorsed this move. To the point of throwing a tantrum and insisting that the Mendon Deputy be brought "back home".

Feel free to comment!

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.”

According to the local political blog in Mendon, it seems there are problems in the public safety department.  There have been stories flying around about the conduct of the Deputy Fire Chief, and now reports of his suspension.  See RiffRaff's blog for details.