The Trash Transfer public hearing was very well attended with many thoughtful questions raised. It is clear that the people of Holbrook have the best interest of this town at heart. The average homeowner/ taxpayer is looking to get services, a safe environment to live in, and a sense that we as a Town are heading in a positive direction while still remaining an affordable place to live. At this time more than ever that is a tall order. It will take concerted efforts on the part of all Town workers, employed and volunteers. Concerted efforts means just that, working together much like an orchestra, each part or section with their own job to do, then being able to pull it all together in a working comprehensive whole.Accomplishing these goals takes leadership. The people who will be on the Board of Selectmen need to be able to work together, listen to each other and always keep the wishes of the townspeople first. I firmly believe that if you choose to elect me to the Board of Selectmen that I have the ability and willingness to accomplish these goals. One of my strengths is that I can work with individuals who may have a different outlook than me. I really do believe that everyone has a right to their opinion. That doesn't mean I will always agree, but I will always defend the right to disagree with respect. The fact that you have a chance to vote on this question at all proves that. Along with my Mother In Law Yvonne Wright, I went out and got the feedback and signatures needed to place the question on the ballot. The present Board didn't see the need, We did.
Holbrook has a financial picture that is much like many other towns. We do have some possible advantages that others may not have at this time. Although I wish we never heard of a trash transfer station and that we didn't need additional revenue we did hear of it and we do need additional revenue. The only way this can become the advantage I speak of is if you have a very strong Board that will work tirelessly to get you the best deal possible from HELP. We know what other stations are charging and where they are located. The Board needs to negotiate a lease that is to this Town's benefit. Mr Walsh is not going anywhere in my view. We have the rail, the right logistics, and if we can believe him there now exists a system that can be operated efficiently and we pray safely. I went to the hearing hoping to hear that the Board had a plan to get the price up to a rate that would really make it worth it for the residents; especially the ones in my neighborhood as we will bear the brunt of it, if it isn't done well. I walked away still not sure that they have done that. If you elect Me and Question One passes that will be job One for me. If it fails we will be back at the drawing board. We will need someone with innovative ideas to make use of what we have. The site at 3 Phillips Rd is currently being used by the Falvey Company. They will buy it or we could lease it to them and use the remainder for an additional parking area for the T. The same agency that will help fund the clean-up for HELP will also help the Town. Gas prices going up and having the T right there does present an opportunity. I have estimated that we could get approximately 500 spaces in there at $2 per day with very little overhead.
However the vote turns out we have our work cut out for us. I am willing and able to work for you.I am asking for one of your two votes on April 1st for the Board of Selectmen.
PS This is being looked at as the save all for all the special interest groups, the schools, town employees, taxpayers, etc. At the rates currently being discussed none of these issues will get adequate funding from it. Please take a look at my blog holbrooksnewhorizons.blogspot.com for a detailed view at what i see as the possible rates. Even my highest rates are still considered feasible by experienced business profesionals.
4 comments:
I was on the websites for the Enterprtise and the Ledger, there was an ad placed on their site for the support holbrook site. It was powered by Goolge.
Who paid for that ad? who pays for this site? The domain name? Who paid for the signs? It seems that members of the School and Finance Committee formed a Political Action Committee. Some of the people participating in this are prevented from being in a PAC that directly affects what they oversee!
Did anyone file paper work at Town Hall or with the State. Do any of you realize that if the override passes it can be overturned by the fact monies were spent by a group of people to sway the vote. You have letters from the Fin Com Chair, School Committee members, teachers and a letter from the guy who wrote the ballot question.
If this passes those who can't afford it can file a class action lawsuit against thhr Town of Holbrook (not just Town Hall) and seek damages to cover their costs. Who thought this out?
this posting is interesting. i hope whoever wrote it gives the respective participants a chance to clarify or repair whatever needs to be repaired. i'm sure shirley can explain how to correct the problem.
Hi Sue, I know I and my blog have laid silent for a very long time. Every now and then I read the different blogs out there and they kind of crack me up. Every now and then I read the soundoff too. It seems people are missing the point over there. The election is really not about overrides and transfer stations in Holbrook. What it is really about is what are you willing to pay to keep Holbrook as it is. You and I both know that business is not knocking down the gates to get into town. There is no reason for it to do so. High taxes and unfriendly neighbors and politicians, who needs it! If you want examples just look out the door. SO to bring business into town, you need to think outside the box, plain and simple. Maybe transfer stations are not the answer but does anybody have a better idea? I doubt it! It is always something in Holbrook. I have always said that Holbrook could find away to shot itself in the foot with an empty gun. It is pretty much true when you look at its history. Nice town, just passing through. Take a good look at the infra structure of the town. Nice public safety building, town hall with a poluted back barn. Schools that are understaffed and falling apart. Wonderfull place you all got there folks. People are just lining up at the town line for some reason. Is it to get out of town or come in, we are not sure. How is the sewer work going? Poor management there has cost not only the taxpayers alot of money, but how about individual homeowners. Can I hear someone say class action suit on that one? Or how about streets that the state is giving cherry sheet money for yet a certain individual says its not accepted? Better yet, how many roads are not accepted that would bring more money. Again empty gun, shot in the foot! Just think folks, this is what your tax dollars is paying for now. So when you all go to vote for the questions, remember it is not about overides and transfer stations. It is about what your willing to pay to keep the status quo. Personally, I think you guys shouldn't have even toy guns because somehow someway your going to shoot your foot. After all, Holbrook always does!
Cliff
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