Do you want to improve our local government? We will have a Charter Commission soon charged with evaluating our present system with the goal of making recommendations to our residents for our consideration. But designing a new Charter is only half the battle. The real challenge is convincing the majority of our citizens that the package recommended by the Charter Commission is worthy of adoption. For several years we have had self-appointed "advocates of change" implement a foolish strategy of "attack and divide" which was designed to fail. And it has.
They have attacked everyone in sight. They have attacked the villages. They have attacked the Fire Departments. They have attacked the Golfers. They have attacked every elected official. They have attacked the Town Manager. They have attacked Town staff. They have attacked our legislators. They have attacked our civic associations. The have attacked our Chambers of Commerce. They have attacked the volunteers on the Town's Committees and Boards. The have attacked small businesses. You know, I am not sure who they haven't attacked.
The problem is that members of the all of these groups make up about 99.85% of the voting population. And we're not talking philosophical attacks. We are talking about personal, vindictive, mean-spirited assaults. We're talking about questioning people's honor, integrity, motivation and honesty. You know, the kind of attacks you never forget. And who are these persons to question other people's integrity so wantonly? Do they even live in our town?
The hate-bloggers would have us believe that they are going to bring about change. Muffy wouldn't know change if it bit him in the tail. He, along with a few other maniacal government critics, have pursued a dumb strategy that could only have one explanation for it. They are trying to get into the "Ripley's Believe it or Not" for having the biggest ego and the dumbest strategy ever devised.
Why not adopt a winning strategy. Why not work WITH people to develop the best Charter possible for this town. There are more than a few residents who support a different way of selecting our Town Council and/or electing a Mayor. But the track record of the hate-bloggers is to attack and divide. It is a losing strategy.
I guess the bullies gain some sick pleasure in attacking other people. It must make them feel good. Maybe they were abused themselves, who knows.
But it is not a winning strategy. Building coalitions and working with like-minded citizens is the start of a winning strategy. When asked whether "we want to study and improve our local government", 5000 residents said yes. (I have yet to meet a person who would say no). But getting the signatures and implementing a winning strategy are two different animals.
The question is, do we want to associate ourselves with the slash and burn hate-bloggers? The overwhelming populace will say no every time. It's time for a new strategy. A winning strategy. What do you think?
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
The Council Review Report
The power of blogging. One of the 186 people visiting today provided me with a copy of the Council Review Committee's Report. (Thanks!)
Sorry for the formatting errors, but I will work on it this weekend. As you will see, the Committee took their responsibilities very seriously and conducted a thorough analysis.
1. Introduction
The Council Review Committee (CRC) was formed from an October 2006 vote of the sitting Barnstable Town Council. The Council in its wisdom agreed to form a Presidential Advisory Committee from public volunteers to review the complex issue of the future version of the legislative branch of Town of Barnstable. The charge of the CRC was limited to the review of Town of Barnstable Charter Chapter II; The Legislative Branch.
All town charters may be subject to a constituent Charter Review Petition on any given day. All cities and towns in the Commonwealth may be subject to restructuring their precincts or districts based on the upcoming 2010 US Census results. These two above mentioned issues are always real possibilities and the CRC Committee had to integrate these possible issues into all their discussions. C.R.C. realized their work may provide insight into any Charter Committee's efforts. C.R.C. was very aware of the mathematical formulas that may need to be satisfied based on the upcoming 2010 Census count.
The Committee met with a guest speaker, Marilyn Contreas, Policy Analyst of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Housing and Community Development, to discuss alternative municipal governmental structures currently used in various communities throughout the commonwealth. Thanks to the volunteer efforts of Town of Barnstable Town Clerk Linda Hutchenrider and Town of Barnstable Town Attorney Robert Smith numerous imperative questions were resolved so the committee's work could continue.
The workload of the C.R.C. and its reporting date of February 1, 2007 created the demand for weekly meetings throughout the holiday seasons. The commitment made by Committee members was real and came with a price. Alphabetically the Committee make up was as follows: John Alden of Hyannis, John Brennan of West Barnstable, Michael Daley of Marstons Mills, Marcy Dugas of Barnstable, Allen Goddard of Hyannis, Lou Gonzaga of Hyannis, Michael Ingham of Centerville, Jacques Morin of Marstons Mills, Ron Mycock of Cotuit, Lucien Poyant of Hyannis, Susan Rohrbach of Centerville, and Chairman Jim Crocker of Osterville.
II. Committee Debates and Decisions
Council Size, District and At Large Representation:
The Committee voted 9-1 (1) to recommend a 9 member council made up of 5 district members, elected from their district, and 4 at large members. (1/03/07)
From the first, there was discussion that a combination of district and at-large Councilors could serve Barnstable well, and the Committee looked at a variety of configurations. Since so many big decisions are town-wide, members thought that including at large representation would bring the villages together and emphasize that: we are one town, we want greater voter access to the leadership of the town, we want some candidates to concentrate their campaigns on town-wide issues, and we want the focus of the Council on the interests of the entire town.
Given that the villages are a very significant part of our identity in Barnstable and the village issues are often quite different, village representation was considered to be a critical component of the Council membership. Members also thought that districts should be small enough so that District Councilors would be easily accessible to their constituents. In addition, the recommended makeup would ensure that each voter would get to choose a majority of the Council members (4 at-large plus 1 district). The mathematics of districts made up of precincts allows for a variety of choices. Some of combinations lend themselves to a stable configuration.
Given Barnstable's estimated population growth, a five districts format was voted to be the best configuration. A nine (9) member council with five (5) district members would allow for flexibility. An increase to 15 precincts (from the current 13) would mean 3 precincts per district and would carry the town up to a population of 60,000. Beyond that, an increase of one precinct per district could accommodate up to an additional 20,000 in population.
Length of a Single Term:
The Committee voted 8-2 (2) to recommend that the term of office remain at 4 years (1/03/07).
Members thought that this would give Councilors ample time to learn and do their job without having to think about re-election immediately. With the district and at large configuration and the greater area of representation, the committee felt that councilors would be more accountable to the voters.
Timing of Elections:
The Committee voted 9-1 (3) to recommend that all 9 Councilors should be elected every 4 years (1/10/07).
Despite some concern that this could result in a lack of experience for a new Council, there was strong feeling that all Councilors standing for election simultaneously would stimulate more interest in the election on the part of the voters and focus discussion on town-wide issues. Having all Councilors serve as a group for four years would give the Council a significant period of time to work together and address matters with a longer term view.
Length of Consecutive Years of Service:
The Committee voted 8-2 (4) to limit the number of years of service so as not to exceed 12 consecutive years of service in total. (1/10/07)
Opinions ranged from limiting service to 8 years through eliminating service limits altogether. Most members want to promote some turnover of membership to bring in fresh ideas, while at the same time allowing for the benefits of experience. Also, a majority of the committee wanted the definition under this section to be stated clearly enough to stand alone without legal interpretation.
Section II Notes(1) Goddard in the negative, Brennan medical absence, Chair abstained.(2) Alden, Dugas in the negative, Brennan medical absence, Chair abstained.(3) Goddard in the negative, Chair abstained. (4) Alden, Dugas in the negative, Chair abstained.
III Conclusion and Recommended Action Plan
Findings: composition
a.) The present Council is currently made up of 13 members each representing one precinct.
b.) Currently, each voter is allowed to elect only one member of the legislative body. Most voters feel they can only call upon their representative councilor on issues of concern. The current council structure does not encourage broad constituent-legislator communications.
c.) The composition currently does not encourage broad intra-council communications. Further, this structure does not encourage broad based legislative behavior. This tends to create perception that the council is counter productive. In effect, initiatives are not always looked at globally and thus can take an inordinate amount of time to accomplish. Consensus and decision making tend to be more prolonged. The current charter does not foster a town-wide perspective within the voting community. Most of the town residents perceive the office of town councilor to be one of a precinct-oriented nature.
Our recommendation is designed to achieve broader legislative objectives. Through our recommendations we are attempting to avoid a disconnect in both inter-council and intra-council communications.
d.) The current council is designed to grow as population drives up precinct count. As a result the Council will continue to expand unless a change is made in the composition (Sec. 2-1 a.)
e.) The next state wide redistricting when a new precinct design will take place is scheduled for 2011-2012 after the completion of the 2010 federal census.
f.) At present, the earliest opportunity for re-composition is the 2011 town election.
Findings: length of service
a.) Language in Section 2-11 Prohibitions is deemed to be unclear relative to the definition of a term.
b.) Further, language in Section 2-1 (c) Election and Term requires four year terms with overlapping two year election cycles based upon odd and even precinct numbers.
Recommended Action Plan
Our recommended plan of action would be to file special legislation to accomplish the following:
1.) Reduce the council membership to nine members.The nine-member council addresses the existing large number of 13 members and prevents future council growth due to population changes. Further, this change is deemed to improve the ability of the council to work together as a result of the smaller group dynamic.
2.) Establish five district councilor positions.The continuation of district representation protects the current representation attributes of our charter. While there will be less representative members, the majority would still come from specific geographic areas of the community. In addition, it creates an option for councilor candidates relative to constituent size and area of representation. This modification is deemed to improve the intra-council communications in that it helps create a natural partnership.
3.) Establish four at-large councilor positions.The introduction of at-large representation allows us to greatly broaden the number of council members directly elected by the voters. Rather than voting for one council member (7% of the council) this enables a voter to elect five members (55% of the council) thereby increasing each voters representation on the whole. This also creates an option for councilor candidates relative to constituent size and area of representation. This recommendation also is deemed to improve the intra-council communications in that it helps create natural working relationships and that it encourages the current precinct based views to be looked at in a more town-wide perspective.
4) Establish four-year election cycles for all elected officials.This recommendation continues the existing four-year terms.
Additionally, this recommendation is deemed to improve our legislative body in the following ways:
Creates more continuity by keeping the same council group together for a longer period of time.
Improves productivity by reducing the number of campaign cycles from one every two years to one every four years.
Avoids redistricting problems by eliminating staggered elections.รข€¢ It clarifies the term of service allowed by elected councilors.
5) Empower the Town of Barnstable to establish five representative districts for the first town election after the 2010 federal census has been completed and the map and precinct changes have been approved by the Town Council.This recommendation is fundamental to an improvement to our legislative body. The Council Review Committee unanimously recommends this strategy to the council. Without such action being initiated by a forward thinking town council, our existing legislative structure would remain, and we would face the possibility of 15 precinct-based Councilors after the 2010 census. Without special legislation no changes can occur to enable the benefit of the conclusions stated herein.
For purpose of illustration, we have provided the following table for your review:
Election Date Description
November 2007 Town election - 13 precincts
November 2008 State/Fed. Election 13 precincts
November 2009 Town election 13 precincts
November 2010 State/Fed. Election 13 precincts
November 2011 Town election 15 precincts
November 2012 State/Fed. Election 15 precincts
November 2013 Town election 15 precincts
November 2022 State/Fed. Election 20 precincts
November 2023 Town election 20 precincts
Section IV
Other paths to Changing Charter
The Committee has endorsed the request of a Special Act of the Massachusetts Legislature to expedite changes to our Legislative body. The Council would request our legislators to submit special legislation to change our charter. Such a change would require both a vote of the Council and both houses of the state legislature. In addition, the voters of Barnstable would be required to approve the change at a town election.The Committee acknowledges there are other action plans that might be considered to effect similar change.
INITIATING CHANGE VIA A SUCCESSFUL CHARTER INITIATIVE.
There is an initiative currently under way to collect sufficient signatures to place approval and election of a nine member Charter Commission on the next Municipal Ballot.
Pro: A Charter Commission is empowered to review all sections of the Charter at the same time. Changes could be recommended to include but not be limited to Legislature, Elected Officials, School Committee, Administrative Organization, etc.
Con: Changes in other sections of a proposed charter might defeat the new charter as a whole, including the necessary changes to the Legislative body. This would require another pass at the Special Act process and additional delay.
Section V
Chapter II sectional rewrites to correlate the committees recommended changes to the current Charter. This section points out wording changes required by committee decisions outlined in Section II above. The full text of the charter is not included here but can be seen in Attachment A to this report.
The committee is aware that changes made to any chapter of the charter may require changes in other chapters. Those changes are not detailed here. Nor is this report an attempt to produce final, legally acceptable text.
Section 2-1 Composition; Eligibility; Election and Term
Recommend following changes:Para(a) the statement one councilor shall be elected from each precinct needs to be changed. Para (b) the word district needs to be modified Para (c) The word Councilors shall serve four year overlapping terms so arranged that the terms of as nearly half of the councilors as may be shall expire at each biennial town election needs to be replaced-
Section 2-2 Council Organization
No Change Recommended
Section 2-3 General Powers and Duties
No Change Recommended
Section 2-4 Appointments of Multiple Member Bodies
No Change Recommended
Section 2-5 Filling of Vacancies
Recommend language changes be made to accommodate the change from precinct representation. The charter will need to provide for replacement of district and at large councilors.
Section 2-6 Exercise of Powers; Quorum: Rules of Procedure(b)Quorum
Recommend change in language to lower current one-half of council plus 2 to six councilors.
(c) Rules of Procedure
Recommend change in language to lower number of councilor votes from four to three on a vote of 7-2 see (1)
Section 2-7 Council Staff
No Change Recommended
Section 2-8 Measures; Emergency Measures: Charter Objection
No Change Recommended
Section 2-9 Delegation of Powers
No Change Recommended
Section 2-10 Inquires and Investigations
No Change Recommended
Section 2-11 Prohibitions
The line of person elected to serve as a town councilor may serve more than three consecutive terms needs modification
Section 2-12 Compensation, Expenses:The committee by a vote of 6-3 (2) recommends the current level of 2/3 town council votes required be lowered to a simple majority. This would lower the required vote from the current 6 to 5.The committee by a vote 8-0 (3) (4) recommends that the current language be changed to require that a vote to set the salaries of the next council be taken within the recommended time frame.
In addition to the above recommendations, this section is deemed by the committee to be in further need of a special review.
The committee offers the following for consideration:a)The committee is suggesting a smaller council. The committee is suggesting two new sizes of constituency (multi-precinct district seats and town-wide seats). This will change the workload of each member.b)The four year non-staggered term changes we have proposed is a dynamic that could allow raises only once every four years.c)The members ideas for Town Councilor salary adjustment mechanisms included: the elimination of the council from the process, the use of voter ballots, the use of advisory committees, the use of the Human Resources Dept, the exploration of a predictable and annual adjustment to be built into the ordinance, no change in the practice.
Section V Notes:(1)Brennan and Goddard in the negative, Chair Abstained(2)Dugas, Goddard, and Gonzaga in the Negative, Chair Abstained(3)For Recommendation as stated two abstention Dugas and Chair(4)Prior vote to allow council to set salary Alden, Dugas, and Gonzaga in the Negative, Chair Abstained.
Sorry for the formatting errors, but I will work on it this weekend. As you will see, the Committee took their responsibilities very seriously and conducted a thorough analysis.
1. Introduction
The Council Review Committee (CRC) was formed from an October 2006 vote of the sitting Barnstable Town Council. The Council in its wisdom agreed to form a Presidential Advisory Committee from public volunteers to review the complex issue of the future version of the legislative branch of Town of Barnstable. The charge of the CRC was limited to the review of Town of Barnstable Charter Chapter II; The Legislative Branch.
All town charters may be subject to a constituent Charter Review Petition on any given day. All cities and towns in the Commonwealth may be subject to restructuring their precincts or districts based on the upcoming 2010 US Census results. These two above mentioned issues are always real possibilities and the CRC Committee had to integrate these possible issues into all their discussions. C.R.C. realized their work may provide insight into any Charter Committee's efforts. C.R.C. was very aware of the mathematical formulas that may need to be satisfied based on the upcoming 2010 Census count.
The Committee met with a guest speaker, Marilyn Contreas, Policy Analyst of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Housing and Community Development, to discuss alternative municipal governmental structures currently used in various communities throughout the commonwealth. Thanks to the volunteer efforts of Town of Barnstable Town Clerk Linda Hutchenrider and Town of Barnstable Town Attorney Robert Smith numerous imperative questions were resolved so the committee's work could continue.
The workload of the C.R.C. and its reporting date of February 1, 2007 created the demand for weekly meetings throughout the holiday seasons. The commitment made by Committee members was real and came with a price. Alphabetically the Committee make up was as follows: John Alden of Hyannis, John Brennan of West Barnstable, Michael Daley of Marstons Mills, Marcy Dugas of Barnstable, Allen Goddard of Hyannis, Lou Gonzaga of Hyannis, Michael Ingham of Centerville, Jacques Morin of Marstons Mills, Ron Mycock of Cotuit, Lucien Poyant of Hyannis, Susan Rohrbach of Centerville, and Chairman Jim Crocker of Osterville.
II. Committee Debates and Decisions
Council Size, District and At Large Representation:
The Committee voted 9-1 (1) to recommend a 9 member council made up of 5 district members, elected from their district, and 4 at large members. (1/03/07)
From the first, there was discussion that a combination of district and at-large Councilors could serve Barnstable well, and the Committee looked at a variety of configurations. Since so many big decisions are town-wide, members thought that including at large representation would bring the villages together and emphasize that: we are one town, we want greater voter access to the leadership of the town, we want some candidates to concentrate their campaigns on town-wide issues, and we want the focus of the Council on the interests of the entire town.
Given that the villages are a very significant part of our identity in Barnstable and the village issues are often quite different, village representation was considered to be a critical component of the Council membership. Members also thought that districts should be small enough so that District Councilors would be easily accessible to their constituents. In addition, the recommended makeup would ensure that each voter would get to choose a majority of the Council members (4 at-large plus 1 district). The mathematics of districts made up of precincts allows for a variety of choices. Some of combinations lend themselves to a stable configuration.
Given Barnstable's estimated population growth, a five districts format was voted to be the best configuration. A nine (9) member council with five (5) district members would allow for flexibility. An increase to 15 precincts (from the current 13) would mean 3 precincts per district and would carry the town up to a population of 60,000. Beyond that, an increase of one precinct per district could accommodate up to an additional 20,000 in population.
Length of a Single Term:
The Committee voted 8-2 (2) to recommend that the term of office remain at 4 years (1/03/07).
Members thought that this would give Councilors ample time to learn and do their job without having to think about re-election immediately. With the district and at large configuration and the greater area of representation, the committee felt that councilors would be more accountable to the voters.
Timing of Elections:
The Committee voted 9-1 (3) to recommend that all 9 Councilors should be elected every 4 years (1/10/07).
Despite some concern that this could result in a lack of experience for a new Council, there was strong feeling that all Councilors standing for election simultaneously would stimulate more interest in the election on the part of the voters and focus discussion on town-wide issues. Having all Councilors serve as a group for four years would give the Council a significant period of time to work together and address matters with a longer term view.
Length of Consecutive Years of Service:
The Committee voted 8-2 (4) to limit the number of years of service so as not to exceed 12 consecutive years of service in total. (1/10/07)
Opinions ranged from limiting service to 8 years through eliminating service limits altogether. Most members want to promote some turnover of membership to bring in fresh ideas, while at the same time allowing for the benefits of experience. Also, a majority of the committee wanted the definition under this section to be stated clearly enough to stand alone without legal interpretation.
Section II Notes(1) Goddard in the negative, Brennan medical absence, Chair abstained.(2) Alden, Dugas in the negative, Brennan medical absence, Chair abstained.(3) Goddard in the negative, Chair abstained. (4) Alden, Dugas in the negative, Chair abstained.
III Conclusion and Recommended Action Plan
Findings: composition
a.) The present Council is currently made up of 13 members each representing one precinct.
b.) Currently, each voter is allowed to elect only one member of the legislative body. Most voters feel they can only call upon their representative councilor on issues of concern. The current council structure does not encourage broad constituent-legislator communications.
c.) The composition currently does not encourage broad intra-council communications. Further, this structure does not encourage broad based legislative behavior. This tends to create perception that the council is counter productive. In effect, initiatives are not always looked at globally and thus can take an inordinate amount of time to accomplish. Consensus and decision making tend to be more prolonged. The current charter does not foster a town-wide perspective within the voting community. Most of the town residents perceive the office of town councilor to be one of a precinct-oriented nature.
Our recommendation is designed to achieve broader legislative objectives. Through our recommendations we are attempting to avoid a disconnect in both inter-council and intra-council communications.
d.) The current council is designed to grow as population drives up precinct count. As a result the Council will continue to expand unless a change is made in the composition (Sec. 2-1 a.)
e.) The next state wide redistricting when a new precinct design will take place is scheduled for 2011-2012 after the completion of the 2010 federal census.
f.) At present, the earliest opportunity for re-composition is the 2011 town election.
Findings: length of service
a.) Language in Section 2-11 Prohibitions is deemed to be unclear relative to the definition of a term.
b.) Further, language in Section 2-1 (c) Election and Term requires four year terms with overlapping two year election cycles based upon odd and even precinct numbers.
Recommended Action Plan
Our recommended plan of action would be to file special legislation to accomplish the following:
1.) Reduce the council membership to nine members.The nine-member council addresses the existing large number of 13 members and prevents future council growth due to population changes. Further, this change is deemed to improve the ability of the council to work together as a result of the smaller group dynamic.
2.) Establish five district councilor positions.The continuation of district representation protects the current representation attributes of our charter. While there will be less representative members, the majority would still come from specific geographic areas of the community. In addition, it creates an option for councilor candidates relative to constituent size and area of representation. This modification is deemed to improve the intra-council communications in that it helps create a natural partnership.
3.) Establish four at-large councilor positions.The introduction of at-large representation allows us to greatly broaden the number of council members directly elected by the voters. Rather than voting for one council member (7% of the council) this enables a voter to elect five members (55% of the council) thereby increasing each voters representation on the whole. This also creates an option for councilor candidates relative to constituent size and area of representation. This recommendation also is deemed to improve the intra-council communications in that it helps create natural working relationships and that it encourages the current precinct based views to be looked at in a more town-wide perspective.
4) Establish four-year election cycles for all elected officials.This recommendation continues the existing four-year terms.
Additionally, this recommendation is deemed to improve our legislative body in the following ways:
Creates more continuity by keeping the same council group together for a longer period of time.
Improves productivity by reducing the number of campaign cycles from one every two years to one every four years.
Avoids redistricting problems by eliminating staggered elections.รข€¢ It clarifies the term of service allowed by elected councilors.
5) Empower the Town of Barnstable to establish five representative districts for the first town election after the 2010 federal census has been completed and the map and precinct changes have been approved by the Town Council.This recommendation is fundamental to an improvement to our legislative body. The Council Review Committee unanimously recommends this strategy to the council. Without such action being initiated by a forward thinking town council, our existing legislative structure would remain, and we would face the possibility of 15 precinct-based Councilors after the 2010 census. Without special legislation no changes can occur to enable the benefit of the conclusions stated herein.
For purpose of illustration, we have provided the following table for your review:
Election Date Description
November 2007 Town election - 13 precincts
November 2008 State/Fed. Election 13 precincts
November 2009 Town election 13 precincts
November 2010 State/Fed. Election 13 precincts
November 2011 Town election 15 precincts
November 2012 State/Fed. Election 15 precincts
November 2013 Town election 15 precincts
November 2022 State/Fed. Election 20 precincts
November 2023 Town election 20 precincts
Section IV
Other paths to Changing Charter
The Committee has endorsed the request of a Special Act of the Massachusetts Legislature to expedite changes to our Legislative body. The Council would request our legislators to submit special legislation to change our charter. Such a change would require both a vote of the Council and both houses of the state legislature. In addition, the voters of Barnstable would be required to approve the change at a town election.The Committee acknowledges there are other action plans that might be considered to effect similar change.
INITIATING CHANGE VIA A SUCCESSFUL CHARTER INITIATIVE.
There is an initiative currently under way to collect sufficient signatures to place approval and election of a nine member Charter Commission on the next Municipal Ballot.
Pro: A Charter Commission is empowered to review all sections of the Charter at the same time. Changes could be recommended to include but not be limited to Legislature, Elected Officials, School Committee, Administrative Organization, etc.
Con: Changes in other sections of a proposed charter might defeat the new charter as a whole, including the necessary changes to the Legislative body. This would require another pass at the Special Act process and additional delay.
Section V
Chapter II sectional rewrites to correlate the committees recommended changes to the current Charter. This section points out wording changes required by committee decisions outlined in Section II above. The full text of the charter is not included here but can be seen in Attachment A to this report.
The committee is aware that changes made to any chapter of the charter may require changes in other chapters. Those changes are not detailed here. Nor is this report an attempt to produce final, legally acceptable text.
Section 2-1 Composition; Eligibility; Election and Term
Recommend following changes:Para(a) the statement one councilor shall be elected from each precinct needs to be changed. Para (b) the word district needs to be modified Para (c) The word Councilors shall serve four year overlapping terms so arranged that the terms of as nearly half of the councilors as may be shall expire at each biennial town election needs to be replaced-
Section 2-2 Council Organization
No Change Recommended
Section 2-3 General Powers and Duties
No Change Recommended
Section 2-4 Appointments of Multiple Member Bodies
No Change Recommended
Section 2-5 Filling of Vacancies
Recommend language changes be made to accommodate the change from precinct representation. The charter will need to provide for replacement of district and at large councilors.
Section 2-6 Exercise of Powers; Quorum: Rules of Procedure(b)Quorum
Recommend change in language to lower current one-half of council plus 2 to six councilors.
(c) Rules of Procedure
Recommend change in language to lower number of councilor votes from four to three on a vote of 7-2 see (1)
Section 2-7 Council Staff
No Change Recommended
Section 2-8 Measures; Emergency Measures: Charter Objection
No Change Recommended
Section 2-9 Delegation of Powers
No Change Recommended
Section 2-10 Inquires and Investigations
No Change Recommended
Section 2-11 Prohibitions
The line of person elected to serve as a town councilor may serve more than three consecutive terms needs modification
Section 2-12 Compensation, Expenses:The committee by a vote of 6-3 (2) recommends the current level of 2/3 town council votes required be lowered to a simple majority. This would lower the required vote from the current 6 to 5.The committee by a vote 8-0 (3) (4) recommends that the current language be changed to require that a vote to set the salaries of the next council be taken within the recommended time frame.
In addition to the above recommendations, this section is deemed by the committee to be in further need of a special review.
The committee offers the following for consideration:a)The committee is suggesting a smaller council. The committee is suggesting two new sizes of constituency (multi-precinct district seats and town-wide seats). This will change the workload of each member.b)The four year non-staggered term changes we have proposed is a dynamic that could allow raises only once every four years.c)The members ideas for Town Councilor salary adjustment mechanisms included: the elimination of the council from the process, the use of voter ballots, the use of advisory committees, the use of the Human Resources Dept, the exploration of a predictable and annual adjustment to be built into the ordinance, no change in the practice.
Section V Notes:(1)Brennan and Goddard in the negative, Chair Abstained(2)Dugas, Goddard, and Gonzaga in the Negative, Chair Abstained(3)For Recommendation as stated two abstention Dugas and Chair(4)Prior vote to allow council to set salary Alden, Dugas, and Gonzaga in the Negative, Chair Abstained.
Electing Your Representative: District or At-Large
The upcoming Charter Commission process is sure to include significant discussion and debate about two major issues: 1. Do we want to elect our legislative branch by District (precinct) or do we want to elect at-large and 2. do we want an elected Mayor. The Town Council Review Committee addressed the first issue. This is not a debate unique to Barnstable as communities across this country have this very debate regularly. The National League of Cities has provide the following information on this important issue.
"Elections varies from city to city, with several common variations. Some cities elect their local representatives by district, some have at-large elections, and some have both.
AT-LARGE, DISTRICT AND MIXED-SYSTEM ELECTIONS
Election systems in American cities are determined by the nature of the council members' constituency and by the presence or absence of party labels on the ballot. With regard to the first feature, there are two types of constituencies for city council members, at-large and district.
For Small Communities with population of 25,000-69,999, 48.9% had at-large representation, 25% had a mix and 26% had district (precinct) based representation.
For Medium Communities with population of 70,000-199,999, 43.7% had an at-large system, 25.4% had a mixed system and 31% had a district system.
For Large Communities of 200,000 and up, 16.4% had an at-large system, 38.2% had a mixed system and 45.5% had a district based system.
At-Large
All at large members are elected to serve the same constituency, the population of the city as a whole. At-large election proponents favor having council members elected by the entire city because:
Council members in an at-large system can be more impartial, rise above the limited perspective of the ward and concern themselves with the problems of the whole community;
Vote trading and logrolling are minimized; and
Better-qualified individuals are elected to the council (broader base of candidates).
However, at-large elections can weaken the representation of particular groups, especially if the group does not have a citywide base of operation or is an ethnic/racial group concentrated in a specific ward.
Nearly two-thirds (64%) of all municipalities use at-large elections in some way. At-large elections tend to be more popular in small cities and more affluent areas.
District
District elections select a single council member from a geographical section of the city, or ward. District election proponents favor having council members elected to represent individual wards because:
District elections give all legitimate groups, especially those with a geographic base, a better chance of being represented on the city council (namely minority groups);
Ward council members are more sensitive to the small but frequently important problems that people have (i.e.: needed stop signs, trash pick up); and
District elections reduce voter alienation by bringing city government closer to the people.
However, councils elected by district elections may experience more conflict and be less efficient because of ward specific vs. broader constituency perspective.
Only 14% of all municipalities use strictly district elections. Cities with populations of 200,000 or more are more likely to use district elections.
In addition, quite a few courts have forced jurisdictions to switch from at-large elections to district elections and in most cases the reason was to allow more representation by specific ethnic/racial groups (see Springfield, IL 1987 and Dallas, TX 1990; see also amendments by the U.S. Congress to the Voting Rights Act, 1982).
Mixed-System
Some cities combine these two methods and elect some council members at large and some from districts (21% of municipalities use this approach). An individual council member will either occupy a district or at-large seat on the council. Mixed systems are most likely to be found in parts of the south and central city jurisdictions.
Sources:MacManus, Susan A. and Charles S. Bullock, III. The Form, Structure, and Composition of America's Municipalities in the New Millenium. In Municipal Year Book 2003. Washington, DC: International City/County Management Association 2003, p.15-16.
Morgan, David and Robert England. Managing Urban America, 5th Edition. 1999.
Renner, Tari and Victor S. DeSantis. Municipal Form of Government: Issues and Trends. In Municipal Year Book 1998. Washington, DC: International City/County Management Association, 1998, p. 38.
Does the historic existence of a strong Village presence play a major role in this debate? Even today, when you ask a Barnstable resident where the live, they almost always say Cotuit or West Barnstable or Marstons Mills. Will this impact this debate?
The Town Council Review Committee studied this issue thoroughly and is recommending a mixed system with some district and some at large representation. What do you think?
"Elections varies from city to city, with several common variations. Some cities elect their local representatives by district, some have at-large elections, and some have both.
AT-LARGE, DISTRICT AND MIXED-SYSTEM ELECTIONS
Election systems in American cities are determined by the nature of the council members' constituency and by the presence or absence of party labels on the ballot. With regard to the first feature, there are two types of constituencies for city council members, at-large and district.
For Small Communities with population of 25,000-69,999, 48.9% had at-large representation, 25% had a mix and 26% had district (precinct) based representation.
For Medium Communities with population of 70,000-199,999, 43.7% had an at-large system, 25.4% had a mixed system and 31% had a district system.
For Large Communities of 200,000 and up, 16.4% had an at-large system, 38.2% had a mixed system and 45.5% had a district based system.
At-Large
All at large members are elected to serve the same constituency, the population of the city as a whole. At-large election proponents favor having council members elected by the entire city because:
Council members in an at-large system can be more impartial, rise above the limited perspective of the ward and concern themselves with the problems of the whole community;
Vote trading and logrolling are minimized; and
Better-qualified individuals are elected to the council (broader base of candidates).
However, at-large elections can weaken the representation of particular groups, especially if the group does not have a citywide base of operation or is an ethnic/racial group concentrated in a specific ward.
Nearly two-thirds (64%) of all municipalities use at-large elections in some way. At-large elections tend to be more popular in small cities and more affluent areas.
District
District elections select a single council member from a geographical section of the city, or ward. District election proponents favor having council members elected to represent individual wards because:
District elections give all legitimate groups, especially those with a geographic base, a better chance of being represented on the city council (namely minority groups);
Ward council members are more sensitive to the small but frequently important problems that people have (i.e.: needed stop signs, trash pick up); and
District elections reduce voter alienation by bringing city government closer to the people.
However, councils elected by district elections may experience more conflict and be less efficient because of ward specific vs. broader constituency perspective.
Only 14% of all municipalities use strictly district elections. Cities with populations of 200,000 or more are more likely to use district elections.
In addition, quite a few courts have forced jurisdictions to switch from at-large elections to district elections and in most cases the reason was to allow more representation by specific ethnic/racial groups (see Springfield, IL 1987 and Dallas, TX 1990; see also amendments by the U.S. Congress to the Voting Rights Act, 1982).
Mixed-System
Some cities combine these two methods and elect some council members at large and some from districts (21% of municipalities use this approach). An individual council member will either occupy a district or at-large seat on the council. Mixed systems are most likely to be found in parts of the south and central city jurisdictions.
Sources:MacManus, Susan A. and Charles S. Bullock, III. The Form, Structure, and Composition of America's Municipalities in the New Millenium. In Municipal Year Book 2003. Washington, DC: International City/County Management Association 2003, p.15-16.
Morgan, David and Robert England. Managing Urban America, 5th Edition. 1999.
Renner, Tari and Victor S. DeSantis. Municipal Form of Government: Issues and Trends. In Municipal Year Book 1998. Washington, DC: International City/County Management Association, 1998, p. 38.
Does the historic existence of a strong Village presence play a major role in this debate? Even today, when you ask a Barnstable resident where the live, they almost always say Cotuit or West Barnstable or Marstons Mills. Will this impact this debate?
The Town Council Review Committee studied this issue thoroughly and is recommending a mixed system with some district and some at large representation. What do you think?
Friday, April 27, 2007
Council Review Committee Provides Valuable Service
Long before our Town Council knew whether or not those gathering signatures for a new Charter Commission would be successful, they decided to form a Council Review Committee. Then Council President Henry Farnham requested that interested Barnstable citizens come forward to volunteer for the Committee. Farnham ultimately decided to appoint every resident who volunteered for service.
It was a diverse committee with everyone from Sue Rohrbach and Allen Goddard to Lou Gonzaga and Marcy Dugas. All and all, the Committee worked hard in studying our legislative branch. They spent a great deal of time studying the issue of whether we are best served by precinct based or at-large representation on our Town Council. And they filed their report on time with our Town Council.
And even before our Town Council had an opportunity to discuss the Committee's work, the hate blogs started the attacks. The are calling the committee the Crocker Commission and are questioning the motives of every member including the Committee Chair, Councilor Jim Crocker.
Boston Bugsy stated that, "It didn't take long for folks to figure out that James Crocker’s Charter Commission is a crock. It is a desperate gambit to secure disproportionate influence for a village with a small resident population, too much money, and much too much influence over life in Barnstable." In one short sentence, Boston Bugsy takes out an entire village.
Talking about a bunch of crock. Attacking the hard work of this citizens committee by questioning their motives is simply outrageous. We owe our thanks to resident volunteers who spent months studying, comparing and evaluating the various legislative options that we have. We owe them our thanks for a job well done. So, are we better served by precinct or at-large representation? What do you think?
It was a diverse committee with everyone from Sue Rohrbach and Allen Goddard to Lou Gonzaga and Marcy Dugas. All and all, the Committee worked hard in studying our legislative branch. They spent a great deal of time studying the issue of whether we are best served by precinct based or at-large representation on our Town Council. And they filed their report on time with our Town Council.
And even before our Town Council had an opportunity to discuss the Committee's work, the hate blogs started the attacks. The are calling the committee the Crocker Commission and are questioning the motives of every member including the Committee Chair, Councilor Jim Crocker.
Boston Bugsy stated that, "It didn't take long for folks to figure out that James Crocker’s Charter Commission is a crock. It is a desperate gambit to secure disproportionate influence for a village with a small resident population, too much money, and much too much influence over life in Barnstable." In one short sentence, Boston Bugsy takes out an entire village.
Talking about a bunch of crock. Attacking the hard work of this citizens committee by questioning their motives is simply outrageous. We owe our thanks to resident volunteers who spent months studying, comparing and evaluating the various legislative options that we have. We owe them our thanks for a job well done. So, are we better served by precinct or at-large representation? What do you think?
To Coddah: Patience is a Virtue
I have to give it to Mr/Mrs Coddah. The hate blogs have bashed the Codster for years. Now they want to break bread. It goes to show you what a consistent message base on a core philosophy will do for you. On this and other blogs, Coddah has advocated reform with a twist. The Codster has advocated civility and offered reasoned discourse. He/she has been the brunt of brutal attacks by the other blogs (without even knowing who coddah is) questioning the codster's integrity and motivation on a daily basis. And now we read that the other blogs are saying, Mr. Coddah, can't we all just get along?
Let's look at what Coddah has consistently advocated, "There are those of us who favor a charter review and other reforms in local government, but who still appreciate our town officials for the work they do.... It is possible to support a mayor and not think John Klimm is the Anti-Christ, or to think that at-large councilors would be a good thing without slandering the Councilors who often look out for their village, having been elected under a parochial precinct-based system. Many good people in town seek changes, but won't come nearer than a country mile to KOG or Muffy.Barnstable has its problems, but if it is as horrible as the Anti-Barnstable folks make out, I doubt any of them would still be living here.Thanks for providing a respectable forum for the rest of us!"
Well said Coddah. Maybe, just maybe, you have helped the hate blogs to land in a position where we don't go through the next few months of bashing and personal attack, but of reasoned debate and constructive engagement. Has Coddah actually CAUSED the hate blogs to reassess their hate policy of dividing us instead of uniting us? Of pitting one against the other? Of personally and viciously attacking decent people who just happen not to agree with them?
After years of effort, patience may have been deemed a virtue for Coddah and for us.
CODDAH FOR MAYOR. What do you think?
Let's look at what Coddah has consistently advocated, "There are those of us who favor a charter review and other reforms in local government, but who still appreciate our town officials for the work they do.... It is possible to support a mayor and not think John Klimm is the Anti-Christ, or to think that at-large councilors would be a good thing without slandering the Councilors who often look out for their village, having been elected under a parochial precinct-based system. Many good people in town seek changes, but won't come nearer than a country mile to KOG or Muffy.Barnstable has its problems, but if it is as horrible as the Anti-Barnstable folks make out, I doubt any of them would still be living here.Thanks for providing a respectable forum for the rest of us!"
Well said Coddah. Maybe, just maybe, you have helped the hate blogs to land in a position where we don't go through the next few months of bashing and personal attack, but of reasoned debate and constructive engagement. Has Coddah actually CAUSED the hate blogs to reassess their hate policy of dividing us instead of uniting us? Of pitting one against the other? Of personally and viciously attacking decent people who just happen not to agree with them?
After years of effort, patience may have been deemed a virtue for Coddah and for us.
CODDAH FOR MAYOR. What do you think?
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
You're making Barnstable look Bad
I cannot believe the low level of discourse on the local Blogs. Bloggers calling public officials "Uncle Toms", bloggers taking great delight in telling "Polish jokes", and thinly veiled attacks on Town employees of color are just unbelievable. I read the latest ranting against Town Council President Janet Joakim which sounds like it is out of the 1950's. You know the "oh I have nothing against Blacks, some of my best friends are Black" type of comments that we heard too often in the 1980's.
Is it to much too ask that we have discussions on these Blogs void of racism, sexism or ethnic slurs? Common guys. knock it off. You're making Barnstable look bad. No, you're making Barnstable look terrible.
What do you think?
Is it to much too ask that we have discussions on these Blogs void of racism, sexism or ethnic slurs? Common guys. knock it off. You're making Barnstable look bad. No, you're making Barnstable look terrible.
What do you think?
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Hyannis Harbor Deserves a Landmark
The Barnstable Patriot reports that there was a local meeting at Town Hall recently to discuss the building of a new center at Bismore Park in Hyannis. As one who has visited Bismore Park for years, I know that the existing building, which houses the public restroom facilities, Harbor staff and information center, is an embarrassment to the Town. According the Patriot article, staff reports that it is almost impossible to keep the facilities clean and the building is in disrepair. The Town recently applied for and received a grant to build the new facility. What it is important is that interested citizens and Town staff are spending sufficient time thinking about the design of the building. Yes, it should be utilitarian, but it also is important that its design be one that we can be proud of for years to come. It should be a landmark for the Harbor. Millions of people go through the harbor each year. They should be greeted by a capable, helpful and polite staff working in a building that is created by an architect who listens to local residents and then designs a landmark building.
Some other thoughts? What about some public space on the second floor with a view of the harbor? What about a small restaurant or fish market providing additional amenities to visitors and residents that also provides some much needed revenue to the town coffers to continue the harbor upgrade? Just some thoughts? What do you think?
Some other thoughts? What about some public space on the second floor with a view of the harbor? What about a small restaurant or fish market providing additional amenities to visitors and residents that also provides some much needed revenue to the town coffers to continue the harbor upgrade? Just some thoughts? What do you think?
The Brothers Bulger: A Good Read
Several months ago, a friend suggested to me that I read Howie Carr's book, The Brothers Bulger: How They Terrorized and Corrupted Boston for a Quarter Century. I didn't really give it much thought again until I saw it in the bookstore in paperback. ( I guess I'm frugal...I mean cheap!) I remembered that Howie Carr is a habitual William Bulger critic. So I assumed the book would be the usual politician-bashing collection of rumor and innuendo that we see too much of today. I was wrong.
Carr thoughtfully and comprehensively chronicles the lives of James "Whitey" Bulger and William "Billy" Bulger. One, a murderer and mobster and the other, a local politician who advances from State Representative to the President of the Massachusetts Senate and then to the Presidency of the University of Massachusetts.
The book details for us not only the background of the Bulger family, but brilliantly chronicles the existence and significance of organized crime in Boston in the 1970's - 1990's. For those who were unaware of the violence and horror of one Whitey Bulger, who murdered and thought nothing of it, it is a real eye-opener. But Carr's book is not just about the mob, the Bulger family and crime but a story about a government agency out of control. The actions of our FBI in partnering with Whitey Bulger for decades is an incredible abuse and misuse of power and authority.
It reminds us that government actions must be questioned and monitored. For the FBI to think that it was proper to use a monster like Whitey Bulger as an informant, and to routinely turn the other way when Bulger was literally murdering people, is beyond our comprehension. And it went on for years.
The Bulger story reminds us that government at all levels, federal, state and local, must be participatory and must be audited and evaluated regularly.
Howie Carr's, The Brothers Bulger, deserves your attention!
Carr thoughtfully and comprehensively chronicles the lives of James "Whitey" Bulger and William "Billy" Bulger. One, a murderer and mobster and the other, a local politician who advances from State Representative to the President of the Massachusetts Senate and then to the Presidency of the University of Massachusetts.
The book details for us not only the background of the Bulger family, but brilliantly chronicles the existence and significance of organized crime in Boston in the 1970's - 1990's. For those who were unaware of the violence and horror of one Whitey Bulger, who murdered and thought nothing of it, it is a real eye-opener. But Carr's book is not just about the mob, the Bulger family and crime but a story about a government agency out of control. The actions of our FBI in partnering with Whitey Bulger for decades is an incredible abuse and misuse of power and authority.
It reminds us that government actions must be questioned and monitored. For the FBI to think that it was proper to use a monster like Whitey Bulger as an informant, and to routinely turn the other way when Bulger was literally murdering people, is beyond our comprehension. And it went on for years.
The Bulger story reminds us that government at all levels, federal, state and local, must be participatory and must be audited and evaluated regularly.
Howie Carr's, The Brothers Bulger, deserves your attention!
Monday, April 23, 2007
I'm Devastated
I received a note today from a guy who calls himself "Bugsy". He gave me the terrible news that, "I've removed the link to your blog. I really do not wish to be associated with folks like you. Best of luck with your faux blog."
How disappointing! I must have received all of 2 referrals from his blog. I don't know what I'll do without his support. I suspect that I am receiving more visits after one week than Mr. Bugsy gets after years of blogging.
As I said before, I don't like bullies. I don't like people who attack others for sport. Mr. Bugsy thrives on it. We're different animals. So be it.
I wish Mr. Bugsy well with his bullying, and personal attacks, and innuendo and negativity. It worked for Imus and it has worked for others. It's not me. I want to continue to write about life in Barnstable.. I guess I will just have to do it without Mr. Bugsy. Oh, the pain, the pain!
How disappointing! I must have received all of 2 referrals from his blog. I don't know what I'll do without his support. I suspect that I am receiving more visits after one week than Mr. Bugsy gets after years of blogging.
As I said before, I don't like bullies. I don't like people who attack others for sport. Mr. Bugsy thrives on it. We're different animals. So be it.
I wish Mr. Bugsy well with his bullying, and personal attacks, and innuendo and negativity. It worked for Imus and it has worked for others. It's not me. I want to continue to write about life in Barnstable.. I guess I will just have to do it without Mr. Bugsy. Oh, the pain, the pain!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
The Problem with Bullies
A reader sent me a copy of a local blog which made me laugh. I haven't been up and running a week and the Bullies are already at it.
Their post stated that the BarnstableBlog is a ripoff of the local blog in question (I guess they are talking about the one and only BarnstableBlogger, i.e. me). They state that I am attempting to cut into their readership by using an identical layout to their site? The post goes on to state that I am supposed to be focused on "a realistic look at life and politics in Barnstable," asking why the hell do the people running the site (I guess that's me again) have something up on Virginia Tech? Makes no sense at all, concludes the bully. (I guess the thoughtful writer didn't take the time to read the last portion of my blog which asked whether this could happen in Barnstable or Cape Cod).
Several points are in order:
1. I didn't think I had to ask anyone what I ,or you, can write or not write.
2. My strategy is not to cut into their or other local Blogs small readership. I would rather create my own readership. I have read three other local blogs (one of which, Cape Cod Today, is a quality Blog) and to be honest, I don't want the type of viciousness that others promote. And
3. The layout used is a standard layout provided by Google, not designed by anyone locally.
The Blogster concludes by saying that my new presence is a good thing since the "moonbeams" (I guess that's you) will now have a place to go. How thoughtful and poignant. These Bullies are as predictable as they are vicious.
You have to laugh. These guys just can't help themselves. They are in constant and permanent attack mode. They are sort of like pit bulls, although even pit bulls can be nice now and then.
Can you imagine having to put up with these guys for more than 2 seconds a day?
The problem with bullies is that they don't see themselves as others do. They couldn't. Or they wouldn't act the way the do. We know that no one likes bullies. Why would you want to be despised?
And the characteristics that experts point to are that bullies have greater than average aggressive behavior patterns and they have no sense of remorse for hurting/affecting other people. (see previous post). Sound like anyone you know?
Bullies. You can pick 'um out of the crowd. We all know them. And none of us like them. Is there a generational thing going on here? Are these bullies the sons of bullies? Are they victims? Who knows.
Are these guys bullies? As the old saying goes, if it looks like duck and quacks like a duck....
Their post stated that the BarnstableBlog is a ripoff of the local blog in question (I guess they are talking about the one and only BarnstableBlogger, i.e. me). They state that I am attempting to cut into their readership by using an identical layout to their site? The post goes on to state that I am supposed to be focused on "a realistic look at life and politics in Barnstable," asking why the hell do the people running the site (I guess that's me again) have something up on Virginia Tech? Makes no sense at all, concludes the bully. (I guess the thoughtful writer didn't take the time to read the last portion of my blog which asked whether this could happen in Barnstable or Cape Cod).
Several points are in order:
1. I didn't think I had to ask anyone what I ,or you, can write or not write.
2. My strategy is not to cut into their or other local Blogs small readership. I would rather create my own readership. I have read three other local blogs (one of which, Cape Cod Today, is a quality Blog) and to be honest, I don't want the type of viciousness that others promote. And
3. The layout used is a standard layout provided by Google, not designed by anyone locally.
The Blogster concludes by saying that my new presence is a good thing since the "moonbeams" (I guess that's you) will now have a place to go. How thoughtful and poignant. These Bullies are as predictable as they are vicious.
You have to laugh. These guys just can't help themselves. They are in constant and permanent attack mode. They are sort of like pit bulls, although even pit bulls can be nice now and then.
Can you imagine having to put up with these guys for more than 2 seconds a day?
The problem with bullies is that they don't see themselves as others do. They couldn't. Or they wouldn't act the way the do. We know that no one likes bullies. Why would you want to be despised?
And the characteristics that experts point to are that bullies have greater than average aggressive behavior patterns and they have no sense of remorse for hurting/affecting other people. (see previous post). Sound like anyone you know?
Bullies. You can pick 'um out of the crowd. We all know them. And none of us like them. Is there a generational thing going on here? Are these bullies the sons of bullies? Are they victims? Who knows.
Are these guys bullies? As the old saying goes, if it looks like duck and quacks like a duck....
Searching For Answers At Virginia Tech
The Virgina Tech massacre permeates the news in this country 24/7. We are in disbelief that such an atrocity could happen. As the story unfolded, we quickly turned from observation to evaluation by asking the question, who do we blame? Do we blame the School Administration, the Police, the Gun Dealers or Virginia's gun laws?
Hey, let's start by blaming the student who went on the rampage. Instead of blame, we analyze what went wrong in his life, look at his upbringing, evaluate the way people treated him and diagnose his mental capacity and disorders. The blame is his. And his alone.
Could we reduce the chances of this happening again? Maybe. The School could improve its communication capacity with students and implement a better crisis management plan. The Police could be provided better facility information, building plans, etc. downloaded to their cruiser computers even before they get to the site. Better and more frequent training always helps. But what about the guns?
Are we safer with more gun restrictions or safer with more people protecting themselves with guns? Would stricter laws have prevented him from initial purchase or would fewer people have died if others had access to guns for protection? Are we in Barnstable and on Cape Cod better prepared to deal with a crisis? What do you think?
Hey, let's start by blaming the student who went on the rampage. Instead of blame, we analyze what went wrong in his life, look at his upbringing, evaluate the way people treated him and diagnose his mental capacity and disorders. The blame is his. And his alone.
Could we reduce the chances of this happening again? Maybe. The School could improve its communication capacity with students and implement a better crisis management plan. The Police could be provided better facility information, building plans, etc. downloaded to their cruiser computers even before they get to the site. Better and more frequent training always helps. But what about the guns?
Are we safer with more gun restrictions or safer with more people protecting themselves with guns? Would stricter laws have prevented him from initial purchase or would fewer people have died if others had access to guns for protection? Are we in Barnstable and on Cape Cod better prepared to deal with a crisis? What do you think?
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Join in the fun
I have been asked twice today whether I would entertain the works of other bloggers. I guess there are more than a few of you out there who have a great deal to offer, but not the time to maintain your own blog.
The answer is Yes. Send along copy to me as a post and include a note to me that you want me to include it as a new post. Kind of like a letter to the editor in the print media. You can either submit it anonymously or for attribution. I only ask that you not include personal attacks or unsubstanciated material. That dog don't hunt on this site.
I cannot believe the number of people who have visited us so far. It obviously suggests that there are many looking for an alternative to the same old thing.
The answer is Yes. Send along copy to me as a post and include a note to me that you want me to include it as a new post. Kind of like a letter to the editor in the print media. You can either submit it anonymously or for attribution. I only ask that you not include personal attacks or unsubstanciated material. That dog don't hunt on this site.
I cannot believe the number of people who have visited us so far. It obviously suggests that there are many looking for an alternative to the same old thing.
Barnstable Patriot: Our own Newspaper
I just got my weekly edition of the Barnstable Patriot. I have been doing that for many years. I used to buy it at the store. Now I get it delivered right to my doorstep. Now that's progress for you.
But is it the same Barnstable Patriot? The Barnstable Patriot is a important part of the history of Barnstable. If you want to find out about an event which happened a hundred years ago, chances are you can find it in the Patriot's Early Files. They still have writers like Ed Semprini, an institution in Barnstable, first behind the mike as a newscaster and now a columnist. Anyone who has spent more than a couple of decades in Barnstable knows Ed. As a journalist and as a person, God never made 'um any better.
But several years ago the independently owned Barnstable Patriot, our Barnstable Patriot, was sold to the parent company of the Cape Cod Times. It was like taking a body blow to the solar plexis. How could our local paper be sold to an out of State corporation? We heard the proclamation, don't worry, the paper won't change.
With consolidations and buyouts, we have lost independent newspaper after newspaper in Barnstable. Frank Falacci's Cape Cod News, Dana Hornig's Register and Carlton Crocker's Village Advertiser are all gone now. The Barnstable Patriot was the last holdout for the indenpendents. (Although the Cape Cod Voice is a great Cape Cod newspaper). They used to say, Barbara Williams will never sell. Won't happen. It did.
So what does it mean? So far, the paper seems to have kept its local flair. Its local coverage. Its local commitment. But what happens when the former owner departs? Or the Editor? Can we citizens due anything to keep our local newspaper? Why not write to the BarnstableBlog with your ideas on how to save our newspaper, the Barnstable Patriot. It is a great institution that is worth saving.
But is it the same Barnstable Patriot? The Barnstable Patriot is a important part of the history of Barnstable. If you want to find out about an event which happened a hundred years ago, chances are you can find it in the Patriot's Early Files. They still have writers like Ed Semprini, an institution in Barnstable, first behind the mike as a newscaster and now a columnist. Anyone who has spent more than a couple of decades in Barnstable knows Ed. As a journalist and as a person, God never made 'um any better.
But several years ago the independently owned Barnstable Patriot, our Barnstable Patriot, was sold to the parent company of the Cape Cod Times. It was like taking a body blow to the solar plexis. How could our local paper be sold to an out of State corporation? We heard the proclamation, don't worry, the paper won't change.
With consolidations and buyouts, we have lost independent newspaper after newspaper in Barnstable. Frank Falacci's Cape Cod News, Dana Hornig's Register and Carlton Crocker's Village Advertiser are all gone now. The Barnstable Patriot was the last holdout for the indenpendents. (Although the Cape Cod Voice is a great Cape Cod newspaper). They used to say, Barbara Williams will never sell. Won't happen. It did.
So what does it mean? So far, the paper seems to have kept its local flair. Its local coverage. Its local commitment. But what happens when the former owner departs? Or the Editor? Can we citizens due anything to keep our local newspaper? Why not write to the BarnstableBlog with your ideas on how to save our newspaper, the Barnstable Patriot. It is a great institution that is worth saving.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Are Some Bloggers frustrated Bullies?
I think blogging is great. I read, I write, I learn, I grow. But some Bloggers seem to use their access to this medium as a tool to bludgeon, to badger and yes, to bully.
I don't like bullies, I never have. I think I met my first bully in the Elementary School playground. I can still remember his name. Not because I fear him. Today I remember him as the sick person who became an alcoholic, drug addict and suicide victim. I never thought that I would feel sorry for him, but as an adult, I do.
Bullies are defined as "an over-bearing, controlling person who intimidates and tyrannizes another person or persons for a particular or unidentified reason."
Some Common Traits Of Bullies are:
Bullies like to put the victim in some sort of distress ;
Bullies are constantly seeking power over people;be in control;win;
They commonly refuse to accept responsibility for his/her behavior ;
They have greater than average, aggressive behavior patterns ; and
They have no sense of remorse for hurting/affecting other people.
So how do some use their blog to bully? And why would people sit at home and take cheap shots at others expense. The experts say that they get some sort of perverted pleasure in hurting others. We all know bullies. And most of us don't like them. Never did. Never will.
I don't like bullies, I never have. I think I met my first bully in the Elementary School playground. I can still remember his name. Not because I fear him. Today I remember him as the sick person who became an alcoholic, drug addict and suicide victim. I never thought that I would feel sorry for him, but as an adult, I do.
Bullies are defined as "an over-bearing, controlling person who intimidates and tyrannizes another person or persons for a particular or unidentified reason."
Some Common Traits Of Bullies are:
Bullies like to put the victim in some sort of distress ;
Bullies are constantly seeking power over people;be in control;win;
They commonly refuse to accept responsibility for his/her behavior ;
They have greater than average, aggressive behavior patterns ; and
They have no sense of remorse for hurting/affecting other people.
So how do some use their blog to bully? And why would people sit at home and take cheap shots at others expense. The experts say that they get some sort of perverted pleasure in hurting others. We all know bullies. And most of us don't like them. Never did. Never will.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Fire Departments Serve Us Well
We keep hearing people ask, "how could Barnstable have five Fire Districts? (we'll discuss the water side of this issue in the future) On its face, it seems like a reasonable question to ask. But the real question is, are we, the residents and taxpayers, well served by the present setup? There is no doubt that we have the finest fire service professionals working for us. But would consolidation save us tax dollars without reducing our high level of service? We should only change what works well if the answer is yes.
I invite anyone with expertise in this area or anyone just with strong feelings to write your thoughts to us. I think it is possible to have a thoughtful and objective discussion about this issue void of the name-calling and mean-spirited remarks of discussions past.
What do you think?
I invite anyone with expertise in this area or anyone just with strong feelings to write your thoughts to us. I think it is possible to have a thoughtful and objective discussion about this issue void of the name-calling and mean-spirited remarks of discussions past.
What do you think?
Springtime on Cape Cod
Our local Chambers of Commerce like to proclaim the virtues of a "Cape Cod Springtime". They say you can play golf, take a walk on the beach, beat the crowds and enjoy the wonders of Spring.
What Spring?
We don't have a Spring season. We have Winter from November through May. And we have a Summer season from June through August. And then we have a brief Fall from Labor Day through October. That's it folks!
Say what you will about the four seasons of Cape Cod. I only count three. And since Fall is so short, we only really have two. Do you think we could sue the Chamber for false advertising? No, probably not. We'll just have to put up with the cold, the rain, the wind, the sleet and yes, sometimes the snow of a Cape Cod Springtime. Don't worry. Summer is right around the corner!
What Spring?
We don't have a Spring season. We have Winter from November through May. And we have a Summer season from June through August. And then we have a brief Fall from Labor Day through October. That's it folks!
Say what you will about the four seasons of Cape Cod. I only count three. And since Fall is so short, we only really have two. Do you think we could sue the Chamber for false advertising? No, probably not. We'll just have to put up with the cold, the rain, the wind, the sleet and yes, sometimes the snow of a Cape Cod Springtime. Don't worry. Summer is right around the corner!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Barnstable Life in 2007
I have spent many years in Barnstable and I like it. I like Sandy Neck and the Trayser Museum and Freedom Hall and Barnstable Harbor. I like Bismore Park and Sunset Hill and Rt. 6A and shellfishing. I like the Sheriff's Ranch and the Airfield in Marstons Mills and I like Craigville Beach and Four Seas Ice Cream. Barnstable is a great place to grow up and a great place to grow old.
Barnstable is also a town with a history of personalities. Ken Shaunessy and Charlie Leonard and Ben Thompson started talking about the Downtown decades ago. The voices of Ruth Rusher, Bob Hayden, Dexter Leen, Eugenia Fortes and Eric Vendt still echo in the minds of many who enjoyed each waxing philosophical on Town Meeting floor. Every one of them is gone now to a better place, but Barnstable is still a great place for those of us who remain. Barnstable is a great place to raise a family, to go to church, to play golf and tennis, to swim at the beach, to enjoy a book at the library, to stroll the Mall, to catch a fish, to take a sail or to do nothing on a lazy afternoon.
Barnstable does have its problems. It grew too fast. The cost of living is too high. We have people struggling with homelessness, mental illness, chronic illness and lonliness. Our taxes are high, income is low and people work too much. Travel to Boston, New York or D.C. for work or pleasure is time-consuming and expensive. But we make a choice to live on Cape Cod. We decide to stay here or move here because on balance, it's a great place to live.
I am going to write about life in Barnstable and on Cape Cod in this blog. And I invite others to submit their thoughts and experiences about why you choose to live here. I am not a basher or a shock-jock. Unfortunately, someone decided that Blogs are supposed to be imitations of the bash and trash columns in some of our newspapers or on radio. If that is what you're looking for, go elsewhere, my son!
Let's have some fun. Let's share our expiences and talk about the serious and the humorous side of our town, our home, a place we call Barnstable.
Barnstable is also a town with a history of personalities. Ken Shaunessy and Charlie Leonard and Ben Thompson started talking about the Downtown decades ago. The voices of Ruth Rusher, Bob Hayden, Dexter Leen, Eugenia Fortes and Eric Vendt still echo in the minds of many who enjoyed each waxing philosophical on Town Meeting floor. Every one of them is gone now to a better place, but Barnstable is still a great place for those of us who remain. Barnstable is a great place to raise a family, to go to church, to play golf and tennis, to swim at the beach, to enjoy a book at the library, to stroll the Mall, to catch a fish, to take a sail or to do nothing on a lazy afternoon.
Barnstable does have its problems. It grew too fast. The cost of living is too high. We have people struggling with homelessness, mental illness, chronic illness and lonliness. Our taxes are high, income is low and people work too much. Travel to Boston, New York or D.C. for work or pleasure is time-consuming and expensive. But we make a choice to live on Cape Cod. We decide to stay here or move here because on balance, it's a great place to live.
I am going to write about life in Barnstable and on Cape Cod in this blog. And I invite others to submit their thoughts and experiences about why you choose to live here. I am not a basher or a shock-jock. Unfortunately, someone decided that Blogs are supposed to be imitations of the bash and trash columns in some of our newspapers or on radio. If that is what you're looking for, go elsewhere, my son!
Let's have some fun. Let's share our expiences and talk about the serious and the humorous side of our town, our home, a place we call Barnstable.
